Original subtitles

(SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE)

CHILD: Ah, Maman!

MATHILDE: There are different kinds of cry.

There is a cry for, "I need food."

And a different cry for, "I need sleep."

Responding to these cries is hardwired.

No parents want their child to suffer.

We want to take on their pain.

There is another cry.

It communicates something less easily remedied

than hunger or fatigue.

"I need connection.

"Love.

"Pick me up.

"Cuddle me.

"Reassure me that I'm safe.

"Let me know I'm not alone."

It's hard for you to hear Oscar cry.

As parents, we instinctively look for ways

to meet our child's needs

as quickly and effectively as we can.

So, we distract them with toys or food.

Or we just tell them to stop.

Get them to bottle up those feelings.

(ZIPPING BAG)

We call it a tantrum.

Bad behaviour.

Give them time-out on the naughty step.

And we grow up as repressed adults,

unable to fully trust or connect,

because those needs

don't change as we grow older.

We still require the same essential things

we did as newborns.

Food.

Rest.

Love.

-♪ Happy birthday to you -(CHUCKLES)

- ♪ Happy birthday to you -Maman, stop!

♪ Happy birthday to you, Ramona

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

-My baby. -Mmm-mmm.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Why?

I just bumped it.

Mum, I'm fine.

What's with the luggage?

Just an overnight bag.

Oh.

You're staying.

I'll just...

No, it's fine, I should just let the guys know.

They're Gem's. Er, Gemma's.

She knows you have them?

She does, yeah.

Okay.

-(ROARS) -(LAUGHS)

I'm just very happy you are here.

Come buy this for your...

-(GRUNTS) Father. -(RAY LAUGHS)

Oh, yeah.

The compact... The compact edition.

-(RAY CHUCKLES) -Five pound.

(RAY SPEAKING FRENCH)

We've only done a few sessions, but so far it's really fun.

This is Minnie. She's 75.

-(CHUCKLES) -It fits with your flying?

Yeah.

Are you still not speaking to Moira?

No, it's not.

You just call her up and talk.

She doesn't want that, Mum.

Why not?

You cannot just burn bridges, Mona.

I'm not.

She has been a loyal friend and...

I've been...

I'll call her.

I promise.

And your...

That was one time. A year ago.

I haven't had any more.

You're angry at me because I'm asking?

I'm your mother, I like to know.

Na...

What's happened?

Oh, yeah?

What does he think is happening?

Because he can ask me if he's worried.

Instead of gossiping...

I'm not try...

Yes.

Why don't we

wander down the river?

Get coffees.

Go to Tate Modern?

I want to show you a bit of London.

Do something special.

We can go clothes shopping any time.

(R&B PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(RAY CHUCKLES)

Private joke?

Oh!

I'm definitely getting the silver thing.

You try this.

I guessed a size up because of your new weight.

(SCOFFS)

I'm not sure it's really me.

(SPEAKS FRENCH)

No, it's...

Ramona, why are you being so...

I got a tattoo.

Lots of people have them.

It's my body, Mum. I'm 31.

I'm sorry you don't like it, but...

(LAUGHING) No!

Then why have you done this to yourself?

I...

I just liked it.

(SIGHS)

Well, you can't wear this.

It will show your triangle.

I don't care about showing my triangle.

But don't say, "Show my triangle."

People are gonna think you're talking about

something else.

I know, Maman.

You want this ugly shirt instead?

Oh, no. I forgot.

I'm sorry.

Gemma is cooking for us.

Oh, just call her and tell her don't.

Yeah, but her food is really, really nice.

I don't want to spend tonight with your landlords.

I came to see you.

I want you to get to know them.

They are...

I'll take both.

Thank you.

(MAN COUGHING)

(SIREN WAILING)

(RAP MUSIC PLAYING)

GEMMA: Yes, I absolutely understand that.

Oh! Hey! Sorry, welcome!

Erm, it's just I was promised a call back last week

and no one's...

RAY: Is it the council? Have we heard?

Yeah. She still can't get through to the guy.

-Hi. Welcome. -They're supposed to

respond to the petition.

They've been selling loads of properties

to private landlords.

I need to use the bathroom.

GEMMA: No, please, don't put me on hold. Please!

(GROANS)

She cut me off.

Sorry. Hi.

Oh, Mathilde, it's so good to see you.

Can we get you something?

Tea? Coffee?

There's some champagne in the freezer

that's almost drinkable.

Oh, erm, Gem made some cocktails if you're feeling...

I just need... (CHUCKLES)

Can I use the bathroom?

-Of course, yeah. -Sure.

You know it's left.

Mona, there is a gateau aux pommes in that bag.

-You made a gateau? -You call her Mona?

I love that.

Ah, no. Don't. Don't!

Er, but Gemma made a cake

as part of the whole...

Oh, okay.

Two cakes.

That's... That doesn't sound like a problem.

-Put it in the fridge. -Don't look in the fridge.

Okay.

(MATHILDE CHUCKLES)

(SINGS IN PORTUGUESE)

(SIGHS)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(ALL LAUGHING)

GEMMA: That was the worst energy in the world!

-KIERAN: Oh, some bad energy. -RAY: I'm so sorry.

-KIERAN: Oh, my days. -GEMMA: You couldn't see that?

It was blatantly racist.

KIERAN: And you two were, later on, in the toilet, like...

No, that's not the point of the story!

-(GASPS) That's rude! -Uh-huh.

Yo, yo, yo.

(ALL CONTINUE INDISTINCTLY)

(GLASS CLINKING)

We should make a toast.

Your last birthday was not a happy one.

Oh, whoa! (CHUCKLES)

KIERAN: Pardon.

But so much has happened since then.

For me, too.

Your father and I getting used to you not being there.

Learning to be just two again.

(CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)

I'm sorry, I don't know...

I don't know what to say.

We love you.

-GEMMA: Cheers. -KIERAN: Hear. Hear.

I love you too, Maman. Thank you.

-KIERAN: Where's your glass? -Erm...

I'll have a swig of yours.

-GEMMA: I think... -Sorry.

(CHUCKLING)

Oh, Maman, did Dad give you the flowers?

-Er... -No?

(CHUCKLES)

Every year on my birthday,

my dad gives my mum pink flowers.

Zinnias. My favourite.

He says that birthdays are also for mummies.

-GEMMA: That's so sweet. -But maybe this year,

he forgot.

(CLICKS TONGUE)

Well, then, we should raise a toast to you.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(LAUGHS)

Well done. (CHUCKLES)

To you, Maman!

-KIERAN: Cheers! -I'm glad I was born

and I'm very glad you're here.

-Cheers! -Thank you.

Mmm.

Cake?

-Mmm-hmm. -Yes!

Yes! I'll help.

-(KIERAN EXCLAIMS) -No, you stay where you are.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, baby.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(RAY LAUGHS)

(CLEARS THROAT) Maman...

We should call your father.

Oui. Okay.

No, not...

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

(CHUCKLING)

(LINE RINGING)

MICK: (OVER PHONE) ♪ Happy birthday...

♪ To you

♪ Happy birthday to you

-♪ Happy birthday dear Ray -♪ Happy birthday dear Momo

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

Whoo! Yes!

(LAUGHS)

RAY: Thank you, guys.

-Thank you. -GEMMA: This is number one.

-Oh, yeah. -MICK: Who can I hear?

It's Gemma and Kieran.

-Hey, Mick, what's up? -GEMMA: Hi! Hello.

Gemma made a wonderful dinner for us all.

MICK: Oh, that's nice.

(GEMMA MIMICS FANFARE)

RAY: (LAUGHING) Oh, no!

GEMMA: Slightly over the top.

(LAUGHS) Oh, no.

I need to take a picture of it!

I have candles.

KIERAN: We've got matches.

RAY: This is a work of art. I...

(CAMERA CLICKING)

(CHUCKLES)

When did you have time to do this?

-KIERAN: All righty. -Oh, it was a whole

production line.

(LAUGHS)

Okay. Make a wish.

(RAY CHUCKLES)

MICK: You still there?

Yeah, I'm... I'm making a wish, Dad.

Oh, good.

You opened your card yet?

We're saving it for later.

-GEMMA: Your wish. -Yeah. Yeah.

(GEMMA CHUCKLES)

-(ALL CLAPPING) -KIERAN: Yay! Whoo!

(KIERAN WHISTLES)

You wanna cut this one?

KIERAN: Okay, I'm just gonna try some of this.

-Mathilde, what can I pass you? -(RAY EXCLAIMS)

(LAUGHING)

-KIERAN: That slice is... -GEMMA: You're joking.

-It's so nice. -RAY: It's amazing!

(SIGHS)

Holy shit.

-GEMMA: Yeah? -Mona!

MICK: What's happening? I can't really hear you that well.

I'm sorry, Dad. We're eating cake.

I'm so jealous.

I've been in the car all day. I've only had a Scotch egg

from the garage.

GEMMA: Give me.

Why a unicorn?

(KIERAN CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)

RAY: Erm... Oh, God.

Er, you want me to explain?

(ALL LAUGH)

GEMMA: Probably not best to do that now.

Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Should I?

Can I?

She's opening it, Mick.

MICK: Okay. Ta-da!

(MICK CLEARS THROAT)

What's this?

(CHUCKLES)

That's your present.

Your father and I have been thinking of the best way

for us to help you.

-I don't need... -London is expensive.

MICK: We had that money in an ISA,

-just sitting there, and... -Let me say it, Mick.

Grandmere left us a little money when she died.

We have thought a lot about what to do with it

and we decided.

We want to give you a deposit for a flat.

We've done some mortgage calculation

and looked online

for places near Heathrow.

But, er, I have a... I live here.

You could get a one bed with a little garden

in Northfields, on the Piccadilly Line.

-Mum. -Which is the best.

MICK: We know how expensive London is.

And there's no way you're gonna get

your own place without help.

-But I'm... -What's wrong?

You're not happy about that?

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

I just...

GEMMA: It's really...

It's really generous.

KIERAN: It is.

What an amazing gift.

MICK: You still there?

What's happening?

Hello?

RAY: It's very generous, Dad.

Maman.

MATHILDE: I'll call you tomorrow, Mick.

MICK: Okey-dokey, kiddos.

Happy birthday, Momo!

I love you.

-GEMMA: Washing up? -KIERAN: Yeah. Er...

GEMMA: We can make some space then we can get the...

-KIERAN: Yeah. -Grab some coffee or something.

Erm, yeah... Okay.

GEMMA: Yeah, thanks.

Sorry, Gem, am I leaving this out?

No, just leave those, it's fine.

I'll do them in the morning.

(SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE)

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(CHUCKLES)

RAY: Bonne nuit.

Bonne nuit, David Bowie.

(VENTILATOR BREATHING)

(SIREN WAILING)

(VENTILATOR CONTINUES)

(GASPS)

(WATER RUNNING)

(KIERAN MURMURING SOFTLY)

(ALL SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

KIERAN: I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

(RAY GREETS IN FRENCH)

(EXHALES)

Mmm.

Oh!

GEMMA: Morning.

There's, erm, pastries in the kitchen

and just help yourself to anything.

Thank you.

We'll have breakfast on our way.

Thank you for cooking last night.

You obviously really care about Ramona.

I do.

We both do.

Very much.

What have you got planned for today?

Er, National Gallery and London Eye.

Nice.

I'll jump in the shower.

Oh, I think Kieran's in there.

(PHONE RINGS)

Oh, this is the call. Hang on one second. Excuse me.

Hello?

(MATHILDE SPEAKS FRENCH)

GEMMA: Yeah.

GEMMA: But how can you say that? We got over

a thousand signatures.

RAY: Oh, shit.

I found a little place for lunch in Trafalgar Square.

GEMMA: I appreciate that but the local community

strongly objects to...

Hi. Morning.

Is it the call?

It's not just my business,

the sell-out affects the whole...

Sorry. Is there someone else I can speak to about this?

Because...

Yeah, I understand.

It's all about money.

(SIGHS)

Council won't help us.

(SIGHS)

-Gem. -RAY: Mmm.

(GEMMA GROANS)

(KIERAN SIGHS)

Mmm.

KIERAN: But legally, is there something else we can do?

GEMMA: It's going on the market next week.

They don't care about the petition.

RAY: We'll fight for it.

GEMMA: There's nothing else.

We don't have the money. (CHUCKLES SADLY)

RAY: I'm so sorry, Gem.

We'll have to figure it out.

I don't know...

GEMMA: I just don't know what to do.

I don't know what to do.

RAY: My mum... My mum is waiting for me.

GEMMA: It's okay. Just go with your mum.

Go, she's planned the whole day.

RAY: Are you gonna be okay?

GEMMA: It's okay.

RAY: I will call you later. I'll...

-When I'm done in... -KIERAN: Yeah.

RAY: Give me some news if you...

Oh, Maman! Erm, sorry, Maman.

No, I'm coming now.

I'm coming now. I'm sorry.

-Stay if you have to. -No, no, I'm... I'm ready.

GEMMA: Mathilde, I'm so sorry.

We just had some bad news about the cafe and it's all...

Yes, I understand.

Sorry if it's messed with your timings.

RAY: It's okay, guys, honestly.

Have a great day.

Thank you.

Mum? Er, sorry, can we...

Mona, come on.

Just one minute.

I just want to say something.

Er, Ray?

I really wanted last night to be special.

I... I wanted to say some things

there wasn't really the right moment to say...

I wanted you to spend some time with these two

because

over the last year,

they've become really important to me.

We haven't said anything to anyone.

-Ray... -Mona, please.

I need to go!

I'm... I'm trying to tell you something important.

And I have to go.

I can't just drop everything whenever you have a crisis.

Okay.

Okay, erm...

Fuck the congestion charge!

Ramona!

RAY: Maman.

You don't have to leave.

You are.

I'm trying.

Whatever you're doing with your life is...

You're a grown-up woman now.

You don't need my permission.

I'm not asking for permission.

I'm trying to tell you what's happening in my life.

Is that really what you think is happening?

-Because if you want to know... -I can see what's happening

-much more clearly than you think.

-...I can tell you. Ask me!

I really want to tell you.

Do you ask us?

Do you care about what's been happening with me?

Do you ever wonder what it's like for your father and I

to be suddenly alone together for the first time

after three decades?

Do you ever want to just call for a chat?

Come back for a weekend?

You work half the month and live an hour away.

You haven't been home.

You don't speak to your closest friends.

Since moving to London,

you have turned into a very self-centred, secretive woman.

I don't know who you are any more.

And you don't seem to care to know me either.

Do you know I'm going through the menopause

and this is fucking awful.

Maman...

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

I shouldn't have to beg you to tell me

about your life.

And if you want to build it into this huge thing,

you're still unable to tell me about,

well, maybe that's not a good sign.

Oh.

(SNIFFLES)

AUTOMATED VOICE: This is Waterloo.

MATHILDE: Okay.

Maman.

Please, Maman. Stay tonight.

Why?

So I can be ignored while you giggle

with your landlords?

They're not just my landlords.

(BABY CRYING)

WOMAN: I'm so tired. I don't know what to do.

(WOMAN SHUSHING BABY)

Nothing.

Everyone's glaring at me.

I just want her to shut up.

Okay.

Okay, I've got to go, Mum.

(SHUSHING)

(BABY CONTINUES CRYING)

Mick?

Are you home?

(MATHILDE SINGING IN FRENCH)

FATHER 1: We just wanted to say thanks, really.

FATHER 2: You've been a lifesaver.

FATHER 1: We're actually getting some reliable chunks

of sleep,

semi-regularly.

That's great.

You've done the work.

All three of you.

FATHER 2: Molly, say hello to Mathilde.

Hello, Molly.

-MATHILDE: Bravo! -FATHER 1: Hello!

Bravo.

(FATHERS CHUCKLE)

FATHER 1: Good girl.

FATHER 2: Oh, you've taken his head off.

(MATHILDE, IN FRENCH)

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean what I said.

(DOOR CLOSES)

I know.

I know you said that.

But what does it matter if I like them or not?

(WHISPERS) Is that Momo?

Can I talk to her?

Come on. Give us the phone.

Hey, fuzzle bum. How was your day?

Yeah.

Yeah. Okay. I'll tell her.

She says she has your new top.

She can bring it up next weekend if you like?

She's nodding.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING OUTSIDE)

MICK: No. No, I just had...

Just didn't think you'd end up teaching synchro to pensioners.

Well, at least you're, er, you're the youngest

in the water for once!

(MATHILDE CHUCKLES SOFTLY)

(MICK CHUCKLES) Sorry, Momo!

-Tell her... -What's that, hon?

Hang on, I think your mum wants me to tell you something.

Tell her I like them.

You like what?

Just...

MICK: She says she likes them.

Does that mean something to you?

Okay, good.

MICK: Yeah, we're all right.

Well, you know, nothing ever changes with us.

Well, Momo, I am chuffed about your job.