Original subtitles

This series is fictional, loosely based on reality TV.

People, events, places and dialogues may have been invented,

modified or recreated to express the authors' artistic vision.

Hello.

Stéphane Pereira, my colleague, Muriel Éprenon,

labor inspection authority.

Still, hello.

Sorry, you'll have to come back later, my bosses are not here.

I don't think you understand how this works.

It's like a pop quiz,

if you tell the students in advance, they'll cheat.

-It's a bit too big, right? -No, it's great.

Ask Fabrizio, he's the CAC bosses' tailor.

-I can't, it'll cost you a fortune. -Come on, I want to do it.

You don't turn 35 every day.

Enjoy.

-Is it an Italian cut, Fabrizio? -English.

English.

Who is it?

-Isabelle. -Answer it, please.

You need a break.

I do.

Raphael, the inspectors want to talk to the lofters.

The show is illegal, they want to cancel it.

They're impatient. What do I tell Elena?

I don't know. No one is answering.

Why can't we meet them?

They are contestants, not employees.

You don't have any authority.

They've signed a contract of employment.

So it is our business.

No, it's a contract to participate to a game.

Like a contestant in any game show.

A source told us that your contestants are getting paid

2,760 francs per week inside the house.

That's the prize from the game.

Fixed and paid weekly.

It's a salary.

Okay. But even if we agreed with you, if they were employees,

what's the problem?

It's illegal to make your employees work 24/7.

No, no one is working. We're just filming them.

So you never ask them to play games, to do challenges, to vote?

We suggest it. We don't force them.

We'll ask them about that.

Go ahead, I'll introduce you to them. Follow me.

What are you doing?

We can't get the lofters to leave.

Bring me the yellow binder.

-Here, this way. -The yellow binder.

The lofters are on the other side of this entrance.

You can ask them anything you'd like.

Thank you, Elena.

It's time for their breakfast, so it's perfect.

Thank you.

One moment. I have to ask you to sign these documents.

What are they?

Your consent for copyright since you will be on TV.

You may not have understood our concept, but we're live.

Will you turn the cameras off?

That's up to the CSA, not labor inspection.

Don't worry, we can take you to the makeup room.

Should I call them?

Let's go.

Have a nice day.

MAY 18TH, 2001 23 DAYS IN THE LOFT

Julie, did you sleep with Christophe?

-Yes. -Tell me everything.

When he has sex, he's not scared to be loud.

Is Jean-Édouard loud, too?

No, not really.

What score would you give him, out of 20?

The first time...

I'd say 17.

The second time, I'd give him a ten.

-Yeah. -The third, three.

-Why? -He fell asleep.

-No! -Yes.

-Like straightaway? -Hi, darlings!

Is Leila in her room?

Leila.

No, I don't think so.

Where is she? You didn't pick her up?

I don't know, no.

It's 6:00 p.m. Hasn't the school called?

What are you doing?

Sorry.

-I'll go and pick her up. -It's fine, I'll go.

-I didn't mean to... Mom? -I'm going.

Come in.

-Do you have a minute? -Be quick.

Close the door, please.

Yeah?

I spoke to my family,

and I think I need a break.

What do you mean? How long?

I need to quit.

-Because... -No, Karim,

you have no idea how much I need you.

I know,

but the show is going smoothly now. You can find someone else.

I don't have time to train someone.

Did your family brainwash you?

-No. -Then tell me.

I stole my sister's medication.

I wrote fake prescriptions for amphetamines.

-Do you know what they are? -I do.

I'm sorry, I didn't know.

You should talk to the therapist, it would help.

Wait, he's called me 15 times.

Guillermo, I told you, I don't want to talk to you.

They're just rumors.

People are saying Laure is Chaunac's daughter,

and that Jean-Édouard is Castaldi's cousin.

Who's your source?

He said it'll be published in France Dimanche.

Is he a reliable source?

I think so.

And Loana's mother, what did she say?

That it's bullshit. She was nervous.

She's lying.

I didn't hear kids screaming in the background.

-So? -She wrote "no kids."

Didn't we check their family records?

She gave us her mom's.

It doesn't state whether she has a child.

-We have to tell M6. -They would turn on us.

Por qué we had a deal!

We can't separate a mother and her child!

We didn't know.

Exactly. We need to prove that we're not responsible.

That we checked, that they tricked us.

-"They"? -Loana.

Can we stop it from being published?

We can talk to France Dimanche, try to fix things.

That would mean that we did something wrong.

It'll come out eventually.

So we put the blame on Loana.

I mean, she is the one to blame.

Loana, please go to the confessional. Thank you.

Turn your mic off, please.

-What's going on? -Sit down.

Nothing we say here will be filmed or aired. Okay?

Is it my mother? Is she okay?

No, it's an article that will be published in France Dimanche.

They spoke to your relatives,

and apparently, you have a daughter, Mindy.

On the application, you said "no kids."

I'm sorry.

You gave us your mom's family record on purpose.

I just thought that it wouldn't be a problem.

It's a problem for us.

We can't really film you having fun when a little girl is watching.

They don't have a TV.

-Who? -Where she lives.

-She doesn't live with you? -No.

-With her dad? -No, there's no dad.

She's in a home.

I mean, in foster care.

I'll get her back one day.

I think about her every night.

I...

I didn't have any money.

I just couldn't do it.

I'm sorry.

So...

"In all the rooms except the restroom..."

Good, thank you.

-Your suit is ready. -There it is.

"Contestants who have dependent children are not permitted."

So?

We're good, and Loana is, too.

Her daughter is in foster care, she's not dependent.

So...

-What? -The labor inspectors

said it was 2,760 francs per week in the house.

Is that true?

They didn't say "in the loft."

That's what's written here.

Who has a copy of it?

The lofters' copies are in the safe. The bailiff has one, and this one.

We made the rules in January. We didn't know it would be a loft.

Someone must have given this to the inspectors.

Should I call the bailiff?

I don't think it came from the bailiff.

I received a summons from the CSA this morning.

"Proposal to ban airing Loft Story."

When will this bullshit end?

I told you. The pool, the booze, the cigarettes,

and now, the story about Mindy.

The CSA are doing their job.

We have ten days until the hearing, we have time to change sides.

-What do you mean? -Loana lied,

we punish her and we get her out of the house.

It wouldn't change anything. You put a mother in, it's too late.

If we kick her out, we prove our goodwill to CSA.

I think it's a good idea.

I say fuck them.

We keep Loana in. Fuck them.

I agree. We can defend her and keep her in.

Dependent or not, it doesn't change anything for the CSA.

You won't convince them with that.

Loana stays. She shouldn't pay for your mistake.

-Find another excuse. -Sorry,

I know no one wants to get the star out, but do you know how risky this is?

I'm not taking any risks.

You are. The CSA could blow this thing.

They'll cancel the show.

If they do that, I'll tell you what will happen.

M6 will sue PPP, we'll ask for compensation,

and we'll take every single penny they have.

Until they die.

Find something else, and we'll talk again tomorrow.

Go.

MOTHER'S DAY GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF LOANA!

-It's Mother's Day? -That's all you get from this?

I have to go.

I didn't recognize you earlier.

Telling the CSA to fuck off.

It's not like you.

I didn't think they'd threaten us.

You're usually more cautious.

Why did you get me an appointment with your tailor Thursday morning?

-For your birthday. -That was a month ago.

You wanted me out of the studio.

Come on...

-You didn't let me pick up the phone. -I knew Isabelle was there.

You thought she was going to screw up.

-You owe me an explanation. -Don't talk to me like that.

Are you doing this for Drezen?

To get invited to hunting parties?

This is for you and me!

You sabotaged everything. You're crazy.

-I'm fixing your mistakes. -My mistakes?

You haven't had these ratings in 15 years.

They offered 100 million for the company!

Today, no one would be stupid enough to make that kind of offer!

We have debts, we lost Drezen, and soon Chaunac.

The show will be canceled, we're pariahs.

I don't owe you any explanation, none!

You owe me an apology!

-An apology. -Look,

let's end this. You take care of your responsibilities,

keep the debt, all your crap, and you can buy my shares.

I thought they were worthless.

PPP is my name, and it's worth five million.

Do you think I'd do you a favor?

Who do you think you are?

Do you think I'm scared of a little country boy?

If you say no,

I'll do everything I can to make sure you never work again.

You know I can do that.

-Mr. Dumas, are you okay? -I need a minute.

Water!

Is there a medic on site?

Move. Let him breathe.

Give me that. Get back, please.

Raphael, it's Karim.

Sit up, nice and slow.

There.

Give me your hands.

Breathe slowly. Breathe nice and slowly.

Sorry I'm late.

Izzie?

How did you...

I called Dad's assistant, you weren't picking up.

We were all here, we didn't hear anything.

We didn't want to bother you with all your work.

If need be, we'll set a place for you.

If need be, yes.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Thank you, honey.

It's a good thing you postponed your defense.

It's changing too much, with the news.

When I'm done with one chapter, I feel like I have to rewrite it.

What I read was amazing.

Thank you.

And you, Isabelle, how have you been?

Good, I'm good.

It's a bit intense right now, but I'm fine.

I can imagine.

I saw a few articles.

No, they're a godsend.

It's important that all of France is talking about it.

So at M6... They're delighted.

The whole country!

Yes, the whole country, Dad.

The table near us is talking about a serial killer. Is that good, too?

So you're comparing me to a serial killer?

-He didn't mean it. -The comparison isn't silly.

-That is what he meant. -Daniel...

-Listen... -What?

You're exploiting brainless kids to entertain others.

Here comes the lecture.

Go ahead, we're listening.

You play into the fascination for the worst, to the lowest instincts.

Proselytizing nihilism masked as fun.

Dad, stop. We never see her.

Let him finish, it's his moment. He's happy. We're listening.

That's it, you're done?

Tell me how it ends, it sounds really interesting.

I'm gonna go, enjoy.

No, Isabelle, don't go.

They're not talking about a serial killer,

but about Loft Story.

You're annoying.

Mr. Palazzo had left, he didn't see anything.

Where are we going?

-We need to go to the hospital. -No!

Are you insane? They'll just give an anxiolytic and sugar.

I'm sorry, Mr. Dumas...

It's my responsibility.

Can you get me a bottle of water from the trunk?

Of course.

Mr. Dumas!

You've reached Philippe Palazzo. Leave a message.

You've reached Raphael Dumas. He's not available right now.

Leave a message.

Hello?

Hi, Nora. Sorry, I can't get in touch with Philippe.

-He's busy, talk to Raphael. -He's not picking up either.

It's very important.

Leave him alone.

Where are Véronique and Davina?

Everything's fine, I think...

-You don't know where they are. -No, wait.

I've been thinking about Mindy and the CSA. They can't cancel the show.

Go on.

To take the story back, we need a new narrative.

Loana is a victim.

-We're her saviors. -You're going to make Beaupré weep.

Sure, but we have arguments for the CSA.

Society judges Loana.

She's suffered from domestic abuse, toxic parents, she's been through hell.

But thanks to M6,

and thanks to Loft Story,

she can start over and get her daughter back.

You'll be heroes.

It could work.

You're smart, Cinderella.

We need the story in a respectable gossip magazine.

Which one did you have in mind?

Paris Match.

Yes, Paris Match.

Good. And Loana, what does she think about it?

She agrees on principle.

No, I don't want to do that.

If you don't tell your version of the story,

you're validating the people who say it's your fault.

If fault lies with anyone, it's those who hurt you.

What are you thinking?

Gala, Voici?

You decide. But I was thinking less gossipy.

More respectable.

Like Paris Match?

Great idea.

But Paris Match will want pictures.

I don't care about me, but not Mindy.

And no questions about her father.

That's complicated.

He doesn't know she exists.

What do you mean?

I want to help you,

but you need to tell me.

When she was born, he told me that she wasn't his problem.

I was mad at him, so I said she died in the hospital.

Okay...

I wanted to see his reaction. I know, it's stupid.

But I don't want him to find out like this.

Okay.

No questions about the father, no pictures.

How do we do it?

Will they come here?

No, you're not supposed to talk to anyone outside.

We'll ask your mother.

Will she say no?

I don't know.

She knows you, she trusts you. You're the only one who can convince her.

I don't want to be a part of this.

You wanted to quit. Why are you still here?

Because you want to help her. That's what I'm offering.

No.

You want me to get you out of this mess with the CSA,

not help Loana.

The whole country thinks she's an irresponsible mother

who abandoned her kid to be a stripper.

I need to change that, that's true.

But she needs it, too.

Who's there?

I'm here on behalf of Isabelle.

Leave me alone. I don't want to talk to the press.

I'm not a journalist, this is Karim.

What's holding you back?

You were scared to be on camera, but you were great.

That's not it.

What is it?

-I feel uncomfortable. -About what?

That time, with my husband.

I don't want to talk about it.

The way he treated us.

He's the one who should be ashamed, not you.

-Are these for Loana? -Yes.

They're all love letters. They're everywhere.

He's cute. I wouldn't say no.

Loana wouldn't either, I think.

-There are proposals, too. -I can take them.

I'll give them to her, she'll find it funny.

Sure, would you do that?

She's lucky. She's found her guardian angel.

Should we say 4:00 p.m. for the interview?

-Hello! -Hello.

-Suzanne. -Violette.

Should we kiss?

Sure...

Trésor by Lancôme.

I love it.

My ex-husband's mistress had the same.

-Well, come in. -Thank you. It's lovely.

I see.

How would you describe Mindy?

If you saw her, with her big blue eyes...

She's just like her mother.

I mean, when Loana puts her contacts in.

Do you have a photograph?

No.

No, we looked everywhere, we couldn't find anything.

-Sorry. -Too bad.

Yes, it was too hard for Loana. We got rid of them all.

-I understand. -The cups are in the sideboard.

The sideboard? Okay.

-What's this? -Fan mail.

-Which way are you going? -This way.

-I'm going that way. -Me too.

-Bye. -Bye.

-Thank you for today. -Goodbye, Violette.

I'll let you know when it'll be published.

LOANA AND HER BABY

Dad! Dinner's ready!

Yes, of course. I understand.

What the hell?

Tell me.

Okay, Violette. I'll call you back.

-The father wants a paternity test. -Shit.

He'll get custody.

What the hell did you do?

I got screwed over, okay?

We just called the journalist. I don't know what to say.

She's an evil genius.

That doesn't help. How did she do it?

Why does it matter?

It matters because... Fuck.

We wanted to convince the CSA, now we're screwed.

How did she do it?

We left Violette's house, she followed her. Right under my nose.

I'm not too far from here.

The next day, she came back.

Violette didn't want to let her in, but that Machiavelli had a plan.

I brought something to drink.

And it worked?

Cheers.

After a few drinks, she asked her.

Don't you have photos of Mindy?

And she gave them to her?

No, but she admitted that they existed.

After that, she didn't let go.

She'd walk her to work, she'd carry her shopping bags.

-Within a week, they were best friends. -Did she offer her money?

They were in the biggest restaurant in Nice,

and Violette showed her the photos.

The journalist made a big fuss. "The country has to know."

She was ready to pay her. For Paris Match,

it was peanuts. For Violette, it was a year's salary.

Then she invited her to a big, remote hotel.

-Why? -Officially, so she could rest.

-In reality, it was to isolate her. -That's why we couldn't reach her.

Violette was there with her boyfriend, and one night,

in the pool, after a few drinks,

they decided to reenact the scene from the show.

What scene?

The scene.

The journalist just told you that?

Yes. She said,

"Sorry, Paris Match is also about shocking pictures."

Wasn't she embarrassed?

No, she was proud.

Cariño, it's their biggest selling issue since Lady Di died.

Really?

Impressive.

Of course, she's your idol.

-I didn't say that. -Why am I not surprised?

-You would've done the same. -I didn't say that!

Karim!

Dumas, what's this custody thing?

This doesn't look good. What do we say to CSA?

Call me back.

Roussel said legally, we're in the clear.

Legally.

How old are your children?

Four and five.

DUMAS & SONS CHICKEN & FOOD

Dumas and Sons Chicken and Food, what can I do for you?

Hello? What can I do for you?

Hello, I had a question.

About the chickens or the grain? I can't hear you.

About the grain.

How much do you need?

I don't really know, it's my first time.

How many chickens do you have?

Eleven.

Eleven. How many days do you need?

Eleven weeks.

So for 120 grams per chicken per day,

multiplied by 11, by 77 days, it's 100 kilograms.

You need five 20 kilogram bags, it's 225 francs per bag,

with a 15% discount, it's a total of...

-956 francs... -Point 25.

Raphael?

How are you, Dad?

I'm fine.

Is this a bad time?

Can we talk?

Look, this isn't a good time.

Well, I'll call another day.

Dad, dinner's ready.

-Sure, another day. -Bye.

You talked about pushing people down stairs, that was funny.

-Now that I know you... -It's not my kid.

I'm trying to limit the damage.

You were great, you got amazing promo.

That's not why I warned you.

Believe it or not, I didn't need it.

No, you could've stopped them from publishing.

Or you could have made a modest statement.

So Loana lies, her grandfather is a snitch,

the dirt-diggers from Paris Match steal the photos and I'm to blame?

So you really think that you're not responsible for anything.

Except the ratings.

Yes, they're adults.

No, in the loft, they're all kids. All of them.

Kids who have kids are not kids anymore.

Okay, Isabelle, have a nice day.

I'm sorry, Loana.

It had to come out eventually.

You know, we have the best lawyers.

We can help you.

I'm sure that you'll get custody.

Did my mother get money for the photos?

-She was manipulated... -Did she get money?

-She wanted to show that... -That what?

That you had a normal life with your daughter.

She's your mother, I'm sure she didn't mean to hurt you.

When I was 11, she left me with my dad for five months.

In the car, I told her, "He's gonna beat me again."

And she said, "It will do you good."

So, no, she wasn't manipulated.

She used me.

Like everybody else.

Loana, do you want...

Do you want to leave the loft?

Do you want me to leave?

No, I'm not talking about us. What do you want?

I don't know.

I need to think about it.

Here, I'm with the only people in France who don't know what I've done.

Are you okay, Karim?

It's sad.

You really like Loana, right?

Why do you say that?

Good evening, sir.

Good evening, miss.

-I'm looking for... -Your father, of course.

Room 208.

Thank you.

-Evening. -Evening.

Hey, look.

Wait.

-They're going to cancel Loft Story. -And?

What's that got to do with me?

Come talk to the CSA with me.

They'll listen to you.

Should I say yes because you've got tears in your eyes?

No, because it's your responsibility.

You think you left with your head high?

-You abandoned us. -I heard that you weren't really there.

Okay, look, I'm back.

Come on. You have nothing to lose, on the contrary.

If you convince the CSA, we save PPP and you keep your shares.

-Do you know who called me today? -No.

-Michel Drezen. -Okay.

They're not renewing Le bigdil or Exclusif.

That's okay, and besides...

Don't you get it?

PPP is over!

Stop saying that. I need you, Philippe.

Evening, Raphael.

Evening, Nora.

See? I'm changing.

-You should try, too. -I need you.

-What's going on? -Nothing.

-I'm fine. -Come on, talk to me.

No, you're gonna laugh at me.

I swear I won't, tell me.

It's... Jean-Édouard's grandfather.

He passed away.

-I knew it. -No, sorry.

-See, you're laughing at me! -No, I swear. I'm not.

Do you want to have a drink?

Yes!

-Hurry! -Get out!

You know, I know who's brushing their teeth just by the sound of it.

It's insane, you know.

Twelve hours a day, we... wait.

We watch them, we're locked up like them,

we live with them, you know,

but they don't live with us. You know?

No one can understand.

Take it easy! You just took one.

It's stronger than the pills.

We need to stay strong.

-What we do matters. -Whatever.

We have an impact on millions of people.

-You think so? -Yes. I didn't at first, but I do now.

But you're right, but I...

I don't think I'm strong enough.

What?

I think you're really brave.

Really?

Sorry...

-I'm sorry. -It's okay.

It's okay, I promise.

-It's fine. -I'm sorry.

-Don't worry! -I'm sorry...

It's just that we're friends now...

Come back, it's because we're friends. Come on!

Zoom in on Jean-Édouard.

There.

Wait.

Hi, Sophie. What is it?

Isa, Dad got attacked by some guy.

What, is he okay? Where is he?

He broke his nose and his brow.

I don't get it. Did he get mugged?

I don't know, they had a fight.

What do you mean? I don't get it.

Some guy at an exhibition, I don't really know.

He started talking about Loft Story, he got violent...

-Where is he? -He went to the hospital.

Which one?

I think it's better if you don't come.

I'll let you know how he is.

Okay.

Isa, have you seen Karim?

No, what's going on?

He wasn't feeling well. I don't know where he is.

I can't find him.

I have a bad feeling.

Karim?

I didn't touch her. I didn't do anything.

-What are you doing? -I didn't touch her. Okay?

-You're sick. -She didn't see anything.

It's nothing... I didn't touch her.

-You're sick! -I didn't touch her!

-Get out of here! -Don't do this to me!

-What's going on? -Shut up!

Take your ID and get out of the studio!

-Don't do this to me. -Get out!

-Calm down. -Don't tell me to calm down!

Take your things and get out!

You know me!

-I didn't touch her! -Get out of here!

-Don't do this. -Get out!

-It's me. -Get out of here!

-I don't want to see you again! -Niña, tranquila.

Get out!