The Shack

1

WILLIE:
Who wouldn't be skeptical

when a man claims to have spent

an entire weekend with God?

In a shack, no less.

And not just any shack.

This was the shack.

What I'm about to tell you

is a little on the...

well, it's a lot on the fantastic side.

But that doesn't necessarily mean

it's not true.

()

Mack was born in the Midwest.

A farm boy in an Irish-American family,

committed to calloused hands

and rigorous rules.

(GLASS SHATTERING)

- WOMAN:
(WHIMPERING) No!

- MAN:
Look at me!

- Look at me!

- You're hurting me.

- Listen.

- (WOMAN SCREAMS)

WILLIE:

His father was an elder in the church.

What are you looking at, boy?

- Closet drinker.

- Leave him alone.

- (GRUNTING)

- (WOMAN WHIMPERS)

WILLIE:
Especially when the rain

didn't come, or came too early...

- (SCOFFS) Yeah.

- (WOMAN SOBS)

Most times in between.

Mack!

I just took an apple pie out of the oven.

Come have a slice.

No, thanks.

That wasn't a question.

Here you go.

- Thanks.

- Mmm-hmm. (SIGHS)

Look at me, baby.

Daddies aren't supposed to do that

to their kids.

It ain't love. You understand?

What do I do?

Talk to God.

He's always listening.

Sing with me,

as those who feel led

make their way to the altar.

(ORGAN PLAYING)

WILLIE:

That Sunday, when the preacher called...

(CONGREGATION)

What can wash away my sin?

...he knew he couldn't stay silent

any longer.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can make me whole again?

- Nothing but the blood of Jesus

- I'm sorry.

That's all right.

Just tell Him what you're sorry for.

I can't make Him stop.

I try, but when he drinks...

he beats my mom.

I try to protect her.

But I can't! (SOBBING)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

MACK'S DAD:
Why do you make me

do this, boy?

(MACK GRUNTS)

Why do you embarrass me

in front of my people?

Say it.

- Say it!

- (GRUNTS)

"Obey your parents in everything,

for this pleases the Lord."

Louder!

Colossians 3:
20!

"Obey your parents in everything,

for this pleases the Lord!"

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

- (GRUNTS)

- (MACK SOBBING)

WILLIE:
The beating lasted

well into the night.

What happened after that,

Mack doesn't like to talk about.

(MACK'S FATHER COUGHS)

Let's just say pain has a way

of twisting us up inside...

And making us do the unthinkable.

Thirteen is way too young

to be all grown up.

(GASPS)

The secrets we keep have a way of clawing

their way to the surface.

You're okay.

Mack and Nan had been married

for 18 mostly happy years.

She's the glue that holds

that family together.

Actually, if we get outta here in the next

three minutes, we might make it on time.

Kids?

Missy, hold still for one second.

Pause! Pause!

- Okay. Never mind, forget it.

- Josh!

Jo...

- Are you ready?

- Yeah. Why?

Well... Nan, there's something

wrong with Josh.

- He's combed his hair and he smells nice.

- He's trying to impress Ally Taylor.

- No, I'm not!

- Yes, you are!

- Who's Ally?

- Well, I don't care who it is.

If she gets us there on time,

she's got my blessing.

But if God is always with us,

why does He care if we're late for church?

- She's got a point.

- Yeah.

God cares because your mama cares.

- (MACK CHUCKLES)

- Okay, come on.

It was a nice try, you little rascal.

WILLIE:
Good morning.

- Hi, guys.

- NAN:
Hi.

Mack, did you catch the game last night?

Since when do I control the remote?

(LAUGHS) I hear one day you get it back.

You know, crazy thing is,

I'm starting to like her shows.

WILLIE:
I met Mack

at church 10 years ago.

ALL:
Holy, holy, holy

Lord God Almighty

Early in the morning

Our song shall rise to Thee

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