Original subtitles

KIKI: How did she sound on the phone?

FILIP: Normal.

Even nice, if you ask me.

♪ (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

Sounds better than the other way around.

Yeah.

But she'll finally have a grandma.

That's really nice.

I never met mine.

When I learned that I was gonna have a baby,

she, uh... my mom's mom...

she didn't say a word. She just hugged me tight.

But Mom yelled for two days.

Having a cool grandma's gold.

FILIP: Hmm.

-Shall we? -Yep.

-(TOSIA FUSSING) -FILIP: Hey. Number 12.

(KEYPAD BEEPING)

Did you talk to Pawel?

No. He won't take my calls.

-(GATE BUZZES) -(KEYPAD CHIMES)

KIKI: Maybe you ought to talk to--

Maybe you ought to start talking to Adam, right?

(KEYPAD BEEPS)

(KEYPAD CHIRPING)

(KEYPAD BEEPS)

Thanks.

(DOORBELL RINGING)

OLGA: Good afternoon.

-Good afternoon. -Afternoon.

Filip Raczynski.

I know. Please, come in.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Thank you for coming today.

Um, I know my call must have caught you by surprise.

It's all right. Please call me Filip.

And you are?

Uh, Kiki.

Yeah, I am the... was, uh, Anka's best friend.

This is a baller house.

Ah, you brought muscle. Are you scared?

-(KIKI CHUCKLES) -I might be.

OLGA: My granddaughter.

She's so cute.

She is.

On our way here, she fell asleep.

Follow me.

Don't take your shoes off.

Elegance is key in this household, my friends.

Please.

This is Filip.

Um, and this is, uh...

-Kiki. -OLGA: Kiki.

And that's my granddaughter, Antonina.

-(HESITATES) -Ada.

-Filip. -Kiki. Hi.

A pleasure. My husband, Jeremi.

Jerek.

-KIKI: Nice to meet you. -JEREMI: Nice to meet you.

ADA: This is our son. Will you introduce yourself?

-JEREMI: What's your name? -Ksawery.

-JEREMI: Really? -Hi.

And this is my brother, Hubert.

-Hubert. -KIKI: Kiki. Hi.

HUBERT: Hubert. Hi.

JEREMI: Uh, it's good you're here.

Mom cooked a lot of food, so now it won't go to waste.

-(BOTH CHUCKLE) -She's so sweet.

Totally resembles Krzysztof.

Mm. True, she is.

-HUBERT: Who'd like a drink? -(LOUD CLAP)

OLGA: Hubert!

Quiet, you'll wake her up. Let's go to the studio.

KIKI: Uh, I wouldn't mind a glass of water.

Come on, there's wine.

-Uh, red, white... -Should I close the door?

KIKI: No, I'm driving, so water's fine.

Ah, yeah, but it'll loosen you up just a bit. Come on.

Don't push it. Do you want lemon?

KIKI: Oh, yes, please. Thanks.

-HUBERT: And you? -Uh, no. I've got Tosia.

-Here you go. -KIKI: Thanks, thanks.

(DOORBELL RINGS)

Oh, speaking of Krzysztof. Open the door.

I got Tosia a little present.

-Oh. -OLGA: We'll try it on when she wakes up.

Because I'm not sure how tall she is. (CHUCKLES)

-(DOOR OPENING) -Well, I think you nailed it.

Thank you, ma'am.

Now, the family is complete.

-Can you and I talk about this? -We're talking in this moment.

I'll be in the kitchen.

Just a minute.

I bet Krzysztof isn't happy with our visit.

JEREMI: Hmm.

Tell me something else new. I've never seen that man happy.

I told you he would be angry.

ADA: (GROANS) Please be quiet. All you ever do is talk.

-HUBERT: Don't start with that. -ADA: Here we go.

HUBERT: Well, let's get Mom's birthday over with.

-(ADA SIGHS) -Nice and quick.

It's amazing that you're here.

JEREMI: (CLEARS THROAT) Uh...

Any traffic on the way here, you guys?

You know, it's Warsaw.

-Hmm. Right, right. -Krzysztof!

Son, listen, please stay.

FILIP: If we had known it was your birthday,

we would have got you a present.

Don't worry.

How could you have known about this?

You're not related to us.

I'm very happy to see all of you,

that we are all here today, but I must say,

I'd like to see you on a regular basis.

-Why the circus, Mom? -JEREMI: Easy now, man.

I wanted to personally thank Filip

for being so splendid with Tosia.

Not the best timing or moment... (CLEARS THROAT)

...but I am convinced

that these situations should be discussed

-like real adults. -(REPEATED CLICKING)

We shouldn't bury our heads in the--

Ksawery, stop doing that. Oh, where was I?

We shouldn't bury our heads in the sand,

so I believe Krzysztof should try

to adopt little Tosia.

KRZYSZTOF: Please don't tell me what I should do.

Krzysztof.

-Stay out of it, idiot. -Krzysztof. Calm down.

Ksawery, please take my phone and go watch something

in the other room. Watch something fun.

You know, a child needs a family.

Tosia already has one.

(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)

I was very clear. I don't want that child.

"I don't want that child. I don't want that child."

A responsible man should always rise to the occasion.

I'm not a responsible man, you know?

I wonder who's to blame.

Let me take a guess, please.

Your mom, right?

-KRZYSZTOF: I don't know. -(CHUCKLES)

I didn't say that, but it's possible.

OLGA: That's why we have marriages,

to avoid talking such nonsense.

People get married, they make a commitment,

and then they have kids.

Not like now, open relationships,

single mothers, suicides.

In your head, it's all connected,

is that right? One leading to the other.

Being unmarried, suicide, yeah. Is global warming in there, too?

Doesn't matter, honestly. It's all about fun, right?

You only live once.

Hmm. Maybe stop drinking alcohol.

-Are you worried about me? -KRZYSZTOF: Damn right I'm worried.

I haven't seen you sober for days.

Okay.

-ADA: Mom. -Are you happy now?

Amazing, Mom.

Fuck.

Amazing as always. Thank you.

ADA: I hope it doesn't leave a stain.

You shouldn't even be trusted with a dog.

Let alone trusted with children.

-(LOUD THUD) -ADA: Ow!

Fill me up, please.

Have you ever felt like something was missing?

Yeah. You, Mom.

I was a latchkey kid, remember?

You were always at work,

and then you were pissed that you had to take care of us,

not to mention our home.

-You're being unfair, son. -KRZYSZTOF: Really?

You know Ada cut herself.

Yeah. Did you know?

Come on, Kiki. Let's go.

Don't go. I'm sorry. Please sit down.

We're only talking about family matters,

as a family.

Now sit down.

(OLGA CLEARS THROAT)

You weren't the only child with working parents.

Every family has its problems. All of them.

We're not dysfunctional.

But we are dysfunctional, Mom. Let's call things by their name.

Yes, we are dysfunctional.

My best childhood memories are...

are with the neighbor's sitter.

My best childhood memories are with a stranger, Mom.

Stop that now.

My gosh, she used to slap us. Ada, what was that again?

(HESITATES) Um...

"A burning cheek for a cheeky mouth," right?

(CRYING) For fuck's sake, please stop.

Ada, please pull yourself together.

We weren't happy kids, Mom.

-(SOBS) -(OLGA LAUGHING)

Krzysztof. What, are you stupid, son?

Who's happy nowadays? Do you see anyone happy here?

-Life's like that. -No, Mom, the thing is,

life doesn't have to be horrible.

This crap about marriage being a fucking magic cure.

OLGA: But it is.

It's the responsible thing to do. You get someone,

and you dedicate your life to your kids.

Right. And did you ever ask yourself

if you'd be a good mother?

Did you even ask yourself if you wanted to have kids? Huh?

You don't even love your grandson.

I'm exactly like you and I'm sick of it,

because I've never loved anyone.

I wasted my life trying to raise a family,

but your dad and I were so busy that we--

Oh, throw dad into this picture of a family as ideal

is nonsensical. Our dad!

Please, you were always arguing.

Yeah, couples argue all the time because that's just how it is.

KRZYSZTOF: Oh, and the silent treatment.

Huh? When you fucking sulked, you wouldn't even bring food.

When there was nothing to eat? When I had to ask Dad for money

to buy fucking food for the house?

(ADA SOBBING)

KRZYSZTOF: When he'd come home and we were so scared

you'd start fighting again

and he wouldn't talk to us for two weeks again?

Totally ignoring all of us?

It wasn't ideal, I know that, but he cared about us!

About us?

The fuck are we talking about here?

He didn't give two shits about Ada.

He treated Hubert like an idiot

just because he didn't get straight A's?

Is that caring, Mom?

-He just wanted you all to give your best. -KRZYSZTOF: Oh, oh.

Like responsible human beings.

KRZYSZTOF: Responsible human beings?

Is a kid that age supposed to do that?

I was her age, Mom!

The irresponsible human beings were you two for fighting

and not talking and for not treating each other

like two fucking normal adults!

(TOSIA BABBLING, FUSSING)

(ADA SNIFFLING, SOBBING)

(OLGA SIGHS HEAVILY)

(SIGHS)

Filip, my dear...

no one in this family can really expect you

to bear the level of responsibility.

So, listen, Krzysztof will take care of his daughter.

KRZYSZTOF: Put the wine away.

I'm just worried about Tosia. You are very young

and you've got your life ahead of you.

-Stop it. -Just let me solve this, okay?

A child needs care and love.

(OLGA GROANS)

And unlike us, he cares about her.

Only he's a faggot.

I pity you, Mom.

(TABLEWARE CLATTERING)

-(PLATES RATTLING) -(TOSIA BABBLING)

The pot roast was good. Hey, cheer up.

Hey, maybe this is weird.

I feel sorry for her.

Fuck her.

We weren't supposed to be there, so...

♪ (SOFT PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

Want some? On your hand?

No, hey, hey, hey, no, no, no! Don't eat it!

♪ (SOFT PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪

(TOSIA BABBLES)

-(TOSIA SQUEALS) -FILIP: Hmm? Hmm?

-(DOORBELL RINGS) -(FELEK BARKS)

(TOSIA FUSSES)

-Hey. -♪ (MUSIC FADES) ♪

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

You left Tosia's presents, Filip.

Our first meeting didn't go as well as planned.

You really think there should be others?

(LAUGHS)

We're family now.

Family looks pretty in pictures.

OLGA: Get in the middle of that picture

or they'll cut you out.

May I come in?

Of course.

(TOSIA BABBLING)

Hello, baby girl.

-FILIP: So... -OLGA: How are you doing?

Would you like something to drink?

-OLGA: Yes. -FILIP: What?

Um...

Water would be fine. Oh, aren't you a doll?

Tell me, what have you got there?

Oh!

Hey, look at this here, Tosia.

So, baby, look at this nice present Granny got for you.

Hmm. So pretty. Look at this.

What a pretty dress for a princess like you.

I've only got sparkling. Is that all right?

Of course. Yes? Do you like it?

-Hmm. There, there. -With lemon?

Please.

Uh, right. Would you make Grandma happy

and please try this pretty dress on?

FILIP: All right, I think it's about time

we get this princess to bed, nice and easy.

She'll try it on later. I'm sorry, but it's her bedtime.

We could make an exception for Grandma, right?

When it comes to bedtime, there are no exceptions at all.

Very well.

Bye, baby girl. Bye-bye.

(BABBLES)

FILIP: What's this about?

Inviting us over, coming here, giving gifts,

calling yourself her grandma?

Well, like it or not, I'm her grandma.

Please do not come here again.

(TOSIA BABBLES)

I filed an application to adopt Tosia.

I just hope you understand.

♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

-(TRAM BELL RINGING) -♪ (TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪

♪ (TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪

(DOORBELL RINGS)

♪ (MUSIC FADES) ♪

FILIP: Did you know about it?

Know about what?

Your mother came last night saying she wants to adopt Tosia.

-Say something! -Hey, hey, come in, please.

Tell me if you knew!

-No, I didn't. -Help me. She can't do this.

(HESITATES) I understand that--

You don't understand shit. Please talk to her.

Maybe if you forbid her...

Fuck her!

(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)

You got a strong bond, you know.

You're her nearest kin. Tosia's like your daughter.

That'll be our line of argument.

If we actually manage to get final and total custody,

we'll have a big chance for adoption

and full parental rights.

I met Tosia's grandmother yesterday.

Krzysztof's mother.

TERESA: What for?

She wanted to meet her granddaughter finally.

TERESA: They could have sampled Tosia's genetic material.

And I wanted to put in doubt his fatherhood.

But he's her biological father.

TERESA: You can't know for sure.

Besides, it would have gained us some time.

We need it.

The longer Tosia is with you, the deeper your bond becomes.

You're proving yourself as a caregiver.

The court will have that in mind.

They didn't sample anything. I watched her nonstop.

Some courts routinely rule for the biological parent.

Mm-hmm. He never showed any interest

and never even tried to contact her.

Yeah, but they can say that Anka blocked him away

because she wanted her for herself and he suffered

because he loves her.

Just because somebody says something

doesn't mean it's true, but... it's not a big deal.

Next time, keep me posted about everything

that's connected to the case, please. Okay?

She visited me yesterday.

She's trying really hard to adopt Tosia.

Then we are fucked.

♪ (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

♪ (MUSIC FADES) ♪

(SPORT COMMENTARY PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)

-FILIP: Hey. -OLEK: Hey.

(CROWD CHEERING OVER SPEAKERS)

-(MOUSEPAD CLICKS) -(CHEERING STOPS)

FILIP: I'm sorry. I really needed to clear my head.

It's cool.

How's Tosia?

Good. She's asleep.

I never thanked you for what you said

at the station that night.

You said Tosia needs a father, not a fucking drunk uncle.

I'm always here, so...

How did it go with Teresa?

She said that we'll crush that witch easily.

-(TOSIA BABBLING) -(OBJECTS CLATTERING)

(FILIP GROANS)

(TOSIA GIGGLES)

-(TOSIA BABBLES) -(FILIP CHUCKLES SOFTLY)

I love you. Got it? Come.

You guys ready? Let's do this.

I'm gonna puke. I'm so nervous.

Hold her.

(TOSIA BABBLING EXCITEDLY)

Filip, listen to me. Please.

(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)

-It's okay. -No, please listen.

(KIKI BREATHES DEEPLY)

Adam is waiting.

Well...

I'm glad.

-Because? -Adam is waiting for us.

-Get the stroller? -KIKI: Mm-hmm.

-I wish you good luck. -Thank you.

-Come here. -But why?

'Cause I fucking say so.

As a neighbor, you were a total prick.

-My comments turn you on? -Jesus, that's my phone.

-I'm glad it's just that. -You're nuts, Beata.

OLEK: You lost the bet.

-BEATA: Was I sober? -Yeah, now you owe me.

-I asked if I was sober. -OLEK: No.

My God, taking advantage of a woman under the influence.

KIKI: What was the bet about?

OLEK: At the beginning, that Filip wouldn't manage

and that he'd give up.

COURT EXPERT: Even when there is a high degree of confidence

in the tests, the opinion

is also grounded in the interview performed.

Tests are subject to interpretation,

but a test based on an interview gives the most credible opinion.

And Filip...

Well, he displays a very high level of empathy.

He has sound judgment, treasures kindness,

and he's aware of the challenges and responsibilities.

The child is safe under his care,

and all her principal needs are met.

Following a detailed visit and inspection of the facility,

I conclude that the house is really clean, well-organized.

The child has a suitable nursery for a kid her age.

In light of Mr. Filip's young age,

his lack of experience, marital status,

despite the positive opinions of him,

I believe that the child should be placed

in a foster home.

Madam Custodian...

may I remind you that foster care is,

without a doubt, a godsend for unfortunate cases

of abandoned children.

But honestly, they're still orphanages.

Let's face the reality.

So, what's truly important? Bond, love, connecting,

or preserving an idealized view of foster care,

which is just a way to appease our conscience,

because to be completely honest,

we would never send our own kids to a place like that.

CUSTODIAN: Can someone who is out of control...

who likes to drink and party, become a role model

for a small child overnight? Really?

Do we think such a person can be a caregiver?

Can someone who doesn't shy away

from alcohol and God knows what else

look after a vulnerable being?

Ensure her safety, a set of values?

Please, Your Honor,

this description fits so many citizens

in this country.

Beer after work, wine for dinner,

no other interest in people's affairs,

incredible amounts of time spent on the phone or TV screen.

I'm not-- A conjugal family is not ideal either.

This room shouldn't be fooled by dominant

cultural stereotypes.

Let's ask ourselves, with absolute honesty.

Haven't I neglected my kids despite all of my love and care?

-He's gay. -See, Your Honor?

Counselor, please proceed to inform your client

about the rules and procedures in this court.

Yes, Your Honor. I'm very sorry.

-CUSTODIAN: Are you not a homosexual? -That's what I told you.

JUDGE: That has nothing to do

with the matter before the court.

Now, Counselor,

can you please ask your client to be quiet?

Of course, Your Honor.

JUDGE: Thank you, Madam Custodian.

You better, Counselor.

As great as my patience may be, I won't tolerate this.

Please proceed.

This is about my client's concerns

for the future of her cherished granddaughter.

Filip's efforts to be a good dad

after losing his sister are admirable and brave, but...

we all in this court know perfectly well

that, well, youth must be enjoyed.

And don't the elderly deserve some rest?

JUDGE: Counselor, please.

Your Honor, a single father is not a full home.

Although it's a loving home.

ATTORNEY: My client Olga, Tosia's father's mother,

is willing to create a stable, bountiful, trustworthy,

and good home for her granddaughter.

But you'll agree with me, Counselor,

that love can't be weighed just in money terms.

That's demagoguery, Counselor.

It's the first time we agree, Your Honor.

Excuse me?

I beg you to listen to this.

And your name is?

Kiki. I am, uh... I was, um, best friends with Anka...

Filip's sister.

And I've known Filip since they came

to Warsaw, Your Honor.

But that's not what I wanted to say.

I wanted to say that

I had my daughter when I was only 16.

And no one showed interest

whether I'd give the kid basic support

or if I'd be a good mother at all.

Nobody prepared me for that.

But I managed.

And being honest...

it's all about love.

Period.

Beyond reasonable doubt.

I don't see how that's at all relevant.

KIKI: But it is!

Because you're all discussing what's best for her,

and no one seems to care about the fact

that he'll give his life for her.

He's been a father to Tosia from day one.

He hasn't even asked for any--

Your Honor, I still don't understand why this woman

is allowed to testify.

(DOOR OPENS)

♪ (SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

ATTORNEY: May I continue now?

As I was saying, Tosia's grandmother

will give her a stable environment.

Her stable family situation

and solid financial situation will create a safe space

and environment for Tosia's growth.

Do you have a problem with alcohol?

ATTORNEY: Excuse me?

TERESA: I'm asking if she has a problem with alcohol.

-It's a simple question. -ATTORNEY: It's not relevant.

Ah! That's a fascinating answer, but nevertheless.

Please, Counselor, to the point.

Yes, Your Honor. I'm afraid the picture painted

by the Counselor is far from reality.

It's a distortion. May I please share this article

from the press, and I quote,

"Boozed-Up Mother Loses Child at the Beach."

ATTORNEY: We can't trust a tabloid as a credible source.

We don't have to because her son is right here.

She left him on the beach when he was six.

Because you were the boozed up mother, right?

♪ (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪

(QUIET CHATTER)

So?

It depends on what the shrink says

after talking to Krzysztof and his mother.

Um...

But we have to stay positive.

-(LIVELY CHATTER) -(COOKWARE SIZZLING)

CUSTOMER: I don't know, I can't decide.

♪ (MUFFLED UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS) ♪

(TOSIA BABBLES EXCITEDLY)

I put it all in a letter

so I wouldn't leave anything out.

It's true, a kid complicates things.

-PAWEL: No, listen to me. -No, no, just give me a second.

I-- I'm sorry.

(BREATHES DEEPLY) Uh...

Please listen.

(HESITATES)

The thing is, uh...

I think I'm in love with you.

(TOSIA BABBLING)

FILIP: I want you to know that.

And that some people manage to be happy

after having children.

Okay, I know that Tosia is not your child,

and I'm, um...

I'm hardly an expert when it comes to relationships.

But when something feels real...

when you understand that there's something...

precious, like, you know, love,

as long as there's love, then it's worth the fight.

And that I do know.

(TOSIA BABBLING)

Okay.

PAWEL: Filip, Filip.

Are you wearing my shirt?

Yeah, because it smells good.

I get off work at 11:00.

Wanna hang out?

Well, I might be asleep.

It may be a bit late for us.

(TOSIA FUSSES)

(PAWEL CHUCKLES)

FILIP: You don't worry about anything.

Nothing makes you nervous.

♪ ("BERLIN" BY RY X PLAYING) ♪

My sweet little carefree birdie.

No, right?

It's you I'm talking to. It's you.

-(GRUNTS) -(CHUCKLES)

Are you liking your eggs?

-(COUGHS) -FILIP: Oh!

Oh, it's okay.

♪ All that fighting All that snow ♪

(LAUGHS)

And the next thing I know, your mom broke her arm.

Remember, drinking and climbing trees

is never a good idea.

Oh, look. That's the three of us.

♪ Tell me I'm not going home ♪

We're doing fine.

The laundry is not rotting and the trash is taken out.

Tell her.

-(BABBLES) -Hmm.

She says she's not hungry at all.

-(BABBLES) -She loves veggies.

♪ ("BERLIN" CONTINUES PLAYING) ♪

We're doing everything we can.

Oh.

Let's leave it here.

♪ (SINGER VOCALIZING) ♪

♪ Bedroom floor ♪

♪ And silence in my blood ♪

♪ Sorry, love I'm running home ♪

(TOSIA BABBLES)

♪ I'm a child of sun And the stars I love ♪

♪ Tell me I'm not going home ♪

-(DOOR OPENS) -BAILIFF: They're ready for you.

♪ And I'll stop waiting By the phone ♪

We'll find out in a moment.

♪ Sorry, love I'm running home ♪

(SNEEZES)

♪ I'm a child of sun And the stars I love ♪

♪ (SONG FADES) ♪

♪ (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪

♪ (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪