Original subtitles

A HIGHER LAW

Man is free to choose.

God did not set man's path.

Man alone chose to eat the forbidden fruit.

When God gave that command, He did not mean to constrain man,

nor to force him,

but to make him immortal.

Perfect.

A command indicates a choice which we can take or not.

Of course, any law is also restrictive, "Thou shalt not".

In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments

that God gave to man through Moses on Mount Sinai

all have that negation: "Thou shalt not."

Thou shalt not do this and that, thou shalt not covet.

But in the New Testament, Christ says:

"Love thy neighbour as thyself."

Then, centuries later, Saint Augustine famously says:

"Love and do what you will."

Because if you love, you cannot hurt those you love.

So, even if there is restriction in any law,

I would underline, mainly in the law of love in the New Testament,

the idea of perfecting ourselves.

The law urges you to perfection.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven."

Does that answer your question?

- I think so. - Very well.

Anyone else?

How much?

The usual. I haven't eaten that much.

Don't you want one of those pens?

It would save you all the pricking.

That again? I won't change it now.

So what did Zoe say?

There's a 20-year high school reunion.

- She invited me. - What reunion?

Some classmates are coming home and want to meet up.

Chat, see where life's taken us.

It will be where we had the prom.

At the Traian?

Yes.

And you said what?

I said I'd think about it.

I don't know, I didn't quite like your classmates.

Yes.

I don't really want to go, I was just curious.

With fear of God and faith and love, draw near.

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

God is the Lord and hath revealed himself unto us.

Come closer.

- What's your name? - Radu.

The servant of God, Radu,

receives the most precious and Holy Body and Blood

of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and life eternal.

The servant of God, Darius,

receives the most precious and Holy Body and Blood.

Cover your head properly.

The servant of God, Ecaterina,

receives the most precious and Holy Body and Blood

of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and life eternal.

Please.

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord.

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Hallelujah.

O magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together.

Hallelujah.

I sought the Lord,

and He heard me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

Hallelujah.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Be seated.

If you're doing homework, please do it quietly.

If you have any questions...

Please.

I was thinking about what you said. I spoke with Dad.

And?

You said rules are just a choice, not mandatory.

A choice to perfect ourselves.

Referring to the Decalogue and how Christ reinterprets it.

I think rules are just a way to control people.

Is this what your Dad said?

Yes, and I think the same.

You know, rules can be a way to give meaning to life.

For us, the meaning is Christ.

Maybe.

That's just one of the meanings.

People can choose another. We're not predestined, right?

I wasn't talking about predestination.

If we all have the same meaning, that's what it is.

The Bible is based on the same principle.

Yes or no.

- Its characters are... - Not characters, real people.

Real people are more complex.

How so?

The Old Testament says the Son of Man will die for mankind.

And Jesus foretells one of his apostles will betray him.

Do we agree so far?

Good.

So we have betrayal, which must happen, and 12 apostles.

One of the 12 will be a traitor.

Judas was predestined to betray. He had no choice.

Yes he did.

He didn't have to betray Jesus.

Then we wouldn't be here today.

So you're saying man isn't free to choose?

He is.

But only if there is no rule and no meaning.

Otherwise he can only choose yes or no.

And he's limited.

I think we're only free if we're the ones asking the questions.

What would those questions be?

For example, is life worth living?

I find it a good question.

I wonder what he reads. Where is he from?

Halle, Germany, but he's Romanian.

He came back a few weeks ago.

- Working abroad? - Yes, his mother was.

But he came back alone, they say it was social inadaptation.

He lives with his grandmother here.

Inadaptation?

I don't know what happened, his school in Germany hasn't sent much.

I thought we should accept him, so he doesn't waste a year.

He's smart, he'll catch up.

I paired him up with your Florin for the Chemistry project.

Hello! I asked the teachers for transcripts too.

- He'll be fine. - I'm sure.

His grandmother almost got on her knees begging me.

But if he... Hello!

- If he causes trouble, let me know. - Sure.

I have a question.

For me?

Go ahead.

Do you think freedom is compatible with faith?

Like how?

I'll rephrase.

Does Christianism promote the idea that man is free?

You mean Eastern Orthodoxy.

Of course, what got into you?

Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

He only shows the way to redemption. Some follow it, some don't.

And the others?

- What others? - Who don't answer yes or no.

- Is there a third way? - A third and a fourth and so on.

Maybe some don't want to follow him nor to not follow him.

Then what do they want to do? Crochet?

No, just find their own answers, give life another meaning.

Florin, enlighten our parishioner's theological dilemma.

I don't know.

She's probably right.

Right how?

Maybe some haven't heard of Christ. In Asia or Africa.

Because no one told them.

Africa has the Ethiopian Orthodox Church,

- Asia has Georgia, Armenia... - I'm not talking about those.

I mean the ones who heard of him, but don't answer yes or no.

I don't see how else they could answer.

Some other way.

If you set up rules, freedom disappears. It becomes relative to the rules.

Can you spare us the headache of your New Age theories?

We are convinced that Christ is our Lord and Saviour.

Whether you've heard of him or not or you're crocheting in Africa.

People can choose not to follow him.

But we have the duty to testify that Christ is the One True God.

Let's say some are undecided.

- Will they be saved? - No.

- I think we can't know that. - How so?

Then very few would be saved. It's hard to tell who's decided.

It's not hard at all.

If they've repented and believe in the Gospel, they've decided.

They could change their mind, or have doubts.

Florin,

say what you want to say and let me eat.

I'm reading about Heisenberg and he says

the position and speed of an object cannot be known at the same time.

Really?

So what?

It's similar. We can't know both if and how much someone believes.

An atheist could believe strongly at some point.

Then he's not an atheist.

Or someone who's repented, if tragedy hits, he can stop...

Atheist, repentant. You're just playing with words.

Then everything is relative.

What book is that?

On Uncertainty .

The teacher gave it to me.

- What teacher? - Chemistry.

What use is that book to you?

Let him read.

I think it's interesting.

Sure, very interesting.

I'll give you a book to summarise on the subject.

It seems you're getting lax with your studies.

Alright?

Won't you do my shot?

Yes.

I'll get you something to clean up.

- No class right now? - No.

Can I ask a favour? I have a videocall with those French.

Sure, what is it?

They were going to have a test today.

Four sets of subjects, three problems each.

Tell them not to hurry, they've done this before.

It's easy stuff.

I need to go. They're driving me crazy. I owe you one.

Wait, what class?

11th B.

Tibi, a straight posture helps you think.

O Isaiah, dance your joy,

for the Virgin was indeed with child;

and brought to birth a Son, that Emmanuel,

who came as both God and man;

Day-at-the-Dawn is the Name He bears,

and by extolling him,

we hail the Virgin as blessed.

Hear us, you martyred Saints,

who fought the good fight, gaining crowns.

Another friend is coming.

Hello! Hi.

Come around the front.

- I need a word with you. - Are you ill?

- God, no! - Is it a secret?

Come on in, I have two friends over for a game.

- Hello. - Hello.

But she wants to talk to you.

Let her talk.

Take that off, it's warm. It's canasta, want in?

Yes.

- Who will she pair up with? - We'll see.

Want a smoke?

She quit. No alcohol either.

- How long? - 20 years ago.

- So what was it? - Nothing much.

Don't play cute, say it.

No, it's nothing.

How did you quit? I'm a monster before my morning smoke.

My husband would smoke in his sleep if he could.

Mine quit, his tick-tock isn't doing great.

Can't wind your clock anymore?

What?

By "tick-tock" I meant his heart.

Ha-ha, very funny.

How is Dragoș?

More tick-tock questions?

- I'm serious! - He's well.

- Will he let you come to the reunion? - It's not his call. I'm not sure.

Reunion? How come we're not invited?

It's our 20-year high school reunion.

- Ecaterina is a teacher there. - Really?

- Teaching what? - Religion.

- Is that still a subject? - What, the most pious gets a 10?

It's still a subject. We have a deal so they won't skip class.

For grades, they ask religion-related questions.

So what would be a good question?

For example,

if Judas betrayed Jesus of his own accord or he was predestined to.

Predestined, It's like angels do the twist,

The day we first kissed...

Who's first?

Hello, Madam.

- What are you doing here? - Just out for some air. I live here.

Does your grandmother know you smoke?

I haven't told her yet.

- I need to go, bye. - Goodnight.

I know a better place to smoke.

- What if someone steals them? - Who would?

Me.

Just don't steal them all.

- Be careful. - I am. It's OK.

I've been here before.

When did you move abroad?

Just after 4th grade.

With your parents?

No, just my mum.

I don't know much about my dad.

As a kid, I thought you only needed a mother to make babies.

When I said that in kindergarten, all the children laughed at me.

What does your mother do?

A bit of everything.

We were doing well enough.

It was easy to adapt, I knew some German already.

Then why did you leave?

Because of her.

How so?

I couldn't get along with her anymore.

She was obsessed with finding a husband.

She was addicted to the idea.

The idea of not being alone.

Anyway,

I was fed up with going to the bathroom at night

and finding some naked Helmut.

You can't know what she's going through.

Yes I can.

- I don't think so. - I do. That's grown-ups for you.

Getting bogged down in minor goals.

She's the same.

She wants a man.

What's wrong with that?

Didn't you say we should each find our own meaning?

I did.

But it really has to be our own meaning.

Not borrowed from others.

Yes.

I won't let anyone drag me into this trap,

make me do something I don't want to.

You won't even notice. It happens so fast.

Yes I will.

I saw Mum with dozens of men.

From step one, I could tell how the grand love story would end.

She told me to shut up.

And that I am the reason she'd always be single.

I'm sorry.

Don't do that again.

I won't.

- Morning. - Hello.

Hello, Madam.

Iuliu, Mum. Mum, Iuliu.

- You met in class. - Pleased to meet you.

We have this project, he came to talk about it.

- Alright. - I'll pick up my stuff.

- Ready? - Yes.

I can drive you if you wait a bit.

We'll walk.

Alright, bye.

What are you doing here? What do you want?

- Hello. - Hello.

Iuliu's grandmother brought us his school record.

Morning.

His grades are good, but there's a problem.

- What? - No grades in Religion.

They don't have the subject there.

I'll grade him. He knows more than the others anyway.

Good, I just wanted to make sure.

By the way, have you thought about that thing for Florin?

He could go any time. Next year would be best, though.

- Doesn't he need French for that? - No.

Not for the Scientifique in La Rochelle.

They're really good and he could get into their university later.

I haven't told Dragoș. I don't even want to think about it.

The teacher said we can pick any acid.

We can obtain it from bitter almonds.

- Lucky I'm here. - Take them to the kitchen.

- Hello, Madam. - Hello.

When do we need to hand it in?

What do you need?

Something to drink.

Anything other than insulin?

Yes, water.

Sit down.

Sit down!

Stop moving.

What happened?

An accident.

Stay there. There are shards.

What accident?

I dropped a glass. Everyone's alright.

See?

The guy who discovered this acid wanted to see how toxic it was.

First he tried it on his chicken.

Killed it.

Then he found a dog in the street.

He tried it on the dog too.

Dead.

For the last test, he put some in his horse's food.

It died.

It took a bit longer. But it died.

Can you imagine?

- Good evening. - Hey. Where's your mum?

She was home just now.

- Good evening. - Hello.

- My schoolmate. - Iuliu.

Dragoș. Hi.

- You came from Germany? - Yes.

- So where's your mum? - Hello.

- What's up? - Making dinner.

I forgot to give Mircea the church key. Can you drive me?

- Right now? - Yes, he needs it tomorrow morning.

Will you take it? Thanks so much.

Keep an eye on the food, alright?

Florin.

Florin!

Did you finish that summary?

- Almost. - How "almost"?

- I'll get going. - You can stay. But he has homework.

It's alright, I've been here long enough.

What's this smell?

Sorry, that's our Chemistry experiment.

- Inside the house? - We had to reproduce an acid.

- You a Chemistry buff too? - No.

- I've had it with Chemistry. - We have this project together.

Go open a window!

Then come back and show me your summary.

I'll drive you home.

- Goodnight. - Bye.

I told you never to do that again.

Don't try anything, ever. Understood?

If you can't understand, don't come to our place again.

I can't find you there

and when Florin goes to the bathroom...

Get out!

And I, his unworthy priest, forgive and absolve you from all your sins.

- All done? - Just a moment.

Why haven't you come to confess?

I don't know, I didn't feel up to it.

Confession is recommended.

It would calm you down a bit.

Fine, if you don't want to, I won't force you.

Let's go.

- Welcome! - Hello, Dad.

- My, how lovely! - I blessed it this morning.

Really lovely. Do sit down.

Who picked it?

Me. Ecaterina didn't like it.

How so?

She said it's too garish, with no mystery.

- Meaning? - I compared it to another one.

In that one, the faces were blurry, like a shaken photo.

Some Seventh-day infidels stuff. Mihai, come to the table.

I don't know what denomination it was, but it was beautiful, less clear.

An icon!

The shop assistant told us she painted it herself by the canon.

But you...

That's the thing, it's too "by the canon".

What was that?

Just one of her exaggerations.

I wouldn't say that.

These aren't meant to decorate museum walls.

Icons are carefully meant to follow certain patterns,

painted by specialists and gifted priests,

familiar with the dogma and people's souls.

I know the dogma too.

Anyway, we got this one, everyone's happy.

Let's eat.

- Mihai. - You say it.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

How is Florin, why didn't you bring him?

He's studying.

Gave him a book of sermons to summarise.

Which one?

Father Stăniloae's.

I studied that one as well.

The Father gave it to me himself.

I don't understand why you sent him to high school instead of the Seminary.

In the Theology Faculty, he'll start with a huge setback.

I'm tutoring him myself.

The Seminary instils discipline. It's not about what he knows.

He'll know more than the others.

- All of it useless. - It will be useful in many ways.

This way he studies other subjects too.

The Seminary has plenty of subjects.

Not the full curriculum.

He likes exact sciences. Chemistry, Physics, Math, IT.

He has more freedom this way.

Freedom is dangerous.

I thought of that, but he has good teachers.

It's not dangerous at all.

It depends on the person.

What do you mean?

You should know best.

Why should I know best?

Let's eat.

What do you mean, though?

Your poor mother and all her suffering.

- All because of freedom. - How so?

If she had granted less freedom, maybe she'd still be alive.

- Granted less freedom to whom? - Please, stop it.

To whom?

To you.

After your high school prom, I'd visit and always find her crying.

She poured me coffee with shaking hands,

saying she had tried everything with you.

- But you kept... - I kept what?

- Can anyone tell what I did at the prom? - I don't know.

But you were found in the men's room with the Chemistry teacher.

Mum, that's enough! You too, please!

As I said, I drank, got sick and ran somewhere to throw up.

And that's something to be proud of?

It's been 20 years.

20 years!

My mother told everyone how stupid and sinful her daughter was.

She'd call people over so I could hear her tell them.

My mouth hasn't touched alcohol since!

- Has it touched something else? - Mum, please!

And you, stop provoking her!

Let's just eat.

Apologise.

- Ecaterina, apologise. - I apologise.

Now please sit down.

I'm leaving. Sorry for ruining your party.

- Wait for me. - You can stay, it's fine.

- What's wrong? - I got sick.

Feeling better?

Get me a pill for the nausea.

- Where are they? - In the kitchen.

Come downstairs in ten minutes

Thank you.

Good evening.

Hello.

I took your phone by mistake.

I figured.

I wanted to lock the SIM, but I guessed it was with you.

I knew where you were, anyway.

With the Find My Phone app.

Downtown, the hill, downtown again, then here.

I knew you'd arrive in two minutes.

And that you were in the car, imagine!

I took Zoe out to cool my head.

Good.

I apologise for Mum earlier, you know how she is.

I know, but I've had it with the subject.

- Did I break her china or something? - No, it's fine.

But you have to understand, it was her birthday.

If something's bothering you, you can talk to me, you know.

I know.

By the way, next week I have a big meeting at the Eparchy.

Can you get me a haircut appointment with Zoe?

In the morning.

Any morning between 8 and 12.

I'll go by there tomorrow.

Tell her it's short work, just the sides and the back.

- OK? - Sure.

Did I break anything?

No.

- She left this morning. - What time?

Around 5.

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

Come, Bobi!

Zoe, I need to talk to you.

- I called you ten times, what happened? - I didn't hear it.

I need a big favour.

If anyone asks about last evening, say you were on the hill with me.

Please, will you?

Dragoș will come for a haircut. If he or anyone else asks.

Is this about the kid who got in your car last night?

I need your help.

Please understand, I need this.

Is it so hard to say that?

I can't.

Why not?

I can't lie to Dragoș, I barely know him.

And he's a priest!

So? Please do it!

If you can't hold it in, that's your problem.

You're right. But when Dragoș comes, can you please say that?

Aw, poor lamb, such a sad life.

Your sugar boy will make it all better.

- Don't laugh. - I have to go.

- I'm sorry, I'm busy. - Will you please say that?

No, wait!

We can't meet anymore.

I think Florin knows where I was.

If this gets out...

No, we can't meet anymore.

Listen.

Florin knows where the phone was all evening.

He has an app in case it gets stolen.

- I'll take care of Florin. - Wait, how?

Take care how?

- Where is Florin? - I don't know, he came and left.

Hello.

Florin!

Florin!

- Ecaterina, what's up? - Chasing my son.

- Where are they going? - That's what I want to know.

They're boys. Maybe they're working on the Chemistry project.

I don't think so.

Florin?

Florin, are you home?

Pick up!

Ecaterina!

Florin?

It's me.

Where is Florin?

He said he'd call you.

He did?

He didn't call.

He's probably out of range.

Are you alright?

I dozed off, I thought he got home.

He's not answering his phone?

- I have to go pick him up. - Where from?

I'll tell you when I get back.

Where is Florin?

- Where is Florin? - No idea.

What do you mean?

- He went out. - Where to?

- Iuliu, please answer me! - Keep it down!

Shoo.

- Where is he? - Off to the store.

What store?

- Iuliu, I asked you something! - Patience, he'll come back.

Iuliu!

There he is, go fetch him.

Florin!

Wait!

I won't punish you! Stop, I can't chase you!

Are you alright?

Let's go.

- Don't tell Dad. - I won't.

I can walk.

Let's go.

Do you feel like throwing up? How much did you drink?

Want more?

I don't know what's wrong with you.

Better now?

Wait here.

Listen here. Stay away from Florin!

What did you give him?

What's that?

Stop laughing!

Stay away from him.

He could have been hit by a car! Did you think about that?

I wanted to find out what he knows.

He doesn't know a thing.

I just wanted to protect you.

People who are in love do that.

They protect each other.

We don't love each other, Iuliu.

- Go home and love yourself. - Come with me.

This has to stop! My hairdresser friend knows, too.

- We'll take care of her, too. - You won't. Listen!

It was just once, this wasn't love.

- If you think... - Then what was it?

Just one night. One night.

You're too young to understand.

You think your mother loved all the guys who came over?

Go get some sleep and leave Florin alone. Understood?

For love, wait until you grow some.

Alright?

Florin, talk to me. Was there anything else besides that pill?

Are you feeling worse?

Have some water.

Do you want to throw up?

Want more?

- You won't tell Dad, will you? - No.

Want more water?

Look at me. Listen.

Where have you been?

To the store.

No, you were with a schoolmate.

- Yes, Iuliu. - No, someone else.

Look at me!

That friend of yours with the Math award.

Mihai Sârbu. It was his birthday party.

There were teachers and parents there too. It was fun.

You know Mihai, he was at our place too.

Where was the party?

At the Traian.

No, not the Traian.

The Ares, that pension up the hill.

You had a great time. Didn't the stars look lovely?

Want some more water?

Florin, want more?

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts...

Be seated. As you know, you can do your homework, but quietly.

If you have any questions, I'm listening.

- I have one. - Yes?

What's the difference between Christianity and other religions?

Can anyone answer that?

It has more churches?

That too, but I think she meant something else.

Anyone else?

It has more followers?

That too.

But I think that's not what she meant.

Here is a clue.

What were Christ's first words after his resurrection?

Let us remember.

After Christ was killed,

his followers hoped for his resurrection.

But remember, they were only human.

They still had doubts.

It's normal.

How could someone be revived when you saw them die?

First, Christ appeared to the women who came to his tomb.

Seeing him there as if nothing had happened, they froze in fear.

What did Christ tell them?

That's the key.

What did He say? Anyone?

Rejoice!

Indeed.

What does this scene teach us?

That Christ is first of all humane, caring, gentle.

He knew the women would be scared and He tried to reassure them.

"Rejoice!"

What a lovely way to show love.

Don't you think so?

I think that's the difference: love.

Tell me,

how has Christ shown his love for you?

I think God looks after us through our parents.

It's how He shows his love.

A very good example.

Anyone else?

Through sex.

We can only feel physical love.

Not necessarily.

Carnal love doesn't even come close to God's love.

- It doesn't come close? - Next!

- I have a photo to prove it. - Iuliu, sit down!

I can show it to the class and they can decide.

Sit down!

Solve the next one on the blackboard, please.

What's wrong?

I'll get you some water.

Here.

Drink slowly.

I had a class with 11th B. I don't know how it happened.

Breathe.

In class, Iuliu acted like he was insane.

How?

He took out his phone and said...

He started yelling and...

He wouldn't listen, I kept telling him to sit down.

I lost control, I slammed his phone to the floor.

And he tried to hit me.

- What? Why? - I don't know.

I got scared of him, I lost control.

He was laughing at me in front of the class.

I ran out of there.

Please, you go.

I left them unsupervised.

Tell them something, or send the librarian.

Alright.

Calm down, I'll go.

Hello?

Hello?

- And the prayer before confession? - I attended.

Do tell Father Dragoș what's wrong.

It's not easy, Father. I have a problem.

Tell me.

It's about girls, Father.

My new girlfriend,

I touch her everywhere,

and she doesn't tell me to continue nor to stop.

Have you committed the great sin?

Yes and no.

I see. If a woman is shy you don't just jump on her.

Bring her to confession.

I think she's been before.

In my church?

I don't know.

Father, she wants to leave me.

If she does this... I can't sleep, I keep thinking of her.

Oh my. There are so many girls...

I love her, Father.

Love comes later, during adulthood. You're just a kid.

But what do I do, Father?

Wait until you grow up some.

What's the girl's name? So I can pray for her.

Cristina.

- She's a bit older than me. - Cristina. Like Christ.

May God forgive you. Bow your head.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, by his grace and love of people,

forgive you, my child Iuliu. And I, the unworthy...

Tonight at 9, my place I'm not coming

Yes, you are

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of thy servants,

with the prayers of your Holy Mother and all your saints,

for holy art Thou, always,

now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, amen.

Enjoy.

How is school?

We're preparing for tests.

Are you still in touch with that schoolmate of yours, Iuliu?

No. We finished the Chemistry project.

Good, I wanted to suggest the same thing.

We didn't have much in common.

And yesterday? Where were you?

A classmate's birthday.

Really? Where?

At the Ares.

I didn't even hear you two come home.

- You find it normal to be out so late? - He told me.

- Why didn't I know? - I wasn't sure you'd let him go.

He really wanted to go, so I didn't tell you. Sorry.

From now on, you ask me. I still have a word to say in this house.

I will.

So what did you do at the party?

Not much. I mean...

It wasn't really a party.

There were parents and teachers there too.

Girls, too?

Yes, girls too.

Who was that?

Zoe, she's calling me over.

This late?

Call her, then.

Hello?

What happened? We were just eating.

What, tonight?

Have you called an ambulance?

Are you alright?

Alright, I'm coming.

- I have to go, Zoe isn't feeling well. - Are you a doctor?

She did the same for me.

This late?

Hello, Madam.

You're so hard to convince.

It's rather warm, want to take that off?

Look, you can put your things here.

Come on!

Come on.

Please.

Want some?

Iuliu, you have to stop.

Stop what?

- Everything. Stay away from... - I can't.

It was just one night, Iuliu.

And this is the second night.

This can't happen. Do you understand?

I love you.

This isn't about love.

There's no reason to ruin that night.

I thanked you for it.

You thanked me?

Yes.

What am I supposed to say? You're welcome?

I don't want you to say anything.

I want you to understand.

Understand what?

That you're abandoning me?

No one's abandoning you.

Iuliu...

Calm down.

It's alright.

No.

Iuliu!

What was that?

I'll go check.

- Mum, what happened? - I don't know.

- Was that you outside? - No.

Go to your room.

I'm off, take care at school.

- Bye, Dad. - Wait.

Your dose for today.

Funny, I still have some. Did you refill it?

I guess I must have.

Well, then.

- Bye, talk to you later. - Bye.

Come with me.

Come in.

- I hope you don't mind. - No.

Mrs. Ivanovici, here is the situation.

Yesterday, October 16th,

pupil Iuliu Roșu in 11th B tried to hit you during class.

Following your complaint, we suspended him. Correct?

- Yes. - Right.

Also yesterday, at night, on Facebook,

on the 11th-years' group, this photo was posted.

Some of the comments:

"They obviously F - dot - dot - dot."

"That freak, she wears all red."

"The teach is hot stuff, Iuliu has a good eye."

What do you have to say for yourself?

Ask the pupils, how am I supposed to know?

Is that your underwear?

I have a pair like that.

Is it or is it not your underwear?

It looks like mine.

How did he come to possess it?

Pupil Roșu and my son are friends.

- He visits often, he... - Mrs. Ivanovici.

- He could have taken it. - Mrs. Ivanovici!

Do you think that will hold water with the press?

- No. - No, OK.

Neither will the fact you signed up a pupil living alone.

Alone? He lives with his grandmother.

- Really? - Yes.

What grandmother? He doesn't have one.

- I spoke with her myself. - That wasn't his grandmother.

- Ecaterina, what? - She's not.

Didn't we talk to an old lady who said she was his grandmother?

Yes we did.

She's not, I saw him paying her.

She's a beggar, not his grandmother.

He's a pupil without a carer, we know nothing about him.

Do you know a psychologist was supposed to evaluate him?

Was that in his file, or did you sign it blindly?

Blindly? Madam, if you start with that...

- Let's calm down. - I won't!

Do you know his mother sent him away all alone?

What could we do, reject him?

- We accept everyone. - Indeed.

Don't be surprised if you're in the news.

If you start with that, I'll report you for classroom violence!

- Let's talk. - What's there to talk about?

If she's bringing up reports and files...

- Let's be rational. - Rational, Mr. Felix?

Rationally, you got me into this shit! You brought him in!

News like this comes and goes.

Did anything happen between you?

Mrs. Ivanovici, I will ask again.

Are you sure nothing happened between you and the boy?

- Is he even 16? - Nothing happened.

Even if it had,

it's the word of a cheeky child abandoned by his parents

- versus the best highschool in the area. - Former best!

So what do you propose we do?

- First, calm down. - I am calm.

You issue a press release, stating his mother is solely responsible.

You express regret for taking him in, send the police after his "grandmother",

and the teacher goes on medical leave starting today.

I'll talk to the school doctor.

So, press, police, and you handle the doctor.

- What about Florin? - Florin who?

The lady's son, Florin Ivanovici.

We have that collaboration with the highschool in La Rochelle.

I was going to propose him for next semester's Chemistry exchange.

Good, do that.

I'll ask the Inspectorate to send something official.

Done.

- This is it? - Yes.

Yes, this is it.

You're on medical leave, go home if you're so ill!

Thank you.

You, stay and help me write that press release.

Let's talk a little.

I have class.

Come out for a bit!

Take a photo with the panties!

Put them on your head!

Florin, come with me.

Go away.

Hello?

Hello?

I lied, Father.

That girl, Cristina.

She's not a girl.

She's a grown woman. Married, too.

- A married woman? - Yes, Father.

From our town.

I've done the great sin.

- You couldn't abstain? - I know, Father.

I could punch myself,

I could strangle her for making me do this.

Do what?

- Father, she loves me too. - Love? Nonsense!

You found a little slut and you think she loves you?

At your age...

- No, Father, she loves me! - Keep it down!

She's afraid her friends and family will find out.

- I'd sort it out, but... - How?

- Try to make things work. - Now listen here.

It can't happen.

She wouldn't believe me.

I covered my face and went to talk to that hairdresser.

Impossible.

- Some people just deserve to... - What?

I think she was still breathing.

Wait! Iuliu!

Easy now. Secure her neck.

1, 2, 3, go!

Hello?

Ecaterina, come home right now.

Follow us.

3-5, emergency.

You stay home!

Ecaterina, what have you done?

- Wait, Madam. - Iuliu.

- Come back here! - Don't worry.

I'm light enough. The wind will carry me.

Do come closer. You guys, back off!

I want to talk to my teacher.

- Back off, I said! - Back off!

- Further back! - You heard him!

Come back here.

Easy now.

Call the Father over.

Why?

For a religious perspective.

Are you embarrassed?

Should I call him over?

Dragoș, come here, please.

Hello, Father.

Father, meet Cristina.

Are you happy now?

Let me tell you the rules.

I ask the questions.

Do what he says, don't antagonise him!

Teacher.

You claimed I was insane.

Let's test that.

On your knees.

- What? - On your knees.

Now turn to face the Father.

- And confess your sins. - What?

What?

- I'll jump! - No, wait!

I'm the woman he told you about.

It was me.

Well done.

Only it's not right.

Too little detail.

I'll help you.

Repeat after me.

Repeat what I say.

"The evening I took the phone from Florin, our beloved son..."

The evening I took the phone from Florin...

"Our beloved son."

Our beloved son.

"I was not with my dear friend Zoe. I brought Iuliu on this hill."

Iuliu, stop!

Now I speak and you repeat.

"I was not with my dear friend Zoe. I brought Iuliu on this hill."

I was not with my dear friend Zoe. I brought Iuliu on this hill.

"Out of my own initiative,"

"I took his hand and put it between my legs."

Out of my own initiative,

I took his hand and put it between my legs.

And I slept with him.

Yes.

Yes, Father, "and I slept with him"!

"And I enjoyed it more than I ever did with you."

- You're insane, you damn lunatic! - Back off!

Not feeling well, Father?

Dragoș, what's wrong?

- What happened? - He has diabetes.

We should call someone to pray for the Father.

Are you feeling better?

Quick, let's bring the stretcher!

Dragoș?

Dragoș, what's wrong?

What was in the vial? Let's lift him.

That's not insulin!

Let's move him!

Get him up!

Dragoș.

Stay there!

I kept calling and calling you.

- What's it like there? - It's fine.

All settled in?

Who's that?

Bye, Mum.

Wait, listen.

I'm sorry I brought up the...

- Bye, Mum. - Florin, can you hear me?

Florin, can you hear me?

Florin.

Florin, can you hear me?

Florin, can you hear me?