Original subtitles

Maxime?

- No. - Sorry.

- Maxime? - Yes.

I'm Daphné, François's partner.

- Hello. - Hello.

François had a problem, so I came to get him.

Something serious?

His partner had an accident, so François took the train to Paris.

I think he tried to call you.

My battery is dead.

He's really sorry. Should be back in a few days.

My car is nearby.

Have you ever been to the region?

No, never.

Are you sure I'm not bothering you?

Bothering me? No!

Don't worry, there's plenty of room for everyone.

Besides, I don't have much to do, I'm on vacation.

In fact, François made me promise to take care of his younger cousin.

Just tell me if you like the room I'm going to show you.

There are two others, but I like this one best.

All good?

I am fine. It's normal in three months.

Three months?

Sorry, I think François wanted to surprise you.

You are one of the first to know. I'm three months pregnant.

Congratulations! It does not seem.

This is normal. It's still very early.

You can put your things there if you want.

- I forgot the towels. - There's no rush!

- Rest if you don't feel well. - I'm fine, don't worry.

And I wanted to get out, do some

sightseeing while François was away.

He's seen it all.

Do you have any plans?

No. I don't know.

You are planning to write. François said you write novels.

No, I would like to write novels, but my work takes up too much time.

- What do you do? - I'm a translator.

I told François I would write

here, but it's not easy to start.

THINGS WE SAY, THINGS WE DO

Why is writing difficult if that's what you want to do?

Because I'm very ambitious.

What I write so far falls short of my ambition.

What's the point of writing something mediocre?

Everyone wants to be a writer now.

Writing is not difficult.

It's writing something interesting that's difficult.

You can't know in advance if you're interesting.

You may be interesting to some and not to others.

I would like to be interesting at least to myself.

A writer can be interesting without knowing that he is interesting.

Generally, people who think they are interesting are not.

Don't you think so?

Could it be.

So what kind of novel do you want to write? Political?

Romantic? History?

Guys? Adventure? Science fiction?

I would like to tell stories about feelings.

Love stories.

I prefer to call them feelings.

- When would the story take place? - Today.

By the way, François told me that you had been feeling unwell,

because of a failed love affair.

So if you want to talk about it...

Well I...

I'm sorry, maybe I don't want to talk about this.

I understand. Don't feel weird.

No, don't worry. I don't want to upset you with this.

We have a few days together. This will pass with time.

I love other people's love stories.

They are fascinating.

They remind you of those you had or didn't have.

You can't upset me.

I don't know where to start.

It was about a year ago.

I was going to wake you up. I'm leaving in 16 minutes.

I want things to be clear: I like you.

It's obvious that I'm really attracted to you.

I will be happy to see you again if you wish.

Me too.

But we can't have a lasting relationship.

Serious? Why not?

I don't believe that a lasting relationship can be based on desire and pleasure.

Desire and pleasure do not last.

A lasting relationship must be built on mutual

interests, the foundation of a future family.

It has nothing to do with pleasure.

And also, I'm already married.

Are you married?

Don't worry, he won't show up. He lives and works in Japan.

We see each other every six months.

We work for the same company.

As soon as a position like mine opens up in Japan, I will join him.

After two years in Japan, we can ask for a job in the United States.

We will be transferred together because I will be pregnant.

We believe that the United States can provide a good education for our children.

We want three.

I want to kiss you again.

Wait, I'll set the alarm.

After activating...

The alarm is set.

That's when it all started.

Maxime!

I can't stay, I have work to finish.

No, stay! I will help you.

No, I can't. They are at their limit.

- Where are you going? - The best exhibition in Paris.

- The best in Paris! - Her sister is taking us.

- Your sister? Do you know her? - No, I never met her.

- Here they are! - I'm not staying.

Let me introduce Sandra, my sister. Gaspard, Maxime.

- Do you two know each other? - It is clear! Very good!

How crazy!

- Are you Victoire's sister? - Yes!

My father lived with her mother for three years.

I said I had a sister, I showed photos!

Sorry, I can't stay. I have work, but it was a pleasure meeting you.

Until next time.

- Goodbye. - Yes, maybe.

Let's go! This way.

I thought I would never see her again.

I never thought I'd see you again. I always think about you.

I thought you had completely forgotten about me.

No.

I loved our meetings, our conversations.

- You stopped calling. - Are you serious?

I was always the one who called you.

I got used to it. It's your fault.

Why did you stop calling me?

I thought it was better because it was

complicated and it was for my own good.

Are you saying I was toxic?

- No, but I got a little addicted. - Addicted?

You didn't realize, but I dreamed of being with you.

I knew that.

- Did you know? - Yes.

This made things strange for me.

I could feel that she really liked me as a good friend, but...

Sentimentally and physically, you were not attracted to me.

I felt really good with you.

But I wasn't attracted.

I couldn't see myself dating you.

Why was that?

Because everyone imagined us together.

My friends said we would make a great couple.

This discouraged me.

If I had stayed with you,

It would have been as if others had decided for me.

If no one had said anything, do you think we would have had a chance?

I don't know, it could be.

I don't like what everyone else likes.

When everyone loves a book or a movie, I don't want to see it.

One day, things could have changed.

- And has it changed? - Yes, I remember it very well.

I was going to have coffee at your house.

On the way, I suddenly felt the desire you felt for me.

and I don't know why, I thought:

"Today, I'm going to give myself to him. Just to see. You never know."

I was walking,

heading towards your house, I made

up my mind, nothing could stop me.

Ten feet from his door, I met a

childhood friend, outside his building.

We started talking and he suggested coffee.

I couldn't say no.

We had a lot to talk about. We hadn't seen each other for a long time.

After a while, we went our separate ways.

I headed towards his house again.

I was outside your door

and then,

I felt that my resolve had weakened.

I wasn't sure anymore, I started to wonder.

Since I didn't know what to think, I bet with myself.

A stupid bet.

I picked up my phone and thought,

"If he answers before the third ring, I'll give myself over to him.

"If he responds after this, I'll make up an excuse."

You answered on the fourth ring.

I remember that day.

You said you would be there at 2pm. At 3:30 pm, I hadn't heard from you.

I was waiting for you, walking in circles like an idiot.

Out of pride, I wouldn't call you and show you that I was waiting.

I didn't want to seem impatient by answering too soon.

- Were you down there? - Yes.

Sorry I made you wait. Now you understand that it wasn't what I wanted.

Sorry, I apologize. I am really sorry.

- How are you? - Good.

Isn't it beautiful?

Have you seen her since?

No, she said she would call me, but she hasn't called me yet.

I stupidly wait for her to call, knowing she won't.

I'm not going to call her and sound desperate.

- Is she with someone? - No.

I asked Victoire, she's single.

I don't care at all. It's history. I'm not interested anymore.

Did she wake you up like before?

No, fortunately. This has passed.

She changed and I changed.

That's a good thing.

Yes, it's good.

Everything is fine.

Yes, everything is fine.

How to say "monoamine oxidase inhibitors"

in German again?

What?

Soon after, came the transfer to Japan that Victoire had been waiting for.

Here.

She didn't expect it so soon.

- Is it for me? - Yes.

You shouldn't. I didn't give you anything.

But I'm the one leaving, not you.

Open.

It's for the novel you dream of writing.

Thanks.

It's lighter than a laptop, you can take it anywhere.

You won't forget me anytime soon.

I didn't need that to remember you.

I don't know.

I don't want you to forget me completely.

Are you well?

It's normal to be sad.

It's just a little emotional stress, don't worry.

Time will heal things.

In life, there are rainy days and sunny days.

Now it's raining, but...

Let's not make a big deal out of it.

Nothing lasts. Let's just wait.

Victoire organized something for

her friends and Sandra was there.

I can't find any good dating apps.

If I had to come up with one, the dates would

be set randomly and not by compatibility.

Randomly? By pure chance?

It would be interesting!

A true romantic adventure, meeting someone completely different.

What's wrong with having affinity?

It's immoral.

Dating someone with your own interests is self-interest.

Choosing someone because they are beautiful, liking

cats and Mozart is like building capital, not love.

- How about irresistible attraction? - It's the same.

It is quenching a sensual thirst. Lend me your body, and I'll lend you mine.

Things were less hypocritical with arranged marriages.

I completely agree.

What do you think about love?

Love? I see this as the most beautiful.

I see it as a gift, a gift from yourself.

An overcoming of oneself. An adventure towards another.

Not just seeking personal benefit.

- Isn't feeling in love love? - Yes!

Believing this is like believing in Santa Claus.

When you really believe that, it's great, I remind myself.

Have you ever fallen in love?

Yes of course.

Did you like it?

Yes, I was tricked like Santa Claus.

Saying you're in love sounds better than saying you want someone.

It's packaging!

We would never fall in love if we hadn't heard about love.

We can't help but hear about it.

It may be cultural, but we can't help it.

Culture is like skin.

You can tan, tattoo, put on makeup, but you can't take it off.

So should we resign ourselves to leaving things as they are?

No criticism. Let's act like puppets!

No, you don't understand.

To change things, see them as they are, not as you wish they were.

We disagree about what they are like. We can't get along.

Make an effort.

Who will try hard first? Not you, I don't think so.

- What makes you say that? - A feeling.

Perhaps his arrogant airs behind a facade of modesty?

I bet you would make an effort by mistake, just to prove me wrong.

Could you make an effort to try and see how I perceive things?

Run the risk of losing yourself to discover someone else?

There is no risk with you.

- I know where I'm going. - Presumptuous.

Just as it is to say that I am presumptuous.

I didn't see that coming.

I wasn't after anything. It just happened.

Now I see why you fantasized about her so much.

If you hadn't talked about her,

I wouldn't be interested in her.

She's not my type at all.

And the way she drove him crazy irritated me.

I wanted to tease her, not seduce her.

It's funny, isn't it?

Don't you think so?

Yes.

As I kissed her, I started to think that it wasn't fair.

That you should have kissed her.

It's an old story for you, isn't it?

Yes, it's behind me. I told you, remember?

- So I shouldn't feel guilty? - No, that would be silly.

Afterwards, everything went very quickly.

So fast.

- Did your aunt live here alone? - Yes.

She didn't live in Paris, she came occasionally.

- When are you going to move? - Within two weeks.

Then? Will you tell him?

Maxime, Sandra and I have an offer.

You are the only person we would like to share.

Since we work together at my house, could we continue here?

Yes, that would be great. Thanks.

No, that's not all.

We would like to offer you...

Move here!

With you?

Yes! With us! Who else?

Just the three of us. There's space.

It was Sandra's idea, but I think it's great.

But, it would be strange.

No rent, just help with the bills. It will be cheaper than your maid's room.

I knew I should have said no.

It was a bad idea.

I knew all the reasons that should have stopped me.

I go to bed.

Don't you want to answer?

I'm very sorry.

Sorry to interrupt you. Forgive me.

Sorry, it's François.

Hello!

- Yes? - Hello?

Have you arrived?

- Yes. - How is Gilles?

Well. I just saw him. He was more shaken than injured.

It will be out of commission for a few days.

He needs to rest.

- Are you well? - Yes.

- Is everything okay with Maxime? - Yes, okay.

We took a tour. Want to say hi?

Yes.

Hello, François?

Hello, how are you?

I'm sorry I wasn't there. Did Daphne explain?

Yes. She said you'd be back soon.

I hope I'm taking good care of you. Otherwise, she will be in trouble.

Yes, thank you.

And thank you for the nice things you said about me,

No, forget it.

- See you soon. - Goodbye.

We don't see each other often.

When I last saw you, I was so worried

that I forgot to ask how you two met.

It was quite unusual.

I'll tell you later his story.

Tell me a little. Because otherwise I'll feel like I'm the only one talking.

- Are you really interested? - If it's not indiscreet.

When stories are indiscreet, they become interesting.

You decide.

In all ages, man has sought something stronger than death.

He encountered gods, a host of gods, who

allowed him to extend his life beyond his death.

The man made another invention.

A fabulous invention,

an invention that allowed him to be as invincible in a sense other than death.

Man learned to forgive.

With forgiveness,

man had power over death.

Power over strokes of bad luck

and, in a sense, power over tyranny and injustice.

I stopped here, like you told me to do.

I followed your instructions, but if...

If you want to make changes or don't like it, I can

stay and work this weekend. That's not a problem.

No, it's very good.

Very, very good.

Serious?

For the soundtrack, I got the theme from the beginning.

And since I used it again, there is a variation.

Did you like it?

You did a good job, Daphné.

Thanks. I didn't do much, I just followed his instructions.

Would you be ready to follow me again?

Follow you?

Yes.

Well, yes.

It's a little delicate.

I wanted to ask you to see a movie tonight.

Yes, okay. OK.

It's not part of the job, so if you had other plans...

No, I have no plans for tonight. I'm totally free.

I'm afraid your boyfriend doesn't like me taking you out.

I don't have a boyfriend. I'm totally free.

I admired the man and his documentaries

long before I worked with him.

I didn't see why he chose me to edit his film.

He was famous enough to choose a more well-known and experienced editor.

I thought maybe something about me seduced him.

- I knew you would like this movie. - Same? Why?

I don't know.

Don't you sometimes feel things you can't explain?

Yes.

- You're not sure? - Yes, I agree with you.

You have to trust your feelings sometimes.

At the risk of being wrong.

The first time I saw you, I knew I could trust you. I saw it in you...

The fact that I'm so sensitive to this film proves that.

My wife also loved this movie.

- We discovered it together. - Your wife?

- She died 3 years ago. - Sorry, I didn't know.

- Don't worry, I didn't mention her. - No.

So, are you single?

Yes.

At work, sometimes I could feel his eyes on me.

I started to shake, to get hot

silly and clumsy.

I don't know if he noticed.

Finally, he invited me to dinner. Just the two of us.

He said he had something to tell me.

Daphne?

Aren't we having a good night?

Yes.

I'm very happy to have met you.

Me too. I didn't mean that.

I love working with you.

I would like you to edit my next film.

I didn't want to mention it until

I had the financing. Now I do.

We will start filming in three months.

Are you well?

Yes.

Can I do anything?

I'm fine, I promise. I feel better now.

Take this taxi.

I came by bicycle.

- You go! - I won't leave you.

- Pick up your bike later. - The fresh air will do me good.

- Please don't worry about me. - I'll feel like I abandoned you.

I'm fine, I promise. I feel better.

And my next film? You didn't respond.

I would be delighted.

- Can I leave with peace of mind? - Of course.

See you soon, Daphné.

- Call me if you don't feel well. - Goodbye.

Excuse me. Did you happen to see a scarf on the floor?

No.

I came here by taxi earlier, went to a restaurant there and...

I can't find it.

I thought I might have dropped it when I got out of the car.

I probably left it in the taxi.

It's true that you often place your scarf on your

lap and it falls when you get out of the car.

So I thought I'd take a look here.

Let it go. Thanks.

Excuse me.

Sorry, I didn't mean to

bother you again, but...

I want to ask you something. Nothing to do with the scarf.

I've never done this before.

As I walked away,

I don't know why

It crossed my mind to share a drink with him.

I mean, with me.

I thought it was silly, but then again...

It's even dumber not to ask you.

I still don't know why I accepted.

He wasn't my type. No way.

I also don't know why I slept with him.

I could look at you for hours. Days.

Maybe I needed comfort. And he seemed kind.

I can't believe I'm here, in this room, in front of you,

that I don't know, but that I think is so beautiful.

I'm very busy tomorrow, but I'll try to find time.

When is it good for you?

Sorry, I don't think I can tomorrow.

How about the next day?

Or another day?

We should leave it at that.

- Did I do something wrong? - No.

I can't date a married man.

I shouldn't have said I was married.

I wouldn't have slept with you otherwise.

Why did you want to sleep with me then?

Because you are married

I thought you wouldn't want to do it again.

- You thought I was a one-night stand. - No.

I wouldn't say it like that.

I really want to see you again.

We can meet for a drink if you like.

But let's not sleep together.

Man is happy not by possessing, but by giving.

Not by saving, but by spending.

Not by saving yourself, but by sacrificing yourself.

The man who gave himself is crazy with joy.

Your joy is true and much wiser than rational wisdom.

Any problems?

Well I was looking for a research assistant

for my next film.

You gave me a friend's resume.

Yes, Florence Gastet. We went to school together.

She would be great. You should meet her.

I've already met. Didn't she tell you?

No. Did everything go well?

I thought you knew.

It went very well. We even met again.

I wanted to thank you.

Thanks to you, I met a lovely person.

Cool.

I feel ridiculous saying this, but...

I think I'm very much in love.

It hasn't happened to me in a long time. I feel like a child.

I can't concentrate. Please be understanding with me.

She's with someone, you know?

I know. Maybe that's why she didn't tell you.

Sorry, maybe I should have kept quiet.

Can we keep this between us?

- Can you go back to that part again? - It is clear.

Man is happy not by possessing, but by giving.

Not by saving, but by spending.

Not by saving yourself, but by sacrificing yourself.

Later that day, I was going

to meet François for coffee.

He was so kind to me

that I couldn't refuse what he wanted.

Daphne.

I can't stop saying your name in my head since I met you.

Plays on loop in my head.

I can't think of anything else.

- I'm sorry, but... - Don't apologize!

I wanted to tell you...

You are the most beautiful thing that has happened to me since...

I don't remember when.

I forgot everything since I met you.

As if all my previous experiences had been erased.

- I love you. - You can't say that.

You don't even know me.

You don't fall in love like that.

I'm not in love with you. I don't feel the same.

This makes me uncomfortable.

I think you're really cool, I like being with you, but...

You must know that I'm in love with someone else.

Why didn't you tell me when we met?

I said I was married.

Because I'm not with him.

Why?

It is complicated. I really don't want to talk about it.

I'm very sorry.

Forgive me, I...

Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry.

If you want to sleep with me, stop saying you love me.

Good...

- Kiss me. - Good...

I'm very sorry! Maybe this is strange for you.

What would François think if he knew I was telling him all this?

- You know his ex-wife! - In fact, she was just a relative.

We're not especially close.

If your story is very personal, what should I think of mine?

You are sure. We're even.

You stopped living with

your friend and Sandra.

I don't think I could have done that.

Don't you feel like you should be in your friend's shoes sometimes?

Yes. The cruelest thing was that we told each other everything.

Everything, even things you don't share.

Friends sometimes share very personal things.

He told me about his sex life. What she liked, what she didn't like.

That kind of thing.

It's amazing how much I knew about her.

But you couldn't express how you felt.

No. And I didn't really know what I felt.

You were in love with her, obviously.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so cruel.

Everything would have been simpler.

Sorry. I'm interpreting and telling you what you felt.

Sorry. I will stop.

What is happening?

I have no desire to share this room with you.

I prefer to sleep on the street!

Sandra and Gaspard argued more and more.

- Can I settle here? - No.

Just because I sighed! It's insane!

You are reckless! I mean nothing to you!

I sighed because I'm tired.

Alright, go ahead. Sigh!

Give in to your mood! But don't expect him to stay by your side.

It's not the first time. That's enough!

So I can't be myself?

I can't express what I feel or be authentic?

If authentic means sighing when someone speaks, great!

A giant step for humanity!

The situation got worse every day.

Gaspard spilled his guts.

He couldn't stand her anymore.

- What are you going to do? - I don't know.

I took a teaching job out of town four days a week.

This will give me some space.

With Gaspard away,

Sandra and I began to live almost as a couple.

Don't do that!

And what was about to happen, happened.

Well, I don't know if that would happen.

But it happened.

All good?

Sorry, did I wake you up?

No, I didn't hear you. I was also thirsty.

Thanks.

Want more?

Yes, please.

I fantasized about her for so long,

imagining our first time,

that my caresses didn't come naturally.

I could see my every move.

I did what Gaspard said he liked.

I thought of Gaspard,

how I would behave with him in the future.

My thoughts were so dominant that I couldn't let go.

However, out of courtesy, in a way, I showed

Sandra all the pleasure she should feel.

Probably to prove myself too.

And even though the texture of her skin or the

way she kissed wasn't quite what I'd dreamed of,

I didn't allow myself to be disappointed

and I tried hard to love her as she was.

The betrayal he was committing could not be in vain.

Everything between us had to be convincing.

Are you thinking about him?

He knows?

Both of my grandmothers passed away.

One of them was very serious.

She was faithful all her life.

She only knew my grandfather.

There was just a little case,

a little flirting.

She had such a guilty conscience

that my grandfather became suspicious.

When he confronted her, she felt so guilty

who admitted feelings for that man

and swore never to go near him again.

All his life, my grandfather thought his wife had cheated on him.

And yet, they lived side by side,

always together.

My other grandmother

was never faithful.

Not even for your lovers.

The whole family knew and laughed about it.

Mainly my grandfather.

She never hid it.

But everyone knew they loved each other.

It was obvious when you saw them.

That's why we shouldn't get carried away.

We shouldn't make things serious when they aren't.

What's wrong with two bodies getting

along, enjoying each other's company?

I understand, but I disagree.

For me, love is a serious choice.

And precisely because it is serious,

It's priceless and it's beautiful.

Pleasure is something else.

Maybe the first grandmother actually experienced

a truer form of love.

A deeper one.

But love brings pleasure.

Maybe, but...

pleasure does not necessarily bring love.

I agree, but there was no point in contradicting Sandra.

This couldn't be love.

She was afraid of love.

Love means commitment.

That's why I can't cheat on the person I love

or have multiple relationships at the same time.

You went out with François

when I was in love with that director.

Yes.

I went out with François to be nice to him.

It had nothing to do with love.

I was trying to get David out of my mind.

I saw François more and more regularly.

I let myself be carried away by his energy, his desire to be with me.

I didn't make plans, I didn't think about it.

Whether our relationship continued or not didn't matter.

I was just going with the flow.

In fact, I remember, I didn't really react

when François said he was going away with his wife for two weeks.

I would have canceled if I had met you sooner.

Ireland is great.

I went two years ago. I loved!

Maybe I have a guide.

But not seeing you for two weeks will feel like an eternity.

No! Time flies when you travel, you know.

I remembered that my friend stayed with the guide.

Leave it there.

Kilkenny is the name of the city.

You will love it. I'll write it down.

It's Muriel. This will take an hour.

Have a nice trip!

Hello? Yes!

Yes. How are you?

All good?

Excellent.

I'm so happy!

However,

after a few days,

his absence seemed interminable.

It wasn't easy to buy and bring it without my wife noticing.

It is a good luck charm for lovers.

You have to look like this, in

the eyes, every morning and say...

I can't remember what you're supposed to say.

It doesn't matter, we'll come up with something.

Look.

Are you well?

I missed you.

Me too. I missed you too.

Yes, but I didn't want to...

What didn't you want?

I didn't want to miss you.

I am here.

I don't want this to happen again. I don't want that. We must finish.

Why?

Because it's getting very serious.

I don't want to wait for something that is impossible.

It's not impossible.

Yes, of course it is.

Look, I couldn't stand it if you left your wife because of me.

That's out of the question.

I cannot take on this responsibility.

I can't see a future with you without thinking about

her, without feeling for her and being ashamed of myself.

You spent a life together, you have a family,

you have a daughter.

You loved her before you met me.

We were both just having fun. Nothing more.

I don't want to fall in love. We must end this.

Do you think we could end up like this?

Yes.

We need.

It's a question of reason and willpower.

It will be painful at first, but it will pass.

Everything passes with time.

We are adults.

We must behave like responsible people.

Think about your wife.

You and I had fun. It was good, but it ended.

It's over forever.

Hello, dad!

What are you doing here?

We didn't have enough books in our group, so I came to get some.

- Are you off yet? - Yes.

- Hello, Claire. - Hello.

- How are you? - Good.

- How is the accommodation with Léa? - Excellent.

Not having many attacks?

Without parents around, there's no need!

- I'd like to see that. - Impossible, by definition.

It is clear.

- Is your mother at home? - She's upstairs.

See you later, dad.

Bye, mom!

- Don't forget about Saturday's meeting! - Yes.

Serious.

Are you well?

I just have a headache.

- Take an aspirin. - That's what I'm doing.

Maybe I should take two.

Maybe I will.

I think you should take another one.

That alone is enough, it's not that painful.

Yes, but it could get worse.

Like this?

I need to talk to you.

I don't understand.

I haven't said anything yet.

What is happening?

Any problems?

- I'm so scared of hurting you. - Why would you hurt me?

I can't go on like this. Sorry, it's too much, I can't do it.

What are you saying?

François, I met someone.

What do you mean by "I met someone"?

I met a man and I'm in love with him.

Sorry, I didn't know how else to say it.

I've been trying to reach you for months.

I was scared of how you would react.

Months?

At first it was just flirting.

I didn't think anything about it. It was like a game,

a secret emotion that had nothing to do with us.

He couldn't compare to you.

I felt strong. I was aware that nothing could harm my love for you.

But today I don't see any other solution...

- I'm sorry, my dear. - Sorry, my love.

What did you say?

Nothing, what could I say?

You could have told her about us.

I thought about it.

I didn't know where our relationship was.

You wanted to end this

because of my wife.

I didn't know if we were still together

or not.

It's unfair.

She was so brave to tell you everything.

Now, she must be feeling guilty for hurting you.

Do you notice that she is feeling bad for no reason?

If I tell her about us,

I can hurt her.

I don't know how she will react. Maybe very badly.

She can react unpredictably due to mimetic theory.

What is the mimetic theory?

I edited a documentary about it.

Basically, it's about wanting the other person's desire.

Desiring the other person's desire?

What does this mean?

This means that you not only want someone or something, but

that you want to have the same desire as the other person.

For example, if your wife finds out that I

want you, it might make her want you again.

You are a desired object. Therefore, you are desirable.

Or, as your wife is desired by another man,

this might make her desirable to you again.

A few months later, we were invited by his ex-wife

so we can go to your and your partner’s house.

They had moved to the countryside, an hour from Paris.

Thanks.

We would tell her that we met recently and

appear happy so as not to feel guilty anymore.

Is that your sister?

No, my mother.

Doesn't she look young?

Very young.

I'm very happy to meet you.

I am too.

I'm very happy to meet you.

I'm very sorry. I insisted to François that we have lunch.

I thought it was important for us all to meet.

I hope it's not strange for you.

On the contrary. It's a great idea.

- Do you work in Paris? - Yes.

It's a little far away, but living in the countryside has many charms.

Louise dreamed about it. Me too. We take the risk.

To be honest, I'm glad François met you.

I felt so guilty for leaving him.

I was worried about him. He seems happy with you.

Thanks.

Don't thank me. This makes me uncomfortable.

I was blown away by Louise's kindness.

I think lunch made us all feel a lot better.

When we left, I even suggested we meet again.

But the opportunity didn't come.

- See you soon. - I hope so.

Love affairs are often full of obstacles and incidents.

Mine doesn't.

Everything unfolds like a dream, without drama.

So easily...

It's not very interesting.

- Are you disappointed? - No way.

Everything around you has pleasure.

It's unfair.

I'm ashamed to be so lucky.

I don't know how your story ends, but it's not happy, I know!

- You don't want to? - I really want!

- What's the problem? - You're with someone. I can't!

- Not even a kiss? - Not even a kiss. On principle.

- What if I were single? - We would be kissing.

I'm very sorry. I hope you don't hold this against me.

So what's next?

I don't know. I'm asking for your advice.

Would you consider leaving Sandra for her?

No, but I'm looking into the matter.

- Do you like the girl that much? - Yes.

If I betray Sandra, I also betray her. It is inseparable.

If I forget it, I feel resigned.

It's not right to stay with Sandra out of resignation, right?

Yes.

- Yes or no? - Yes to what you said.

What did I say?

No to resignation.

- What do you think? - Yes, I mean, no...

- You understand. - No.

- I agree with what you want. - I don't know what I want.

Well, I do, but I don't...

Could you live in resignation?

Sandra, on the other hand, had no problem living a double life.

As for me, I was tormented by my thoughts and desires.

I didn't dare to desire what I was forbidden to desire.

- Get your Tolstoy! - There!

- Take your Derrida! - Stop!

Your Sartre! Your Balzac!

Your Gide and Stendhal!

- Your Racine and Proust! - Stop! I don't understand!

Why talk about that girl?

Why do you need to talk about her unless it's to hurt me?

You told me to tell the truth.

Will you become more sincere?

When I ask for the truth, it is a figure of speech.

I'm lost because you're leaving me.

If you had any delicacy, you would

know not to tell the truth when I ask!

You would come up with something to soften the blow.

Shall we go to bed?

Yes.

I didn't insist on sleeping with her that night.

In fact, I didn't know what to do or say to her.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

We were lovers, but we never discussed our feelings.

I didn't even know if she had any for me.

Have you seen my phone?

Yes. It's right here.

Sandra, I wanted to tell you...

I love you.

I don't know why I told her that.

It just happened.

Over the next few days, I didn't see much of her.

She came home late, saw friends.

She needed a change of scenery.

She said the apartment reminded her of many things.

She even went to the country for a few

days without asking me to go with her.

As the days went by, hugging her,

holding her tightly and kissing her,

it seemed less and less possible.

I'm going.

The taxi is outside.

Take the opportunity to rest.

Thanks.

See you on Wednesday.

She kissed me.

Why did she kiss me?

I almost asked her what she felt,

but it didn't seem like the right time.

- What is that? - Claire gave it to me.

She was happy I caught it.

Is it going well?

Yes a lot.

Hey, will I see you later at Theo's house?

He is a friend of Claire's from school.

And you? How is Sandra?

All good. We alternate schedules. I barely see her.

I assume you're moving.

I need to start thinking about this.

I'm sorry I got you into this mess.

It's not that bad.

If you fell in love, that would solve things.

You really liked her before I dated her.

You fantasized about her, remember?

He stayed behind. I told you.

Don't you like her anymore?

It's not that. I don't look at her that way.

You can try your luck. You might find yourself attracted to her again.

I would feel uncomfortable with you.

I was joking.

I know.

How would you react if one day you found out we were together?

I don't know. I'd rather not know.

Why?

Because I wonder if I made a mistake.

What would you think if I got back together with Sandra?

I don't know.

I have no opinion. Do you want to get back together?

I think so.

Do you think she does too?

I didn't dare tell you,

But we're already kind of back together.

What do you mean?

I broke down a while ago. I called her.

We met, we slept together. Now we see each other regularly.

I don't know if it's because I see her in secret, in hotels,

or because we don't have our old routine, but it's incredible.

Being with her is so good...

We even spent a few days in the countryside. We've never done this before.

It was fantastic!

- Does Claire know you're seeing Sandra? - Of course.

I do my best to be decent to her.

What do you mean?

I try to satisfy their moral demands.

She wants me to be faithful, so I hide my relationship as best I can.

- Does Sandra know about Claire? - Yes. She doesn't care.

She's flattered to be my lover, to feel like she's the favorite.

Sandra knows we share everything.

She asked me not to tell you about it.

I think she's uncomfortable. Act like you don't know.

I could reasonably play Sandra and Gaspard

how had we betrayed him for months?

When times are tough, our minds aim to assign blame.

But to assign blame, we need clear rules.

But what are the rules of love?

And you?

I'm leaving.

I'm going to the cinema with a friend.

Sandra?

I thought about it.

I'm going to move.

Yes, okay.

I understand.

A long time ago I thought I needed a big heartbreak to write about.

So I moved away and closed myself off from writing, but...

Nothing came to me. It was just another humiliation.

After changing,

I've never heard of Sandra or Gaspard.

I haven't heard from them since.

It's as if I no longer exist for them.

Are you unhappy because you lost a friend or

because you are still in love with Sandra?

I'm not sure I loved Sandra.

I wanted her, that's for sure. But it's harder to say if I loved her.

Sometimes I feel like I loved her and sometimes I never did.

I don't know what we had.

We don't talk much.

If I was sure I loved her, it would be easier.

I would have a reason to be unhappy.

What really hurts me is this feeling of shame I feel.

By giving in to my attraction to her, I

betrayed a friend and humiliated myself.

Many books and films show us

that we are powerless over desire.

It's human not to resist.

No, it's not human. That's right. Being human means resisting.

Books and films also show people who can resist.

I never want to go through something like that again.

Never again.

I go to bed.

Goodnight.

Sorry to bother you again,

but I think you take everything with you.

It's also Sandra's fault.

I let her see my desire.

That's what triggered hers.

You can't be blamed for showing desire.

In some situations, you can.

It doesn't mean you will act accordingly.

It could be a trigger, a spark.

A world in which you hide the pleasure

someone gives you is simply sad.

You can show your desire without acting on

it, even when you are with someone else.

What matters is how you show it.

It's a look that says, "Yes, I want you.

"Yes, you want me.

"We cannot act on this desire because we are led,

"it doesn't matter.

"I'm glad our paths crossed."

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

There is a wine tasting later if you want to come back.

Thank you, but we're passing through.

You can taste something now if you want.

I would love to, but I don't drink, I'm pregnant.

Congratulations to you both!

No, I'm not...

But the gentleman can have a drink.

- May I serve you? - No thanks.

- He is sure? - Yes.

- Don't hold back for me. - No!

Thanks. Goodbye.

- Goodbye, thank you. - Have a good day.

No! I don't believe!

Is it really you?

It's unbelievable. This can't be true! I must be hallucinating!

- Is that you, Maxime? - What are you doing here?

The Japan project ended, I got divorced.

It's a long story.

I'm on vacation at my mother's house. I've been coming here for years.

I'm very happy to see you.

- Sorry! Hello, I'm Victoire. - Daphne.

Good morning.

Do you guys want to come to dinner tonight?

We don't want to get in the way.

No way! My mother is leaving, I'm alone.

That would make me very happy, say yes!

Hello!

Funny meeting you here.

Hi. Yes.

How are you?

Very well, thank you. And you?

Very good. I'm here with some colleagues at a construction site.

Go ahead! I'll be right there.

How is Louise?

Is something wrong?

I'll pick up the kids. Hello.

This is François.

François is an old friend of...

- It's been a long time. - Pleasure to meet you.

Don't forget the Maillards.

- And call Mrs. Lambours. - Of course, don't worry.

I didn't want to talk about Louise in front of that woman,

because that woman

is my wife.

My real wife, I mean. We've been married for years.

It's not what you think.

I can explain if you want.

Yes.

I'm a friend of a friend of your ex-wife.

This friend, Bianca, introduced me to Louise.

We just exchanged a few words.

I was very busy.

A month later, Bianca came to see me.

Do you remember Louise? We met in the park with his children.

Yes, I remember.

She seemed to be...

very friendly.

She enjoyed meeting you too.

- Same? - Yes, really.

Very cool.

I have a favor to ask of you.

- It's not for me, but for her. - For her?

It's a special request. I will understand if you refuse.

If you agree that would be great.

Good...

What can I do?

Could you act as his partner for a few hours?

Pretend you are together and very much in love.

It's for lunch with her ex-husband, but don't ask me any questions.

If you don't want it, I'll ask someone else.

I made up an excuse for my wife and ran away for a day.

We should meet before lunch to iron out some details.

Hello!

- Thank you for coming. - You're welcome.

- I know you have a family. - He is well. No problem.

- Did you receive the file I sent you? - Yes. I even printed it.

I did my homework. Rest assured.

- What is my favorite dessert? - You don't like dessert.

- My birthday? - May 29, as Louise Michel.

That's why your mother called you Louise.

- Our last vacation? - Venice.

For a week, with five days of rain.

I brought some things, as you asked me.

I brought some photos, I thought maybe...

Perfect.

- Your mother? - Yes.

- She's beautiful. - Thanks.

I'll put them here.

We will have to...

If you don't mind, show them that we are intimate.

Do you understand what I mean?

Don't be afraid.

Pretend it's a game, a performance.

No gesture will be inappropriate.

The more ardor you show, the more grateful I will be.

Thanks.

I tried a new recipe. We'll say you got it.

Here are the logs for the fire.

You can put a radio station of your choice.

They are here. Are you well?

Are you ready?

Kiss me.

Right now?

Yes, let's get this over with.

Come, let's greet them.

Hello!

Thanks.

I have good memories of that lunch.

My apprehension soon disappeared.

The script came together like a breeze. Everything was simple.

I became a character,

as if I were someone else.

I was really myself.

When you left us, suddenly I

was back to who I used to be.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

- Wasn't it very difficult? - No, it was good.

- I hope I did well. - It was exactly what I needed.

Thanks, but I'll take care of it. You've done enough.

- Aren't you in a hurry? - No. I'm happy to help.

I was curious as to why she wanted to do this.

But I didn't dare ask.

Your meal was delicious.

Thanks.

Goodbye.

Thanks again for everything.

If you need me, let me know.

Thanks.

For a long time, I waited for her to call me back.

But I never heard of her.

Not a day goes by without me thinking about that day.

Well I almost stopped thinking about it

and here you are.

Here are the car keys.

I'm a little tired. I don't feel like going.

We won't be back late. She is a great person.

- You'll be fine. - She looks cool.

You will have a lot to talk about.

I'm not going to tell you what happened to Sandra. I can't.

She will tell you why she got divorced.

Maybe it's because of you.

Maybe you made her feel so good

that she felt empty when she returned to her husband.

No!

It's none of my business. It's your meeting tonight.

I need to rest a little.

Have a good night.

Thanks.

You too.

Hello, how are you?

Good. I'm home.

Is dinner over?

I had dinner alone.

Your cousin is with a charming, divorced ex.

He's in good hands. And what about you?

I am fine.

I'm happy for my cousin, but I feel

guilty that you're alone and abandoned.

I am fine. I just need rest.

Did you have a good day?

- Hello? - Yes.

Did you have a good day?

Yes, everything was fine, I mean...

Nothing special.

I don't miss you.

Neither do I.

Even less when I hear your voice.

It's time to hang up, then.

I'll try not to dream about you.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

- How are you? - Good and you?

I hope you didn't need the car in the morning. I ended up spending the night...

Yes, I noticed. Are you guys back?

No, I drank a little, so it was better to stay there.

Right!

- I swear nothing happened! - You expect me to believe that?

I would tell you. At this point, I have nothing to hide.

- Nothing happened? - Nothing, I swear.

- Aren't you disappointed? - No.

I didn't expect anything.

Furthermore, nothing could happen. She is three months pregnant like you.

- From your ex-husband? - Yes.

If she hadn't been pregnant, would something have happened?

Why do you want something to happen between us?

I was never in love with her. We got along fine, that's all.

All good.

Are we still going for a walk?

Good morning!

I brought you some coffee.

Are you packing your suitcase?

I'm leaving.

Why?

Wait until François returns.

It'll be awkward if you leave before he comes back.

He will be home tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

I know but...

I don't know what to do.

I don't want to leave.

I should leave.

Here.

This is for you.

What is that?

A book of poems. It was my grandmother's.

- I can't. - I would like you to stay.

We almost didn't know each other.

I take it with me everywhere I go and I'm afraid of losing it.

I will no longer be afraid of losing him.

Do you want better company than a future novelist?

I don't know if I'll ever be a novelist.

This might help you.

Yes.

This will help me.

Thanks.

Did you hear that?

Goodbye.

Stay asleep.

I just wanted to look at you.

I was very impatient to see you.

I'll get up.

Do you want a coffee?

There you are!

It's great to see you.

How are you? Finally, we meet again!

You will be disappointed, I'm leaving.

I just arrived and you're leaving! What a shame.

You better have a good excuse or I won't let you go.

But be warned:

the only good excuse

It's a girl.

Daphné told me you found a close friend.

Try to stay until tonight, so we can spend the day together.

Are you sure you don't want to come?

Yes.

I am tired.

You two go ahead.

- Spend time together. - You're right.

You had him all to yourself. Now it's my turn.

Then I'll have you all to myself.

Are you well? You look bad.

No, I'm fine, I promise.

You know, pregnant women and hormones. I'm not really in control.

Take care of yourself.

Get some rest.

I'm glad you're doing better and bumping into that girl.

You know...

- What? - Nothing, sorry.

Tell me, are you acting strangely? What's wrong?

I don't know if I should tell you.

Do you mind if I trust you?

I really need to talk about this.

I had a strange encounter in Paris.

Did I tell you that Louise moved in with someone?

It wasn't true. It was all an act.

François, what are you doing here?

I wanted to see you.

You should have called.

I was afraid you wouldn't respond.

Everything is fine? Something serious?

Louise, I know everything.

Thanks.

It was in October, a few days before his birthday.

I didn't know what to buy you.

Bianca said she would come and help me find something.

I left work early.

Bianca said she knew a good store near the Saint George metro.

We took my car.

We drove around looking for a place to park.

Finally, we found one.

It can't be serious. It's probably just a fling.

Almost all men have them.

To see if the grass is greener on the other side and realize it's not.

Don't make a scene.

Or I'll scold you for it. It will backfire.

I made that mistake with Jérémie. I was so angry, so furious...

This made me ugly and so unpleasant that he decided to leave.

Don't make the same mistake.

I decided to listen to Bianca.

To be patient, to grin and bear it.

To wait for this to end.

And take care of my appearance.

Aren't you in bed?

I'm sorry, the meeting lasted too long.

I was listening to music. Do you want a drink?

No thanks.

- Do you want something to eat? - I am tired. I go to bed.

Are you sure you don't want to drink?

No thanks, I'm tired.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

I thought my patience would be rewarded.

I strengthened myself thinking

that that time would show him that his love for me was deeper,

more true.

I didn't want to be jealous.

Being jealous was unbearable.

I didn't want to think about the other woman.

I didn't want to think anything.

At night,

You slept soundly.

But I couldn't sleep anymore.

I didn't sleep.

I wanted to cry, but I managed to hold it back.

Except one night when I couldn't do it anymore.

That night,

you came home very late.

You said you had been out of town.

As soon as you got home, you fell asleep.

Suddenly,

I realized that sleeping with me after seeing her

it became a habit.

Over time, you no longer bothered to wash the smell off her.

I had to accept her smell in my bed.

All my efforts, all my patience,

everything seemed meaningless.

I couldn't spend another minute lying next to you.

A kind of frozen fog fell over my thoughts.

I cried for at least two hours.

Everything that was stuck came out.

You didn't hear anything.

Nothing.

Then, suddenly,

something strange happened.

Something strange?

I felt at peace with myself.

My entire body and mind were merged into a kind of presence.

A gentle, warm and extremely comforting presence.

I felt a kind of intense serenity.

A feeling of infinity, but very warm.

I don't understand.

What made you feel that?

An idea.

A wonderful idea.

An idea that saved my life.

It wasn't really my idea.

It was in a documentary you brought home,

about a philosopher whose name I forgot.

I couldn't concentrate on the movie.

You were on the phone, answering texts.

I wondered with whom.

I tried to look happy.

At one point, you stood up.

I'll get another drink.

I was alone in front of the movie

I was pretending to watch when,

I don't know why this

suddenly caught my attention.

Man thinks he loves, but he rarely loves.

He is mistaken. He thinks about possession and jealousy.

They are signs of love.

But you don't seek revenge for love, you don't kill for love.

True love is only interested in the happiness of the other.

He's not worried about ownership. It has nothing.

It's not funny

How can a few words strung

together change things within us?

- Aren't you going to watch the end? - I am tired.

- Goodnight my dear. - Goodnight my love.

These words set me free.

They came back to me suddenly.

I felt like I had a choice, I wasn't condemned to suffer passively.

I could choose the way I love you.

Everything can change depending on what I decide.

I could decide to love you with the love of property

and make you pay for letting someone onto our property.

Or I could love you for who you are, with a selfless love.

It took me a few days to think about

it, but ultimately I made my decision.

By deciding to love you selflessly, my

wounded pride could heal with a noble gesture,

one that allowed me to hold my head high.

I chose for your happiness.

To do this, I had to leave him while sparing any feelings of guilt.

I would say I was leaving you for someone else.

Don't worry.

I wasn't completely perfect in my goodness.

I had made up my mind.

But I decided to wait a little before saying I was leaving.

I wanted to have you all to myself.

One last time.

I knew you wouldn't dare refuse.

I remember it very well.

It was a very powerful moment.

We had never made love like this.

It was so good...

This left me with a very confused feeling.

For a few days,

nothing was clearer.

Thanks.

I don't know how to thank you.

Don't thank me.

What I did for you was actually for me.

What you think is altruistic is not so altruistic.

Have you been alone since then?

Let's just say I'm not looking for company. Not yet.

Are you leaving?

I have to work, you know?

- What time is it? - 7:15. I'm late.

There's hot coffee downstairs.

I don't know what to say.

Don't say anything.

Close the door tightly when you go.

And did she end up leaving?

Yes.

Abruptly, just like that.

As if nothing had happened.

It's impossible to know what she really felt.

I don't know if I should tell Daphné or not.

I must hide it from her.

I tell her everything.

She always said she couldn't bear it if I left Louise for her.

She would feel very guilty.

If I tell her everything now,

I'm afraid this might upset you. Now is not the right time.

She needs to be taken care of now.

If I tell her,

all Louise's efforts to spare us will be destroyed.

Sorry, I hope I'm not

leaving you uneasy.

No, don't worry about that.

Shall we go back?

- François? - Yes?

I have a question that may seem indiscreet.

Say.

With everything that's happened, how do you feel about Louise now?

I'd be a liar if I didn't admit it

that for a moment I felt very in love with her.

She was so beautiful...

It gave meaning to our entire past.

I realized that I was lucky to have met

and lived with a woman like her.

I also realized

that I never deserved it.

Or the chance that life gave me.

But there is no right way, there are several.

You can't catch them all at once.

And you can't look back, life goes on.

When you're on a path,

Maybe you should follow him and not look back too much.

Don't you think so?

There is no doubt about it:

I love Daphne.

Let's have a baby.

It's wonderful.

It's really wonderful.

Have a safe trip back.

Stay longer next time.

Thank you for everything.

Don't forget your bag.

Have a good trip.

Goodbye.

Sorry.

I forgot to give Maxime some money back. I'll be right back.

SUBTITLES MARCOS AZEVEDO (marcossee - subtitles) Review: Kleen