Original subtitles

This film was inspired by real events, but characters have been invented.

Any resemblance lo any living or missing person is accidental.

I'm scared.

Quiet! They'll hear us.

You'll see.

Don't move. If they see you, they'll zap you.

How do you know?

Shh! Stay put until I say coast's clear.

Is that a little green man'?

They're armed, and really dangerous.

Wait, you'll see. They're leaving... now.

All right.

Careful.

They have lasers.

I've something in my boot.

An earthling?

A transmitter.

See his antenna?

Destroy it.

Let's go.

- And him? - A little green spy. Can't miss.

Shit!

You see'? Bull's eye!

Pee-pee on the grass to bug the ladybirds.

Pee-pee on the grass to bug the ladybirds.

Move!

Wait for me, Nadine.

You know, the school had a big black door and a little window...

we opened like this.

Mummy, when you were small did you like school?

No. I'd pretend to be sick.

I'd walk barefoot on wet grass.

When it snowed, I'd go out with wet hair.

So I'd be sick.

That's naughty!

I like school.

You're a model child. I was only good at gym.

Oliver's terrible at gym.

He's only little.

Cleaned your teeth?

Wake up, Mummy! I'm here.

Yes, go to sleep, darling.

Landed?

Landed. I'm here.

Both of you.

Read me a story too.

A fairy tale?

- Sing so I can hear. - You prefer a song?

Which song?

"The Angels"?

The angels are leaning over your bed

Tired, they complain Leave the crying dead

In heaven God laughs to see you so peaceful

And the seven archangels share his joy

I kiss you, I kiss you My tittle chick

Oh, how I'll miss you when you've grown up

Sleep.

Sleep, my sweet little chick.

Good night, my little girl, my big girl, sleep...

Oliver...

You asleep?

No.

Do you see them?

Turn your light off.

You'll see little lights blinking on and off.

Blinking on and off.

I'm scared.

They're flying around your bed, they're heading for the door.

Watch out!

Stop!

You won't see them like that.

I'll tell Mummy you frightened me.

Do, and I'll won't play with you.

I'm worried about mother, she's not well.

I had to yell at her.

She shouldn't be alone.

You have better idea? She's stubborn.

You two together, no thanks.

She won't go into a home without her dog.

The poor thing's too fat to move.

What's up?

Nothing, I thought I heard Olivier crying.

You should see a doctor. You worry me sometimes.

Epilepsy starts like that, with black-outs and then...

You shouldn't drive.

That's stupid.

Take Mother her lunch tomorrow.

Eggs and chopped liver for Mimi. Mimi loves that.

Mimi?

Mimi, mother's dog.

The insurance is tomorrow.

Send Nadine, or the boy. They won't mind.

What a country. More holidays than school.

It's filthy down here.

You don't sweep under the bed'?

What else do you have to do'?

The house and the children.

Good night, Serge.

I thought we'd finished with all that.

I thought we'd finished with all that.

You're not helping him. He's nine, you treat him like a baby.

That's enough play-acting.

He's not a girl, not a teddy bear, he's a boy.

I won't let you turn him into one of them.

Mummy's boy, a faggot!

Go to sleep.

Are you all nuts? Do you know what time it is?

After a day I've had...

You could have some respect.

It's you I work for.

But it's me that gets the shit.

Come on, go to sleep.

Good night, darling.

- Can't you sleep? - No, you win. I can't sleep.

Could you warm my legs?

Cold?

- I'm afraid. - Afraid of what?

I saw a 'plane on television today.

The one that crashed. All those people were ripped apart.

Torn to shreds.

Children too.

Stop, there are no pilots in the family.

Let's sleep.

Hold my hand.

What?

Nothing.

Good morning, Elisabeth.

Good morning, Marcel.

What's happened to the eggs?

- I'm here. - Where's here?

The lavatory.

You have been there for an hour.

Where's Nadine hiding?

At Babettefs.

You'll take Grannie's lunch, right? Please.

- Now what? - You know.

You're too big for that.

Please, Mummy.

- What would Daddy say? - He's not here.

I don't know why you can't do it yourself.

- I don't like it. - And me?

You always say I'm delicate.

- It's the last time. - I promise.

Do extra-terrestrials go caca too?

Extra-terrestrials? Yes, theirs are blue.

Time to go to Grannie's.

Stand up. Does that still hurt'?

Not at all.

Wait, sweetie.

- Can I take Nadine's bike? - Why?

- My chain slips. - Tell Daddy, he'll fix it.

Will Daddy fetch me? - If you like.

Hands off my bike!

You'll pay for it tonight. Stop, Oliver!

Come and see.

He's no better?

No, he coughs and then...

He hasn't eaten for days.

- Have you taken his temperature? - He won't let me.

Back already?

It's too much.

Leaving an old woman without food. You're careless, or nuts.

No food all day'?

Olivier. Where is Olivier'?

You didn't bring him'?

Where from?

He took your mothers food.

When?

At one.

She hasn't see him?

He's gone, for ever!

Maybe he's with Jacques.

Jacques just phoned.

I knew it.

Then he's with someone else.

Take him.

Please don't go.

- Stay. - I must watch Paul.

You haven't seen Olivier'?

She sent him with your lunch.

If I knew, I wouldn't be asking.

Give me a break, don't be difficult.

Olivier, come back!

Go to bed.

Do you know any reason that the child might have run away?

To avoid punishment?

Was he naughty?

Did he say anything?

I wonder if you had a little scrap?

I know you don't remember anything today, but if you do...

You'll find him, won't you?

Chief, this is Marcel.

When did you see the boy'?

It must have been around one. He rode past on his bike.

How far away was he?

About fifty metres.

I asked him to bring me some cigarettes.

I gave him money for sweets.

He said "yes" then he went on, that's all.

He's my sweetie.

You'll bring him back to me.

You must... promise me.

Promise!

I promise.

- Really? - I promise.

Make them find him. Make them find him.

Elisabeth, please...

Eat something, please.

I'll do as I like.

Jean-Pierre phoned.

They want vets in Chad.

In Africa'?

- North of Cameroon. - Can we come?

I've applied. It would be interesting.

Taking your mother'?

She's going into a home. She finally understood.

Pity it wasn't sooner.

Please, Elisabeth.

I'm not leaving, or there'll be no one here when he returns.

You've buried him already!

As if he didn't exist any more, as if it were all over.

He's my son too.

I kiss you, I kiss you, my sweet

Because I shall miss you so, I shall miss you so

When you've grown up

You've touched Oliver's things.

Not true!

Don't lie! Don't lie to me!

I borrowed a marker.

Dirty little selfish liar!

If only you'd taken the lunch as I asked.

- He'd still be with us! - It's not my fault!

It's your fault and your father's fault!

That's enough! Are you sick?

Look what you've done to her!

If it's not your bloody mother... it's the goose!

Do you wish it had been her?

Yes, I do!

I wish it had been her!

I've had enough of this!

I won't put up with it!

If you'd made an effort, for once...

You loser.

You're an impotent little country vet.

I loathe you.

I put up with it for Oliver's sake!

You won't have to put up with me much longer.

Did you cut yourself?

I'm sorry.

My little girl.

Forgive me... forgive me.

Leave me alone.

Don't.

Give me a child!

Give me a child!

Has something happened?

No, I just wanted to talk with you.

Ice-cream'?

I'm not running away from you.

Look at me.

I thought it would be better.

Because I can't take any more.

You'll understand when you're older.

What is there to understand?

That it's better for us all.

You can choose...

When I'm settled, you can follow me.

You could go to school...

Live with me, have a great time.

You want to stay?

What's that?

What does it mean?

I hate you?

I've done all I can.

I've gone door to door.

I've put ads everywhere. We couldn't have done more.

We couldn't face together.

It's not our fault.

- Understand? - No.

You must understand.

Shit, this isn't a confessional!

Look at the state you put us in, your mother and me!

I won't let you.

I'll stand up for myself.

Poor Daddy.

I'm staying.

I've come to say goodbye.

I'm moving to Paris.

I've been meaning to get rid of it, it's full of dust.

MarceFs helping.

It's too much for me...

The children wanted a fish pond, Serge didn't have time.

I did all I could.

You're abandoning us.

I won't abandon Olivier.

You know he was born twice?

He was born twice.

His sister was no problem, but he was born at seven months.

They put him on me.

All pink and sweet...

Suddenly...

I wanted to cuddle him, he turned blue...

First his little hands, then his feet...

Then his body.

Serge yelled for help.

They took him away.

Intensive care.

It seemed an age.

The nurse come back.

She said he'd live.

And Serge... Serge fainted.

He's a doctor: Well, a vet.

He fainted, from joy.

He was delighted, afterwards...

You'll catch cold.

Yes, my love.

It's turning cold.

Olivier only has a T-shin.

PARIS, SIX YEARS LATER

Have you eaten women's eyes?

This one's for you.

Why not hug me?

You're a bore.

I'll kill you!

Let me go! I'll come clean.

It's a mistake. That whore planted it.

Mickey, I see you every week. I'm tired of you.

I'll get you.

Calm down.

I don't do drugs!

It's that cheap tan.

I'm innocent.

Believe me.

Believe me, man. I'll kill you!

Don't move!

I'll have your hide!

I'll smash your face!

Fancy me?

Take the hat off.

I came to find Mother.

A Baltic princess, ditched by the Emir.

She works as a cleaner.

She's Scandinavian.

What's her name?

Greta Garbo.

Barely fifteen.

Too young for you?

A bullshitter!

Should be on the stage.

I'll own up. I'm Sebastian Blanche.

My stepfather screwed me in the bathroom.

Now I go for urinals.

You'll be staying a while.

I don't take drugs, I don't steal.

I've money, I'm clean.

I live with a friend.

- I can... - Wait.

Give me your hand.

May I?

I won't hit you.

I'll tell you a story.

Once upon a time a boy lived with his daddy and mummy.

So what?

I don't care.

He had a big sister.

They had a big house.

They loved him, they were all happy.

One day he put on his red cap, took his bike...

lo take lunch to his sick grandmother not far away.

He never came back.

Six years ago.

Now they all think the little boy's dead.

Except his mother, because she's his mother.

Every year she buys him new clothes, she thinks he's growing up.

One day he'll be back.

Boss, got a second?

- Well? - I don't know.

Come on, his reaction... I'm sure.

It was my first case.

I'll send the files. Let me deal with it.

What if it's not him?

It's him.

What happens now?

There are three options. One, the judge and borstal.

Second, I put you back on the street with your... friends.

Third...

Why did you scarper?

I don't remember.

Your mother's fantastic.

She couldn't deserve what you've done to her.

If I say I am... can I go?

I'm taking you to her, arsehole.

OK, Olivier?

It's ages since anyone called me that.

Olivier who?

- Another interrogation? - Why not?

Olivier Duval.

Your mother first name?

Elisabeth.

Your brother's name?

Just a sister, Nadine.

You're not family.

It must be him.

He knows names, dates. The resemblance is striking.

If you have any doubts, we'll make him talk some more.

You're joking. I'll know at once!

Don't rush him. He's been through a lot.

He's like a wild cat, you will have to tame him.

Luckily, he's not HIV positive.

What's he like? Taller?

Taller than you.

Did he say why...?

Listen, don't rush him. Wait.

One day he might say what happened, if he wants to.

This is it.

How do I look?

Fine.

I'll be quick.

Is that OK'?

Fine.

Quickly.

Is this OK?

It's what you like, what you used to like, I mean.

I thought you could choose.

There's rye...

Some cheese, where is it?

With strong mustard, is that OK'?

Forgive me?

You'll see, everything will be normal.

I'll do my best, a normal life, a normal home.

A real home with a real life.

Nadine!

Do you want your daughter or Oliver's sister'?

Open up, Nadine.

We're closed.

OK.

Drop the gun.

Did you sleep well?

How's the Infant Jesus?

Cuddled him? Breast-fed him'?

Put him to bed'?

Now, listen... what a pigsty this room is!

It won't do. Bras in you notes!

Really, Nadine.

Get dressed.

Put this on. This would go well with it.

Is thus the New order?

This room stinks like a zoo.

A YOung girl's room!

Close the window.

Why?

I'm cold. I hate draughts.

You need air.

Stop it!

- What you are doing? - I'm cold.

Will you leave it shut?

You're hyped UP-

Stop, you are overdoing it.

You're crazy.

Kiss each other.

Say hello.

Nadine, tell Marcel to bring two ducks.

Exploiting your slave?

Not me, your man Friday.

Take your brother. He'd like that.

Ask Marcel over.

Nadine!

Nadine!

Who's that?

Wipe your face.

It's a girl's.

- You haven't seen her? - There are no gins here.

She came this way.

My sister.

It's me, Olivier.

Olivier disappeared.

I'm back.

Nadine! Wait!

Let's go.

This is yours.

Keep it as a souvenir.

Aren't we going to Marcel's?

For the duck'?

That was him, with the shovel?

I can't remember.

It's not surprising. He moved after you left.

You see.

For safety's sake.

If you hang yourself, it won't be my fault.

Recognize me?

- You didn't question him? - No. Do I question you?

- I've nothing to hide? - Really?

We have to, to find out where he was, what he's done.

Why he didn't contact us.

I know, but I'm scared.

He's so independent. He'll go if we question him.

We have friends...

We can't pretend nothing happened.

He must live here.

He must go to school.

What do you care, in Africa'?

It's my business.

What of we came with you? For appearances sake.

I'm not going back. Chad is over.

I'm a loser there too.

You're not a loser.

Strange. We thought he had no ear for music.

He's musical, like you.

Have you seen Nadine?

She's in the bath.

As usual. Nadine! I hope you remembered to invite Marcel.

Marcel was the last one to see you.

- Hello! - Good afternoon.

- Are we disturbing you? - No.

- Mummy baked a cake. - How nice.

Good afternoon.

Pack your old clothes and toys.

Paul can have them. Serge will come with you.

You've really changed. You're pretty.

Did extra-terrestrials take you?

How did you know?

Nadine told me.

Were you in space?

Attention!

Here you are.

Keys.

In the hall.

Shit!

Beautiful, isn't?

The neighbours!

Thank you.

Now something for Nadine.

From the Barbary Coast.

He wants the banana.

He's adopted you.

You'll have to name him.

He's cute.

He knew you at once.

She's happy. Right champagne!

- He understood. - Amazing.

He's not afraid, much...

Now we've had the presents, what do you have to say?

I'll be off.

No, you're family.

Serge, please, not tonight.

Please

He has a voice. He's not intimidated, are you?

No, it's OK. Well, to start with, I was brought up by ET.

Ask Nadine, she knows. Extra-terrestrials in a flying saucer.

Don't push it Dad.

Everything was so nice.

I'd rather know. I choose a test.

Look at my present.

(Is this: A) Mum's mother? B) Dad's mother?

(C) Aunt Rosalie from Grenoble?

Two, you had your appendix out:

(A) At the age of two? B) Two months before you left?

(C) Never?

Your favourite cap was: Green, red, yellow?

Your best friend at school was: Jacques...?

Stop it, Nadine!

You're diabolical!

I'm not afraid of the truth.

- Say sorry! - When he's passed.

Calm down, calm down!

If he wants, he can answer tomorrow.

You're right to want to refresh his memory, to get it out of him.

But Mum's right, it's not the time. Come on, please.

It strikes me you resemble a Biblical character...

This is news. Which one?

Pontius Pilate, for example.

Nadine! Nadine!

Nadine hates me.

She's jealous, she always has been.

Come on, try the shirts.

I hope they're OK.

What was I like?

Affectionate, happy during the day.

Afraid at night.

Wouldn't sleep alone.

You'd cry for nothing.

Nadine was more boyish.

What's that?

That? - Yes.

Serge! Serge!

She calmed down.

He's got the same appendix scar.

Not now, not yet.

Now, I want you now.

I missed youl!

You can't imagine how much I missed you... I missed you.

Gently, my love.

Come and see!

What's the matter?

You shit!

Flipping for the sweet little family?

Do you know what I could do to you?

You shit!

What's going on'?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Listen, Nadine. I'm warning you.

You're not alone with your mother any more.

Nadine, open up. Open this door. Come on, open it.

It's me.

Shit!

You're overdoing it.

The worst grief is not knowing, without love or hate...

my heart is full of pain

I remember

Remember the orphanage of stations?

All day we passed through towns...

turned and vomited. Night, sun, days

Oh, sailor. Oh, some women...

Oh, my companions!

Hey, Mickey. Remember them?

You don't want to break the peace? Leave him alone, he didn't hurt you!

Serge, come back. Listen, I can't go on.

Nadine's growing up too fast.

I remember the last time I sang "The Angels" to her.

You ask if I drink a stupid question.

I've warmed them for you.

Is it nice?

Stop making crumbs.

You amaze me.

I thought you had dignity.

Stop.

They dropped you like an old shoe. True?

They left us alone.

They come back and you wait on them.

You lick their boots, their arses...

Mind your language!

We were happy together, you always said so.

What can I say'?

It was a nightmare, I lived for you.

Poor tart, you have your men now!

Screwing you!

Wait till you love someone.

Never.

I'm not blackmailing you.

If you do it again, I won't survive it.

Hello!

It's yours?

The prodigal son's bribe.

Go for a ride?

Climb on.

It's not true.

What a mess!

You turn your back.

Give me a hand.

Yep, there it is! It's been there all this time.

Look at that, here it is.

I didn't want it in the house.

You won't tell Mum'?

It's our secret.

You've got the knack.

I've got strong arms. When I was small...

It's good, want some?

It's my uncle's Calvados. Uncle Jean, do you remember him?

WhY did you go'?

It wasn't nice leaving them just then. You ran away.

- You ran away too. - I was a kid.

I thought things might chance.

You like to travel?

I like stations, at least I used to.

You wanted things to change?

Couldn't care less.

We think women are weak, they're strong.

Take my mother, your grandmother...

I put her into a home...

I thought I'd feel bad about it for ever...

She'd die in a month. Did she hell!

She lived for years.

She died at Christmas.

She married again, left him everything.

Except the house.

Why did she remarry'?

People are afraid of solitude, women especially.

They need someone... to crack.

And Mum'?

You left her alone.

She had Nadine.

A tough nut.

Hide, mind the bottle!

We've become famous. The grocer's was packed.

They'd have bought anything...

Listen, this is a family history.

Molto did great business.

They wouldn't budge, they were curious.

"Your husband's back". "With a monkey', I said.

And then, they didn't actually dare...

Finally, they said "And the little one?" And I said "He's grown up."

Your teacher came over and said: "We must talk..."

"Is it true that he... '2"

And she whispered: "Is it true what they wrote in the papers?"

I said, "I don't know". I was really embarrassed. Unbelievable!

Anything wicked turns her on...

Like the time Babette turned up in a see-through bra...

a g-string and garters!

Whatever next!

"No time to change"!

That's not when her mother...

said it was your idea?

It was. Babette does anything I say.

You're unbelievable. You go too far.

Forgive me for this morning?

I love you.

I really love you.

It was just all rather sudden.

Where did they go'?

You miss them?

Did they take the bike?

Perhaps somethings happened?

Mum, if life scared me that much, I'd kill myself.

Don't push!

We paid some visits...

Listen to him sing, listen to that accent!

Serge, you are not thinking straight. You know you can't take liquor.

Better?

Let me by.

We must talk. I want to know...

You're drunk!

Why don't you like me?

You've seduced them all, even the monkey.

I don't have to like you.

You think I'm not your brother?

No.

You always hated me.

- You wanted me to go. - No. Olivier was different.

Why would I pretend to be your brother?

I don't know.

See?

Are you...

Nadine!

What happened?

Nadine!

Take it!

What's up?

Shall I call Mum?

Stop!

Are you really crying?

Drink makes me cry.

Why?

I don't know.

That's Dad's mum.

I had my appendix out two months before I left.

My favourite hat was red.

- My best friend was Jacques. - You've had time to find out.

Why are you laughing?

- And you? - I'm laughing at you.

You're nuts.

Don't go, please.

Tell me about Paris... about how gays live.

You tell me how did you that in the bathroom.

Watch.

Nadine!

Nadine!

Have you gone crazy?

I was afraid on my own.

Warm me up.

You smell nice.

Have you been able to do that long? With the lamp?

When I was little, after you went...

I was often cross.

I'd tear my clothes, bang my head.

Stamp my feet.

One day I noticed I could move things, instead.

I stopped the tantrums.

At that time...

we were happy.

Mum was happy.

Now she'd say she was suicidal then.

She deceived me, do you see'?

It's just words, suicide... I did too.

She could have done it.

What?

You've got a hard-on.

Don't go. Turn the other way.

This is a gay kiss.

What's this?

A sacrifice.

I didn't know it would be so nice with a man.

I'm a boy, not a man.

You know what I do when I'm sick of someone?

I piss on him. Like this.

Me too. Wait for me.

Pee-pee on the grass to bug the ladybirds.

What's the time?

Just after four.

I didn't wake up.

Do you remember Oliver's peeing contests?

Peeing contests?

He was so proud of himself. Marcel taught him, do you remember?

No. I don't remember. Peeing?

It is him. It's Olivier!

You didn't want to believe?

My little girl!

What did you write? Let me guess.

I love you.

I love you too.

You never understand.

Marcel!

Marcel! I'm Olivier!

Got any fags? The shop's shut.

Marcel!

I was going home, he called me...

He said he had something for me, then...

It's over now. It'll be OK.

He said we'd play the trumpet.

He won't hurt you now.

Let's go to Paris?

Now, on the bike? Super!

Your 'phone off the hook?

Here, I've brought you a present.

The kid wants the loo.

What's this about?

What's up now? Scarpered again? Who's the kid?

Remember Marcel, the neighbour?

The last person to see...

He's pervert.

He had the kid, it was a miracle I turned up.

I came here because...

I think he did the same thing to Olivier.

You mean?

It wasn't me.

I'm not the real one.

Shit, don't you see?

I'm not the real one!

I'm not the real one.

OK, I get the point.

I thought cops would live...

Better than this?

I'm not a successful cop.

You were my first success.

Finish eating.

What should I do'?

What should I do'?

First we call the kid's parents.

And then the Duval's, tell them you're here.

Then we'll set wheels in motion.

I think you should stay put.

- I was thinking... - Thinking what?

I was thinking we needn't tell them... they needn't know.

She couldn't take it.

Mum, Madame Duval.

Not so fast!

You can't go on pretending to be her son?

No, that's true. Though, I thought...

- Why did you do that? - What?

Why did you pretend?

It was what you wanted, wasn't it?

It was to please you.

I swear, I just wanted to touch him.

He was afraid, he wanted to run away.

The door was open, he fell down the steps.

He didn't move at all, I had to do something.

Afterwards... I saw his bike and his hat.

I buried them.

I didn't know what to do... I wanted to forget.

It wasn't my fault.

I liked him.

And her... Elisabeth.

So when, when he came back it was as if I'd gone mad.

As if someone... it's not my fault.

Could you come here?

Careful!

I felt something.

Father!

Don't worry.

You've got your truth.

Is it what you wanted?

- Land, Mum, I'm here. - Olivier...

You're back?