DOWNSIZING
    by
    Alexander Payne
    &
    Jim Taylor
    THIS MATERIAL IS THE PROPERTY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND IS INTENDED AND RESTRICTED SOLELY FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES PERSONNEL. DISTRIBUTION OR DISCLOSURE OF THIS MATERIAL TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IS PROHIBITED. THE SALE, DISPLAY, COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS MATERIAL FOR ANY REASON IN ANY FORM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DIGITAL OR NEW MEDIA, IS ALSO PROHIBITED.

INT. CAVE - NIGHT
    The rustic yet comfortable dwelling of a 16-PERSON CLAN. All are dressed in fur and leather, their hair long and braided. Small fires burn for warmth and cooking. Women clean up after a meal. Men smoke pipes and converse in a language at once foreign and familiar, a blend of Nordic tongues and English. Children chase one another and play with simple wooden toys. A young BOY intrudes on the adults to tug on the arm of TERGEHL, an elder of the clan.
    BOY
    Come, grandfather, tell us a story.
    A weary Tergehl gently declines.
    BOY
    Please. Please tell us a story.
    Tergehl soon finds himself surrounded by a riot of begging faces. The adults look on with amusement, quietly sharing the children's eagerness.
    MAN
    Yes, Tergehl, it has been many lochnars since we have heard one.
    (to all)
    Shall we hear a story?
    All chime in vigorously -- "Yes! Yes! A story!"
    TERGEHL
    All right. I will tell a story. But then you must all promise to go to bed.
    The adults chuckle, the children shriek in delight, and all vow to be good. LATER --- The clan have gathered around Tergehl, the children at his feet, eyes glimmering. Grasping a gnarled staff, Tergehl scratches his chin as if the story he knows so well were difficult to recall.
    TERGEHL
    Long, long ago, the world was very different. Giants walked the land. There were so many giants that you could not count them all even if you counted for your entire life.
    TERGEHL
    These giants had enormous brains. They could speak to one another across great distances. They taught themselves to fly and traveled wherever they wished, even to the moon and the stars. Yet despite these great powers, the giants were not happy. They spoke in different tongues, worshipped different gods, and fought bitterly against one another. No matter how much they ate, the giants always wanted more. They killed all the animals, chopped down all the forests, fished all the seas. And their fires warmed the entire world, making it unbearably hot.
    As Tergehl continues, we are transported to --

EXT. EDVARDSEN INSTITUTE - DAY
    A small, tranquil "campus" of buildings.
    EDVARDSEN INSTITUTE
    Bergen, Norway
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    But in one of their lands, there lived a clever wizard named Asborgön.

INT. LABORATORY - DAY
    DR. JORGEN ASBJØRNSEN -- fifties, balding, closely trimmed beard -- works in his private lab, weary and alone.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Saddened by his greedy fellow giants, Asborgön wished to change their harmful ways and end their needless suffering. For years he labored with his powders and potions until one day...
    Dr. Asbjørnsen sedates a rat, then gives it an injection before placing it inside a stainless steel device the size of a microwave. He makes notes, flips a switch, and watches a timer count down to zero. DING! Long accustomed to failure, Dr. Asbjørnsen opens the door of the device with little expectation. Today, however, his eyes widen in amazement.

INT. HALLWAY - DAY
    Dr. Asbjørnsen sprints down a corridor and into a stairwell.

INT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE - DAY
    Bypassing the secretary, Dr. Asbjørnsen bursts into the inner office of institute director DR. ANDREAS JACOBSEN.
    DR. JACOBSEN
    (Norwegian)
    Yes, Jorgen?
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    We've got it. It works.
    Dr. Jacobsen rises from his desk. The men embrace.

EXT. ASBJØRNSEN HOUSE - DAY
    Electric cars and bicycles are parked outside.

EXT. ASBJØRNSEN BACKYARD - DAY
    Thirty-five conscientious SCANDINAVIANS -- natural fibers, beards, Birkenstocks -- eat, drink and mingle on a crisp, sunny afternoon.

INT. ASBJØRNSEN KITCHEN - DAY
    Dr. Asbjørnsen looks out the window at his happy guests. Unlike them, he seems troubled and uncertain. Handsome wife ANNE-HELENE approaches to place a comforting hand on his chest.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    What if it's a mistake? A terrible mistake?
    ANNE-HELENE
    Don't be afraid, Jorgen. You know it's the right thing. We all do. You were born to make this happen.
    Dr. Asbjørnsen nods slightly. Summoning confidence, he takes Anne-Helene's hand and leads her outside.

EXT. ASBJØRNSEN BACKYARD - DAY
    Standing on the deck, Dr. Asbjørnsen clinks a knife to a glass and speaks now in English.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Thank you, everyone. Thank you for coming today, but more importantly I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work these past many months.
    Smiles and applause.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Now then. You have probably guessed that I have something very exciting to announce -- very exciting, indeed.
    (then --)
    It is time.
    A moment of hushed jubilation.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    No doubt the generations to come -- perhaps all of humanity -- will thank you for your bravery and commitment. But today each of you must ask whether you are truly ready to enter this new world, for there will be no turning back. So I ask you -- are you ready?
    THE GROUP
    Yes! Yes! We are ready!
    PAN around the eager faces of all gathered.

INT. CAVE - NIGHT
    MATCHING PAN of the troglodytes.
    TERGEHL
    So Asborgön cast a spell over his brave young warriors, and together they set out to live as none of them had ever lived before. These were the first of our kind.
    The children look up at the elders, who nod knowingly.

EXT. ISTANBUL - DAY
    A WIDE SHOT of the city.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Seasons passed. The warriors thrived. And Asborgön resolved to spread word of his great discovery to all of the giants in all of the lands.

EXT. CONFERENCE CENTER - DAY
    This structure hosts exhibit halls, auditoria and meeting rooms. An electronic sign displays the name of the current conference -- GLOBAL SOLUTIONS: TECHNOLOGY FOR TOMORROW.
    MAN'S VOICE (PRE-LAP)
    For nearly a century the Edvardsen Institute has been one of the few truly visionary research organizations, working entirely without government or commercial sponsorship...

A14 INT. CONFERENCE CENTER - DAY A14
    Participants check-in at a REGISTRATION TABLE, sip coffee and mingle with their colleagues. OUTSIDE AN AUDITORIUM -- A sign announces one of many morning presentations:
    HUMAN SCALE AND SUSTAINABILITY

INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
    The voice belongs to conference president DR. PAOLO PEREIRA, who addresses a crowded hall.
    DR. PEREIRA
    ...and today I'm sure you will agree they have far exceeded even their many impressive achievements of the past. It gives me great pleasure to welcome the director of the institute and my old friend Dr. Andreas Jacobsen, along with his colleague, Dr. Jorgen Asbjørnsen.
    Dr. Jacobsen emerges carrying a wooden box which he sets atop the podium.
    DR. JACOBSEN
    Thank you, Dr. Pereira. Seventy-five years ago, Mrs. Nellie Edvardsen, overcome with guilt by the fortune her late husband's family had amassed producing mustard gas during World War I, founded our institute so that the wonders of science could instead be used to help mankind. Our mission is to combat poverty, disease, natural disasters and other calamities that arise over time. In the 1950s, the institute identified over-population as mankind's single greatest long-term threat, the source of all the catastrophes we are seeing today -- extreme climate and weather events, and the devastating impact on food and water security. Among the many solutions we conceived so many years ago, one which seemed then so ambitious, so outside our grasp, has at last borne fruit. Today we are proud to unveil what we fervently believe to be the only practical, humane and inclusive remedy to humanity's gravest problem. Dr. Jorgen Asbjørnsen will now present his findings. Are you ready, doctor?
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN (O.S.)
    (muffled, distant)
    I am ready.
    Jacobsen opens the front of the box to reveal -- DR. ASBJØRNSEN, NOW JUST FIVE INCHES TALL. As this miniature human walks out onto the podium, gasps of astonishment ripple throughout the room. Many stand to get a better look.
    DR. JACOBSEN
    Everyone, please take your seats. Please!
    As the audience quiets, Dr. Asbjørnsen takes his place behind a tiny podium, dons reading glasses, and removes a speech from his jacket pocket.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Dr. Pereira, esteemed colleagues. Five years ago, building on the research of our predecessors at the institute, my team and I discovered a process by which all organic material can be reduced at the cellular level by a ratio of approximately 2,744 to one. Such a process converts a man of 1.8 meters to just 12.9 centimeters. A wide array of flora and fauna were subjected to this process and, with the exception of some fish and shellfish, absolutely no side effects were detected. Please lights.
    The room dims. A GROUP PORTRAIT of the gathering at the Asbjørnsen home appears on a screen above the stage -- the first image in a PowerPoint presentation.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Once the safety of the procedure was confirmed, thirty-six brave volunteers joined my wife Anne-Helene and me as the very first humans to undergo cellular reduction.
    A NAKED SUBJECT poses before reduction, arms extended like Da Vinci's Vitruvian man. Next he shows off his new TINY BODY beside a metric a ruler held by enormous fingers.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    The exact science behind reduction itself falls outside of our discussion today, but the process is short and painless, with only the mild discomfort of removal and replacement of dental and other prosthetics.
    Now we see a RECOVERY ROOM where, wrapped in blankets, volunteers recline on miniature Le Corbusier lounges. One tiny man drinks from an enormous eye-dropper.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Subjects are placed under light sedation, and after a brief rest, perhaps some crackers and applesäft, fully recover within an hour or two.
    Now a normal-sized SHORT-HAIRED DOG on a leash. The next slide shows the same dog standing next to the ruler while a GIANT HAND restrains him with a tiny leash.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Of course, some of our community could not bear to leave behind their four-legged companions.
    Now shots inside a WORKSHOP. Volunteers construct small houses and buildings. Others sew tiny clothes.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    As the subjects of our own study, our aim was not only to confirm the long- term viability of the process but also to investigate the social and psychological implications. Thus we set about to live together in the world's very first self-sustaining community of the small.
    The next images show the building of a small VILLAGE. Group members secure dollhouse-size dwellings onto foundations. Then we see the hoisting of a TRANSPARENT DOME over the new community.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Once complete, our little village, just seven meters by eleven meters, was placed inside a gas-permeable enclosure designed to protect us from the hazards of weather, animals and insects.

INT. CONFERENCE CENTER - DAY
    Learning of the exciting news, other CONFERENCE-GOERS clamor to gain access to the auditorium.

INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
    As Dr. Asbjørnsen concludes his talk, a FINAL SLIDE shows the downsized group playing volleyball.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    ...and finally, my colleagues and I are happy to report new founts of energy and vitality. Future studies may support our suspicion that decreased mass and volume correlate directly to an increase in longevity.
    As the lights come up, a beaming Dr. Jacobsen strides from the wings, holding aloft a half-full GARBAGE BAG.
    DR. JACOBSEN
    I hold in my hand all of the uncompostable waste produced by 36 people over four years!
    (holding for applause)
    In this afternoon's session, we will outline our proposal for a two- to three-hundred year transition for the world to transform from big to small. We believe that with a timely embrace of miniaturization, our seemingly unconquerable problems of over- population, climate change, and insufficient food and water can become a thing of the past, and human life may safely thrive for millennia to come.
    (motioning off-stage)
    Now we'd like you to meet some very special people.
    As the pièce de résistance, a cart is wheeled out carrying the ENTIRE SMALL COMMUNITY smiling and waving. Among them, a MOTHER nurses an infant, while at her side stands her four- year-old son RONNI.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    And look -- there's little Ronni, the first small baby ever born, and his new little sister Ulrikke.
    All stand, applaud, and stamp their feet in unison -- an astounding reception. A MONTAGE as the news travels throughout the globe --

EXT. SRI LANKAN VILLAGE - DAY
    A small crowd watches the communal television.

EXT. BURKINA FASO VILLAGE - DAY
    Brightly-attired, barefoot locals watch the report.

EXT. BERING STRAITS - DAY
    Aleuts pause in fish-drying to catch the news.

EXT. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DAY
    Saudis glimpse TVs through the window of an appliance store.

A21 EXT. LA CASA RESTAURANT - OMAHA - DUSK A21
    Establishing.

INT. LA CASA RESTAURANT - DUSK
    A cozy eatery popular with older folks and hipsters alike. People crowd near the TV above the bar, among them PAUL SAFRANEK. His polo shirt bears a CON-AGRA insignia.
    PAUL
    (to a random guy)
    Wow. That's wild, isn't it? Just wild.
    (to a waitress)
    Say, Holly? You can put in that take- out order now.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    In one of these lands, the land of Omaa, there lived a common laborer.

INT. CAVE - NIGHT
    Tergehl addresses the rapt children seated at his feet.
    TERGEHL
    Now, which of you knows his name?
    The children wrack their tiny brains. An adult prompts one child, whispering into her ear.
    CHILD
    Safrapül!
    TERGEHL
    That's right. It was Safrapül the Good.

EXT. DUPLEX REAR ALLEY - DUSK
    Paul pulls into his parking spot and emerges from his car with the take-out food. He climbs the back porch steps of this modest duplex and opens one of two back doors.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Safrapül was not like the other giants. He was possessed of a kind and generous nature. Our tale tonight is the saga of Safrapül -- his search for love, and the quest to fulfill his destiny.

INT. DUPLEX KITCHEN - DUSK
    Over the sound of a TV from the living room comes the voice of Paul's mother KAY.
    KAY (O.S.)
    Is that you?
    PAUL
    Yeah.
    KAY (O.S.)
    Oh, goody.
    Paul begins putting spaghetti onto a plate.
    PAUL
    You hungry?
    KAY (O.S.)
    I had a Healthy Choice about an hour ago.
    PAUL
    You knew I was bringing you food. I called and asked you specifically --
    KAY (O.S.)
    -- I know --
    PAUL
    -- and then you go and eat?
    KAY (O.S.)
    Just a Sesame Chicken. I'm still hungry. Don't make me holler.

INT. DUPLEX LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
    Tethered to an oxygen tank, Kay Safranek sits in a recliner. Paul clears off a TV tray before setting down her food.
    PAUL
    Did you see the news today?
    KAY
    You mean about the little Swedish man?
    PAUL
    Norwegian.
    KAY
    Helen called to tell me to turn on the TV. What won't they think of next?
    PAUL
    Unbelievable, isn't it? Biggest thing since landing on the moon. Bigger.
    KAY
    Well, I don't get it. Why would anybody want to do that to himself?
    PAUL
    I don't know, I think plenty of people will want to do it. You know, the world's in pretty tough shape.
    KAY
    Bullshit.
    Kay focuses on eating and watching TV.
    PAUL
    (smelling)
    Did you have a cigarette?
    KAY
    No.
    PAUL
    You know, with that oxygen tank, you're going to burn the place down. At least you'll save me the cost of cremation.
    KAY
    That's an awful thing to say. You shut up.

INT. STAIRWAY - NIGHT
    Kay wheezes upstairs. Paul follows, toting her oxygen.
    KAY
    They can shrink people down and fly to Mars, but they can't cure my fibromyalgia?

INT. KAY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Kay lies bent over the bed. Paul prepares a syringe and administers a shot.
    KAY
    And all this fuss about the environment. As though the world's going to end tomorrow. I'm in pain. I can't breathe. Doesn't that matter?
    PAUL
    Lots of people are in pain, Mom. In all sorts of ways.

EXT. DUPLEX FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
    Paul exits one side of the duplex and enters the other.

INT. PAUL'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
    Paul watches TV in a recliner of his own. The phone rings, and the machine picks up. It's Paul's on-again-off-again girlfriend AUDREY.
    AUDREY (ON MACHINE)
    Paul, it's Audrey. I know we're not supposed to be talking, but I thought you should know I had to put Bodie down today. His seizures came back a couple months ago, and I could have had him operated on, but they cut back my hours at work, and he was getting really old, and...
    (weepy)
    ...I just feel so bad. Are you there, Paul? I really need to talk. I know you're there. Please, Paul. Please. I miss you so much. Pleeeease.
    PAUL
    Fuck.
    Paul picks up the phone but does not speak.
    AUDREY (ON PHONE)
    Paul?
    PAUL
    I'm here.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    And so it was that Safrapül wooed the maiden Oodreh and took her as his wife.
    FADE OUT.:

EXT. LA CASA RESTAURANT - NIGHT
    This is the same establishment where we first met Paul. It's now --
    NINE YEARS LATER
    TALKING HEAD #1 (PRE-LAP)
    Look, I'm worried about global warming as much as the next fellow, but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

INT. LA CASA RESTAURANT - NIGHT
    The TV over the bar shows a Fox News-style debate.
    TALKING HEAD #1
    This whole downsizing thing is another example of runaway-train technology leading us down a blind alley. With all the holier-than- thou talk about saving the planet, we can't ignore the devastating economic impact that'll lead to more poverty, which'll lead to more downsizing, and then more poverty, and the whole world economy going right down the toilet. Billions of dollars in consumer spending are already starting to vanish -- construction and housing, the automobile industry, the airline industry, defense.
    TALKING HEAD #1
    And then all the political abuses -- Israelis shrinking Palestinians, African dictators shrinking rival ethnic groups --
    As the opposing speaker interrupts, we realize he's SMALL.
    TALKING HEAD #2
    Look, Ron. Ron. In any major transformation of society, are there serious growing pains? You bet. But we have to focus on the long term. The fact is that at current mass and volume, human life on Earth just isn't sustainable, and dealing with that head-on makes good economic sense, no matter how you cut it.
    We find a balder, paunchier Paul seated in a booth, enjoying happy hour with buddies KEVIN and TIM.
    KEVIN
    The one guy's got a point. This family on my block just moved away to get small, and their house is just sitting there. Making everybody's value take a dive is what they're doing. Just when I'm trying to refinance.
    TIM
    I don't know. Marlene thinks I should do it just to lose the weight.
    Paul laughs politely, then gets a waitress's attention.
    PAUL
    Say, Dee, is that take-out order about ready?
    DEE
    Coming right up.

EXT. DUPLEX DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
    Paul again emerges from his car with take-out food and climbs the back porch steps. The place has been spruced up a bit since we last saw it. Graduate student RICH CHAVEZ pokes his head out from what used to be Paul's side of the duplex.
    RICH
    Hi, Mr. Safranek. How's it going?
    PAUL
    Good, good. What's up?
    RICH
    Hate to say it, but that toilet's still running all the time.
    PAUL
    Okay, I'll call the plumber again. Oh, and Rich, try to get your rent in on time, okay? I hate being the bad guy.
    RICH
    You got it.
    Paul continues into what used to be his mother's side --

INT. DUPLEX KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
    -- and we notice it has been redecorated.
    PAUL
    Hey, honey, I brought food!
    AUDREY (O.S.)
    I'm not hungry.

INT. DUPLEX LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
    Paul enters to find Audrey lying on the sofa.
    PAUL
    What's wrong?
    AUDREY
    I have a splitting headache. It was a super busy day at the store, and Carla was being a total bitch on wheels. I feel like I'm going to throw up.
    PAUL
    Here, let me do the neck thing.
    AUDREY
    Yeah, do your little neck thing.
    He stands at the end of the sofa, slips his hands underneath Audrey's head, rolls it from side to side.
    PAUL
    Just relax, honey. Let me take all the weight.

INT. CON-AGRA FACTORY FLOOR - DAY
    Food boxes emerge from a packaging machine. Paul approaches factory worker SANDY, who follows him away.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Safrapül was a compassionate giant and worked hard in service to others.

INT. FACTORY OFFICE - DAY
    Paul manipulates Sandy's hand and forearm.
    PAUL
    Okay, Sandy, now make a fist for me. I'm going to pull your arm down, and you try to stop me, okay? Still hurt?
    SANDY
    More like tingling.
    PAUL
    You've been icing and doing the exercises, right?
    SANDY
    (lying)
    Yeah.
    PAUL
    I notice you're not wearing your brace.
    SANDY
    Could I get another one? I think I left it in my ex's car.

INT. SHOE STORE - DAY
    Audrey comes out of the back carrying an armful of SHOEBOXES and heads toward a fussy CUSTOMER surrounded by many rejected options.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Oodreh was a hard worker, too, helping the local cobbler provide shoes for the village.
    AUDREY
    Okay, I wasn't able to find a 6-1/2 in the plum, so I brought out black and brown.
    CUSTOMER
    But I want plum. Do you have it in a seven?
    Manager CARLA approaches.
    CARLA
    Say, Audrey, can you stay late tonight? Jill's kid is sick again.
    AUDREY
    (tight smile)
    How late?

EXT. MCMANSION FOR SALE - DAY
    The Safraneks' car is parked outside.
    TERGEHL
    But life was difficult for Safrapül and Oodreh. Like many dedicated to service, they were taken for granted and poorly rewarded.

INT. MCMANSION FOR SALE - DAY
    A REALTOR leads Paul and Audrey on a tour.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    And their great sadness was that their dwelling was too small and unfit for offspring.
    IN THE KITCHEN --
    Audrey admires the high-end appliances, the skylight, the view to the backyard. Paul hangs back, painfully aware the home is out of reach. Audrey turns to him, hope in her eyes.
    PAUL
    Oh, don't get me wrong, it's awesome. I just think we should take another look at that place in Benson.
    AUDREY
    (pulling him)
    Let's go see upstairs.

INT. PAUL AND AUDREY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Audrey sleeps peacefully while Paul lies awake. He slips out of bed and tiptoes away. He pauses at the door, turning to look back at Audrey -- all she does to complete him, all she does to diminish him.

INT. DUPLEX BASEMENT - NIGHT
    In boxers and T-shirt, Paul sits at a desk going through a pile of papers with an adding machine.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Safrapül lived his early life in humble obscurity, joyously devoted to others yet plagued by menial tasks of daily life. Until one day...

EXT. JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - EVENING
    Along with OTHER COUPLES emerging from cars, Paul and Audrey walk toward the high school, all dressed up. A banner reads, "Welcome, Alumni."

INT. JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT
    Holding cocktails, Paul and Audrey chat with a COUPLE.
    PAUL
    Anesthesiology, huh?
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    My wife says I put people to sleep even without the drugs.
    Paul and Audrey offer courtesy chuckles.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    I'm surprised you're still awake.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S WIFE
    He uses that joke like twice a week.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    So what's your field, Paul?
    PAUL
    Occupational therapy.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S WIFE
    Oh, like career counseling?
    PAUL
    No, it's just like physical therapy, just focused on workplace injuries and rehab -- repetitive stress, lower- back, stuff like that. A lot of shoulder problems. I'm in-house at a Con-Agra plant over in Council Bluffs.
    AUDREY
    Mostly he does paperwork.
    PAUL
    Yeah, I get a little carpal-tunnel of my own sometimes.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    Tell me about it. Medicine's all about covering your ass these days. Say, weren't you pre-med down in Lincoln?
    PAUL
    Good memory. I got two years in, but my mom got real sick and I had to move back to Omaha. Plus, Organic Chemistry.
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    Yeah, that gets a lot of people.
    PAUL
    I wanted to be a surgeon, actually. I have small hands, which they say is a real plus. Hey, we might have wound up working together. You could've been my anesthesiologist!
    ANESTHESIOLOGIST
    Hey, how about that?
    PAUL
    Yeah. Wild.
    LATER -- Dinner has not yet begun. There's still a fair amount of mingling, but many are finding their chairs. Seated at his table, Paul takes a moment to look around, and his eyes fall upon felt banners with inspirational sayings -- "The door to happiness opens outward" and "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others." NEAR THE ENTRANCE a flurry of excitement suggests someone special has arrived. It's just a GUY in his mid-20s, but judging from reactions -- gasps, pointing -- it's the ACRYLIC BOX he carries that's causing the commotion. The guy passes Paul and Audrey's table and, like everyone else, they gawk at what's inside the box -- A TINY COUPLE smiling and waving at old friends.
    PAUL
    That's Dave! Dave Johnson. And Carol. I heard he was coming but I had no idea... Man, I never would have pegged him for someone who'd go get small. Did you see that?
    AT A TABLE
    The guy carrying the box -- Dave Johnson's younger brother ANDY -- sets it down and removes the top and front.
    Paul and Audrey join the onlookers, many of whom are taking photos with their phones.
    Dave and Carol walk out onto the table and speak through little hand-held MEGAPHONES.
    DAVE
    Hey, everybody! Hope we're not intruding!
    Warm greetings all around. Dave places two tiny glasses where his brother can retrieve them.
    DAVE
    Andy, could you get Carol a... Honey, what're you having?
    CAROL
    Gin and tonic.
    DAVE
    A gin and tonic, and for me... You know what? That sounds good. I'll have a gin and tonic, too.
    Andy slides the impossibly small tumblers onto his palm and heads toward the bar.
    DAVE
    With lime!
    ANDY
    How am I supposed to do that?
    DAVE
    Just figure it out, okay?
    As many migrate toward the new arrivals, a JESUIT turns on a mic at the podium.
    JESUIT
    Don't mean to break up the party, but the silent auction closes in fifteen minutes, and there are still some very attractive items with no takers.

EXT. FRIENDS' HOUSE - NIGHT
    A nice, middle-class home.

INT. FRIENDS' HOUSE - NIGHT
    At this informal after-party for an extended group of old friends, the camera makes its way through the living room, where little Carol Johnson holds court, standing on a coffee table. Friends lean in to hear better.
    CAROL
    We weren't going to come at first, but then we started getting all the e- mails, plus my sister was having a lump removed. She's fine, thank God, but I still needed to see her.
    SOME FRIEND
    So what's traveling like? How'd you get up here from New Mexico?
    CAROL
    Oh, we flew. Airlines are getting more and more small-friendly.
    CAROL
    They make it really easy, and all the seats are first class...
    We continue on to -- THE KITCHEN -- where Paul is amid a heart-to-heart with Dave, seated atop a box of Ak-Mak Crackers.
    DAVE
    So after a couple years in Florida, I moved out to Vegas and --
    PAUL
    I remember. I think that's about the last time we talked.
    DAVE
    Yeah. Vegas wasn't such a good choice for me, as it turns out. Got into some real bad habits. Pretty much hit rock bottom.
    PAUL
    Sorry to hear that.
    DAVE
    Any other woman would have run for the hills, but Carol, man, she's a saint. She stuck with me. But I really had to come clean about everything. And I mean everything. You know, almost.
    PAUL
    And the decision to...
    (makes a shrinking motion)
    DAVE
    Well, that's the thing. We both needed a change. You know, start all over.
    PAUL
    It must feel good knowing you're making a real difference, too.
    DAVE
    You mean all that crap about saving the planet? Downsizing is about saving yourself. Takes the pressure right off, especially money pressure.
    DAVE
    I'm just not, you know, driven and ambitious like the rest of my family. It's not who I am. Now Carol and I, we live like kings -- a hell of a lot better than my brothers and my sister, I'll tell you that. I send them pictures all the time, but they never respond.
    PAUL
    Well, I'm still living in the same house I grew up in. Audrey's dying for us to move, but we're pretty strapped. Plus, my mom's end-of-life care really took a toll. I mean, shit, I just finished paying off my student loans.
    DAVE
    Well, listen, if you ever start thinking about it seriously, here's my two cents. There are lots of small communities cropping up out there, but don't mess around. Leisureland's where you want to be. They are a little pricier, but they were the first, and they're still way ahead of the curve.
    PAUL
    They've sure got a big marketing budget.
    DAVE
    Lots to brag about. Best houses, best appliances, best doctors, they book all the big concert tours, got all the great restaurants. The kids love Cheesecake Factory and Leisureland's got three of them. And I'm not just saying all this for the referral credit.
    (off Paul's laugh)
    Hey, sorry, could you back up a little? I think there's too much garlic in that salsa.
    PAUL
    Oh, right.
    DAVE
    Or floss or something. I don't know.
    Suddenly a child's SCREAM. Alarmed, Paul heads into the living room, where he finds the HOSTS comforting their four- year-old DAUGHTER, who has wandered downstairs and is scared out of her wits by the sight of little Carol.
    HOST MOM
    It's okay, Katie. It's okay. She's a friend. She's just smaller than we are, that's all.
    CAROL
    Hi, Katie! Hi! I won't bite.

INT. DUPLEX - NIGHT
    Paul and Audrey come in the door, exhausted but still buzzing about their unusual evening.
    AUDREY
    Well, that was sure interesting.
    PAUL
    I'll say.
    AUDREY
    I liked little Carol. She's got a lot on the ball. She's reading all the books she always wanted to, and she's learning Italian. And she says she's never been fitter.
    PAUL
    They sure seem happy. Dave says he's getting pretty good on the drums.
    AUDREY
    Next year they're pulling the kids out of school to spend six months at a sister city in Tuscany. Cooking classes, yoga, wine-tasting, the whole nine yards.
    PAUL
    (checking his phone)
    Uh-oh. Honey?
    Paul plays a message on speakerphone.
    VOICEMAIL
    Hi, guys. Milo here from Goodman Mortgage.
    VOICEMAIL
    Hate to say it, but your application at First National bounced back. The underwriter didn't like the adjustments in the appraisal. Like I said, the market for a hundred-year- old duplex with structural issues is pretty soft, and there are red flags from an underwriter's perspective. I can try somewhere else, but frankly I think you're going to need more cash up front if we want to get approved on the type of property you're looking at.
    Paul and Audrey share a weighty, defeated look.

EXT. STATE LINE - DAY
    The Safraneks' car zooms by a sign -- WELCOME TO NEW MEXICO, LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.

A50 INT. PAUL'S CAR - DAY A50
    As they drive --
    PAUL
    I bet we'll be able to tell right away if it's for us or not.
    AUDREY
    Yeah, so let's not waste time. Maybe could get to Santa Fe earlier and get a massage.
    PAUL
    Sounds good to me. Like we said, we're just checking it out. No harm, no foul.

EXT. PAUL'S CAR - NEW MEXICO HIGHWAY - DAY
    Paul and Audrey's car continues through the desert and passes a huge BILLBOARD.
    NEXT EXIT!
    Tony Dale's
    LEISURELAND ESTATES

EXT. LEISURELAND VISITORS CENTER - DAY
    Across an immense parking lot sits a commanding building that abuts a 20-foot-high WALL stretching in both directions, a wall that encircles and safeguards the city of Leisureland within. Long poles extending skyward from the wall support the city's protective overhead netting.

INT. LEISURELAND VISITORS CENTER - DAY
    The Safraneks walk in, already starting to feel small in this vast space. A huge banner shows an ecstatic couple -- "It's like winning the lottery every day!" A large circular INFORMATION DESK is staffed by EMPLOYEES in monogrammed golf shirts and khakis.
    AMONG THE EXHIBITS
    Audrey and Paul stroll through a maze of kiosks -- VACATION GETAWAYS, FINE DINING, RECREATION, INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION, TRAVEL SERVICES, JOB OPPORTUNITIES, STAYING IN TOUCH, SELLING YOUR CURRENT HOME, WHAT ABOUT MY PET?, WHEN YOU NEED A DOCTOR.

INT. LEISURELAND THEATER - DAY
    Paul and Audrey sit watching a promotional movie.

EXT. BEACH - DAY - MOVIE WITHIN THE MOVIE
    IN A TIDE POOL
    A horseshoe crab scuttles along, silent and primordial, passing a pair of rubber boots. Then we see the charismatic man inside those boots.
    TONY DALE
    Hi, I'm Tony Dale. That horseshoe crab has remained unchanged for 250 million years. Same size, same shell, same ugly mug. But we humans are different. We're constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges. And today we find ourselves at the dawn of an exciting new chapter in human history.
    TONY DALE
    Each and every one of you can be among the lucky ones to take this great leap forward, enjoy the prosperity you deserve, and, most importantly, help protect our precious planet. Join me, won't you, as we take a look at the creation of the world's first luxury community designed entirely to make anyone's biggest dreams come true -- Leisureland Estates.

INT. SMALL PLANE - DAY
    In the copilot's seat, Tony turns around and speaks as though we're in the back.
    TONY DALE
    The first order of business was to find the perfect location -- not too cold in the winter, not too hot in the summer. No earthquakes, no tornados, no hurricanes. And no pesky mosquitoes. Yep, everything had to be just right.
    The pilot points out something below, and Tony raises binoculars to take a look. INSERT - A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES ZOOM in on New Mexico.
    TONY DALE (V.O.)
    Our search led us to the ideal spot -- where we are right now -- ten square miles of high desert on New Mexico's Vasquez Plateau.

EXT. VASQUEZ PLATEAU - DAY
    Twine on surveyor's stakes winds through cacti and scrub. In work clothes and sun hat, Tony paces out a distance, then stops and points broadly at the ground, giving confident directions to offscreen crew.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
    ACADEMICS give a presentation with charts and graphs. Tony sits up front nodding thoughtfully.
    TONY DALE (V.O.)
    Next I gathered a team of top urban planners, architects and engineers from around the world to answer a simple question, "How can we design the most efficient and innovative city the world has ever known?"

INT. LEISURELAND DESIGN BULLPEN - DAY
    ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS work at computers and drafting tables. Others build maquettes. ANOTHER ANGLE -- Wielding a pointer and surrounded by his team, Tony reviews an enormous tabletop model of Leisureland.
    TONY DALE (V.O.)
    Each dwelling would be a dream house, a genuine estate within anyone's reach. Mass transit would be free and efficient. The streets would be neat and orderly, offering easy access to shops, schools, parks, medical services, and of course all the recreation and entertainment you can imagine.
    Now RENDERINGS of different neighborhoods -- Alpine Village, New Orleans Quartier, Fairway Manors, The Marina.
    TONY DALE (V.O.)
    Each neighborhood would accent our residents' interests, diverse lifestyles and hobbies.

INT. TONY DALE'S OFFICE - DAY
    Tony addresses us from behind his desk.
    TONY DALE
    But no matter how much care we put into designing Leisureland, it's really the people who make our community so special. So now I'd like to introduce you to some actual residents who are eager to tell you more.
    As the movie ends, the screen begins to rise and Tony turns his gaze vaguely downward...
    TONY DALE
    Okay, folks, take it away!
    ..returning us to --

INT. LEISURELAND THEATER - DAY
    Stage lights illuminate, theme music begins, and a platform thrusts past the rising screen. On the platform sits a downsized MANSION with swimming pool and tennis court. Tanned sales professional JEFF LONOWSKI steps out of the front door wearing a headset mic, trailed by a tiny CAMERAMAN who transmits Jeff's image onto a large screen.
    JEFF
    Thanks, Mr. Dale. Welcome, everybody. I'm Jeff Lonowski, Senior Product Specialist and happy homeowner here at Leisureland Estates. Are you having a good time?
    (off initial response)
    Come on, guys. You're a heck of a lot bigger than I am. Make some noise! Are you having a good time?
    Paul and Audrey join the enthusiastic response. "Yes!"
    JEFF
    That's more like it. So what do you think of my place? Pretty nifty, huh? It's the house of my dreams. Heck, I'd say it's the house of anybody's dreams. Why, an average guy like me might have to work twenty, thirty, even forty years to be able to afford a spread like this. And just wait until you see what's inside.
    The house splits open to reveal the massive family room, enormous bedrooms, airy kitchen. In the master suite upstairs, and with a CAMERA GUY all her own, Jeff's "wife" LAURA sits in a bubble bath.
    LAURA
    (headset mic)
    Jeff, you've got to stop inviting guests over without telling me!
    JEFF
    Sorry, Laura. I was only --
    LAURA
    I mean, I finally got in the tub to relax after such a busy day.
    JEFF
    Busy doing what, sweetheart?
    LAURA
    Oh, no end of things. First I took a tennis lesson and had a massage. Then after a gourmet lunch with the girls, we just couldn't help ourselves and popped into that new Loget's store downtown.
    JEFF
    Uh-oh, Loget's. What's that going to cost me?
    LAURA
    Now, Jeff, you hush. I was really good. Just a diamond bracelet.
    The cameraman zooms in for a close-up of the sparkling jewelry, eliciting admiring "oohs" from audience members.
    JEFF
    Just a diamond bracelet? That doesn't sound like you.
    LAURA
    (pulling her hair back)
    And matching diamond earrings. And the matching diamond necklace.
    (as Jeff crosses his arms)
    Oh, Jeff, they look so good on me. Wait till you --
    JEFF
    How much, Laura?
    LAURA
    Now, Jeff --
    JEFF
    I said how much?
    LAURA
    (sheepish)
    Sixty-two dollars.
    JEFF
    Sixty-two dollars? Are you crazy? Why, that's practically our food budget for two whole months!

INT. VIEWING CORRIDOR - DAY
    The exit doors of the theater snap open. Along with the rest of the audience, Paul and Audrey step onto a wide walkway. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a first glimpse at the actual city of Leisureland. The initial impression is both impressive and banal. It's partially like a miniature theme park and partially like any other mid-sized city. But a couple of unusual features stand out. One is a giant FERRIS WHEEL. Another is the CENTRAL TOWER, which functions both as a "tent pole" for the overhead netting and as the transfer station for an innovative and fanciful mass transit system -- GONDOLAS traveling on cables above the city. MOMENTS LATER -- Paul and Audrey peruse model homes ranging from one-story ranches through three-story McMansions -- "The Regency," "The Barrington," "The Aristocrat," "The Mediterranean," "The Sportsman." At the top end, like a sumptuous Bel-Air estate, is "The Versailles," boasting a sticker price of $129,999.

INT. SALES AREA - DAY
    A tracking shot through an ocean of sales desks ends on Paul and Audrey, where a chipper SALESPERSON walks them through a print-out of their finances.
    SALESPERSON
    So putting it all together, if you liquidate your current home, vehicles and other assets, and purchase a Regency-level estate -- that's a 12,000-square-foot-equivalent home on a 1.5-acre-equivalent lot -- at the base price of $63,000. Plus $4,500 for the Health and Fitness package. That's the gym, pool, sauna/steam, hot tub, and tennis court. Then the medical procedure for two adults. That's $15,000.
    PAUL
    Does insurance cover any of that?
    SALESPERSON
    No, but at Regency level you're already qualifying for a substantial discount. And don't forget the federal tax credit. So, figuring in your current debt, your retirement accounts and your savings, you're looking at approximately $152,000 in equity, which is a very comfortable number.
    AUDREY
    Comfortable? That doesn't sound like nearly enough.
    SALESPERSON
    You have to look at this column, Audrey. Equivalent value. You're solidly inside the Blue Chip zone. In Leisureland your $152,000 translates into around $12.5 million - - to live on, for life.
    AUDREY
    Hold on. If this is such a great thing, how come you haven't done it?
    SALESPERSON
    I would in a heartbeat, but my husband had a hip replacement, so he's ineligible. But look around you. If you come back in a month, you won't see most of my co-workers still here. People take jobs just for the discount. Did you see Jeff's little show upstairs -- the house that opens up? He used to sit right over there. Of course, he doesn't have to work anymore, but he's a real ham -- just loves the attention. Anyway, how's all this sounding? Would the Regency be your first choice? Or should we be looking at something a little more deluxe?
    Audrey looks at Paul.
    PAUL
    Honey, pick anything you like. I just want you to be happy.
    She beams.

EXT. DUPLEX FRONT YARD - DAY
    Paul and Audrey oversee a RUMMAGE SALE of their belongings. Downsizing! Everything Must Go!
    SOME OLD GUY
    How much for the hot dog cooker?
    PAUL
    Four dollars.
    SOME OLD GUY
    I'll give you a dollar.
    AUDREY
    Sold.

INT. CON-AGRA PLANT - DAY
    Paul finishes working with a FACTORY WORKER with a bad arm.
    PAUL
    Keep up those exercises. Don't get lazy. I laminated everything for you, so no excuses.
    FACTORY WORKER
    Thank you, Paul. Thank you so much. My wife and me, maybe someday we'll get small too and we'll visit you.
    PAUL
    That'd be great, but in the meantime...
    Paul squeezes and unsqueezes his hand, reinforcing an exercise.

INT. CON-AGRA BREAK ROOM - DAY
    CO-WORKERS throw Paul a small goodbye party. Atop the cake is a joke design in frosting about getting small.

EXT. CON-AGRA PARKING LOT - DAY
    An emotional Paul walks to his car carrying a box of belongings. It's the last time he'll ever see the place he's spent so many years.

EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
    A perennially "hip" restaurant for the middle-aged.

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
    A farewell party occupies the back. Friends and family gather around four or five reserved tables. We catch snippets of conversations with different FRIENDS -- first up is GINA.
    AUDREY
    I mean, sure, I was on the fence about it for most of the year. It's pretty scary when you think about it at first. But then when my college roommate Patty Loomis called to say she and her husband were doing it, and all the reasons why, I turned to Paul and said okay, you win. Let's go for it.
    GINA
    (hugging her)
    I'm just going to miss you so much.
    AUDREY
    Oh, Gina, I'm going to miss you too. But, you know, it's not like we're dying. We're just relocating and changing things up a bit. We'll be back at least once a year. And you and Tim can come down and stay with us anytime. We have like five guest rooms. Open invitation. Stay as long as you like.
    Gina laughs through tears at this joke. LATER -- BARRY talks with Paul and Audrey.
    BARRY
    And you guys didn't consider Treasure Island out in Palm Desert?
    PAUL
    Yeah, we checked it out, but...
    (looking at Audrey)
    I mean, I liked it all right, but Audrey thought they were a little stingy with the amenities, especially for what they charge in monthly maintenance.
    AUDREY
    And too hot. And really provincial -- everything is golf, golf, golf. And almost no diversity. Super white bread.
    PAUL
    Yeah, no diversity.
    LATER -- Audrey's father LARRY LUSTIG walks in. Audrey greets him with a big hug.
    AUDREY
    Hi, Dad.
    LARRY LUSTIG
    Your mother couldn't bring herself to come, but she sends her love. We're still expecting you tomorrow afternoon at the house.
    Paul arrives, and the men exchange a respectful handshake.
    PAUL
    Glad you made it, Larry.
    AUDREY
    What can I get you, Dad?
    PAUL
    Let me. You guys visit.
    LARRY LUSTIG
    Oh, just a beer. Any beer.
    PAUL
    (exiting)
    Comin' right up.
    AUDREY
    I wish Mom weren't taking it so hard.
    LARRY LUSTIG
    Well, you know your mother. To tell you the truth, I was pretty skeptical myself at first. You remember Jerry Gross. Well, I called him up the other day. He and Bev retired down there, did the whole shrinking thing you kids are doing. He says they're getting along just fine, never better. Says he feels younger every day, says one dollar buys a thousand dollars worth of stuff.
    LARRY LUSTIG
    Of course they need that with all the medication Bev takes. But yeah, they play nine holes every morning. Even taking a two-week cruise up to Alaska next month. First class stateroom, gourmet food, whole nine yards. Says the whole thing's costing around $150. No, I see the appeal. And apparently there's zero crime. That's what I keep telling your mother.
    LATER -- The party has wound down, and Paul and Audrey enjoy a final nightcap with close friends, including Tim, a friend of Paul's we've met before. A DRUNK GUY wanders over.
    DRUNK GUY
    Hey, you guys are getting small, right?
    PAUL
    That's right. My wife and I.
    DRUNK GUY
    My friend over there has a question. No offense, but do you think if you're that small, you should still have all the same rights as the rest of us? Same right to vote?
    PAUL
    Why wouldn't we?
    DRUNK GUY
    Well, let's see. You're not buying as many products, you're not paying as much income tax, not really participating in our economy. In fact, you're costing us money. And jobs.
    TIM
    Hey, hey. That's enough. We're all just having a good time here.
    DRUNK GUY
    I'm just asking a simple academic question. If anything, a quarter- vote. At most.
    TIM
    (dragging him away)
    Come on, buddy. Let's take a hike.
    DRUNK GUY
    I'm going. Or maybe an eighth!

EXT. RESTAURANT PARKING LOT - NIGHT
    Standing by their cars in the nearly deserted lot, Audrey and Paul give their friends a final farewell hug.

INT. PAUL AND AUDREY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
    All that remains is a mattress on the floor. Audrey sleeps as Paul reads by the dreary light of a sconce. Without warning, she begins to cry.
    PAUL
    Oh, honey.
    Her shoulders convulse. Paul pulls off his reading glasses.
    PAUL
    Honey, honey, I know. I know this is a big step. It's the biggest thing we'll do in our lives. I know, I know.
    AUDREY
    You don't know anything! You did this! Why did you have to choose such a stupid career? Why did you have to be so... unambitious? Helping people? What about helping yourself? What about helping me? You're so goddamned stubborn! You did this!
    PAUL
    Hey, hey, hey, that's completely unfair. You're the one who's never satisfied with anything. You're the one who says I spend too much time at work. You're the one who wants to live in a palace. You're the one who says we can't have kids until we're better off. You're the one who hates her job and hates the cold weather and --
    AUDREY
    I know! Don't you think I know? Shut up! Shut up!

INT. DUPLEX LIVING ROOM - DAY
    The room is bare. Audrey removes her necklace and places it inside their Leisureland KEEPSAKE BOX, a shoebox-sized container for those few small irreplaceable treasures -- family photographs, jewelry, baby spoons, etc. Audrey gets Paul's attention and points at her ring finger. Together they remove their wedding rings and place them on a velvet-covered stem inside the box.

INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
    Audrey leans her head against Paul's shoulder while he watches the clouds.
    AUDREY
    I keep thinking I forgot something.
    He kisses the top of her head.

EXT. ALBUQUERQUE AIRPORT TERMINAL - DAY
    Carrying only their Keepsake Box, the Safraneks walk toward the Leisureland shuttle bus at the center island, where they join other NEW ARRIVALS with Keepsake Boxes of their own.

INT. LEISURELAND SHUTTLE BUS - MOVING - DAY
    Seated on one side, Paul steals glances at the acrylic containers locked in place across the aisle. Inside the containers are downsized TRAVELERS in rows of first- class airline seats. Just opposite the Safraneks are a MOTHER and her ADULT SON in sandals and Hawaiian shirts.
    MOTHER
    Moving to town, are ya'?
    PAUL
    How's that?
    MOTHER
    (straining to be heard)
    I see you're moving to Leisureland.
    (off Paul's nod)
    You look like a nice young couple.
    PAUL
    Thanks.
    MOTHER
    Where you from?
    PAUL
    Omaha.
    MOTHER
    Spokane. Nervous?
    PAUL
    A little. You know.
    MOTHER
    Don't be. It's the best thing you'll ever do. And the medical part is no big deal. Completely painless. Except if you have a lot of dental re- dos like my Dougie here. He had to keep going back because he'd waited too long to get a root canal while he was still big. I said, Dougie, those are your teeth. You only get one set. Anyway, you don't want to hear about that. We just got back from Turks and Caicos. Have you ever been to Turks and Caicos?
    PAUL AND AUDREY
    No.
    MOTHER
    It's so pretty. Back in Spokane, we never went anywhere. But now it's so easy and so cheap. You get in this contraption down at the travel center, and you don't have to budge until you arrive at the hotel. And the best part is you don't have to take your shoes off in security. I don't like taking my shoes off once I have them on.

EXT. LEISURELAND PARKING LOT - DAY
    The shuttle heads toward the TRANSITIONS CENTER, a building not far from the Visitors' Center.

INT. COUNSELING ROOM - DAY
    Audrey and Paul sit across a desk from a pleasant and efficient "final step" ADMINISTRATOR. She sorts Audrey and Paul's papers, occasionally checking her computer screen to verify information.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Okay. And your medical records are up to date. Very good. And you've had no food or water for at least twelve hours, right?
    PAUL
    Right.
    AUDREY
    We're starving.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Oh, Audrey, you forgot to indicate if you want the clothes you're wearing sent to someone you know or donated to charity.
    AUDREY
    Charity.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Great. Just one last thing we need to take care of.
    The Administrator adjusts a camera mounted to the top of her computer monitor.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Paul, could you scoot over a little? That's it. Perfect. With your permission I'm going to record your answers to the following questions. May I begin recording?
    PAUL
    Sure.
    AUDREY
    Of course.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Please state your full legal names.
    AUDREY
    Audrey Lustig Safranek
    PAUL
    Paul Norris Safranek.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Do you, Paul Norris Safranek, and you, Audrey Lustig Safranek, understand that, of your own free will, you will undergo the permanent and irreversible medical procedure commonly known as "downsizing?" And that following this procedure your bodies will be approximately .0364% of their current mass and volume?
    It's getting very real now.
    PAUL
    Yes.
    AUDREY
    Yes.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    And do you give full consent to Gateway Medical Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of TD Enterprises, to administer the medical procedure commonly known as "downsizing?"
    They check in with each other again and join hands.
    PAUL
    Yes.
    AUDREY
    Yes.
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Do you understand that there exists an approximately one in 225,000 chance that the procedure could result in injury, permanent disability or death?
    PAUL AND AUDREY
    Yes.

INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY
    Surrounded by other nervous CLIENTS, Paul and Audrey sit holding hands. A NURSE approaches.
    NURSE
    Paul Safranek?
    PAUL
    Yes?
    NURSE
    Come with me, please.
    AUDREY
    We're together.
    NURSE
    Someone will escort you to the Women's Facility shortly. You will be separated for approximately five hours, and following the procedure you'll be reunited in the recovery room.
    PAUL
    Okay. Well, honey, I guess this is it. I'll see you tonight. On the other side.
    Audrey is so emotional she can barely speak. Paul takes her in his arms.
    PAUL
    I love you.
    AUDREY
    I love you, too.
    Paul gives her one last squeeze. The nurse leads him away.

INT. TREATMENT ROOM - DAY
    Along with other men, Paul is shaved -- legs, back and shoulders, scalp and eyebrows. LATER --Paul is now completely HAIRLESS in a hospital gown and lying on a gurney. An IV is inserted into his arm. CLOSE on Paul as the anaesthetic takes effect.

INT. COLONIC THEATER - DAY
    Paul is wheeled into a large, bright room with rows of colon- cleansing stations. A TECHNICIAN rolls Paul onto one side, lubricates a tapered nozzle, and lifts the back of his gown.

INT. DENTAL THEATER - DAY
    A still-sedated Paul is at a station in this large room with rows of dentists' chairs. His mouth is held open with a dental brace. A drill approaches. FILLINGS drop inside a metal pan.

INT. DOWNSIZING CHAMBER - DAY
    Paul is wheeled inside a large stainless steel room, where he is one of some 20 SEDATED MEN. NURSES pull the IVs from the men's arms and remove their gowns, leaving them naked. A SUPERVISOR makes a final inspection -- looking in a mouth here, adjusting a head there -- before leaving the chamber and securing the door.

INT. DOWNSIZING CHAMBER CONTROL ROOM - DAY
    A spinning red light. An alarm bell. A flipped switch.
    SUPERVISOR
    All clear!
    A low hum begins, interrupted at intervals by a loud thunk, like an MRI. Nurses and orderlies wait for the process to complete. One offers another a piece of his Kit-Kat bar. A gauge registers progress by displaying smaller and smaller silhouettes of a man. The supervisor keeps an eye on things through a small window in the chamber door. BING! Everyone begins moving again.

INT. DOWNSIZING CHAMBER - DAY
    The door opens. In the center of each gurney lies a tiny naked man. Three nurses enter pushing carts, each bearing eight tiny gurneys on top. The nurses gingerly "spatula" each downsized man onto the small gurneys. As they work, we find Paul just as he is scooped up -- a bald, naked peanut.

INT. DOWNSIZING CHAMBER STAGING AREA - DAY
    The nurses guide the carts to DOCKING STATIONS set into a wall.

INT. ANOTHER STAGING AREA - DAY
    ORDERLIES, most of them West Indian, stand chatting and checking their watches. At the sound of an all-clear buzzer, they roll up a large garage-style door and --

INT. DOCKING STATION - DAY
    -- walk out onto the carts, revealing that they too are the same small size as the new arrivals. The orderlies begin unlocking the gurneys to roll them away.
    TINY ORDERLY #1
    Man, we got some real fatties this time.
    A nurse from the other side pokes her enormous head in.
    BIG NURSE
    How's everybody doing today?
    TINY ORDERLIES
    Fine. Good. How are you today, Joyce?
    BIG NURSE
    Me? I'm great. Just getting ready for the weekend. We're driving up to Denver for my cousin's wedding.
    TINY ORDERLY #2
    Oh... that sounds nice!

INT. LEISURELAND DENTAL AREA - DAY
    DENTISTS and ASSISTANTS attend to the newly-downsized. One dentist compares Paul's open mouth against X-rays and charts on a computer screen.

INT. RECOVERY ROOM - DAY
    CLOSE on Paul regaining consciousness. He lifts his head to examine his hands and arms. He gives his sore jaw a massage, then peeks under the sheet, relieved to find his "equipment" as it should be. A CHEERY NURSE opens the door.
    CHEERY NURSE
    I see you've decided to join us.
    PAUL
    Is this... Is it over?
    CHEERY NURSE
    Welcome to Leisureland. Hungry?
    She lugs in a normal-size two-pack of SALTINES, now comically large.
    PAUL
    Oh, my God.
    CHEERY NURSE
    Isn't that cute? People just love that.
    (setting it aside)
    I'll bring you a little snack in a moment.
    PAUL
    Thanks. Um, I think my wife was supposed to be here with me.
    CHEERY NURSE
    What's her name?
    PAUL
    Audrey Safranek.
    CHEERY NURSE
    (consulting a chart)
    Safranek, just like yours. Let me see. We do have an Audrey Safranek scheduled for today, but I don't show her transferred over yet.
    PAUL
    Is something wrong?
    CHEERY NURSE
    No, no. She's probably just held up in dental. I'll go check.
    LATER -- Paul sits up nervously jiggling one leg. The nurse comes back inside and offers him a telephone.
    CHEERY NURSE
    Mr. Safranek, you've got a call.
    PAUL
    Oh.
    (answering)
    Hello?
    AUDREY (ON PHONE)
    Paul.
    PAUL
    Audrey, thank God. Where are you, honey?
    AUDREY (ON PHONE)
    Don't be mad at me. Please don't be mad. It's hard enough as it is.
    PAUL
    What's hard? What are you talking about?
    AUDREY (ON PHONE)
    Oh, Paul, they shaved my head, then they started shaving off my eyebrows, and I just thought, what am I doing? I can't leave my family, all my friends. I can't do it. I'm sorry, Paul. I just can't. I'm not like you.
    PAUL
    Where are you?
    Silence. Then Paul overhears what sounds like a boarding announcement.
    PAUL
    Are you at the airport?

INT. ALBUQUERQUE AIRPORT - NIGHT - INTERCUT
    Audrey is at a PAY PHONE, her bald head hidden under a hat, one eyebrow desperately drawn in with mascara.
    AUDREY
    (beginning to sob)
    Don't hate me. Don't hate me.
    PAUL
    Okay, okay. Take it easy. Just get in a taxi and come back so we can talk about this. Okay? We'll go back to Omaha and think this through together.
    PAUL
    (an ominous silence)
    Wait. You're not leaving me here.
    AUDREY
    Can't you understand how I feel? I feel terrible, Paul. I let you down, and I feel awful about it. But I realized I was just trying to make you happy. I should have been thinking more about myself.
    PAUL
    Thinking about yourself? That's all you ever do! You know, you haven't even asked me how I am!
    AUDREY
    Don't yell. Don't yell at me, or I'll hang up.
    PAUL
    (lower)
    Do you have any idea what I've just been through? Audrey, if you don't come back here right now --
    AUDREY
    And see you all small? I'm upset enough already.
    PAUL
    (losing it)
    You're upset? You're upset? I'm the one who's four fucking inches tall!
    Click.

INT. TRANSITIONS CENTER LOBBY - DAY
    A combination of a hospital lobby and the arrivals area of an international airport. FAMILY MEMBERS wait with balloons and flowers, squealing when reunited with hairless loved ones. A gloomy, bald Paul walks toward the exit accompanied by sunny orientation volunteer MATT.
    MATT
    I was sorry to hear Mrs. Safranek couldn't make it today.
    PAUL
    (correcting his pronunciation)
    Safranek.
    MATT
    Safranek. Well, it's not a half- bad idea to scout things out and get everything ready for her.

EXT. TRANSITIONS CENTER - DAY
    Paul and Matt walk out into the sunlight, and Paul takes his first look at his new city of residence.
    MATT
    The net blocks a lot of UV rays, but you still might want to put your hat on.
    They head toward a cluster of "Ride-Share" vehicles that resemble a cross between a golf cart and a Smart car.
    MATT
    Any time you need to get somewhere, just hop in one these bad boys. And if they're in short supply, it's fun to share. I've met some super people that way. Just super.

INT. RIDE-SHARE CAR - DAY
    Paul looks blankly out the window, absorbed in his own private agony.
    MATT
    Over to your right there, that big white oval building is one of our seven Sports Centers and the one that houses the largest indoor skiing facility in the world -- you know, relatively speaking. And over there is Lake Chester, named for Mr. Dale's dog.

EXT. PAUL'S BLOCK - DAY
    The car rolls down a street and stops in front of a house eerily like the one Paul and Audrey toured back in Omaha.
    MATT
    Look familiar?
    PAUL
    That's the one.
    MATT
    The Barrington. Good call. My sister's got one. Loves it. Loves it. Basically like the Regency but a lot more bells and whistles. I like the colors you picked out, too. Snazzy.
    (handing over a fob)
    Well, sir, here's the key to your kingdom. Welcome to the good life. They stock the kitchen with some standard items, but one thing I should warn you about is the dairy -- it takes a while for your stomach to adjust to milk and cheese, so go easy. Something about the bacteria. And careful with the hot water. It's all on one central system, and they keep it cranked up pretty high. I'm surprised they haven't had a lawsuit yet.
    PAUL
    Thanks, Matt. You're a nice guy.
    Paul gets out and trudges toward his new house.
    MATT
    You need anything, you call me. Anything at all. And Paul?
    PAUL
    Yes.
    MATT
    Thanks for helping the planet.
    Paul gives a little wave and closes the front door as if sealing himself inside a tomb.

INT. PAUL'S LEISURELAND HOUSE - DAY
    Walking across the foyer and into the "great room," Paul spots a bouquet, an oversized bottle of champagne, and a card. Paul and Audrey, Welcome Home! -- Tony Dale He walks to the windows and surveys his palatial back yard.

EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
    Paul wanders across.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY
    Like Charles Foster Kane, Paul plods past huge mirrors, his diminishing image reflected into infinity.

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
    Paul inspects this expansive room decorated with a decidedly feminine touch.

INT. PAUL'S LEISURELAND HOUSE - DAY
    At a repeated doorbell ring, Paul opens the front door to find a MOVER with a clipboard.
    MOVER
    Safranek?
    Paul nods. The mover turns toward his truck -- Paul and Audrey's keepsake box mounted to a cab.
    MOVER
    Okay!
    Another MOVER walks toward the house carrying what look like two hula hoops -- his and Audrey's WEDDING RINGS.

INT. MASTER BATHROOM - DAY
    Paul robotically removes his clothes, steps into the shower, and turns on the water. OWWWW!:

INT. MEDIA ROOM - DAY
    Paul sits in a recliner, watching TV and guzzling champagne. 107A ON TV - A NEWS REPORT 107A An ANCHOR speaks to camera, while behind him/her a GRAPHIC depicts an open box with a Vietnamese flag on the side and question mark rising out of it.
    NEWS ANCHOR
    For years both the Department of Homeland Security and the INS have been warning about the ease with which downsized persons -- from illegal immigrants to potential terrorists -- could penetrate U.S. borders. Last week's discovery in Eugene, Oregon provided tragic new evidence to support that claim. Brian Fakler brings us up to date.

107B EXT. COSTCO - DAY 107B
    BRIAN FAKLER
    This Costco is just one of thousands of big-box stores around the country that import almost a million tons of goods weekly, most of it from Asia. Last week workers here in Eugene opened a suspicious TV box and discovered seventeen downsized stowaways from Vietnam, fourteen of them already dead, two more dying hours later at a local hospital.
    107C INSERT - RECYCLED PRESS CONFERENCE FOOTAGE 107C POLICE display the BOX in question. One stained bottom corner is perforated with tiny holes punched out for air.
    BRIAN FAKLER (V.O.)
    On Friday, the lone survivor, a 45- year-old woman named Ngoc Lan Tran, was transferred to a hospital at Leisureland Estates in New Mexico, widely considered the country's top medical center for the small. Doctors were forced to amputate a portion of an infected leg, and today her condition is described as fair but stable.
    107D INSERT - "B-ROLL" FOOTAGE 107D Ngoc Lan Tran is transferred from a helicopter to a medical team outside Leisureland.
    BRIAN FAKLER (V.O.)
    Yesterday, U.S. officials were able to question the woman for the first time. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Tran claims to have been jailed for her environmental and political activism and, along with dozens of other dissidents, was miniaturized against her will in a Vietnamese prison facility. If true, this would bolster accusations by human rights groups that repressive governments around the world are forcibly downsizing scores of prisoners and political undesirables.
    107E DOLLY IN on Paul. PAN to reveal the wedding rings leaning 107E against a wall.

INT. CAVE - NIGHT
    Tergehl continues his tale.
    TERGEHL
    Yes, Oodreh's mind was so bedeviled that she abandoned poor Safrapül.
    Some of the women in the clan dry their eyes.
    TERGEHL
    Can you imagine wishing to remain among the giants? With all of their fighting and all of their hunger? Trampling the ground with their huge feet?
    To the children's squeals of delight, Tergehl mocks how a giant may have walked with unwieldy limbs.
    TERGEHL
    Yet, incredible as it seems, more and more of the giants began to fear and despise their smaller brethren. They already hated one another. Why would they not hate us even more?

EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING - DAY
    A group of PROTESTORS hold sign saying things like, "Downsizing Shrinks a Beating Heart" and "Horton was Wrong."
    PROTESTER
    The Bible doesn't say nothing about little people, and the constitution doesn't either.

EXT. THE VATICAN - DAY
    The POPE speaks from his balcony.
    POPE
    As for the gift of science, as much as it helps combat famine and disease, it has no place interfering in God's design -- not in reproduction, not in genetic engineering, and not in altering the very dimensions of our divine being.

INT. LUXURY MALL - DAY
    Two wealthy OLDER WOMEN opine.
    WOMAN #1
    It's like a mouse. How little they are and run around on their little feet. You don't know which way they're going to go. They might run up your leg.
    WOMAN #2
    And they're dirty. They're too close to the ground.

EXT. MOSCOW STREET - DAY
    WOMAN
    (in Russian)
    I just don't feel safe in my home. I think one of those small people is going to sneak in and watch me on the toilet. You can't trust them. They're too small.

EXT. STREET - DAY
    OLDER GUY
    All those people used to put in an honest day's work, and now they're running off to get little and sip their piña coladas. I went into a Target the other day, and wasn't nobody to help me. It was like a ghost town in there.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    In a way, the giants were right. There was much to fear from such a rapid exodus.

EXT. ARMY BASE - STOCK FOOTAGE
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Soldiers would abandon their posts.

EXT. WHEAT FIELD - STOCK FOOTAGE
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Crops would be left to rot.

INT. FACTORY - STOCK FOOTAGE
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Workshops would be abandoned and overrun by wolves.

EXT. COAL FURNACE - STOCK FOOTAGE
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Who would tend their fires?

EXT. WOMEN AT A RIVER - STOCK FOOTAGE
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Who would wash their robes?

INT. LEISURELAND CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
    CLOSE on Paul two years later. His hair and eyebrows have grown back.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    But what of Safrapül? Far removed from the troubles of the world, he was leading a monastic life of poverty and chastity, purging himself of the past and unaware of the adventures that lay ahead.
    WIDE -- Paul stands atop a table, pen in hand.
    LAWYER (O.S.)
    Do we need to review any of the terms of the settlement?
    PAUL
    No, it's all pretty clear.
    LAWYER (O.S.)
    I really wish you'd taken her first offer.
    PAUL
    I know.
    LAWYER (O.S.)
    All right. Please step back a little. Don't want you to get hurt.
    The LAWYER lays down a thick stack of normal-sized documents bristling with "Sign Here" flags. Paul steps up onto them.
    LAWYER (O.S.)
    Sorry, would you mind removing your shoes?
    Paul dutifully slips off his shoes, walks to the signature line, kneels, and begins to sign.
    LAWYER (O.S.)
    As large as you can, please.
    WIDER -- The normal-size lawyer watches Paul laboriously produce a deformed, oversized signature.
    LAWYER
    Nice weather down here. Turned real cold back in Omaha.
    PAUL
    Uh-huh.
    LAWYER
    Wind chill.

INT. PAUL'S CONDOMINIUM - DAY
    A coffee-for-one brewer fills a travel mug. Paul hurries in from the bedroom of his humble, post-divorce dwelling, grabs his coffee, and hurries out the door.

EXT. THE MARINA - DAY
    Paul exits this apartment complex overlooking a LAKE.

INT. TOLL-FREE CALL CENTER - DAY
    Paul weaves his way glumly through a massive array of cubicles. A CO-WORKER gets his attention.
    CO-WORKER
    Hey, Paul, thanks. You were right. Raising my monitor really did the trick. My neck feels better and no more tingling in my arm. I never would have made the connection.
    PAUL
    Glad to help.
    At his cubicle, Paul takes a seat, dons his headset, and answers his first call of the day.
    PAUL
    Hello and thank you for calling Land's End. My name is Paul. No, ma'am, I've never been to India. I'm in New Mexico. How can I help you? Sure, let me check.

INT. GONDOLA - DAY
    Paul cradles a gift-wrapped box in his lap and gazes absently at the city far below.

EXT. DAVE AND CAROL JOHNSON'S HOUSE - DAY
    Paul plods toward a VERSAILLES, Leisureland's most extravagant home.

EXT. DAVE AND CAROL JOHNSON'S BACKYARD - DAY
    Paul emerges through French doors and heads toward a birthday party for seven-year-old MADISON and twenty-five FRIENDS. Kids take pony rides and a magician performs. FROM A DISTANCE we watch Paul approach Dave and Carol, hearing only --
    CAROL
    Ciao, bello!
    They exchange pleasantries, and Paul is instructed to place his present atop an obscene mountain of other gifts. LATER -- Paul observes the lavish goings-on. Dave wanders by.
    DAVE
    Hey, pal. Why the long face?
    (off Paul's shrug)
    Look around you, buddy. Life is good.
    PAUL
    I made a mistake, Dave. Biggest mistake of my life. Should have stayed where I was.
    DAVE
    Hey, hey, hey. I know divorce puts a pretty big dent in anybody's self-esteem, and what Audrey did to you was beyond the pale. I hate her. I barely know her, and you may not hate her, but I hate her. You just have to get back in the saddle, that's all.
    PAUL
    Maybe some day.
    DAVE
    If you want my advice, single moms are the way to go. They've got the whole kid thing out of their system, and they just want to party. A few of 'em here today.
    PAUL
    That's okay, I'm --
    DAVE
    And if you're not ready for emotional connection, there're plenty of good times to be had down here, no strings attached. Just put it on your credit card.
    PAUL
    Thanks, but I'm good. Really. In fact, I've started seeing someone.
    DAVE
    Oh, yeah?
    PAUL
    Single mom, actually.
    DAVE
    Ho, ho. Now we're talking. Well, if that doesn't work out, or even if it does, there's this one chick, Stacy? Ouch. Like a Victoria's Secret model, only sluttier. The tricks she knows -- man, oh, man. Hey, first time's on me.
    Paul's gaze drifts to Madison, giggling atop a pony.

INT. PAUL'S LIVING ROOM - DUSK
    The doorbell rings. Wiping his hands, Paul hurries from the kitchen and greets pleasant but stiff KRISTEN SWANSON, who holds a pie.
    PAUL
    Hi, Kristen.
    KRISTEN
    Hi. I brought dessert. Apple- blueberry.
    PAUL
    You didn't have to do that.
    She spots a huge yellow ROSE in a vase.
    KRISTEN
    Wow, is that a real flower? Where'd you get that?
    PAUL
    Full-Sized Flower Mart. Just opened. It's like you've never seen a flower before.
    KRISTEN
    It's beautiful.
    PAUL
    I was tempted to get a lily, but, you know, it'd smell up the whole apartment. Plus the pollen.

INT. PAUL'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
    Paul and Kristen enjoy dinner.
    KRISTEN
    Paul, this is so good.
    PAUL
    Thanks. The recipe called for chervil, but you can't get chervil here yet. I used dill.
    KRISTEN
    Well, whatever it is, it's super- yummy.
    PAUL
    It's the little things. I mean, except for no birds and insects you'd almost think we're in the normal world. Then something happens, and you realize we're not. Not that substituting dill for chervil's a big thing, but you know.
    They smile and shake their heads. Life sure is strange.
    KRISTEN
    Like last month when my parents came down to visit Jonah and me --
    PAUL
    Uh-huh.
    KRISTEN
    -- and it's like this whole production with the carrying boxes, and Jonah gets freaked out by Grandma and Grandpa being so huge and scary. One night they took us for dinner at Fleming's, you know, real nice, and of course Jonah and I are sitting on the table in those special seats, and the big people wouldn't stop staring at us.
    KRISTEN
    Plus, the restaurant brags about how small people are welcome, but then they charge a huge minimum.
    PAUL
    They should be charging big people extra. They're the ones dragging the world down.
    KRISTEN
    I know. Big people look at us like we're the freaks. They're the freaks. I mean, sure, I brought Jonah here mostly for the schools, but I also know I'm at least trying to do something good. Oh, did you hear about all that gas being released in Antarctica? From the ice?
    PAUL
    Haven't really been following the news much lately.
    KRISTEN
    Yeah, apparently it's a big deal. A lot of scientists are saying we're already way beyond --
    Kristen is interrupted by a blast of EURO-DISCO thumping through the ceiling, followed by raucous LAUGHTER. Paul offers an apologetic grimace.
    PAUL
    My upstairs neighbor. For months I don't hear a peep -- I guess he wasn't even here -- then suddenly it's party, party, party. The other night I had to call Security.
    He wipes his mouth and heads toward his balcony.
    KRISTEN
    Who is he?
    PAUL
    Some Serbian guy. Businessman or something.

EXT. PAUL'S BALCONY - NIGHT
    Paul reaches the railing and yells up toward the balcony above.
    PAUL
    Dusan!
    (pronounced "Dushan")
    Hey, Dusan!

A130 EXT. DUSAN'S BALCONY - PAUL'S POV - CONTINUOUS A130
    Euro-handsome DUSAN MIRKOVIC leans over the railing.
    DUSAN
    Yes?
    PAUL
    You mind turning down the music? Trying to have a quiet evening down here.
    Dusan gives Paul a little wave of "no problem." Dusan's French girlfriend MARIETTE peeks over the railing, too.
    PAUL
    Thanks.

INT. PAUL'S DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
    The volume of the music is lower than before, but not much. Paul and Kirsten continue with their meal. For the moment, neither can think of anything to say, so they simply eat and exchange smiles. The doorbell. Paul gets up to open it.
    DUSAN
    Hello, my friend.
    PAUL
    Dusan.
    DUSAN
    May I come in?
    Once inside, Dusan gives Paul's apartment a quick once-over.
    DUSAN
    I'm sorry I am disturbing your nice little dinner, but listen, Pete --
    PAUL
    Paul. And Kristen.
    DUSAN
    Hello, Kristen. Like I was saying, I'm having one more, you know, little party at my place tonight. Just a few friends. Not big like last time. Very small.
    (noticing)
    No! Is that a rose? A real rose? From where you get a real rose?
    PAUL
    New store. Full-Sized Flower Mart.
    DUSAN
    Here in Leisureland? Why did I not have such a brilliant idea? How much they are charging for this?
    MARIETTE (O.S.)
    Dusan!
    Dusan steps out onto Paul's balcony and looks up.
    DUSAN
    Quoi, ma cherie?
    MARIETTE (O.S.)
    (French)
    Dusan, what are you doing down there? The caterers just arrived with the food and are asking where to put everything. I told them in the kitchen. Now they're asking to be paid.
    DUSAN
    Oui, ma cherie. J'arrive.
    (back inside)
    Anyway, Paul, listen, if tonight noise disturbs you, just come upstairs and talk to me. Don't make big show like last time yelling like crazy man. We are neighbors. And neighbors are friends. What's better, come to the party.
    PAUL
    Thanks, but like I said, we're just trying to have a nice, quiet dinner. So try to keep it down, okay?
    DUSAN
    Yes, darling. Of course.
    Dusan puts a finger to his lips and makes a point of tip- toeing to the door, closing it without a sound.
    PAUL
    Kind of a jerk, right?
    KRISTEN
    What's he even doing here? Aren't there like a ton of small cities in Europe?

INT. PAUL'S HALLWAY - NIGHT
    Their date at an end, Paul walks Kristen down the hallway. Booming bass notes penetrate through the ceiling.
    PAUL
    Yeah, small party.
    (imitating)
    Just a few friends.
    Arriving at the elevator --
    KRISTEN
    Well, thanks for a really nice time. Plus, cooking and all. Sorry I have to leave so early, but, you know, the sitter.
    The elevator opens, and drunken SPANIARDS spill out.
    PAUL
    One floor up.
    They disappear back into the elevator.
    PAUL
    So... Sunday. I was hoping we could bring Jonah. I'd like to meet him.
    KRISTEN
    Yeah. Maybe.
    Paul leans in for a kiss. Kristen allows it, but her heart's not in it.
    PAUL
    Is something wrong?
    KRISTEN
    No. I mean, you're a wonderful guy, Paul, and I've really enjoyed hanging out with you...
    PAUL
    (face darkening)
    Uh-huh.
    KRISTEN
    ...but if I'm honest about how I'm feeling, I just, well, I think it's still a little early for me to --
    PAUL
    Fine. I get it. Fine.
    Paul smacks the "down" button and walks away.
    KRISTEN
    No, Paul, listen, I only meant, if we're bringing Jonah into it --
    PAUL
    Have a good night.

INT. PAUL'S CONDOMINIUM - NIGHT
    Paul slams the door behind him and surveys the remnants of dinner. He picks up the leftover pie and throws it away, plate and all. Music and laughter crescendo upstairs. Paul looks at the ceiling.

!33 INT. DUSAN'S HALLWAY - NIGHT !33
    Now lugging the huge rose, Paul exits the elevator and heads toward the party.

INT. DUSAN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    Paul steps inside to find DOZENS OF PEOPLE -- various languages, fashionable eyewear, distinctive shoes. Dusan's chic apartment could not be more different from Paul's with its double-high ceilings, wide doorways, fireplaces, hip furnishings. Feeling instantly out of place, Paul is about to leave.
    DUSAN
    Paul! You came. And you bring the rose.
    PAUL
    Peace offering.
    DUSAN
    Look, everybody. This is Paul, my neighbor. Look at what he brings me - - a real rose. A real fucking rose!
    (to Paul)
    Do you think any of these other ungrateful sons of bitches think to bring something to Dusan? Only you. I like you. What about your blonde American friend?
    Paul shakes his head. Dusan nods in approval.
    DUSAN
    Why bring sand to the beach?
    (escorting Paul)
    Look, I know I said it was going to be a small party, but it's not my fault. I make two or three phone calls to close friends, and look what happens. Everyone comes. Nothing else to do in this fucking city after 10 o'clock. This I do not understand. It's not as if so many people have work in the morning. Is the worst trait of small people -- they are lazy. Not all, but most. Like this lazy guy. Konrad!
    KONRAD is an older German in nautical attire -- turtleneck, double-breasted blazer -- helping himself to a splendid buffet of both normal-sized and small gourmet foods.
    KONRAD
    What's that you say about me? What lies are you telling?
    DUSAN
    Just that in the small world no one wants to work.
    KONRAD
    What did you expect? That is the wonderful thing about becoming small. You are immediately rich. Unless you are very poor. Then you are only small.
    PAUL
    Actually, I wouldn't call myself poor, but I have a job --
    DUSAN
    Konrad is sea captain. Never more than ten meters from his boat.
    KONRAD
    I do like my boat. Come, I'll show you.
    Locking arms with Paul and speaking with sudden intimacy, Konrad leads him onto --

A135 EXT. DECK - NIGHT A135
    Konrad points out a YACHT in the marina below.
    KONRAD
    There she is -- Sonja, my beauty. An exact replica of an English yacht from 1927. You see, I am from many generations, all the way to my grandfathers and my father - all sea captains. I remember very well I was seven years old when my grandfather took me for the first time on his boat. I will never forget the rocking of the waves, the sound of the wind, the blackness of the water. From that moment I knew I would be a sea captain too.
    PAUL
    What brings you to Leisureland?
    KONRAD
    Dusan. He even convinced me to become small, mostly for the women and the parties. And, frankly, my wife had all the money, so after she left, things became, let's say, tricky.
    PAUL
    I can relate.
    KONRAD
    It's really quite wonderful to be small, don't you think?
    PAUL
    I'd say it has its pluses and minuses.
    KONRAD
    I am here in your city about once a year, always with Dusan. Next week I will be in the Seychelles, and two weeks after that I'll meet friends for a month of sailing on Lake Titicaca. Can you believe I've never been to Lake Titicaca?
    PAUL
    Wait, how do you get your boat from place to place? You can't sail it.
    KONRAD
    Fed-Ex, my boy. Sonja travels faster than I do.

INT. SITTING ROOM/BILLIARD AREA - NIGHT
    Paul wanders around the party, an amiable smile on his face. He moseys into another room, where a handsome YOUNG MAN holds court. A small group of party-goers surround him, hanging onto his every word and laughing at his jokes. Paul joins them, standing at the back.
    PAUL
    (to a guy)
    Who is that?
    GUY
    Who's that? That's Little Ronni.
    PAUL
    Little Ronni?
    GUY
    The first small baby ever born. You know, back in Norway.
    PAUL
    Little Ronni? Holy shit. That's Little Ronni?
    Paul gathers his courage and makes his way over to Ronni.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry to interrupt, but are you really Little Ronni?
    LITTLE RONNI
    Well, maybe not so little anymore, but yes, that's me.
    PAUL
    Wow. Would you mind if I got a picture?
    Paul holds out his phone for a selfie. Little Ronni gamely puts an arm around Paul and pulls him hard into his chest. Big smiles.

INT. INDOOR SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT
    Paul wanders down the steps toward the pool area, where revelers DANCE. There he watches Dusan dancing with complete abandon, king of the party, sandwiched between Mariette, whom he kisses open-mouthed, and another woman. Paul is approached by a hippie-ish YOUNG WOMAN, like one might meet at a jam-band concert. Paul returns her enigmatic smile. She hugs him and whispers in his ear.
    PAUL
    (above the music)
    Thanks. So are you.
    The woman begins dancing. Paul gamely joins in.
    PAUL
    I'm Paul. I live downstairs.
    She removes a pill from a tiny case and offers it to him.
    PAUL
    What is it?
    She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
    PAUL
    I need to know what it is. Allergies.
    She places the pill on her extended tongue, sweetening the offer. Paul demurs. She shrugs and turns away.
    PAUL
    Wait.
    Paul turns her around and kisses her, sucking her tongue and the pill deeply into his mouth. He assumes there's more fun in store, but she just nods approvingly, strokes his cheek and dances away.

INT. DUSAN'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
    Locking the door, Paul sticks his finger down his throat in an unsuccessful attempt to induce vomiting.

INT. DUSAN'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
    A circle of people converse in Greek. Paul wanders by, eyes wide, smiling, just enjoying the sounds.
    PAUL
    (interrupting)
    I'm going to take off my shoes.

INT. INDOOR SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT
    Paul is peaking -- eyes shut, arms overhead, dancing to a rhythm only vaguely related to the music. Dusan wanders by.
    DUSAN
    Having a good time?
    PAUL
    I just realized... There's no reason to be unhappy. I mean, I'm here in Leisureland, but really I'm everywhere. I'm connected to everybody. Everything's... just the way it's supposed to be.
    PAUL'S DRUG-INDUCED POV -- streaked and vibrant. Dusan laughs, looking directly into camera.
    DUSAN
    Yes, baby! As long as the world is going to shit, let's make a little money and let's have a good time.
    (in Serbian)
    You're about to enter whole new world!
    FADE OUT.: UNDER BLACK -- The sound of a DOORBELL.

INT. DUSAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
    CLOSE on Paul passed out on the floor, wedged between a sofa and a coffee table. The doorbell rings again, startling him awake. PAUL'S POV -- Dusan's hairy legs stagger toward the door, stop short, then approach him.
    DUSAN (O.S.)
    Who is that? Who is down there?
    PAUL
    It's me, Paul.
    DUSAN (O.S.)
    Paul who? Who is Paul?
    PAUL
    From downstairs. You know, Paul.
    The doorbell again.
    DUSAN
    Enough with the fucking doorbell!
    He opens the door.
    WOMAN'S VOICE
    (unusual Asian accent)
    Good morning, Mr. Dusan. We come clean for you.
    Paul watches the legs of a small cleaning crew enter, his interest piqued by one person's crude PROSTHETIC FOOT.

INT. DUSAN'S KITCHEN - DAY
    Paul shuffles in to find Dusan rooting around.
    DUSAN
    Fucking hyenas ate everything. I am surprised there is even still water when I turn on the sink.
    Paul sits on a stool, and Dusan pours him coffee. From the next room comes the sound of vacuuming.
    DUSAN
    So you had fun last night, yes? You did not know you were so lucky to have exciting neighbor such as me.
    PAUL
    Never been to a party like that. So many Europeans. Did you know Little Ronni was here? I mean, he's historic.
    DUSAN
    And boring. Good looking dumb Norwegian guy goes around the world having sex with everybody -- women, men, hermaphrodites, dogs, goats, monkeys. He'll be the first small baby to die of syphilis. But yes, okay, historic.
    Glancing into the next room, Paul notices that the one-legged woman is the one steering the vacuum cleaner.
    PAUL
    Apparently he still lives in the original colony, you know, over in Norway. I've always wanted to see that.
    DUSAN
    It's all right.
    PAUL
    You've been there?
    DUSAN
    I go once or twice a year. Konrad, too. We make business there. Good business.
    PAUL
    Man, that really must be something to see. You can't even find pictures of it online.
    Dusan studies Paul.
    DUSAN
    Yes, my friend. The world is filled with things to see. I don't know you, Paul, but I like you. I like you very much. And my advice is to get out of your disgusting little fucking apartment and open your eyes. Don't be so American. Why you even are small if you live like that, like a rat in a cage? And that ugly woman.
    PAUL
    Kristen? She's not ugly.
    DUSAN
    Only your furniture is more ugly. You are nice guy, Paul, but little bit pathetic guy. You need help -- you know, how to think about life. Last night you dance and you laugh, but inside you cry.
    PAUL
    Hey, who are you to talk to me like that?
    DUSAN
    I am your neighbor, Dusan Mirkovic. And neighbors are friends. And friends tell friends the truth. Okay, maybe sometimes I'm a little bit asshole, but the world needs assholes. Otherwise where would shit come out?

INT. DUSAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
    Paul sits with Dusan on the sofa. Dusan smokes a cigar. At some point Konrad wanders by on his way to get coffee.
    DUSAN
    When I see big people becoming small, all the new small cities, I see opportunity. I ask myself, Dusan, why the people they become small? To help the environment? Please. They become small to have the things which until now were only for the rich, which, by the way, is the genius of the concept. So I say to my brother Srdjan -- I work with my brother. He's still big.
    (low)
    My wife, too, by the way.
    PAUL
    (also low)
    Your wife? How does that work?
    Dusan gives a quick, furtive "thumbs-up" sign accompanied by a satisfied nod.
    DUSAN
    So I say, why not bring very special items, luxury items, to the small consumer? The things no one else is thinking to bring?
    PAUL
    Such as?
    Dusan holds up his cigar.
    DUSAN
    Cohiba Espléndido. Cuba. The best cigar in the world. How much you pay for this when you are big?
    (Paul shrugs)
    Forty-five, fifty dollars. But when you are small, I will sell you this cigar for one dollar.
    PAUL
    Still seems like a lot. I mean, a pack of cigarettes is what, twenty cents, most of it tax?
    DUSAN
    Not if you remember paying fifty dollars for the same cigar. If now you pay only one dollar, you say, I am so happy to be small! And from one Cohiba, we make more than 2000 cigars. Okay, maybe the cigars are not actually made in Cuba. Maybe they are rolled by little Albanians in Podgorica, but who cares? And this is just the one thing. Also perfumes and colognes, wines Bordeaux and Burgundy, brandies and Port and Calvados, caviar, jamón ibérico, truffles. My brother and I are now in seven small cities. All around the world. Seven.
    PAUL
    Is all that legal?
    DUSAN
    Baby, this is Wild West time. Who has time to chase after some fucking Serbian guy five inches tall over a few cigars and some wine? And listen, Paul, anything you want, I can get for you. Anything, anytime.
    Again Paul notices with concern the one-legged cleaning woman as she hobbles upstairs on her way to another room.
    PAUL
    (rising)
    Excuse me a minute.

INT. DUSAN'S BATHROOM - DAY
    Paul appears in the doorway and finds the woman rummaging through Dusan's medicine cabinet and putting some items into her smock.
    PAUL
    Hello.
    She spins around, startled. We may recognize her from the news report -- Vietnamese dissident NGOC LAN TRAN. Her green cap reads "Jade Palace Cleansing Service."
    PAUL
    Can I talk to you for a minute?
    NGOC LAN
    These medicine too old. Too old. I clean, take away for you.
    (holding out a bottle)
    Na-pro-shien. What this do?
    PAUL
    Naproxen. That's an anti- inflammatory.
    (off her blank stare)
    It helps with pain and swelling.
    She pockets the bottle and picks up another.
    NGOC LAN
    And this one, what this one do?
    PAUL
    That's... Vicodin. That's also a pain killer, but it's, well, you want to be careful with that one.
    NGOC LAN
    (pocketing it)
    Pain killer? Pain killer good.
    PAUL
    You know, this isn't my apartment, and I know you're probably in a lot of pain, but I don't think you should be stealing pills.
    NGOC LAN
    I no steal. They too old, no good. Mr. Dusan, he say me okay I take away things. Pills for sick friend.
    (closing the cabinet)
    Okay, I finish now. Bathroom clean.
    She pushes past Paul, and he follows her into --

A144 INT. DUSAN'S SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS A144
    PAUL
    Well, whatever's wrong with your "friend," I see you have a really, really bad prosthetic foot. I'm sure it's causing pain in your right hip and knee, probably both knees. Lower back.
    NGOC LAN
    How you know these things? You doctor?
    PAUL
    I'm an occupational therapist. Wait a second. I know you. You're that -- Oh, my God, you're that woman from a couple years ago, the dissident. From Thailand or someplace. What's your name?
    NGOC LAN
    Tran Ngoc Lan. Vietnam.
    PAUL
    Yeah, right, I remember you lost your leg below the knee. That's you? Wow.
    (to Dusan and Konrad downstairs)
    Hey, Dusan, do you know who this is?
    DUSAN
    Yes, of course, the famous Ngoc Lan Tran. Dramatic escape from Vietnamese prison and almost died so that now she can clean my house. America, big land of opportunity!
    Dusan and Konrad share a big laugh.

INT. DUSAN'S DINING ROOM - DAY
    Ngoc Lan sits in a chair while Paul cups a kneecap and manipulates the foreleg, then repeats the process with the other leg. Dusan and Konrad watch, as do, from afar, the rest of the cleaning crew. Ngoc Lan submits to the exam but seems more interested in Paul himself than in what he's saying.
    PAUL
    Okay, I'm going to push down and you try to push up. Mm-hm. You've got some pretty severe asymmetrical muscle compensation.
    DUSAN
    Paul, you are full of surprises. You can do this but you work shit job answering phones?
    PAUL
    When I moved here, I didn't think I'd be working, so I let my license expire. And to get a license now in a different state... it's a boring story.
    NGOC LAN
    (to the other cleaners)
    Hey, you no look me! You work now. Trabajo! Trabajo!
    As they scatter, Paul places Ngoc Lan's hand on her own knee and moves her foreleg up and down.
    PAUL
    You feel that crunching? That's arthritis. It's already pretty bad.
    (releasing it)
    I hate to say it, but if you don't take care of it, pretty soon you're going to need a new knee. And that's just for starters. Maybe a new hip too. You should see a specialist as soon as you can and get a whole new foot.
    Ngoc Lan says nothing. Does she understand?
    PAUL
    In the meantime, I could make a few adjustments to your existing prosthetic and give you some pointers on how to walk better. I hate to see you suffer needlessly after all you've been through.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay, I finish work you come with me.
    PAUL
    Great. I'll just grab some tools and we can do it right here.
    NGOC LAN
    No. I say you before my friend sick, need pills. You come with me my house help her. You help her.
    This situation is getting confusing and weird.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. See, I can help you with this, but I'm not a doctor. Your friend, whatever's wrong with her, should go to a clinic or hospital.
    NGOC LAN
    Clinic no good! I take her clinic wait too long time. Stupid doctor say no help for her, no do nothing. He no good stupid doctor in big world, now he small. You come with me! You come with me now!
    Paul looks to Dusan for help, but Dusan just shrugs.

INT. GONDOLA - DAY
    Paul, now cleaned up, rides with Ngoc Lan in a crowded car. The other PASSENGERS, many in work uniforms, are mostly Latino.

EXT. GONDOLA STATION - DAY
    Ngoc Lan and Paul exit the station amid a flow of humanity.
    PAUL
    You live near here?
    NGOC LAN
    Still far.
    PAUL
    Maybe we should grab a car.
    NGOC LAN
    No car. This way.
    Ngoc Lan limps past him, pointing toward a shuttle stop where three BUSES are taking on passengers.

EXT. FAR SIDE OF LEISURELAND - DAY
    The bus drives away from central Leisureland and enters a very modest section of town -- smallish houses, LATINO CHILDREN playing in the streets.

INT. BUS - DAY
    Ngoc Lan and Paul have found a seat, but the aisle is packed. Buoyant RANCHERA MUSIC on the speakers contrasts with the weary faces of the passengers.
    PAUL
    If you don't mind my asking, you were so famous a couple years ago. Everybody was talking about you. I would've thought you'd be writing books and making speeches. I mean, how'd you wind up cleaning houses?
    NGOC LAN
    Need money for live. After TV box I stay hospital so long time, almost die. Then three host family, but too much problems. Leisureland peoples too selfish. Better I live only me, work job make money.
    PAUL
    But after all you've been through, I would have thought for sure Tony Dale would have been happy to --
    NGOC LAN
    Don't say me Tony Dale!
    (mocking)
    Tony Dale. Tony Dale.
    (a sudden tirade)
    Everybody say Tony Dale so nice guy, help people. I say he bad man, make Leisureland people selfish. I say you why Tony Dale still big? Be careful you ask him this. He no like this question. I ask him, he say me, "You go back Vietnam TV box, you talk like this." He say me, "I save your life my hospital, make you better, now why you make bad PR for me." He say me ungrateful. He say me selfish. He say me female dog!
    NGOC LAN
    Female dog okay Vietnamese, but female dog English very bad name call woman. Tony Dale.
    Paul nods politely at the outburst. Glancing outside, he notes that the bus is now passing through --

EXT. NO MAN'S LAND - DAY
    An area of undeveloped lots and fields. One entire square block has been removed, the resulting hole surrounded by safety barriers. NORMAL-SIZED MEN in hard hats work down below, only their heads visible above ground.

INT. BUS - DAY
    Paul now cranes his neck to look through the front windshield and discovers that the bus is headed directly toward THE WALL encircling Leisureland.

EXT. FAR SIDE OF LEISURELAND - DAY
    The bus disappears into the wall's shadow and heads toward a TUNNEL in the wall. Graffiti around the entrance has made it look like the pupil of a giant eye.

INT. BUS - DAY
    The bus motors through the darkness of the tunnel, finally emerging into the light.

EXT. WORKERS' CITY - DAY
    The bus comes to a stop, and Paul follows Ngoc Lan off. This is essentially a BORDER TOWN. Here the protective overhead netting hangs much lower and is poorly maintained -- Paul notices the sagging weight of a BIRD CARCASS. As Ngoc Lan leads him, he continues to take in a world he had no idea existed. Most imposing is the sight of -- NORMAL-SIZED TRAILERS of the sort used for portable classrooms or construction offices. Here they've been re-purposed into apartment buildings, with rows of tiny windows and crisscrossed bootleg wiring. Ngoc Lan leads Paul up the entrance ramp to one particular trailer named ALONDRA, dodging Spanish-speaking CHILDREN tobogganing past on normal-size bottle caps.

INT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - DAY
    Stepping inside, Paul pauses to absorb the extraordinary interior view. Like inside an Embassy Suites or a high- security prison, walkways on every floor surround an ATRIUM. On the ground floor, RESIDENTS watch a 26" television, which in this context rises three stories tall. The sound of a garish Spanish-language program echoes throughout. Ngoc Lan heads toward a staircase and begins to climb, her speed impressive.
    PAUL
    (catching up)
    Can I ask how high we're going?
    NGOC LAN
    Seven floor.
    PAUL
    Isn't there an elevator?
    NGOC LAN
    Elevator broken. You walk with me.

INT. ALONDRA SEVENTH FLOOR - DAY
    Paul arrives out of breath, but Ngoc Lan seems fine. As they proceed down the walkway, Paul and Ngoc Lan navigate around chatting NEIGHBORS and CHILDREN at play. Murals and graffiti adorn the walls, and the rickety railings are reinforced with dental floss.

INT. NGOC LAN'S APARTMENT - DAY
    Ngoc Lan and Paul enter this tiny apartment decorated with improvised furnishings -- a table made from a spray can lid, chairs carved out of champagne corks, curtains fashioned from old handkerchiefs. Most striking are the images of BUTTERFLIES cut from normal- size magazines used to cover the walls. Ngoc Lan pulls back a curtain to reveal GLADYS, a barely conscious Salvadoran woman lying on a piece of foam.
    NGOC LAN
    This lady Gladys. Gladys my friend. She very sick.
    (loudly)
    Gladys, how you feel? ¿Cómo está? ¿Cómo está? I bring food for you. I bring doctor. This man doctor. Hombre médico. Médico.
    Gladys offers Paul a weak, hopeful smile.
    NGOC LAN
    This lady Gladys alone, no have nobody. Husband die Mexico when they make small. Stupid people forget take out gold from teeth, head explode.
    PAUL
    What?
    NGOC LAN
    Husband head explode. Head explode. From teeth. She come here alone, no money. I meet her she work maid first host family, rich Leisureland people. Now she sick, no more work.
    (pointing)
    Okay you take care for her.
    As Ngoc Lan goes to fill a pail from a crude faucet, Paul has a wave of panic and pulls her aside.
    PAUL
    I can't do anything for her. That woman is really sick. She looks like she might die.
    NGOC LAN
    Oh yes she die soon. Cancer. Cancer all over stomach. I be with her die. Most bad thing die alone.
    Ngoc Lan kneels at Gladys's side and gives her water.
    NGOC LAN
    (loud whisper)
    Come on, be like doctor. Make her feel good.
    (to Gladys)
    Hombre médico.
    Paul draws a deep breath and assumes the role he's been asked to play, squatting down and dredging up his medical Spanish.
    PAUL
    Hola, señora. ¿Dónde le duele?
    GLADYS
    Ay, doctor, me duele todo, todo. Ya no me queda mucho tiempo en esta vida.
    Ngoc Lan reaches into her sack and begins placing bottle after bottle of drugs onto a table.
    NGOC LAN
    Which pill good for her? How much she take?
    PAUL
    I have no idea.
    NGOC LAN
    But you know things. One, two, five, what? Which one most strong?
    PAUL
    That one. Percocet.
    NGOC LAN
    (opening it)
    Yes, Percocet. Very good for pain.
    PAUL
    Try two.
    NGOC LAN
    Two? This lady very sick. Pills old. Give four.
    Paul helps her administer the pills.
    PAUL
    These are for the pain.
    GLADYS
    Gracias, doctor.
    PAUL
    You rest now.
    Gladys closes her eyes.
    PAUL
    Have you been moving her around? You know, like every few hours? You don't want her to get bed sores.
    Ngoc Lan shakes her head.
    PAUL
    Here. Let's move her.
    He instructs Ngoc Lan with gestures, and they begin to roll Gladys onto her side.
    NGOC LAN
    See? You know things.
    LATER -- Gladys now lies in a narcotized state.
    NGOC LAN
    Thank you Mr. Dusan friend. You help Gladys good.
    PAUL
    Now let's make those adjustments for you.
    (reaching for his tools)
    I'll just need you to remove your foot.
    NGOC LAN
    Not now. I very tired. You go away. I stay with Gladys. You go away now.
    With no further ceremony, Ngoc Lan goes and busies herself in the kitchen.
    PAUL
    Well. Some other time, I guess. I just don't know when I'm going to see you again.
    NGOC LAN
    You come Thursday, okay? Thursday morning you fix leg. You come ten o'clock.
    At a loss, Paul opens the front door.
    PAUL
    My name's Paul, by the way. Paul Safranek.
    Ngoc Lan glances up and gives a little nod. Paul takes a last look at this strange creature, then leaves.

EXT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - NIGHT
    It's dark now. As Paul exits the building, his attention is drawn by whooping and shouting. A jubilant GROUP OF MEN have just rolled up a normal-sized can of TECATE BEER. On the count of "Uno, dos, tres," they hoist it up and begin to spin it and shake it. Finally, they drop it on the ground, and with practiced ease one of them punctures the can with a screwdriver, sending a geyser of beer high into the air. They roll the can this way and that to guide the spray into their mouths. Others laugh as they are hosed down with beer. Paul watches, wistful at the spectacle of this simple pleasure.

INT. TOLL-FREE CALL CENTER - DAY
    Paul squints at his monitor, painfully aware of the senselessness of his job.
    PAUL
    Let's see. Extra Large is still available in glacier, pebble, tulip, cayenne, moss and aubergine.
    WOMAN (ON PHONE)
    Cayenne, is that like red?
    PAUL
    More of a brownish red. Like brick.
    WOMAN (ON PHONE)
    I don't like brick. Do you think moss is pretty?
    PAUL
    You know, I don't know, lady. Could you please just pick a color?
    WOMAN (ON PHONE)
    Don't be short with me.
    PAUL
    What did you say?
    WOMAN (ON PHONE)
    Oooh, I see. You're small. You're one of those disgusting little small people.
    PAUL
    That's right. And you're extra large.
    Paul tosses his headset on his desk and walks away.

INT. ALONDRA SEVENTH FLOOR - DAY
    Carrying a small canvas bag, Paul knocks on Ngoc Lan's door. Soon Ngoc Lan opens it and invites Paul in.

INT. NGOC LAN'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
    Upon entering Paul notices that Gladys is gone.
    PAUL
    Where's Gladys?
    NGOC LAN
    She die.
    PAUL
    Oh, no. I'm so sorry.
    NGOC LAN
    I think maybe I give her too much pills. Anyway, she die very happy smiling.
    Appalled, Paul musters a strained smile. Ngoc Lan sits and loosens her leg.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay, you fix my foot quick. You do quick. One hour. Must clean house soon.
    PAUL
    I can't exactly fix it, but I can make a few adjustments, and I can give you some pointers on how to walk better. It's a process. And I think I found the right orthopedist for you.
    Ngoc Lan slides the prosthesis off and hands it over. LATER -- Paul works on the crudely constructed foot, pushing and pulling on the hinges and springs. Now on CRUTCHES, Ngoc Lan manages to bring him a cup of tea.
    PAUL
    Oh, thank you. Very nice.
    NGOC LAN
    You finish soon okay? I very busy. Go work soon.
    PAUL
    I'm getting there.
    Ngoc Lan sits.
    PAUL
    I guess you like butterflies.
    (pointing at the walls)
    Butterflies.
    NGOC LAN
    Yes I like very much. When I little girl my father she take with my sister see butterfly. Near my village they come live trees. You know, fly from cold place to hot place every year. Live trees near village then go away come back.
    PAUL
    Oh, migrating butterflies. Sounds beautiful.
    NGOC LAN
    Yes so many butterfly in tree very beautiful. I no forget. So many color.
    PAUL
    How do you say butterfly in Vietnamese?
    NGOC LAN
    Con bu'ó'm.
    PAUL
    Kon booyem.
    NGOC LAN
    (amused)
    Con bu'ó'm.
    PAUL
    You must miss your village.
    NGOC LAN
    No more village. Government make people go away put water all over village, all over everywhere. Too much water.
    PAUL
    Too much water?
    NGOC LAN
    Big water make electricity.
    PAUL
    A dam.
    NGOC LAN
    Yes, dam. They make dam. Many villages no more. This why I go prison. Me my sister make big protest.
    PAUL
    Huh. What happened to your sister?
    NGOC LAN
    She die prison. Too much cold. Chest fill up bad. She die.
    A solemn moment passes. Then Paul applies extra force to a stubborn coupling and -- KKRCH! -- the joint pops apart and the entire prosthetic collapses in his hands.
    NGOC LAN
    What happen?
    Paul tries awkwardly to shield the broken foot from view.
    PAUL
    Nothing, I think I just --
    A spring and a bolt or two drop noisily onto the floor.

INT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - DAY
    Paul carries Ngoc Lan piggy-back down the stairs. She clutches her crutches.
    NGOC LAN
    You stupid man! You say help me. This no help! You break my foot!
    PAUL
    You're just lucky it didn't fail while you were walking down these stairs. You could've broken your neck!
    NGOC LAN
    Many people depend for me! I okay before, walk around good. Even I forget I have no foot. Now you come, make my life more harder!
    PAUL
    You needed a new foot anyway. We're going to get you a good one. Is that so hard to understand? Jesus!
    NGOC LAN
    No say Jesus bad way!
    PAUL
    Now I'm supposed to watch my language? What am I, twelve? You're worse than my mother.
    NGOC LAN
    I feel sorry for your mother! I sure she suffer too much for your fault.

INT. LUXURIOUS HOUSE LIVING ROOM - DAY
    CLOSE on a vacuum cleaner. WIDE -- Paul is the one guiding it, now wearing a "Jade Palace Cleansing Service" cap. Ngoc Lan sits nearby.
    NGOC LAN
    No do so fast! Vacuum cleaner need time same direction clean good.
    He shoots her a resentful glance, then notices other CREW MEMBERS whispering to each other and laughing.

INT. LUXURIOUS HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY
    Paul cleans the stove. Ngoc Lan sits on a chair helping the LADY OF THE HOUSE go through the refrigerator as they pull out leftovers and stack them in a box.
    LADY OF THE HOUSE
    And you can take this -- that's turkey casserole from a couple days ago. These avocados are a bit soft, but --
    NGOC LAN
    Thank you, yes. I take all these.
    LADY OF THE HOUSE
    (a Tupperware container)
    I think this one's leftover pasta. It might be a little too old.
    Ngoc Lan peels open the lid and peers inside.
    NGOC LAN
    In prison we die for such food.

EXT. T.G.I. FRIDAYS - DAY
    Ngoc Lan waits in a car outside this downsized version of the familiar franchise. Accompanied by the manager ROGER, Paul exits the front door and heads toward the car. Both carry take-out food containers. Paul opens the trunk.
    ROGER
    (to Ngoc Lan)
    Not too many leftover entrées today, but I threw in lots of baked potato soup.
    NGOC LAN
    Thank you, Roger.
    ROGER
    Finally got yourself a helper, huh, Ngoc Lan?
    NGOC LAN
    This Paul. He break my foot.
    ROGER
    How'd you manage that, buddy?
    NGOC LAN
    He stupid.
    PAUL
    Long story. We're sorting it out.

INT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS LOBBY - NIGHT
    Ngoc Lan threads her way on crutches through TV VIEWERS in the atrium. Some call out warm greetings. Paul follows with trays of left-over food. They reach SEÑOR CARDENAS, a frail old man dozing in a wheelchair. Ngoc Lan gives him a gentle nudge.
    NGOC LAN
    Hola, Señor Cárdenas. ¿Hambre?
    SEÑOR CÁRDENAS
    Ay, sí, chinita. Gracias.
    She places food from Paul's stack on the old man's lap.
    SEÑOR CÁRDENAS
    God will repay you.
    NGOC LAN
    How's your lung? How's your lung?
    SEÑOR CARDENAS
    A little better today, gracias.
    Ngoc Lan nods approvingly.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay over here next. This way.

INT. ANOTHER APARTMENT - NIGHT
    A MOTHER lifts her nine-year-old SON's shirt to reveal red circles on his chest and back. The woman's HUSBAND looks on. Ngoc Lan looks to Paul for a verdict.
    PAUL
    Ouch. Okay. That looks painful. Mucho dolor, verdad?
    SON
    Sí.
    MOTHER
    I give him baths and scrub him and put herbs, but nothing helps.
    PAUL
    I bet that's ringworm. I don't know how to say that in Spanish.
    (thinking)
    Ringworm's a fungus, so... No baño. No baño. No agua. Seco. Seco.
    (to Ngoc Lan)
    Maybe I can find something at the drugstore and bring it for him tomorrow.
    NGOC LAN
    Yes, you bring.
    (to the woman)
    Mañana medicina.
    PAUL
    Mañana medicina.

INT. ALONDRA SECOND-FLOOR CORRIDOR - NIGHT
    Ngoc Lan and Paul stand at an open door, distributing the last of the food to unseen recipients.
    PAUL
    That's it, right? Ready to go home?
    NGOC LAN
    Now we go church pray Jesus.

INT. PENTECOSTALIST CHURCH - NIGHT
    PARISHIONERS sing a hymn. Some shake tambourines. Trying to be a good sport, Paul stands next to Ngoc Lan, but he has never been more out of his element.
    HYMN (V.O.)
    Jesucristo es el Señor. Jesucristo es el Señor...
    LATER -- The Spanish-speaking MINISTER shouts into a microphone, his words distorted by a cheap amp. The faithful sway back and forth, eyes closed, one hand raised, Ngoc Lan among them.

INT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - NIGHT
    Paul carries Ngoc Lan piggy-back upstairs.
    NGOC LAN
    You come back tomorrow morning pick me up. Eight o'clock.
    PAUL
    Yeah, okay. I'll be there.
    Paul loses his balance for a moment.
    NGOC LAN
    Careful!
    PAUL
    I got you. Stop shifting around!
    DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DUSAN'S HALLWAY - DAY
    CLOSE on a door and the sound of a familiar doorbell.
    DUSAN (O.S.)
    Okay, okay! I'm coming!
    The door is opened by an unshaven, hungover Dusan, who looks into camera and dissolves into laughter. REVERSE ANGLE -- It's Ngoc Lan and her cleaning crew, among them a fully uniformed and humiliated Paul.
    NGOC LAN
    Good morning, Mr. Dusan. We come clean for you.

INT. DUSAN'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
    As the crew enter and disperse to clean up the post-party mess, we see that Ngoc Lan now sports a PEG LEG. Dusan puts his arm around Paul's shoulder.
    DUSAN
    Answering phones was not dignified enough for you, I see. Now you progress to cleaning toilets. I love you, Paul. I really love you. You are such a funny guy.
    PAUL
    Yeah. Hilarious.
    DUSAN
    Like I said, Paul, you are too much nice guy and little bit pathetic guy.
    PAUL
    Well, I broke her damn foot! What am I supposed to do?
    DUSAN
    This is absolutely fantastic.
    (yelling)
    DUSAN
    Konrad, Konrad! You must come see something! This is so fucking funny!
    PAUL
    It's just until she gets a new foot.
    DUSAN
    And how long will that be?
    PAUL
    I don't know. The doctor said a month, maybe six weeks.
    DUSAN
    That's an eternity.
    PAUL
    Meantime she's stuck with a peg leg, which is almost worse than nothing at all. She's waddling around like a goddamned pirate!
    NGOC LAN (O.S.)
    Paul! No talk with Mr. Dusan! You go upstairs with Verónica!
    Paul is trained to obey but hesitates under Dusan's gaze.
    NGOC LAN
    Paul!
    PAUL
    I heard you!
    As Paul trots off, Dusan doubles over.
    DUSAN
    Don't worry, Paul. Dusan will save you.

INT. DUSAN'S KITCHEN - DAY
    Ngoc Lan sorts through leftovers, muttering to herself.
    NGOC LAN
    This good... I take this...
    (smelling a box)
    Ooh, this throw away... This, I don't know what this is.
    Dusan and Konrad enter behind her.
    DUSAN
    Yes, please, Miss Tran, take everything. Mr. Konrad and I are leaving day after tomorrow and don't know when we will be back.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay good. Thank you.
    Dusan motions for Paul to join them.
    NGOC LAN
    Paul, Mr. Dusan say I take food. You go find big box.
    DUSAN
    Yes, in a minute. First there's something very important to discuss.
    NGOC LAN
    (turning around)
    Yes?

INT. DUSAN'S KITCHEN TABLE - DAY
    The four have gathered for a talk around the table.
    DUSAN
    Listen, here is the situation. I don't know exactly what, but something big -- very big -- is happening at the original small colony. You know, the one in Norway. They want me to go there right away with a very important delivery. Too complicated to explain. Top secret and very urgent. Most important they are offering us very big money.
    KONRAD
    Very big.
    DUSAN
    This means we need extra help to do this quickly and make them happy. And I'm sorry to say, we need the same excellent helper who is currently helping you.
    (pointing at Paul)
    Him.
    The room falls silent as Ngoc Lan lets this sink in.
    PAUL
    Yes, Ngoc Lan, I have to go to Norway with these guys.
    NGOC LAN
    So... you say... Paul go with you Norway?
    DUSAN
    Yes, that is the situation. Emergency situation.
    KONRAD
    And deeply humanitarian.
    Instead of arguing, Ngoc Lan remains subdued.
    NGOC LAN
    Paul, you want go Mr. Dusan Norway?
    PAUL
    That's what I just said. I mean, look, Ngoc Lan, I'll still be able to help one-hundred-percent when I get home and when you get your new foot, and --
    NGOC LAN
    You leave Wednesday?
    PAUL
    Yes.
    NGOC LAN
    And how long you go?
    Paul looks to the men for help.
    KONRAD
    At least ten days. Maybe more.
    Ngoc Lan performs mental calculations, then smiles.
    NGOC LAN
    Yes, okay, Norway. I go Norway too.
    DUSAN
    No, no, no, not you. Only Paul.
    NGOC LAN
    I go Norway too. Paul, you help me during trip.
    DUSAN
    But you're very busy here with humanitarian activities of your own. And your cleaning business.
    NGOC LAN
    Verónica and other ladies know every place. They do for me, I pay them good. No problem I go.
    (cheery now)
    Norway colony peoples invite me so many time but I never go. Feel so, so guilty. They so nice peoples.
    DUSAN
    What? Who invited you?
    NGOC LAN
    When I hospital so long time after TV box, people all over world send me happy card, flower, candy, make me feel good. So many letter. One letter very special I never forget. From Jorgen Asbjørnsen.
    Tears well up in her eyes. The men exchange panicked looks.
    NGOC LAN
    Dr. Asbjørnsen she write me say he feel so, so bad I suffer for his fault. He say he painful, he never think make small so bad for people. Dr. Asbjørnsen letter make me feel so better. I write letter too, say now first time I proud be small. So good man. He say me make trip go Norway any day. But I too busy, always too busy. Now Jesus give me beautiful gift, go Norway. Thank you Mr. Dusan, thank you Mr. Konrad. Yes, yes, I go Norway. So happy.
    (crying)
    Thank you special time.

EXT. NORWEGIAN FJORD - DAY
    Stunning views of the lush valley of an ocean inlet. Radiant colors reflect off high, verdant cliffs. Konrad's yacht cruises up the fjord towing a barge loaded with cargo, including huge, normal-sized bottles of VODKA.

EXT. KONRAD'S YACHT - DAY
    Paul stands at the prow, the wind in his hair, Ngoc Lan beside him. Paul looks up at the wheel house, where Konrad is at the helm chatting with Dusan. Then he looks down at Ngoc Lan's PEG LEG. It's all so odd, so unexpected.

EXT. REAR DECK - SUNSET
    From a distance, we see Paul, Ngoc Lan, Dusan and Konrad dining together, enjoying the splendid view. Dusan clowns to the delight of the others, and Ngoc Lan seems unusually relaxed and happy.

INT. CABIN HALLWAY - NIGHT
    Paul helps Ngoc Lan down the steps to the sleeping area, and she opens the door to her cabin.
    NGOC LAN
    Good night, Paul. I'm sure you have very much work to do with Dusan Konrad. Very important job only you can do.
    PAUL
    Um, yeah. Well --
    NGOC LAN
    I know you no like cleaning. I too big boss, you try run away from me.
    PAUL
    No, no. That's not --
    NGOC LAN
    No good lie me. Jesus my friend. He always say me truth.
    Paul squints at her. Is she for real? Then Ngoc Lan laughs -- an endearing honk.
    PAUL
    Do you want help with your leg?
    NGOC LAN
    I take care myself. Good night, Paul.
    PAUL
    Good night. Sleep well.
    Paul watches her go, surprised by sudden pangs of longing.

INT. PAUL'S CABIN - NIGHT
    Paul awakens when the engine suddenly cuts, and the boat slows to a stop. Voices and footsteps follow. Paul rises to peer out his tiny porthole. In the moonlight he makes out a SKIFF pulling alongside the yacht and TWO NEW PASSENGERS helped off the skiff and onto the yacht.

EXT. KONRAD'S YACHT - DAY
    An unshaven Paul emerges onto the deck and is about to head to the wheelhouse when he notices -- NGOC LAN and an ELDERLY MAN AND WOMAN seated on the rear deck, conversing. The woman leans forward to clasp one of Ngoc Lan's hands in empathy and consolation. Paul makes his way astern.
    NGOC LAN
    Look, Paul. This Jorgen Asbjørnsen. And her wife.
    Upon meeting the Asbjørnsens again, we see that the years of stress have not been kind.
    PAUL
    Oh, my God. Jorgen Asbjørnsen. Hello. This is such an honor.
    NGOC LAN
    See, Paul? Jesus smile for me.
    (to the Asbjørnsens)
    I say Paul I want visit Norway only meet you.
    ANNE-HELENE
    I'm Anne-Helene. Please, sit. Join us. We're watching the world go by.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    You've no idea how terribly grief- stricken we were by Miss Tran's case.
    ANNE-HELENE
    Yes. Jorgen has lost so much sleep over all the abuses.
    (to Ngoc Lan)
    It's such a pleasure to meet you at last. I just can't tell you.
    A few moments of quiet as all take in the surroundings.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    It's humbling, no? Nature is such a patient sculptor -- grinding a tiny bit each day slowly, slowly for thousands of years to make such a supremely beautiful thing.
    (overcome with sadness)
    What a waste. What a dreadful waste.
    Dr. Asbjørnsen rises and shuffles away, muttering to himself in Norwegian.
    ANNE-HELENE
    You'll have to excuse Jorgen. These past few days have been especially hard. Such a big decision to make. And so quickly. Normally when we visit the Colony, we like to take the train and spend a few days in Narvik. But then the news came and, well, here we are, suddenly imposing on you. We scarcely had time to pack.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry, but what news?
    ANNE-HELENE
    Why, the methane release. In Antarctica. You must know about the methane.
    PAUL
    Sure... But that's not new, right? I mean --
    ANNE-HELENE
    New or old, it's the end. The end of everything.
    (rising)
    I'm sorry, I should check on Jorgen.

INT. GALLEY - DUSK
    All aboard have gathered for dinner around a table and listen intently to the great man in their midst.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    The Earth has already seen five major extinctions, and now there will be another. I didn't want to believe it, none of us did. But there we were in Helsinki, big and small -- climatologists, biologists, physicists, demographers, immunologists, 26 Nobel Prize winners among us. We built all the models, did all the math, and the conclusion was consistent. Homo Sapiens will soon vanish from the Earth. The only question is when. Some say 500 years. Some say sixty. Now with the terrible spike in methane release, it's out of our grasp. Regardless how the end will come -- unbreathable air, impotable water, incurable disease, environmental catastrophe, nuclear winter, likely a combination of them all -- relatively soon the Earth will indeed purge itself of human life, and God knows how many other species. It is now an actuarial certainty.
    His mind reeling, Paul looks at Ngoc Lan. She has been listening quietly, but tears flow down her face.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (pouring himself a drink)
    Not a very successful species, these Homo Sapiens, even with such great intelligence. Barely 200 thousand years. Alligator has survived 200 million years with a brain the size of a walnut.
    PAUL
    Do you really mean extinction? What about downsizing?
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Yeah, yeah, too little too late. Only 3% of the world has miniaturized. There simply isn't enough time. Yes, extinction is exactly the correct word.

EXT. DECK - DUSK
    Paul and Ngoc Lan lean against the railing, soothed by the stars and the wind.
    PAUL
    People have been predicting the end of the world for thousands of years, and now it's really happening. I guess somebody had to be right someday.
    NGOC LAN
    So sad. Very sad.
    They gaze at the moonlit landscape. The moment is ripe for love. Ngoc Lan looks at Paul, hoping he'll sense her need, but he seems oblivious, and she starts to walk away.
    NGOC LAN
    Sleep now. Good night, Paul.
    PAUL
    Good night, Ngoc Lan.
    Surprised by her abrupt departure, Paul watches her go. Then she pauses, emitting a barely audible grunt of pain.
    PAUL
    You okay?
    NGOC LAN
    I fine.
    PAUL
    Maybe I should take a look.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay. Yes. You look.

INT. NGOC LAN'S CABIN - NIGHT
    Ngoc Lan lies on the bed with one pant leg rolled up.
    PAUL
    Yeah, that peg's making the socket chafe a little.
    Paul squeezes lotion into his palm and begins to massage the tender skin of Ngoc Lan's stump.
    PAUL
    You know, if someone had told me five years ago that one day I'd be four inches tall, divorced, helping a famous Vietnamese dissident get a new foot, and cruising up a fjord in Norway discussing the end of the world with Jorgen Asbjørnsen, I would have said he was crazy.
    Paul notices she hasn't been listening. Her eyes are closed, and her head is tipped back. She moans slightly. Paul stops massaging. Ngoc Lan opens her eyes just enough to give him a look, then closes them again. Summoning his courage, he lies down next to her and plants his lips on hers. She's stiff and unresponsive, so he stops.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry. I thought... Jesus, I'm such an idiot.
    Ngoc Lan opens her eyes and gives Paul a look at once fierce and vulnerable.
    NGOC LAN
    No. Please. I want.
    Paul draws a deep breath, eases his way close again and gives her a few gentle kisses. Ever so slowly, she reciprocates. FADE OUT.: UNDER BLACK -- A STRANGE SOUND -- OOOOEEEEOOOOO.

EXT. KONRAD'S YACHT - MORNING
    Zipping up parkas as they emerge onto the deck, Ngoc Lan and Paul discover a different landscape. The walls of the fjord are narrower, the terrain even lusher.

INT. WHEEL HOUSE - MORNING
    As Paul and Ngoc Lan enter, Konrad and Dusan exchange a knowing look. There are no secrets on a boat. OOOEEEEOOOOOO!
    PAUL
    What's that sound?
    KONRAD
    A greeting.
    Konrad blasts the foghorn in response. When Ngoc Lan looks away, Dusan gives Paul a wink and makes a crude gesture. Paul responds with a glare that says, "Cool it."

EXT. ISLAND IN THE FJORD - MORNING
    A tiny BEARDED MAN in rustic clothing stands on a cliff blowing into a lacquered SNAIL SHELL. OOOEEEEOOOOOO!

EXT. PORT - DAY
    Motoring into a bay, the boat approaches a loading dock. A few downsized fishing boats are moored in the harbor, their prows carved into dragon heads as an homage to Viking heritage. No dwellings are in sight -- just the dock, two cargo cranes, and a road leading away from port. HORSE-DRAWN CARTS with DRIVERS await the yacht's arrival.

EXT. KONRAD'S YACHT - DAY
    Dusan stands with Paul and Ngoc Lan at the railing.

EXT. HILLSIDE ROAD - DAY
    Harnessed horses pull a wooden cart up a steep series of switchbacks. Paul, Ngoc Lan, Dusan and the Asbjørnsens ride together in back. In the distance below, cranes unload the yacht's cargo.

EXT. CART - DAY
    Ngoc Lan is staggered by the immediacy and immensity of nature from a small perspective -- trees tall as mountains, leaves broad as sails. Paul shares the feeling but even more delights in watching Ngoc Lan.
    NGOC LAN
    I think never in my life I will see some place so beautiful again.

EXT. HILLTOP - DAY
    The cart crests a hill and pauses to enjoy the remarkable view. A lush valley cradles a village surrounded by tiered fields. Near the village are larger, more modern buildings.
    ANNE-HELENE
    All this land -- everything you see -- belonged for centuries to the Edvardsen family. It was Nellie Edvardsen's granddaughter Solveig who arranged for us to use this place for our settlement.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Solveig will remind you of this many times.
    ANNE-HELENE
    Jorgen.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (with distaste)
    Solveig.
    PAUL
    So that's it. The colony. And that's the original dome. Wow.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    We use it now as a social hall and fitness center, but yes, this is where we started.
    ANNE-HELENE
    It was a wonderful time. Remember, Jorgen?
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (wistful)
    I remember.

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
    The cart passes through a gate and into the settlement, a marriage between a traditional Scandinavian village and a modern eco-commune. The residents' appearance suggests a life of communal values and harmony with nature -- long hair, sandals, beards, ruddy cheeks, rustic garments. ALL RACES are represented. There's a sense of urgency among the villagers as they bustle about, but they're not too busy to cheer the Asbjørnsens as they pass. The couple respond humbly with smiles and waves.
    CROWD
    Papa Jorgen! Mama Anne-Helene!

EXT. THE SHED - DAY
    The cart stops near a large, weathered SHED built into the side of a hill. A small welcoming party of SCIENTISTS and ENGINEERS greet the new arrivals.
    SOLVEIG (O.S.)
    Jorgen, Anne-Helene! Oh, thank God you've arrived! Why didn't anyone tell me?
    All turn to see SOLVEIG EDVARDSEN running toward them. A plus- sized Norwegian woman in her 60s, she's hiking up the hem of her long, flowing garments to avoid the mud.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (smiling stiffly)
    Solveig.
    Solveig makes a big show of embracing the Asbjørnsens, drawing them into her ample bosom.
    SOLVEIG
    I love you. I love you both so much. Ever since the decision, I didn't feel right without you here. And you know how I am when I worry. I can't eat. I can't sleep. Ask anyone here, they'll tell you. My stomach has been so upset, like I want to throw up all the time, but can't. And I've had an awful headache that just won't go away. I know you know about my headaches. I love you so much. Thank God you're here -- I feel so much better now, like a big release.
    A FELLOW SCIENTIST comes to the rescue.
    FELLOW SCIENTIST
    Sorry to interrupt, Jorgen, but we need your advice immediately.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Yes, yes. Excuse us, Solveig.
    SOLVEIG
    Of course, darling. You've got important things to do. I love you. You're a genius.
    ANNE-HELENE
    (heading away too)
    You look wonderful, Solveig.
    SOLVEIG
    Really? I do? You really think so?
    ANNE-HELENE
    Wonderful.
    SOLVEIG
    (grateful)
    Oh, honey.
    Unplugged from the attention she craves, Solveig latches onto the other new arrivals.
    SOLVEIG
    Dusan, Dusan, dear Dusan. Bless you for coming so quickly. I love you.
    DUSAN
    (kissing her cheeks)
    Solveig, my darling, I am always happy to help -- in difficult times, in easy times, in happy times. Is always a pleasure to visit you and your lovely village.
    SOLVEIG
    It is lovely, isn't it? I can't bear to think I won't see it again.
    (to Paul and Ngoc Lan)
    You know, I'm the one who made this colony possible in the first place. I've been coming since I was just a baby. Papa used to fly us here every summer in his float plane. I remember one time --
    (to Paul)
    Wait. I know you.
    PAUL
    Me?
    SOLVEIG
    (gripping his arm)
    I'm sure of it.
    SOLVEIG
    You were in my dream last night. I was a little girl, and I was afraid and lonely, but there you were, walking beside me.
    PAUL
    Are you sure it was me? Because we've never --
    SOLVEIG
    You were a horse or a pony -- something very strong -- and I instantly felt better. Then I mounted you and rode you through a dangerous forest. And here you are. Right before we leave. Another miracle. You are coming with us, aren't you?
    DUSAN
    (jumping in)
    Solveig, darling, listen, we love you, but my friends and I are just here for the delivery, and then we must go home.
    SOLVEIG
    That's really so sad. We'd love it if you'd join us.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry, did you say you're leaving?
    SOLVEIG
    Oh. Yes. All of us. Didn't anyone tell you?
    PAUL
    Where are you going?
    Solveig points at the shed -- isn't it obvious?
    SOLVEIG
    In there. Would you like to see?
    (leading them, to Dusan)
    You did remember my hand cream, didn't you? I couldn't survive without it.

INT. THE SHED - DAY
    Solveig escorts the group inside. To Paul and Ngoc Lan's surprise, they find that the rustic shelter conceals the entrance to -- A LARGE TUNNEL, disappearing into the mountain like a mine shaft.
    NGOC LAN
    Where it go?
    SOLVEIG
    To China!
    (giggling)
    I'm sorry, forgive me. Sometimes I'm so silly. No, to the vault.
    PAUL
    The vault?
    SOLVEIG
    Oh, yes. We've been working on it almost since the very beginning. Actually, not many people know this, but it was my idea
    DUSAN
    Of course it was. You're always thinking ahead.
    SOLVEIG
    When Jorgen made his big discovery, I said, look, Jorgen, you're a genius, and downsizing is a genius idea. No one's questioning that. No one. But what if people don't accept it? What if it doesn't catch on in time? Look at me -- you know, it took me years before I did it. I had to sell my antiques and find homes for my cats. They're very old and one of them is diabetic, needs two shots every day. It was a complete nightmare. Anyway, this is what they came up with. On my suggestion.
    Solveig leads Ngoc Lan and Paul toward TORVALD, an engineer seated at a control panel.
    SOLVEIG
    Torvald, be a sweetheart and give our friends a little tour.
    TORVALD
    The tunnel leads to a vault 1.6 kilometers inside the Earth's lithosphere and encased in a double layer of Inconel 625.
    Torvald points at an array of MONITORS displaying high-angle views of streets, homes, farms and pastures.
    TORVALD
    In addition to maintaining a broad spectrum of biodiversity, the vault is equipped with fields for growing foods, forests for lumber, livestock for animal husbandry. The residential areas are spacious and easily expandable to provide for future generations.
    PAUL
    Wait, that's not underground.
    SOLVEIG
    Of course it is! Our new size makes it possible. Otherwise we never could have dreamed of preserving so much of the world in a single safe place.
    PAUL
    This is brilliant.
    (to Ngoc Lan)
    Isn't this brilliant? Like Noah's Ark.
    SOLVEIG
    That's exactly what I told Jorgen. It's Noah's Ark!
    PAUL
    What kind of power are you using, nuclear?
    TORVALD
    No, no, 100% geothermal. Interoperable organic systems manage production of artificial sunlight, oxygen, CO2 elimination, water purification, and so forth.
    As Paul soaks everything up, Ngoc Lan takes his hand.
    PAUL
    So how long will you stay down there?
    SOLVEIG
    What is it, Torvald? Eight thousand years?
    TORVALD
    (lips pursed)
    Something like that. Until the surface environment stabilizes.

INT. COMMUNITY DINING HALL - NIGHT
    All the villagers -- perhaps 250 -- dine together at long wooden tables. Tonight the atmosphere is electric. Paul and Ngoc Lan sit near the Asbjørnsens and other SCIENTISTS who, between chews, dispassionately explain the project at hand. Konrad and Dusan sit nearby.
    ONE SCIENTIST
    You know, it's not unprecedented what we are doing. Less than a hundred thousand years ago humans experienced a near-extinction. Maybe 2,000 survived. And from that handful came all the billions of people you see today.
    ANOTHER SCIENTIST
    Rebooting the species. Nothing new.
    Glasses clink. Dr. Asbjørnsen rises. Never a comfortable public speaker, he scans the faces turned his way.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    My friends. Many years ago, when we discovered cellular miniaturization, the world which had seemed so doomed felt suddenly so full of possibilities. We knew we had found the portal to the next stage of man's evolution. So until very recently, I maintained hope that the contingency plan we embark upon tomorrow could remain simply that -- a plan.
    He pauses, reigning in his emotions.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    But history has spoken, and this is our final dinner in the place we've called home for so many years. And here, on this beautiful little island --
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (noticing Solveig's look)
    -- this island which Solveig Edvardsen had the vision and generosity to provide us...
    Solveig nods proudly.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    ...the very survival of mankind rests in our hands. Yes, we are sad to leave, and terribly sad for the reasons why, but man is too beautiful, too improbable a life form to be allowed to disappear forever from the cosmos.
    (Norwegian)
    It is no shame to look into the warm spring sun and regret a lost limb.
    The Norwegians present nod and murmur in agreement. Someone uses the moment to hand Asbjørnsen a note.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Ah, yes. The kitchen staff wishes to remind everyone that after you scrape your plates, you should place them in the stacking carts, not the dish washing belts.
    (clearing his throat)
    Now then, I would like to ask the surviving members of the original colony to stand.
    Twenty people solemnly rise. Most are in their fifties or older, but among them we recognize one handsome young man.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Look at him -- Little Ronni, how he's grown.
    As Ronni smiles, we note a herpes sore on his upper lip.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    (addressing the originals)
    I ask you again as I asked you so many years ago. Generations to come - - perhaps all of humanity -- will thank you for your bravery and commitment. But you must ask yourself whether you are truly ready to enter a new world. For there will be no turning back. Are you ready?
    LITTLE RONNI
    I am ready!
    ORIGINAL COLONY MEMBERS
    Yes! I am ready! Yes!
    Tears and embraces throughout the room.
    DR. ASBJØRNSEN
    Is everyone ready?
    Shouts of "I am ready!" coalesce into an ebullient group chant of "We are ready." Konrad, Ngoc Lan and Dusan are moved to witness these momentous proceedings, but Paul's reaction is even more profound. Something deep inside him is awakening.

EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
    Residents throw furniture into a BONFIRE. Drunken men sing Viking songs. A hypnotic drum beat inspires dancing.
    DUSAN
    Konrad, what do you think? Is the end of civilization really coming so soon?
    KONRAD
    Look here. My uncle used to say he was born during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then outlived both the Third Reich and Communism, all three of which were supposed to last forever. In the 1930s they discovered a pyramid in Egypt -- a pyramid! -- when a camel stubbed its toe. How does one lose a pyramid? Or look up at the sky. So many of those bright, bright stars went dark before humans even existed -- we just don't know it yet. All things come to an end. Why shouldn't we? But look at the positive side -- if our world really is coming to an end, it's fascinating to be watching.

EXT. HILLSIDE ABOVE VILLAGE - NIGHT
    Paul sits alone, deep in thought, looking down at the tunnel entrance. The shed has been dismantled, and work lights illuminate a parade of carts heading inside loaded with supplies. Ngoc Lan approaches, struggling up the hill.
    NGOC LAN
    Where you go? I look many place for you.
    PAUL
    I've been here.
    NGOC LAN
    (sitting)
    I talk with Dusan, he say fat lady pay, he ready go back. I happy for that. Too long time away from Señor Cárdenas and Mrs. López. I worry too much for them.
    PAUL
    Ngoc Lan, you can't just be worried about a few little people thousands of miles away. You have to look at the big picture.
    NGOC LAN
    Why you say like this?
    PAUL
    Because Mr. Cárdenas, Mrs. López, they don't stand a chance, none of us do!
    (gesturing)
    All of this -- it's over. Can't you see what's going on? This is a defining moment in human history. More than that -- in the history of the universe. And for some reason you and I are here.
    NGOC LAN
    You want go with them.
    PAUL
    And I want you to come with me.
    NGOC LAN
    You crazy man! Always I know you stupid. Now I see you crazy too.
    PAUL
    How am I crazy? You heard them. This is the only chance for the survival of our species -- that's huge! You want to help people? These are the people you should be helping. The future of humanity is down that hole!
    NGOC LAN
    Who you help down there? People here needs help, not down stupid hole!

EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
    Ngoc Lan pulls Paul by the hand toward Dusan and Konrad, by now quite drunk.
    NGOC LAN
    Dusan, Konrad, talk to crazy Paul. He say he want go down hole, me go with him.
    DUSAN
    Paul, Paul, Paul, Paul... Why would you do such a silly thing?
    PAUL
    Why not?
    DUSAN
    Because you will live the rest of your life in a hole in the ground. Like a worm.
    PAUL
    These people are saving the human race, and I want to help.
    DUSAN
    Okay, fine, you want to help. Then do what I did -- give them a semen sample.
    KONRAD
    I did, too. That's a much more pleasant way to help.
    PAUL
    If I'm not supposed to be a part of this thing, then why am I here? I look at my life and I... I'm a nobody.
    PAUL
    But now I connect the dots and see it's all been leading me here. Why didn't I become a doctor? Why did I downsize? Why did my wife abandon me? Dusan, how did you just happen to be my neighbor? Ngoc Lan, why were you the only one to survive that box and just happen to be cleaning Dusan's place that day? And if you hadn't lost your leg, I wouldn't have tried to help you -- which, as usual, I screwed up. And why did I screw up? So I could wind up here at exactly the right time to go into that tunnel! I finally have the chance to do something that matters.
    DUSAN
    Paul, come on, you really are talking crazy. These people, they're wonderful, but --
    KONRAD
    It's like a cult.
    DUSAN
    It's like a cult. And the extinction's not happening for, you know, maybe few hundred years. Has nothing to do with you. Forget it. Have a drink. Besides, you think they won't behave as people always behave? They're all going to go insane down there and kill each other. They will go extinct long before we do.
    Paul searches the faces of his three friends, seeing them as both allies and enemies. Then he turns and marches off into the night. Ngoc Lan watches him go, her heart breaking.
    DUSAN
    Don't worry, darling. He said it himself. Nothing he ever wants to do works out.

EXT. FIELD OUTSIDE VILLAGE - DAY
    The Bacchanal continues on a beautiful, sunny day. Around a pond, villagers sunbathe, picnic and skinny dip. Others siphon vodka from a bottle lying on its side. Now dressed in "native" loose-fitting clothes and clogs, Paul dances with a group near the drum circle. Ngoc Lan approaches shyly, stopping a few feet away. Paul notices and heads over.
    PAUL
    Beautiful day, huh? Knowing it's the last time I'll see the real sun makes it so... vibrant.
    NGOC LAN
    I ask you question. You say me truth. Okay?
    (he nods)
    Other night on boat... what kind of fuck you give me?
    PAUL
    What?
    NGOC LAN
    What kind of fuck you give me?
    PAUL
    What kind? I don't... I have no idea what you're talking about.
    NGOC LAN
    American peoples, eight kind of fuck.
    (counting on fingers)
    Love fuck, hate fuck, sex-only fuck, break-up fuck, make-up fuck, buddy fuck, drunk fuck, pity fuck.
    PAUL
    Look, I don't know where you heard that, but --
    NGOC LAN
    Third host family.
    PAUL
    That's just stupid. There's a whole spectrum of... emotions and... motivations. And you shouldn't say "fuck." It's vulgar. Say "make love" or something. I don't know.
    NGOC LAN
    So... was love fuck?
    PAUL
    No, I mean... What's this all about?
    NGOC LAN
    You look for me, you want help me, you make fuck with me, now you go down stupid hole. So I try to think what kind fuck you give me. I think maybe pity fuck. For leg.
    PAUL
    No, no, Ngoc Lan, I care about you deeply. You are an extraordinary human being, and I admire you so much. More than anything I want you to come with me.
    NGOC LAN
    Peoples always say me I strong. Okay, maybe Vietnam I organize many protest, survive two year prison and punish me make small. I only person survive TV box, everybody die. I walk around no foot, take care for other peoples. But I woman. Feelings.
    PAUL
    I'm sorry. I really am. It's so easy for me to see who you are. But if I don't do this, who am I? I mean, really. Who am I?
    NGOC LAN
    You Paul Safranek. You good man.
    VILLAGERS (O.S.)
    Look! Look!
    BUTTERFLIES, big as kites, flutter overhead.
    PAUL
    Look, Ngoc Lan! Butterflies! Kon booyem! Kon booyem!
    Even this miraculous sight cannot lift her sadness. LATER -- The villagers have amassed to watch the SUNSET. No one moves. No one speaks. A WOMAN atop a rock sings a haunting Viking song of farewell. SOLEMN FACES, many streaked by tears, are lit by the golden setting sun. Among them we see the Asbjørnsens standing with great dignity, and Solveig, sobbing a bit too loudly. Despite wounded feelings, Ngoc Lan recognizes it's the last time she will see Paul, and she allows herself to slip her arm around his waist. He places an arm over her shoulder. The sun vanishes, its amber light now streaked by pinks, greens and blues. Spontaneous applause. Now the residents turn to walk slowly toward the tunnel.

EXT. TUNNEL - NIGHT
    The departure nears completion. The last of the carts disappear inside, the final residents following on foot. Torvald waits nearby, preparing to seal the tunnel. Ngoc Lan, Dusan, and Konrad stand with Paul.
    PAUL
    I guess this is it.
    DUSAN
    It seems so.
    PAUL
    Konrad? Very nice to have met you.
    KONRAD
    Pleasure was mine. Good luck in there, Paul.
    Paul turns to Dusan and pulls him into a firm embrace.
    DUSAN
    Take care of yourself.
    PAUL
    I will. You too.
    DUSAN
    I will miss my funny neighbor.
    Paul nods, then turns to face Ngoc Lan. At a loss, he tries hugging her, but she remains limp in his arms.
    PAUL
    Ngoc Lan.
    She places something into his hands.
    PAUL
    Your bible.
    (off her nod)
    But it's in Vietnamese.
    NGOC LAN
    Words not matter. Remember me.
    Paul leans in to kiss her, but she offers only her cheek. He looks at the tunnel, then back at Ngoc Lan, her eyes downcast.
    NGOC LAN
    You go now.
    Paul turns and heads resolutely toward the tunnel, clutching the bible and dragging his wheelie suitcase.

INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT
    Lit by lights strung along the walls, a stream of villagers march silently and steadily toward their destiny. At the rear, Paul walks with an erect, dignified bearing. Nothing in his life approaches the magnitude of this moment. He feels many things at once -- pride, fear, excitement, regret. Soon the tunnel begins an incline, and Paul trots forward to speak with a fit Nigerian guy named TUNDE.
    PAUL
    Excuse me. Why are we going up? I thought the vault was --
    TUNDE
    Prevents flooding.
    (offering his hand)
    Tunde.
    PAUL
    Paul.
    TUNDE
    Just a few hours climb before we begin the descent to the vault.
    PAUL
    And how long is the whole walk?
    TUNDE
    Eleven hours. Something like that.
    (pulling ahead)
    See you down there. Stay hydrated.
    Paul slows to a stop as the last villagers pass him by. Suddenly he hears a SIREN and senses a flashing RED LIGHT. He turns to look back at the tunnel opening, now 100 meters behind. Torvald is there, cranking the tunnel door shut.

EXT. NEARBY HILL - NIGHT
    From a vantage point atop an incline, Dusan, Konrad and Ngoc Lan somberly watch the door closing.

EXT. TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
    The door is nearly shut, when from behind it comes a muffled, panicked cry.
    PAUL (O.S.)
    WAIT!
    The door stops, then reopens slightly. Paul squeezes out.
    PAUL
    Thanks, Torvald. Thanks.
    (jerking something)
    My bag. Do you think you could --?
    TORVALD (O.S.)
    Leave it.
    PAUL
    But --
    TORVALD (O.S.)
    You need to get away from here!
    PAUL
    Okay, sure. Yeah.
    TORVALD (O.S.)
    Run!
    Paul releases the bag and sprints away.

EXT. NEARBY HILL - NIGHT
    Dusan, Konrad and Ngoc Lan have taken cover behind rocks. Dusan peeks out and, breaking into a smile, invites the others to witness Paul scrambling up the hill in a panicked zig-zag.
    DUSAN
    What did I tell you? Nothing ever works out for this guy.
    NGOC LAN
    Paul!
    Paul spots his friends runs straight into Ngoc Lan's arms.
    PAUL
    (out of breath)
    I was thinking about what you said, and I... realized... you're right. I am Paul Safranek. And... what you were asking... It was a love fuck.
    Ngoc Lan bursts into tears of happiness and embraces him tightly. KA-BOOM! An EXPLOSION above the tunnel entrance creates a landslide which tumbles down to conceal it forever. Our friends take cover, but they needn't have -- it's all small scale, so the dirt falls pathetically. Soon they emerge from behind the rocks.
    NGOC LAN
    Okay, now we go back Leisureland. Okay, Dusan Konrad Paul? You promise. Nothing more here. We go now.
    The three men stare at her, reminded once again what a monomaniac she can be.

EXT. KONRAD'S REAR DECK - DAYBREAK
    Paul, Dusan and Ngoc Lan watch the island recede as the yacht sails out of the harbor amid the rising sun.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    And so it was that Safrapül the Good forsook salvation in order to return to Lohserlund with Princess Noc, to care for the sick and crippled of our ancestors.

INT. CAVE - NIGHT
    Tergehl has reached the end of the story and sits back to gauge its effect on his listeners.
    LITTLE BOY
    Then what happened?
    TERGEHL
    That is the end, little ones. There is nothing more to tell.
    TERGEHL
    We know nothing more of Safrapül, nor of Princess Noc, nor of Drooshan the Cunning, nor of the sacrifices they made.

EXT. CAVE - NIGHT
    Across a moonlit desolate landscape, we see the cave, high on a hill, illuminated by the fire within.
    TERGEHL (O.S.)
    But that is why, each year at the feast commemorating the Great Exodus, we leave an empty seat for Safrapül, so that we remember all those who remained behind and suffered through the hell to come.

INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
    Paul looks out the window. He seems now genuinely clear- headed, aware, awake.
    PAUL
    To think, one day, all of this --
    NGOC LAN
    Now maybe you understand little bit how I feel after survive TV box.
    Paul looks at her, takes her hand.
    NGOC LAN
    When you know death come soon, you look around things more close.

INT. LEISURELAND SHUTTLE - DAY
    A PORTER slides Ngoc Lan and Paul's carrier into place and locks it down. Paul glances over at MELANIE and CJ, a normal-size couple seated exactly where he and Audrey sat so many lifetimes ago. They look like nice people, honest and bright-eyed.
    PAUL
    Hi there.
    MELANIE
    What?
    PAUL
    Hi there!
    MELANIE
    Hi back.
    PAUL
    Moving to Leisureland, huh?
    The woman exchanges a shy smile with her husband.
    MELANIE
    Yep. We're going for it.
    PAUL
    Where you guys from?
    MELANIE
    Upstate New York.
    PAUL
    Oh yeah?
    CJ
    East Aurora. Just outside Buffalo. How about you?
    PAUL
    Omaha. Nervous?
    CJ
    Oh, a little skittish.
    PAUL
    I can understand that.
    MELANIE
    We got cold feet and almost bailed out once or twice. But we sure like the idea of buying our first house. And starting a family... And it didn't feel right to stay big much longer. I guess we just want to help out, if we can.
    CJ
    Plus, you know, we didn't want to lose that deposit.
    PAUL
    I hear you.
    MELANIE
    You only live once.
    PAUL
    Yeah, you only live once.
    Paul smiles, moved by these nice folks and the glimmer of hope they offer.

EXT. LEISURELAND - DAY
    A MONTAGE of the city in the RAIN.

EXT. WORKERS' CITY - DAY
    The montage ends on a shot of water pooled in a slack part of the overhead netting. TILT DOWN to reveal the converted trailers many call home.

EXT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - DAY
    Paul and Ngoc Lan pull up in a car, both wearing rain slickers.
    PAUL
    Wait here. I'll be right back.
    Paul hurries to the rear, where he retrieves food containers.
    NGOC LAN
    I want go too. I want see Rosa new baby.
    PAUL
    You can see the baby tomorrow.
    NGOC LAN
    Hurry. Don't forget we still need go Filipino man, take care for his arm!
    PAUL
    I know. Stop obsessing about it, will you?

INT. ALONDRA APARTMENTS - NIGHT
    Paul comes down the stairs with one last container. He trots toward Mr. Cárdenas, parked as usual in front of the TV.
    PAUL
    Buenas tardes, señor Cárdenas.
    SEÑOR CÁRDENAS
    Hola, Paul.
    PAUL
    ¿Hambre?
    SEÑOR CÁRDENAS
    Mucha. ¿Qué me traes hoy?
    PAUL
    Creo que es pollo.
    (opening it)
    Sí, pollo.
    SEÑOR CÁRDENAS
    Gracias, Paul.
    PAUL
    Hasta mañana, señor Cárdenas.
    Paul hustles toward the door and pauses. CLOSE on Paul turning to look back at the hunched figure in a wheelchair eating his only hot meal of the day.
    TERGEHL (V.O.)
    Perhaps one day we will learn the fate of Safrapül the Good and Princess Noc. But for now, we can only hope they lived the rest of their days richly and in happiness.
    Paul hears a honk, and, pulling the slicker over his head, dashes back out into the rain.
    THE END

Summary: Searching for a way to address overpopulation and global warming, Norwegian scientist Dr. Jørgen Asbjørnsen develops "downsizing", an irreversible process that shrinks organic material. He becomes part of the first group of human test subjects and is encouraged that the process reduces people to a height of approximately 5 inches (13 cm), drastically decreasing their consumption and waste. When the findings are revealed at a conference five years later, there is a global sensation. Ten years later, Paul and Audrey Safranek, a financially struggling married couple in Omaha, see Dave and Carol Johnson, who have downsized, at Paul's high school reunion. Rather than the touted environmental benefits, Dave argues the real reason to downsize is that one's money goes much further when one is small. Paul and Audrey decide to undergo the procedure and move to Leisureland, New Mexico, one of the fancier communities for small individuals. In a Leisureland recovery room after the procedure, Paul receives a call from Audrey, who says she backed out at the last minute and, because they are now different sizes, is leaving him. One year later, Paul signs his divorce papers. He has moved into an apartment, since he can no longer afford to live in the mansion Audrey picked, and is working as a customer service representative for Lands' End, since he let his occupational therapy license lapse because he had not expected to have to work after being shrunk, but has started dating someone. They break up, however, and Paul attends a wild party hosted by his shady but affable neighbor Dusan. The next morning, Paul recognizes one of Dusan's house cleaners as Ngoc Lan Tran, a Vietnamese political activist who was jailed and downsized against her will, escaped in a television box, barely survived being shipped to the United States, and was brought to Leisureland a year ago to have her leg amputated. Wanting to assist Ngoc Lan with her prosthetic leg, Paul goes to her apartment in the slums just outside the walls of Leisureland where the service workers of the community live. Paul had not thought about this part of the small economy, and is shocked by conditions in the slum. At her apartment, Ngoc Lan has Paul try to help her dying friend. When she finally lets him work on her prosthetic leg, he breaks it, so, until she can get a new one, he agrees to work for her cleaning service and also help her gather food from around the city to distribute throughout the slums. Dusan, upon learning what Paul is doing, attempts to release Paul from his obligation by taking him to deliver supplies to the original colony for small people, but Ngoc Lan unexpectedly decides to tag along, as she has a standing invitation to visit Dr. Asbjørnsen, who had heard about her ordeal. In a Norwegian fjord, Dr. Asbjørnsen and his wife board the boat piloted by Dusan's friend Joris Konrad. Dr. Asbjørnsen announces it has just been determined conclusively that, due to the positive feedback of Antarctic methane emissions, the human race will soon become extinct. Paul asks if downsizing can save humanity, but Dr. Asbjørnsen says the procedure came too late, as only three percent of the world has so far chosen to downsize. That night, Paul and Ngoc Lan have sex. At the colony, the travelers discover that, the next day, Dr. Asbjørnsen is enacting a contingency plan: he and the other colonists are going to enter a large underground vault, and their descendants will emerge when the surface environment stabilizes in about eight thousand years. Dusan and Joris are skeptical of the cult-like plan and say the extinction will not happen for hundreds of years, while Paul is excited to enter the vault and help with this effort to ensure the future of mankind. He asks Ngoc Lan to join him, but she refuses, saying the people in need of help will be those left above ground. As the door of the vault is closing, Paul changes his mind and steps outside. Back in Leisureland, Paul continues to work with Ngoc Lan to serve the people of the slums, deriving contentment from things like bringing dinner to an old man.