Original subtitles

Do you know what I wished for this Christmas, Otto?

A friend.

Just one would do.

He wouldn't have to be big, just as long as he's real.

TONY, SHELLY AND THE MAGIC LIGHT

Tony, let's go.

Time for school.

I know. I'm coming.

And so the brave Theseus survived, thanks to Ariadne's thread.

It was a thread much like the one we have at home.

Why don't you take off that blanket, Tony?

And the mask.

Dad, I want to go out.

Sure.

When history class is over, we can go for a stroll in the yard.

But I'd like to go out for real sometime.

Go bobsledding in the park or...

Tony.

Please stop acting up. You know that's impossible.

Here we are, young lady.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Are you listening, Tony?

Who's that?

Hey, Fanny, where are you going?

What got into you, you crazy bird?

Who taught you to fly off like that?

Shelly.

Coming, Mum.

Otto, that girl!

She's moving into our house.

And now, PE.

And a one, and a two,

and a one, and a two, and a one, and a two,

and a one, and a two...

Who is that?

Who's that?

Wow!

So, you're here.

I'm the caretaker.

Yes.

I'm Silvia Silvester.

And I'm Shelly.

Keys from the house, the flat and the attic.

And the basement?

For your own safety,

no swearing and arguing in the common areas,

no running up and down the staircase,

and no monkey business.

- Mum! - I got a fir tree. They last longer.

Peter, please come and help me!

Simmons is the name. Pleasure to meet you.

My goodness. Is that you?

I'm sorry for what has happened to you.

I can't believe someone so famous is moving into our house.

You're even more beautiful than on TV.

Tony! What on earth are you doing out here, darling?

Keep an eye on that boy, ma'am.

This house is not a playground.

I'm not here to look after his safety.

Tony, what are you up to? How come you're out here all alone?

Cool mask.

This is Tony.

He needs to look after himself.

So be careful around him, young lady.

Anything you need, just ring our doorbell. I'll be more than happy to help you out.

You're very kind. Thank you.

Here comes our fallen star!

I once considered becoming a ballerina, but I didn't want to overshadow everyone.

I'm Ms. Tubby.

Ernestyna!

I doubt this place measures up to your living standards.

The caretaker is an old geezer, and it's starting to show on the house.

If only someone younger and more gumptious took over...

This whole place is a big mess!

Soon we'll be voting in the next caretaker.

Think about who you're gonna vote for.

Because if I were the caretaker,

we'd have air con, an elevator,

money from renting the non-residential spaces, parking spots,

a nail salon and a wellness center!

Ernestyna, Cajetan, move it!

Let's go. You need to assert yourselves.

The tether... Is it for some kind of game?

My parents put it on me.

What's your name?

We'll be friends.

Listen, don't talk to him. No one here talks to him.

Am I right?

Oh, my God! So cute!

- Fanny! - Are you stupid?

Watch!

Wow!

You glow.

Got her.

That's so cool!

Pull me up.

Please.

Wow!

My neighbor's a superhero.

They should make a movie about you.

Glowing Super-Tony!

And that pink cheerleader of yours would be the main villain.

At least now I know what the tether is for.

What are you kids up to?

Fanny! Why didn't you hold her?

What did I say about horsing around in the stairwell?

You'd better watch it.

He was just trying to help.

And put something on.

Tony! Tony! Come home!

Hey, wait.

What about Fanny?

Tony, darling, you're unwell, aren't you?

The new girl has got you a little agitated, right?

Her name is Shelly.

Good night, Mum.

Did you see that?

He didn't even kiss me good night.

And he's glowing... even more than before.

He has always been glowing.

Plus, it's Christmas. He's just having fun.

You should've kept an eye on him. He can't wander the house on his own.

How does she do that?

Are you seeing this, Otto?

Have you seen my bedtime kimono?

Come here.

My little swan princess.

I'm not a ballerina.

I know.

Come on, move it.

- Don't you know Tony is off limits? - Yes, yes.

You're making me upset.

Sorry.

Feeding time.

Yum!

Why is it so dark in here?

Damn it.

Everything is useless.

I'm useless.

I like you.

Fanny.

Some glutton you are.

What?

You've upset the whole setup again.

You think I steal light bulbs or something?

No.

But Spirit hungry.

Where have you gone?

Where are you lounging around?

Go to your place!

Hi.

Where's Teddy? Where is he?

Come here.

Here he is!

Peek-a-boo!

That's right, Teddy.

You're my little guys.

My big boys.

That's right. I'm your mummy.

Look at that big belly.

Mum, I was thinking...

Hear that? Your brother was thinking.

What was he thinking about?

After yesterday, I was thinking

whether I still had to...

Had to, had to, had-had-had...

Whether I still had to wear...

Of course!

Of course we have to wear a nappy.

Whether I still had to wear the tether!

What's Tony saying?

Of course he has to wear the tether.

Of course, of course, of course.

What are you doing?

Can't you speak to me normally for one second?

Okay, speak. Now's your chance.

I said I don't want to wear the tether anymore.

It prevents me...

from doing anything.

He's tired.

Tony, every person is different.

Original. And you were born...

I just want to go out like a normal boy.

You don't let me do anything by myself.

Because you're our son.

And we only want what's best for you.

We won't let anyone hurt you.

We're trying to protect you.

Come on.

For every journey, to any place, clip the tether to your waist.

And should you find yourself in trouble, give it a yank and make it double.

Tony, come and help me.

I can't.

I gotta...

I gotta pee.

Yeah!

What are you staring at, light bulb boy?

Are you watching me? You're watching me, right?

Watch me.

Or do you like the new girl now?

Huh? You like her?

Well, tough luck.

Who'd want to hang out with a loser like you?

Think she'll use you as a bedside lamp?

Leave me alone, Ernestyna.

The new girl doesn't want you because you're a monster!

A monster!

Fanny!

Fanny!

You out here?

- Wanna see something? - Is there something else you can do?

Wow!

- That's cool, but I'm looking for... - Look!

Fanny! Who's that next to you?

- Maybe you could... - Don't get smart with me.

Come on. Give me a hand.

Just unclip the tether.

I can't.

You've never seen a butt before?

Not a glowing one.

I'm all right.

How did you make that sea yesterday?

How come you saw that?

My window's across the yard.

But, I mean, other people can't see that.

I was just imagining it.

Come. Let's try something.

Wow.

Is that a magic flashlight?

Oh, please. I just shine it. It helps me to imagine stuff better.

No one sees it but me. And you.

But that means I can show you so many things.

Anything.

Fanny!

Can you show me how to catch a bird?

Damn it!

Who's drawn all over my door?

Blasted kids! Who did it?

- What's going on? - That crone is freaking out.

I don't wanna see any hearts in here!

Who cares about some chalk on the door?

Termagant!

Her husband ran off, so she has no one to nag.

I wonder if you have a secret admirer.

You look so fine in all that purple.

Stop squinting at me, okay?

- You're not gonna see anything anyway. - Calm down.

Listen, you're just renting,

so go back into your rented apartment and shut up.

- You don't call the shots. - I'm gonna sue you!

You're not in the homeowner's association. I'm not interested in your arguments.

Arguments? We're just talking.

Looks like someone's used to more discerning treatment.

- You and that thing! - What?

- You're muddying up the floor! - I can ride wherever I please!

I won't have any lovebirds drawing on my door!

Bartos steals blankets from my clothesline!

What are you on about? What would I do with your blankets?

You always have people coming over...

Stop! Silence! Enough!

- No more fight! - Where's the caretaker?

Where's that old geezer?

If I were the caretaker,

I would ban bicycles, cyclists and everything else.

I would bring order to this house!

I'd raze the old man's greenhouse,

pave the yard,

and build you a nice parking lot.

Silence!

Get in here!

Can't take it.

They made Spirit come.

They made Spirit grow.

Spirit growing.

Out of the way.

Spirit want home.

Careful.

Spirit want home.

Home. Must go home.

Stop it!

No tickle.

Fanny!

Come here, Tony!

What? Again? We need to get Fanny!

- Where have you been? - Calm down.

Care to explain what happened?

Have you forgotten about your condition?

This is what happens when we leave you unattended.

What happens?

- You start flashing! - Fine.

I'll stay at home and play with the toddlers.

- Give me some air. - Watch your tone!

Because of you, our whole family...

- What were you doing in the stairwell? - I'd gone to see Shelly.

Are you kidding? All by yourself?

Her budgerigar flew away.

You're allowed to play with that girl only under our supervision.

Well, how are you liking the house, Shelly?

You mean with the caretaker's monster flying around?

Oh, please.

Would you like a Linzer?

Don't tell me you don't know about it.

I've already seen it twice. This time, it kidnapped my bird. Right, Tony?

Just eat your Linzer, okay?

And you, don't put so much marmalade on!

Then why is the whole house so dark?

Well, you see,

the house...

the house is just old.

And that's simply its genius loci.

- "Genius loci"? - Yes, children.

It's the spirit of this place.

And the spirit makes our house what it is.

- Spirit? - Spirit?

Okay, enough fantasizing.

Shelly, Tony is very sick.

He needs calm.

Why don't you have a coconut candy?

It's a good thing you take such great care of him, huh?

We have to go.

Shelly wanted to see my fort.

He's never invited me inside his fort.

After you.

What could that spirit possibly be?

I don't know.

You've never thought to investigate?

How? My parents keep me on a short leash.

I live in here.

Wow!

That's really cool.

How long have you been building it?

Ever since I was born.

Here I can do whatever I want. Get on.

Why don't you go out, like other people?

Because they'd hate me.

You saw Ernestyna.

You're exaggerating. The first time I saw you...

I like that you glow.

Where did you live before?

Nowhere.

Mum and I traveled all the time. My home, Super-Tony, was the theater.

Paris,

New York...

We never stuck around one place too long.

And now that Mum has retired,

she promised that this would be our last move.

But I can't complain.

I've traveled the entire world.

Whereas you...

You have this unique gift, and you're home, tied to a tether?

Tomorrow I'm going to get Fanny.

Down there?

We just need to figure out when the caretaker isn't home.

He shovels snow in the mornings.

So, you're coming?

Are you really such a wuss?

What... Does it hurt?

It's all burnt!

No, it doesn't hurt.

It just... tingles.

One, two, three.

Can't do this, can you?

What an entrance!

Such feeling!

You're pathetic, you're pathetic, you're pathetic!

Pathetic.

Nero! Nero...

Wait!

You girls waiting for Santa?

Would you like a mint?

I'm the queen of this house, get it?

I deliver the goods!

Is the air clear?

Here.

But I'm just gonna keep watch.

Sure.

If anything happens, just cough.

If anything happens at your end, you cough.

Sorry, but I don't think you're getting anywhere with this.

Cool.

That's gross.

Shelly! Come on, move it!

Shelly!

Ah, cripes!

I swear I'm alone.

Tony is sleeping.

Are you sure about that?

I can't be sure that he's sleeping, but he's definitely in bed.

His mum told him.

Okay. But you're not getting off so easily.

Fanny. Fanny!

Tony!

No, please!

Get started.

You're a smart girl, so you think you can figure everything out.

But I'm telling you, you know nothing.

I've already seen him.

No one's going to believe you.

Very few people in this house can see him.

The others can't see beyond the tip of their nose.

Come on.

Darn it!

Light has come.

Spirit eat light.

Tony cannot come here. Spirit could hurt him.

Spirit could sip up his light.

No one here to guard Spirit.

- Spirit eat light. - No. Enough.

No, no, no, no!

No!

Well, about time.

What got into you?

For 11 years, I've been looking after you,

trying to keep you safe.

Here.

Where did he come from?

He's been here since long before any of us came around.

And he hasn't always been this dark.

He's like the people around him.

Tony, you have that beautiful light inside of you,

so maybe you don't realize it,

but the people here,

they're very mean.

And dark.

And there's no one to shine for him.

So I feed him light bulbs.

Light bulbs?

So that he doesn't grow into all-consuming darkness.

I worry about what will happen when I'm not here anymore.

When the last bulb finally cracks.

All right.

Are you good to go?

Bye, then.

I'm gonna draw all over these walls!

Squiggles,

hearts...

- What are you doing here? - Have you seen Tony?

Tony? What do you always want with him?

You like light bulbs, do you?

Come to ours instead. I have a walking unicorn.

Have you seen him or not?

You love him, don't you? Say it!

- He's not right for you. - Mind your own business.

You're in love with him! You love him!

- You love him! - I don't.

Then let's do something to him. We'll strip him down, tie him up...

Geez, shut up! You're so mean!

Haven't you noticed that...

- That what? - That...

That what?

Haven't you noticed that he's a freak?

Freak! That's why you talk to him.

You feel sorry for him.

No, that's not what I meant.

Freak, freak, he's a freak!

Tony. Tony, no, I...

I didn't mean that.

Wait!

Tony!

And you're finished.

Freak! Freak!

Tony.

Tony.

Are you here to see Tony?

Tony...

Tony, it's me.

Let me in!

Leave me alone!

Tony, please.

You've upset him again, haven't you? You better be on your way.

It's because of you that our Tony's been acting up.

Tony, it's Mum. You wanna play pairs?

Mum? Mum?

Mum, have you ever liked someone and...

Mum?

What's going on? You're baking?

It's Christmas, isn't it?

But you never cook.

We go to restaurants.

And you don't eat sweets. They make you fat.

Then what am I supposed to do?

Dance the Nutcracker.

Every day, and twice on weekends.

And I'm supposed to be going to see you at the theater.

Mum.

We gotta think of something.

Let's go out.

It's Christmas.

What a thrill, huh? Spending time with just us again.

We can have a good time, the five of us.

Making paper snowflakes. What a blast!

And then we'll go pairing socks!

Come here.

What are you doing?

You little...

Peter!

Fanny, you little cuckoo! Where have you been?

Come home.

Spirit didn't mean to scare. Sorry.

Open the box.

I'm not opening any more boxes.

Tomorrow we'll bring down our stuff from the attic. We're moving away.

We can't do that.

All we ever do is move.

We were supposed to stay here.

I'm sorry. I can't.

But I have my...

No!

I may be a good-for-nothing weirdo, but...

I'm definitely no freak!

I thought I could trust you. I thought we were friends.

But you're no one to me.

I don't like you anymore.

I can get by just fine without you.

Where are you going?

To take out the garbage. It reeks of diapers.

Okay, let's go to bed...

You're no one to me.

I don't like you anymore, and I'll get by without you.

I don't like you anymore. I can get by without you.

Shelly!

What?

What are you staring at? We're moving.

What? But...

Shelly's in her room.

I didn't mean it.

I know.

I'm just upset because I glow, you know? It's not your fault.

Your glow is amazing.

Beautiful.

Are you moving away because of me?

Because of the spirit.

Mum can't stand the darkness.

He's taking over the whole house.

He comes out every time Mum gets mad.

Or when the neighbors fight. Or when Ernestyna makes fun of me.

The spirit grows when people are mean to each other. Get it?

Wait.

You... jerk?

Harder!

You wimp?

You need to mean it!

You speccy little tool.

You pathetic little mummy's boy.

Four-eyes!

Lamp-head!

You stupid, smug...

Wait!

That's enough, okay?

It's working.

Don't worry. We'll get him out.

How?

Looks like you weren't listening.

He's been here far longer than we have.

Listen, kids.

There's much I have to explain to you.

About the spirit?

No horsing around in the stairwell.

Or have I misspoken?

The homeowners' meeting is coming up.

Soon your job will be mine.

We'll meet you in the greenhouse this evening.

I'll be waiting.

You're not wearing your tether. Where have you been?

Where have you been?

At Shelly's.

Don't lie to me. I called.

What's going on with you? I barely recognize you anymore.

Why are you wearing those mittens? Take them off.

No.

Tony, take them off and behave yourself!

What happened to your hands?

What on earth...

Oh, my word!

My God. What is that?

How did this happen?

- I don't know. - All right, enough!

- We're going to the hospital. - It doesn't hurt.

- You're grounded! - I've been grounded my whole life!

But as you can see, I'm a big boy now.

All right, Mr. Big Boy.

Listen to me.

Ever since you were little, we've been taking care of you, protecting you,

keeping you on a leash so no one will hurt you.

And now you grow up and start doing whatever you please?

You lie to us and act like some sort of teenager?

- No way! - But...

We're here to take care of you.

Forever.

Understand?

I think I can make my own decisions.

No.

No!

No!

It's good that we're all here together.

We were planning for this. It just happened sooner than expected.

The house urgently needs a new caretaker. We all agree on that.

I would be glad to provide for your comfort...

and safety.

You will report anything suspicious to me or my assistant.

I want to know about every word people say, every thought they think.

We'll convert half the apartments into offices

and finally have money for renovation.

New windows! Plastic ones!

I want pigeon spikes and complete insulation.

Here is where we'll put in a lift.

I'll do it all!

You just have to raise your hand.

You can't do that.

The caretaker devoted his life to this house,

and you want to convert it into office spaces?

Where are the people going to live?

People?

I hate people.

Look.

Wow.

Cool.

Shelly, check it out.

Look. The caretaker when he was young.

Wow.

See how he changes color?

It's because of people.

Look here.

See?

He really has lived here forever.

He belongs here.

But so do you.

I've only lived here a couple of days.

But I want you here.

Here is where we'll handle inquiries and permissions.

- And prohibitions! - All in due time.

Now we must seize our opportunity. Get to it!

Disgusting weeds.

We'll get rid of them.

We'll spray the place down,

then pull up the rubbish container

and throw all this filth inside.

The old man was clearly losing his grip.

They're gonna destroy everything!

They should've thrown him in a retirement home long ago.

I've never seen an apartment this neglected.

- Or maybe not. - Ernestyna!

What are they doing here?

If the spray doesn't kill it, just tear it out.

Spirit won't allow!

Leave plants alone!

Kick it! Kick it real good!

Don't destroy what not yours!

I want all of these ugly weeds dead!

You evil!

Do you hear?

- Let's get out of here! - Wait!

Let go of me!

Don't destroy!

- You monsters, let me be. - Come on!

Let go of me!

Let go of me! Leave me alone, you hear?

Leave me alone!

I'm gonna tell on you. Mother will punish you.

I was here first. Why do you like her more than me?

I don't know how to tell him.

He never talks to me.

That's why I'm so mean to him.

Because I like him.

Because I want him to notice me.

My beautiful flower petals! I'm going to take care of you now.

Come here, my little rosebud.

Shelly!

You still have stuff in the bathroom.

Hurry. They're coming any minute now.

Who's coming?

The movers.

Hey, wait.

No, you wait.

Or better yet,

go home.

You're just getting in the way.

- Shelly, this doesn't make sense. - I know.

It's just that... I need to take care of Mum.

Like I've always done, you know?

The last light bulb!

Hey!

I'm here.

Again, Tony?

This not safe.

Spirit forbidden your light.

No tease Spirit.

Stop coming here.

Spirit doesn't want to hurt you.

Spirit was taught not to eat Tony.

Come on.

I'm here.

Spirit leave!

Just a turn...

Tony!

Oh, no!

Come on.

Tony, Tony, no, no!

- What? Shelly? - Tony!

- Tony! - Tony!

Tony!

Have you lost your mind? Where are you?

I finally know how to keep you here.

You'll get burned!

Tony!

Tony! Tony, come back!

I didn't mean it!

I know what I'm doing. I have to do this myself.

Not another step!

Spirit not allowed to touch Tony.

I know.

I'm not allowed to be here either.

But here I am.

Come on, then. Take my light.

Spirit forbidden Tony's light!

Go away, or there will be pain!

This Spirit's home.

Spirit might sip you up!

Spirit might hurt you.

Spirit doesn't want to hurt you.

Tony, go home!

Go back to your tether!

This dangerous.

No!

No!

Tony.

Here. Tony here.

Tony!

Tony.

Tony.

Are you all right?

Only, you...

you don't glow anymore.

You don't mind?

Looks like he won't be needing the tether anymore.

- Did you see that? - Beautiful. So much light.

Everything's fine. It was the fuses.

Come and have a mint.

All right.

That's all.

Thank you. We're leaving.

Mum, wait.

Why would we move away now?

Everything ended well.

We're not happy here, Tony.

I am happy here.

I'm sorry to hear that.

You're not sorry. You're only ever sorry for yourself.

But it's not my fault that you got too old for the stupid ballet.

And it's not the stupid building's fault either.

It won't get better elsewhere.

I love you, Mum, but I love this place too.

You only ever think of yourself. Haven't you noticed I'm here too?

Enough!

We're going.

Tony, let's go home.

All right. Off we go.

I'm sorry. I know you're here.

And I'm so happy to have you.

Oh, dear.

TONY, SHELLY AND THE MAGIC LIGHT