Original subtitles

OUT OF LOVE

She said we can't leave the car, Margaux.

I'll go get her. Wait here.

No, I want to come with you!

Okay, but stay close to me.

Margaux!

Mom!

What are you doing here?

I told you to wait in the car.

Where have you been?

I'm here now.

Come on.

How old is she?

She's 42,

42 years old.

Does she have wrinkles?

No, not many.

Fewer than you?

Nice!

Can I have a peach?

I thought you didn't like them.

I want to try again.

Okay, here you go.

- Nothing for you? - No.

I love them.

Aren't you hungry?

Not for peaches.

How about I eat you both up?

Stop it!

Sorry, did I wake you?

- Are you leaving? - Yes, I have to go.

I'll make you some coffee.

No, that's not necessary.

But thanks anyway.

Sorry, I didn't think you'd wake up.

I feel a bit awkward.

It's okay. I'll make you something else.

I said I didn't want to complicate things.

It's probably best we don't have breakfast.

That way no one gets emotionally involved.

But we had dinner together yesterday.

Yes, but breakfast is a couple thing.

Okay, goodbye.

Sorry.

See you in two weeks.

Have a nice evening, Lucien.

Aren't you taking time off?

No, I might work from home,

but I don't feel like traveling.

Have I told you where we're going,

and all the hassle we've had?

No.

But I'm working on something here.

I need to focus.

No problem.

Goodbye.

Goodbye. Enjoy your vacation.

Are we there?

Come on.

Suzanne?

Hi.

What are you doing here?

We wanted to surprise you.

You should have called.

Hi, kids.

How big you've gotten!

Hi.

I hope you don't think we're intruding.

Are you staying over?

Is there a bed in the studio?

It's not a studio anymore, it's a guest room.

Great, then we'll squeeze in.

Sure, of course.

Is everything okay?

Yes, why?

I don't know, I...

Do I need to make an appointment to visit my sister?

Of course not.

I'm glad you came, I'm just a little surprised.

Come on.

I'll fix something to eat. I don't have much,

- but I'll fix something. - No worries.

Do you want some?

Don't you have any beer?

Gaspard, turn it down a bit, please.

I'll make some pasta.

Is that okay?

Does Margaux eat pasta?

Yes, she eats pasta.

It's become different.

Do you think so?

There was more stuff last time.

A lot of it was hers.

Have you not been here since then, or seen the house like this?

No.

When were we here last? Two years ago?

You're right, it was two years ago.

It's frightening how fast time goes.

You haven't visited us either.

I didn't mean to criticize, Suzanne.

I know.

Are the kids on break?

Yes, that's why we came to visit.

How are things with you?

You mentioned a job interview.

Yes, but nothing came of it.

Do you see each other?

Who?

Nicole.

Sometimes.

We run into each other.

- Why? - I don't know,

you said she was renting something nearby,

so I was just wondering.

Is she doing well?

What's with all the questions?

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.

It's okay.

- Is it okay if I shower before dinner? - Absolutely.

I feel grimy.

Suzanne, dinner is ready.

Can I come in?

Suzanne?

- What? - Dinner is ready.

It's time to eat.

I'll be right there.

- Is everything okay? - Yes.

They're asleep.

I got the guest room ready a while ago.

I should have said something.

I didn't notice the time passing.

Do you remember that?

I'm tired, Jeanne.

Can we talk tomorrow?

Let's take it easy then.

Good night.

Are you already awake?

Yes. What are you drinking?

Coffee.

Do you want anything?

Aren't you going back to bed? It's still early.

Where's Mom?

- What do you mean? - Isn't she with you?

No. Isn't she sleeping?

She's not upstairs. I've looked everywhere.

The suitcase is by the sofa.

Where did she go?

Did you see her leave, Gaspard?

Huh?

Did she say anything?

Were you awake when she left the room?

No. She wasn't there when I woke up.

She wasn't?

I'll call her.

Wait here.

Call me!

Gaspard?

Go back to bed, Margaux.

- I'm coming with you. - No, stay here.

- We don't know her! - You know Nicole.

You've just forgotten.

Are you going to get Mom?

- Let me come with you. - Gaspard, stop!

We'll take the stairs.

Gaspard, hurry up.

- Is the elevator not working? - It's broken.

- Are you okay? - Not really.

Do you want a coffee?

Kids, be nice to Nicole, okay?

Do you remember me?

- A little. - Come in.

- Call when you arrive. - Okay. Thanks.

And do you have friends at school?

I still like Marie-Louise, though.

Why "still"?

- She doesn't like me that much. - Oh?

She says I'm annoying,

and she pulls my hair when she's bored.

That's not nice. Have you told the teachers?

She said if I told on her,

her parents would throw me out.

Marie-Louise's dad is the principal.

Outside of school then, any of the neighbor kids,

- you don't have any friends there either? - No.

Except for Lola in the building, who I like.

Who's Lola? Your neighbor?

No, the caretaker's dog.

Did you draw those pictures?

Yes. Did you go into my studio?

Do you only draw naked people?

Mostly, but not only.

I take commissions too.

What does that mean?

Commissions are when you paint pictures

for people or places.

Like where?

For example, in waiting rooms.

You draw naked people in waiting rooms?

No! That's completely different things.

Aren't you guys hungry?

Are you hungry?

Suzanne?

It smelled so stuffy...

as if no one had ever opened the windows.

And it was such a mess.

I don't understand how they can live there.

When were you last there?

I don't even remember.

Ages ago.

Now that I think about it,

she hasn't invited me over since David died.

We only met out, at restaurants.

She always insisted on booking,

as if to keep me at a distance,

as if she was ashamed.

Do you think she did that?

I don't know.

What does she mean by the letter?

Why did she leave the kids with me? What should I do?

Wait, look for her, call the police?

Jeanne, you don't need to decide anything now,

it hasn't even been 24 hours. What you need is sleep.

You'll think more clearly tomorrow.

You're right. I'll get the kids.

You should rest.

I don't dare wake them.

You can sleep here if you want.

- That's not what I meant. - Sorry.

I'm completely off balance.

It's okay.

Just so you understand. When an adult disappears,

there must be suspicious or worrying circumstances

for us to investigate.

For example,

suicidal thoughts, suspicion of domestic violence,

a forged letter, things like that.

Is that clear?

Yes, but...

What I'm trying to say is, with this letter she left,

I get the impression that your sister...

was at her breaking point and took off.

Yes.

It seems voluntary, not a worrying disappearance.

You're not going to look for her?

No.

We cannot launch a search effort.

We'll keep our eyes open and see how the situation develops,

and see if your sister comes back in the next few days,

but there isn't much we can do beyond waiting.

What I suggest, if you want to make contact

with your sister, is to talk to her friends

and search open sources,

like social media.

We are talking about a 37-year-old single mother

living under difficult circumstances who has abandoned her children.

Doesn't that worry you?

Isn't that concerning enough?

She didn't abandon them, she left them with you.

- Is there a difference? - Absolutely.

Taking off without warning

and leaving children home alone,

is completely different from leaving them with a sister.

So you can't charge her with abandoning her children?

It is a crime to leave a child without proper supervision,

which is not the case here.

Your sister has the right to disappear if she wants.

I don't get it! You just let people vanish?

Her children keep asking when she's coming back.

What should I say? What will you say?

Try to stay calm.

Don't you see how absurd the situation is?

I've explained why we can't act.

I want to help, but I can't. It's the law.

I'm asking you for help! Don't you understand that?

What if I refuse to take care of them?

Or if I can't manage it?

Will you look for her then?

I can contact the prosecutor,

who will ask social services to place them in care,

but there is a risk they could be separated.

I can do that, but...

if I make the call and your sister comes back,

it is very unlikely she will get them back.

Are you sure Suzanne didn't have a boyfriend?

It's important that you tell us.

Why?

They only help us if they think she needs help.

Did any man ever come to the house?

No one ever came to the house.

Did she ever go out?

She was almost always at home.

We had to walk to school ourselves when she didn't want to leave her room.

When we take the bus Mommy doesn't scream.

What do you mean? Why was she screaming?

When she was irritated or when she was sad.

Why was she irritated?

For no reason.

She wasn't irritated.

She was angry.

Can we watch TV?

When you've finished eating.

MISSING PERSON Suzanne Manin

BEAR HUG! HANG IN THERE!

We used to run into each other sometimes in the morning.

When I got home from work, Suzanne was on her way back from school after dropping off the kids.

So when that happened, we'd have a cigarette.

- Do you remember the last time you did that? - No, two, three weeks... maybe a month.

Did she mention anything

that could explain her disappearance?

What trip was it?

I don't remember exactly,

but she did mention a trip, anyway.

She hadn't planned anything in detail.

No specific destination.

It was more of an idea, a longing, I think.

It might not be relevant.

I mean, it was just a casual conversation, nothing important.

But I wanted to mention it anyway.

Sorry, this probably doesn't help you.

You don't need to apologize.

Are the kids with you?

Yes. She left them with me.

Of course, you shouldn't spy,

but if you see her or hear anything, you'll let us know, right?

Of course, I'll keep an eye out.

Thanks.

Can I ask one last question?

Yes.

Was she doing okay?

When you ran into her, did she seem alright?

I don't know.

I don't think you could say she was particularly happy, anyway.

What makes you say that?

Well, her life.

I don't know, but...

She never complained, but you can sense that kind of thing.

Also, I should say, Suzanne and I weren't exactly friends.

You probably knew her better than I did, right?

Jeanne.

Yes, Gaspard?

Why were you lying on the floor?

I was just hot.

Are you okay in there?

Yes. I hit my elbow when I was taking off my sweater,

but it doesn't hurt.

I don't like sleeping with Margaux. She moves around so much.

It's only temporary.

What does that mean?

It means it's only for a limited time.

Soon you'll get to sleep in your own bed again.

I'm opening the door, promise you won't look.

I promise.

Here.

They're wet. It's disgusting, sorry.

Do accidents like this happen often?

No.

Is it the first time?

No, but it was a long time ago.

Can I borrow your t-shirt? I'm completely naked.

Here you go. Sorry.

Thank you.

I'll wash your pajamas tomorrow.

Okay.

Everything's fine now.

It looks like a dress.

I'll go change the sheets.

Do you have to?

Yes. You can't sleep in peed-on sheets.

What is it?

I'm afraid we'll wake Margaux.

We'll do it quietly.

- It's done now. - Thank you, Jeanne.

Go back to bed.

How old were you when your mom left you?

I was ten. But our mom didn't leave us, she died.

Isn't that what you say?

Yes, you can say that.

Well, it's pretty much the same thing then.

Your mom will come back.

I'm going to bed.

Good night.

Hi.

- Sorry to bother you. - Have you found her?

No.

Is this a bad time?

What can I help you with?

I just wanted to have a word.

Do you have time now?

Let's take it outside. I don't want the children to hear.

I wanted to apologize.

We're not used to handling cases like this here.

I tried to be pragmatic...

I'll stop you there. There's no point in apologizing.

I'm busy right now.

You're doing your job and following the guidelines.

I can manage on my own. I don't need your apologies.

No, but...

I would like to help you.

I don't get it. Are you allowed to do that now?

No.

But I can do things...

in a less official way,

so to speak.

I can't use police resources, but a friend in the Paris Criminal Division

can give me access to your sister's phone and bank records.

It's not exactly legal, and it takes time, but...

I'll do it.

I feel it's important.

I'll try.

Thank you.

- What's your name? - Sébastien.

I can email it to you.

If you could take care of it, that would be great. It's on my desk,

in an orange folder with his name on it.

He's very persistent, he calls all the time.

Great.

Can you call me later?

Okay, thanks. Have a nice evening.

Aren't you done?

Margaux, it's freezing.

Come up, or you'll catch a cold.

Wait. Shh.

Hi, I'm in a meeting, but I wanted you to know

I've asked my colleague to handle your matter.

I just spoke with him.

So he's looking into your matter and will call you.

Exactly.

He'll call you within an hour.

I have to go, I'm in a meeting. Goodbye, Mr. Brunet.

Okay, please go out now.

You have to do as I say, or I'll go crazy.

- Your job sucks. - Why?

You're always on your phone and computer. What's the point?

It's a bit different right now.

I usually work out in the field.

Doing what?

If I tell you, will you come up?

When a company or a person has an incident, I go there,

assess the damages and estimate the losses

and settle the insurance claim.

You always use grown-up words. I don't understand.

What an idiot.

Why did you want to do that?

I don't know.

I just kind of fell into it.

Do you like it?

Grown-ups don't ask questions like that.

I want to be an artist like Nicole because I like to draw.

It's not that hard, is it?

Come on, get up.

I'm losing my patience. I've answered, get up now.

No!

You're mean!

No, I'm not. I've told you 20 times!

I'm tired and busy.

I don't like it here, I want to go home!

Stop it right now. Get up. I'm counting to three.

I'd rather freeze to death than get up!

I hate you.

Hello?

One moment.

Go ahead.

Sorry, am I interrupting?

No, I'm at a friend's art exhibition.

Is everything okay?

Yes, it's fine.

Are the children okay?

They're fine.

But it's hard.

What happened?

I don't know how to be with them.

I have no patience.

I can't do this, Nicole.

Jeanne,

take a deep breath.

Sorry, I didn't know you were busy.

Stop apologizing.

Please.

Do you want to leave them with me on Saturday? I have nothing booked.

Would that be okay?

It's no problem. Bring them over.

Honestly, they prefer me anyway.

Do you maybe have to go?

No, I can stay a little longer.

Thank you.

Hey, I'm here for you.

Do you know why you're here?

Yes, because my sister is missing.

I meant here, at family support.

I followed Sébastien's advice.

He said you might help me with the children.

The fact is,

our mission is to inform, listen, and support.

I'm a lawyer. My name is Leila.

I can help with all matters concerning the children.

I understand it's not your priority,

but they are in a legally complicated situation.

Sébastien said their father is dead.

- Yes. - Okay.

Their mother cannot exercise her parental responsibility.

As their aunt, you don't have that authority.

What does that mean?

The children cannot assert their rights.

You need to request a hearing at the family court

to apply for delegation of parental responsibility, if you want it.

What happens if I don't want it?

Do you have close family,

parents or other siblings?

My dad. But it's impossible.

May I ask why?

He has never been able to take care of a child.

It was very difficult when my mom died.

My sister refuses to talk to him.

Why was it difficult?

Not because he was violent,

but because he lost all interest in us when she died.

He was physically present, but didn't take care of us.

Do you still have contact with him?

Yes, I do.

He had a stroke, so I arranged a place for him in a care home.

It created tension between me and my sister.

She was angry, she didn't understand why...

I took care of him. She said I had forgiven him...

for everything he had done or not done.

But that wasn't the case.

I just didn't have the energy to be angry.

Sorry for telling you all this.

You've answered my question. It's all very valuable.

- What was the question? - If you had close family.

Judges always choose family if they can take the child.

But I get the impression you're unsure.

It's very sudden.

I've never wanted children, I've never felt any need...

Having parental responsibility doesn't make you their mother.

No one is asking you to replace her.

Yes, but even temporarily,

I'm not sure I can take care of them

or raise them properly.

I don't even know if I want to.

Do you live alone?

I was married, but we separated two years ago

because of the children issue, as often happens.

Her disappearance complicates their legal situation.

Suzanne is still their mother,

but she cannot exercise her parental responsibility.

This issue must be resolved because they need parental responsibility,

for example, to be enrolled in school.

I can help you, and you can hire a lawyer

but you don't need one to go to court.

Sorry, but why go to court and hire a lawyer

when this is only temporary?

I came to you for help in the meantime.

- What do you mean? - Suzanne will come back.

When summer is over she'll realize what she's done,

come to her senses,

and come home.

It's taking so long. My butt hurts.

It hasn't even been five minutes.

Why don't you paint us naked, like those others?

Because children shouldn't be painted naked.

Why?

It's not normal, and besides, it's illegal.

What does 'illegal' mean?

It means the law says it's not allowed.

- You sound like Jeanne. - Do I?

A little bit, yes.

Is that a compliment?

What's that look for?

Well, Jeanne is a bit odd.

Do you think she's odd?

She doesn't talk much.

And she never smiles.

Give her some time to open up. That's just how she is.

Is that why you stopped loving her?

You two are very curious.

We can't move, we get bored if we don't talk.

But she still takes good care of you.

Well, cooking isn't really her thing.

I can agree with that!

Sit up straight!

Find the one with two sixes, a six here and here.

- Sorry I'm late. - It's fine. We just ate.

- Are they done? - Are you in a hurry?

- I don't want to take your time. - Not at all.

I have something to tell you.

Gaspard wants dessert, he says your fridge is empty.

- He says the same about yours! - Really?

Margaux, Gaspard, let's go get dessert now.

Yay, dessert!

- Cola maybe. - If you're having trouble choosing...

And this one? No.

- I'll probably take vanilla. - Me too.

Hey, where's Gaspard?

I'll go look for him. Stay with Margaux.

Gaspard!

Don't just walk off like that.

Sorry.

- Don't you want your ice cream? - No.

Do you want a different flavor?

No, I want these.

Peaches in syrup? Do you like them?

Wouldn't you rather have fresh fruit?

We can buy real peaches if you want.

Aren't these real peaches?

- Yes, they are, but... - Then I'll take them.

Okay, if you want. Come on.

Dad?

Do you remember when Suzanne ran away?

Dad!

What?

Listen to me for a minute.

What is it?

When I was around 16,

Suzanne must have been 12 or 13,

and she ran away. Do you remember?

Why are you bringing that up? I don't know.

Do you remember?

Was she gone for a long time?

She didn't run away.

You and I had a huge fight.

It scared her, and she ran away. I looked for her all weekend.

I don't remember.

When it was just the two of you,

after I moved out, did she do it again?

Are you sure you're not mixing up Suzanne with yourself?

What do you mean?

It wasn't even light out when you left.

When I moved out?

And you never came back.

I didn't run away, Dad, I had finished school.

I simply moved out.

You decided the night before.

It was in the middle of summer, I remember that.

I left earlier than planned,

I just left when my friends left.

That's a bit like running away, isn't it?

You left us,

from one day to the next.

Is that how Suzanne saw it?

Dad, did she say that to you?

I'm not angry with you, Jeanne.

How much longer is there?

She said two hours. She'll be home soon, at six o'clock.

How long is that?

I've said it ten times!

Just show me on the clock when it is!

When the little hand is on six.

Jeanne has already explained, but you never listen.

I do listen, because I know that you can't play the piano.

That's right!

- Who is it? - I don't know.

- Should we answer? - It might be private.

Answer and see.

Is anyone there?

Is this a joke?

I'm hanging up.

Who was it?

No one. Probably robots trying to sell windows.

UNKNOWN CALLER

Mom?

Is that you?

Can you hear me?

Mom?

It's Margaux.

Mom?

- There's no one there! - Yes, I can hear someone breathing.

Mom?

I don't hear anything.

Stop, it's not funny!

Gaspard, stop, it's not funny.

You're a stupid liar!

- I'm not lying. - Yes, you are!

It's not Mom.

- Why did you do that? - Mom is gone!

What if it was her?

It wasn't, it was the robots!

- You're talking nonsense. - No, you are!

Mom?

I know it's you.

Mom...

What are you doing here?

Gaspard, stop!

Let me go!

Stop! Calm down.

- Calm down. - Let me go!

Calm down.

She called. I have to go get her.

Please, stop.

What are you talking about? What's wrong?

She called me. I have to go get her.

I want Mom.

I know.

I know.

Her behavior doesn't indicate anything suspicious.

She didn't empty her account, but withdrew small amounts

and then stopped using her card.

- And her phone? - It stopped pinging.

We tracked her for three days,

then she turned it off or destroyed it.

She was near Belgium, so she was likely heading there, but...

there's no way to tell if she'll stay there or move on.

If she has her phone and turns it on,

we can locate her.

I no longer have access to her subscription.

But honestly, I don't think that will happen.

If you don't want to be found,

you get a prepaid phone and create fake social media accounts.

And that's not suspicious?

Yes.

Of course it is.

But not in the eyes of the law.

Everything indicates that she is of sound mind,

is alone, and chose to leave.

So she could be anywhere.

How am I supposed to find her if I don't even know which country she's in?

What can I do?

You're already doing a great deal.

Some families wear themselves out searching,

spend a fortune, and with no results.

If you want my advice,

focus on what's most important:

think about the children.

They need you.

What should I tell them?

That their mom has disappeared and left them?

You mustn't lose hope.

We don't know where she is now,

but there's no reason why she wouldn't come back.

That's the big question mark. I know it seems crazy,

overwhelming, and even frightening, but...

the fact that she left voluntarily means she could come back.

I don't follow.

So, this kind of thing really happens...

People come back?

People leave.

I took Gaspard and Margot to the seaside.

Not for long, just a few days, but it's doing us good.

We were starting to suffocate a bit at home.

This August feels long.

You know, I've always felt that summers go by too fast,

but this one has felt endless.

We went to the campsite where Mom took us when we were little.

You had just turned six, remember?

It was just the three of us, it was so much fun.

Things haven't changed that much since then.

We fly kites,

swim,

play badminton,

eat ice cream, lots of ice cream.

It's completely crazy by the way,

how much ice cream Gaspard can put away.

And Margot, she draws all the time.

She never stops.

Nicole gives her lots of tips and she's improving a huge amount.

You'd be proud.

Where are you, Suzanne?

Don't you want to see them?

I promised myself I wouldn't say that.

Sorry, excuse me.

Listen, we're here until Sunday.

I can't stay longer because of work.

I wanted you to know, I've spoken with your landlord

and I'm paying the rent for a few more months.

Yes, as long as I can. That way...

everything is settled.

I have to get back to the kids.

We're at the Le Rivage campsite, right by the lake.

I know you remember it.

Take care.

Do you want to go down to the beach?

Shouldn't we sit here?

What do we do now?

We wait.

Here we go!

TOWN HALL

There I am!

You haven't heard anything at all?

No, nothing.

We need consent from at least one parent

to be able to enroll the children in school.

That's why I'm in a bind.

I have a certificate showing that she gave me responsibility for the children.

Yes, but you don't have custody, do you?

No. I haven't applied for it yet.

We need it, otherwise we can't enroll them.

Didn't anyone tell you that?

Didn't the lawyer say anything?

Yes.

She told me.

Then why haven't you applied for it?

On the other hand,

since schooling is compulsory we can't refuse to accept them.

I'm sorry,

I've never had a case like this before, so...

- I'm improvising. - I can imagine.

Okay, let me think.

We'll take it step by step.

We can contact your sister's previous municipality

to get their birth certificates.

You said you had the children's ID cards.

- Yes, she gave them to me. - Good.

I think there's a...

Wait a minute.

Are those the caps?

Where the spider is?

I found it! I've been looking for...

Did you do that, or did I find it for you?

I found it!

- I'm just kidding. - For real?

For real!

APPLICATION FOR DELEGATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

- How about pencils? - I'll get them!

Can I have this one?

- Do you need it? - For drawings.

Okay. But from now on we stick to the list.

No more stuff, okay?

- Gaspard, five notebooks? - Yes, one for each subject.

- Do you have that many in fifth grade? - Yes.

Can I have these cards?

No, those are for high school. You don't need them.

- But they're nice! - Yes, a lot of things are nice.

You're so boring.

Gaspard, two eraser pens?

I often make mistakes. Suzanne knows that.

Suzanne?

- Why did you say that? - We need glue!

Take a few.

- Why did you say Suzanne? - That's what I call her.

Don't you think that's a bit weird?

I'll call her what I want!

What did I say about these?

Please, they're really nice!

We already have tons!

- What are you doing? - It's a present for Margaux.

Are you going to pay for it?

- Mom would have bought them. - Don't say that.

She would have bought them to make me happy.

Margaux, that's enough now.

- Please. - I said no!

Suzanne would have bought them.

Stop calling her Suzanne!

That's enough, both of you.

You're rich, you can afford to buy them!

You always say no.

What else is on the list?

Margaux, it's time to wake up.

We're going to school today.

Do you feel happy?

Yes.

Me too.

Look, I lost a tooth.

Should I put it in our secret box for Mom?

Yes, please.

You won't cry at school, will you?

No, I promise.

It'll be fine. You'll make lots of friends.

I can lend them my rainbow pen.

That's a good idea. That's kind of you.

Now you have to go in.

- Can I give you a hug? - Of course.

- See you tonight. - Bye.

See you tonight, Gaspard.

Is that your little sister?

Yes.

- What's her name? - Margaux.

- What's your name? - Gaspard.

My name is Juliette.

Hi.

I'll be in first grade next year.

All my friends go to a different school.

Are you new here?

Yes.

Where are you from?

Another school.

In which city?

Here, but at a different school.

I didn't know there were more.

Yes, there are.

Children, recess is over.

We're continuing the lesson. Everyone, sit down,

at your desks.

And focus again...

on the worksheet. Let's begin.

Okay, negations.

All declarative sentences are...

Or...

Negations...

Hi, Christelle, I need Gaspard. Is that okay?

Yes. Gaspard,

stand up and go with her.

- Should I take my things? - It's not necessary.

Hi, Gaspard.

She's in the quiet room.

Please, go in.

Are you okay?

- What is it? - I didn't do it on purpose.

What?

I called my teacher 'mom', and everyone laughed.

I said it because when the teacher turned her back,

her hair looked like mom's.

Everything will be okay.

There's no use screaming, I'm here to help you.

Here's what we'll do.

I'll hang up, and we'll talk when you've calmed down.

I'm hanging up now.

I'm hanging up. Goodbye.

Have they started to get used to it?

I'm not sure.

They don't talk to me.

But Margaux seems to be doing well, I think.

As for Gaspard,

I really don't know.

Maybe I'm asking the wrong questions.

Don't worry about it.

Soon you'll be tired of their school stories.

Thanks for all the help these past weeks.

It's fine.

It's the least I can do.

Is your daughter still babysitting?

How are you?

Oh, how chic! I don't remember it being this nice.

Nice, huh?

Tell me.

- Tell you what? - Everything.

It's been ages since I talked to you.

I don't know what to say.

Everything. I want to know everything.

Do you have time to paint?

Yes, I paint a lot.

Commissions or your own work?

My own.

I'm focusing on it. I'm tired of landscapes!

And actually...

It just happened,

I just heard...

What's going on?

An amazing gallery owner in Paris wanted to see my work,

so I showed her, we talked a bit,

and she's going to...

She's going to exhibit my work.

That's fantastic!

It's just a small gallery, and a group exhibition.

I'm on the upper floor, another artist on the ground floor.

Stop!

That's really great.

Yes!

It's really great, I'm happy.

Let's toast to that!

Come on.

- We don't have to. - Come on.

Congratulations.

I can handle good news, you know.

Why do you say that?

You seem a bit uncomfortable. I think it's very touching.

But don't hold back your joy around me.

I really want to be happy for you.

Look, I am happy.

Thank you.

Can I say something...

that maybe I shouldn't?

What?

It feels nice to have a child-free evening.

Sometimes it feels like I'm becoming one of them.

I start talking like them,

I want to eat like them, you know, always the same thing.

But can you handle it?

I think so. You can ask them.

There's always so much to think about.

They have so many needs, so I have to anticipate every disaster.

But they're amazing anyway.

I'm lucky.

I can almost understand why you wanted children.

I still do.

Well, I'm here! Two for the price of one?

Sorry, that was very clumsy.

There's something I need to tell you.

I've met someone.

What's her name?

- Doesn't she have a name? - Yes, she does.

Her name is Emma.

We've been seeing each other for a while,

but it's only recently that...

I've felt it's going somewhere.

Then I was really wrong.

What do you mean?

Nothing. I...

I was just imagining things.

What was I supposed to do?

We were together for twelve years, I couldn't let you down.

- Jeanne? - Gaspard!

- What do you want? - Are you crying?

How many times have I told you to knock first?

Sorry, but I...

Gaspard, it's late! You should be in bed.

Do you want me to get a tissue?

No, I want you to go to bed.

Gaspard!

- What was it you wanted? - It doesn't matter.

Say it.

I'm buying single beds for you. It will be more comfortable.

You smell weird.

I had a drink.

Didn't you shower?

No.

Ew.

Why didn't you and Suzanne see each other very often?

What do you mean?

We didn't see you much.

That's true.

To start with, we live far apart.

And...

I work a lot too.

Is that all?

It's a bit of everything.

You don't always have time to show your love.

Or you don't make the time.

So it's not our fault, then?

Of course it's not. Why do you say that?

I thought maybe you didn't want to see us.

- No, that's not it at all. - Okay.

Suzanne doesn't want to see us.

Your mother's situation has nothing to do with you two.

It's not because of you.

But she left for a reason.

She didn't have a job, so it's not because of work.

She didn't have a boyfriend, so that's not why.

She only had us.

Maybe it's my fault.

If I had called her more often, invited you here...

If I had taken the time to visit you.

Maybe it's our dad's fault.

If he had done the right thing, if he had apologized.

Maybe it's because of a job she didn't get,

maybe the bad weather.

I don't know.

Or because the car always breaks down.

Yeah, maybe.

Or because the coffee maker overflows every morning.

That too, yeah.

Maybe it's everyone's fault.

Yes.

Or maybe it's no one's fault.

Maybe it's no one's fault.

Watch out!

I got you!

Pass!

Too bad.

I got you!

I got you!

Pass!

Watch out!

I got you!

You lost.

Come on, Paula!

Come on, Paula!

It's easier to catch the ball along the edges.

Don't you want to try?

No, it's fine.

What activities do you do outside of school?

I'm not doing anything this year.

I play tennis. Have you ever played?

No. Is it fun?

My mom works at the police station.

I won't tell anyone,

I promise.

There's a fight out there!

What's going on? Calm down now, children.

What's happening?

Yes.

Their temporary enrollment makes the whole thing more complicated.

I'm aware of that,

but I don't think this single incident should overshadow

an otherwise good start.

What happened today is not our only problem.

He has a hard time fitting in and concentrating.

Some days he's attentive, calm, and receptive.

But other days it's the opposite.

Is he the same at home?

Do you know what their life is like?

I know what's happened.

Why talk about the past?

He's only been here a month! He's doing his best.

He helps his sister with homework, he steps up...

We have to give him some time.

Of course.

But in the meantime, their situation needs to be resolved.

I understand. As I said, I'm working on it.

I've submitted my application. I'm waiting for a court date.

You're hurting me!

What got into you?

Why did you do that, Gaspard?

Talk to me!

I'm not going to punish you, I just want you to explain.

I think you owe me an explanation.

No. You're not my mom.

I know.

Is that Juliette's mom?

I think so.

She's pretty.

Do you think she's going to slap him?

I hope not!

Up again, buddies!

I'll get everyone.

Mrs. Manin, you have submitted an application

for delegated parental responsibility.

Due to the fact that your sister, Suzanne Manin,

disappeared five months ago, on July 10th last year,

and left her children with you:

Gaspard, nine years old, and Margaux, six years old.

I have a copy of the note she left on the morning of July 10th,

in which she writes that she entrusts them to you.

- Is all that correct so far? - Yes.

And you still have not heard anything from your sister?

No, nothing.

And you have no idea where she might be?

Okay. That matches my information.

Our time is limited today,

and I have a lot of questions,

so I'll get straight to the point.

- Okay. - Excellent.

I need these answers in order to make a decision

in the children's best interest, which is the purpose of this hearing.

This must be an unusual and very difficult situation for you.

Before we proceed I want to ask you:

Are you doing okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

Do you want short answers?

No, not necessarily.

I just need clear answers.

How do you feel about your sister leaving?

I feel...

Sorry, I don't quite understand what you expect from me.

I'm a bit off balance.

That's completely okay. I understand.

Many see the law as a rigid criminal justice apparatus,

but this is a civil hearing. No crime has been committed.

Hearings are meant to encourage spontaneity.

There are no right or wrong answers.

I just need you to answer my questions honestly.

Your answers will help us determine

if you are suitable for the role your sister entrusted to you.

- Is that clearer? - Yes.

After these months, how do you feel

about your sister leaving?

Honestly...

I thought that with time I would understand,

but I don't understand.

That's all. I...

I think she was tired,

she felt very alone,

she felt disrespected...

Isn't all of that the start of an answer?

No. It's me trying to find a rational explanation,

but there were other solutions.

How could she make such a decision without thinking of the children?

That's where I need answers.

I don't think I know her anymore.

If we knew where she was,

if I could talk to her, even on the phone,

if I could ask her questions...

What would you ask her?

Why?

I would simply ask her why.

Would an answer from her be enough to understand?

What do you mean?

I don't know your sister, but imagine she told you

that she did it for the children's sake,

that she was convinced the children were safer with you,

that she trusted you.

Would it help you to hear that?

Based on her note and what you've said, that's one possible interpretation.

Again, it's just speculation. I don't know her, but...

could you accept that answer if it were hers?

You mean if she justified her actions that way?

It's hard to take in, but...

sometimes we leave people out of love.

Sometimes we see no other solution

than to walk away, believing it's for their own good.

Is that something you can understand?

Mrs. Manin?

I think so.

Good.

Now I'd like to ask you about the children.

Can you tell me about the last few months with them?

Gaspard, wait for me!

Hi!

You can stop, it's been two minutes!

'Two days later they had all the scrap they could want.

'A pile of broken doors, outdated windows, old shutters...'

It's snowing!

Happy birthday!

Thank you.

Blow them out.

Happy birthday, Gaspard.

Thank you.

There's wax all over the cake.

Oh no, it's not very nice.

There will be a real cake tonight.

Or ice cream.

Or both.

Wait, I need to pee!

Is there anything special you'd like to do?

I don't know.

I wasn't really sure what to get you. Tell me what you want,

and we can go buy it.

Okay, but I'll whisper it in your ear.

Here's the kitchen, the living room, and two bedrooms.

Over here,

is a bedroom, mom's room...

Hey, take the coffee table.

Are you okay?

Yes.

Have you decided what you're going to keep?

Yes, everything is over there in the corner.

- Can you show me? - It's not that much.

But look, I found this.

What game is it?

Silly Families.

Let's put it in the box.

- Can I keep it in my pocket? - Of course.

How are you doing?

I'm almost done.

Do you want us to go?

Come and help me.

Ready? One, two, three.

Is the boy still in the bedroom?

I'll go see what he's doing.

- Here's the water. - Thanks.

Gaspard?

What?

Their break is over. They need to clear the bedroom.

Can I come in?

I'm coming out, I'm looking for one last thing.

Okay.

Then I won't come in.

I'll be out in five minutes.

Take your time.

Count to three.

One, two, three.

Come on, make up.

Margaux, we're leaving now.

Put your jacket on.