All language subtitles for Little.Joe.2019.BDRip.X264-AMIABLE_

(High-pitched tone)

(Tweeting)

(Bird-like call)

(♪ Eerie flute music)

(High-pitched tone)

(♪ Music continues)

(Door clicks and slides)

- (Man 1) Please come forward.
- (Man 2) Oh, thank you.

- (Man 1) These are our special breeds.
- (Man 2) Oh, good.

- (Man 1) Oh, please.
- (Clunk)

- (Man 2) Oh, how exciting.
- (Man 1) You, er...

You will like this.

(Woman) The breeding programme
you see here,

it's finally been successful

despite the extremely complex
genetic engineering involved.

The aim has been
to create a plant with a scent

that makes its owner happy.

- (Man 2) Oh, really?
- Yes, that's right.

In recent years, plant breeding
has increasingly focused

on making plants more resilient
and more durable,

thus more energy efficient,

so finally the owner can go away
on holiday for weeks,

and the flowers still survive.

However, as a rule, this kind of engineering
involves a loss of scent:

the flowers don't smell of much.

In our case, we have attempted
to create the opposite.

Erm... our aim was to create a plant
that has to be watered regularly,

protected from cold and heat,

that wants to be touched
and talked to...

(Man chuckles)
Sounds like hard work!

Precisely!

And in return, the plant emits a scent
which promotes happiness -

- as a reward for all that effort!
- (Chuckling)

Moreover, the scent contains a precursor
for the human hormone oxytocin.

Your body uses this molecule
to produce oxytocin

when the scent is inhaled.

Oxytocin?

It's sometimes called
the "mother-hormone".

It's supposed to initiate the bond
between a mother and her new-born.

You'll love this plant
like your own child.

We are entering a new era here.

The first mood-lifting,
antidepressant happy-plant...

that's fit for market.

I mean, you can imagine
the benefit for humanity

implicated in this innovation.

Mm-hmm. Yes, but will the plants
be fully grown for the Flower Fair?

There's not much time left.

As a side-effect
of the breeding programme,

the plants produce an excess
of the growth hormone cytokinin:

so... yes, they will be ready
on time for the Fair!

What this plant
really needs... is love!

(Chuckling)

Hey, Joe.

- Everything OK?
- Yep.

I'm sure your mum
will be finished soon.

Yeah.

Whatever.

Hey. Cool trainers.

We were in Geography
and she opened her bag,

and... she says that she found
a little dead rat in there.

- What?
- Yeah.

And... what she says...

She says that she doesn't know
who put it in.

I think he likes you.

- Who?
- Chris!

What?

What makes you think that?

I can see it.

Well, I can't.

Well, that's because
all you can see are your flowers.

He's smart,
he helps you with your work,

you have the same interests.

He suits you.

Much more than Dad, anyway.

Dad would really like you
to spend next weekend with him.

- I told him I'd ask you.
- (Sighs) Do I have to?

He really wants
to see more of you.

He's so... (Groans)

...different.

From who?

From you. And me!

So, you'll get to know
something different.

Believe me, Joe, it will do you good
to spend more time with your father.

So you'd have more time
for your work?

What? No!

- (Sauce squirts)
- Oh, shit!

Christ, no!

(Laughing)

- Stop laughing at me, Joe!
- It's funny.

I guess that's nothing
to worry about.

(Woman) Good.

Yeah, the new breeding programme
could be a real success.

Anyway,
I wouldn't want to jinx it.

But it does look very promising.

- We'll see.
- Congratulations.

I mean, you never know
what can happen.

Does that bother you?

No, that's my job,
handling the unpredictable.

It's what I'm pretty good at,
usually. (Scoffs)

(Knocking)

Of course, there's always a way
for a mistake to sneak in

that even I can't predict.

I can't control everything, can I?

After all, I have Joe
to take care of and...

Of course.

That must be quite a burden.

No, well,
I wouldn't call it a burden.

I love my son, and I enjoy
spending time with him.

Naturally.

But sometimes I simply
can't be there for him,

which does worry me.

What worries you?

Sometimes
I'm overcome by the fear

that something
could happen to Joe...

...and I wouldn't be there for him.

My beautiful darling.

Mm? My Bello.

Stay.

- Hiya.
- Morning.

(Door bleeps)

They're doing fine.

These Flash2 are far stronger
than Flash1 ever were.

Better give them quite a boost.

I don't want to lose these, too.

You'll see.

They will be viable this time.

We all know how hard it is
to succeed with a new strain.

And the blue is just perfect.

If these plants prove to be
capable of survival,

we could enter the production phase
sooner than we thought.

Alice, do you have a minute?

I just wanted to say that I feel really...
proud and excited

to be working with you.

Well, erm...

(Clears throat)

Don't expect too much.

No, I'm... convinced that this plant
is gonna be a huge success.

If you say so.

Would you...

How about, erm, a drink...
after work?

Oh, erm...

No. No, I have to run.

Could you finish the logbook

and double-check the timing
of the grow lamps?

- That'd be so nice of you.
- Sure.

Aye-aye, sir.

(Alice)
Look what I have for you.

Oh.

Is that allowed?

I mean...

No one has to know.

Do you like it?

Yeah.

It's really hot in here.

Yes, it needs to be warm.

This is a very special breed.

You have to take good care of it.

Keep it warm, talk to it.

Really?

Yeah, it's a living being.

It needs attention and affection.

What's so special about it?

It makes you happy.

(Exhales)

What do you say
we call him Little Joe?

Hi, Little Joe.

Hi... Little Joe.

Welcome.

(Chuckles)

Uh-oh.

(Door bleeps)

Doesn't look good.

(Door buzzes)

- (Finger squeaks on glass)
- (Barking in distance)

Oh, damn! Look at that.

They won't make it.

We designed Little Joe
to be sterile.

So the pollen isn't able
to produce seeds.

If the pollen falls
on female stigma,

it dies without creating
any sustainable offspring.

We engineered it so the plants
can maximise production of scent.

Why did it emit pollen
in such quantities?

As if they had a will of their own.

Perhaps it's a reaction
of the male plant to its infertility.

Oh. Perhaps, perhaps.

Perhaps you made a mistake
and things got out of control!

And now several
of my Flash2s have died.

I hardly think that's got anything to do
with Little Joe's pollen.

I mean, Flash1
didn't last long either.

What I'd like to know
is how you did it.

None of us have ever succeeded

in manipulating a plant
to such an extent.

Or perhaps you took a rather relaxed
approach to the regulations?

Well, there's been
more than enough discussion

about deploying
certain new methods,

and no doubt
they're extremely efficient...

but, as I'm sure you know,
their use has not yet been approved.

Uh, I'm well aware of the controversy
over the new virus vectors,

if that is what you're hinting at.

Yeah, and naturally
I used the usual vectors.

(Woman) But why is it sterile?

Why did you design the plant
to be infertile?

It's not natural.

The ability to reproduce is
what gives every living being meaning.

Well, if you question that,
you're in the wrong profession.

(Bello panting)

As if it were possible to prevent a plant
from reproducing itself

and thus ensuring its own survival.

And this plant
will follow its purpose, too.

(Man) What is really important here
is the possible allergens in this pollen.

I mean, that would be an absolute gift
to the Greenpeacers -

a genetically-engineered plant
spreading unknown allergens.

Hello?

We all wear facemasks
until further notice.

(Muttering)

(Bello panting)

Bello. Bello.

Do you want this?
Do you want this?

Fetch!

Come on, Bello! Come on! Yeah.

Come on, come on, come on...

(Bella)
It must be their pollen.

Fuck!

So, have a lovely weekend.

And say hi to Joe from me.

Joe isn't home.
He's with his father.

- Oh.
- So...

So, how about a drink tonight?

Oh, I don't know.

You've been working so hard.
We both have.

We could do with a change
of scenery, don't you think?

All right.

Bello's vanished.
I can't find him anywhere.

He's never left me before.

I'm sure he'll turn up.

What if someone's locked him
in the greenhouse?

I'll go and have a look.

You stay here.

- Night.
- Night.

(Door bleeps)

(Chris) Bello!

Here, boy!

(Rustling)

(Flowers rustling)

(Barking)

Ah! Fuck!
(Exhales sharply through nose)

(Bello whines)

Oh, he lives in this house
in the middle of nowhere.

He's a... (Laughs)
He's a real lone wolf.

(Laughs) And you know what?

Ivan is hyper-allergic
to all sorts of pollen!

(Chuckles)

Doesn't sound like
your perfect match.

You know, you really need someone who's
gonna understand and respect your talent.

(Laughs) If you say so.

But who'll stand up to you
if necessary.

I think that Joe likes you.

He has this idea that you and I
would be the perfect match.

Yeah. I like Joe, too.

I'll get us some drinks.

(Chatter)

(Chatter continues)

Bello, there you are.

(Bello growls quietly)

(Bello barks and whines)

Bello, Bello.

(Bello whining)

Darling.

Darling, what's the matter?

- Bello.
- (Whining)

Come to Mummy.

- What's wrong?
- (Whining and barking)

- Bello.
- (Door bleeps)

Oh, my darling. My darling.

(Barking)

- (She exhales)
- Bello bit Bella.

I just wanted
to stroke him, and...

That dog isn't my Bello.

It can't be. Bello would
never do something like this.

Maybe the dog's sick.

You don't understand.

That is not my dog.

(Bella sobs)

(Lively chatter)

What's the matter with Bella?

She's so...

Maybe I should explain
that Bella...

Mm, how shall I put it?

She's had psychological issues.

What do you mean?

She tried to kill herself.

Oh.

She was on sick leave
for almost a year,

a so-called "burn-out".

She only returned
just before you started here.

And Karl took her on as his assistant,
but it wasn't so easy for her,

trying to resume work
while being downgraded.

She used to be one of
the best plant breeders here,

and now...

With the medication and so on,

she's just not the same person
that she used to be.

Of course,
one shouldn't be prejudiced,

and I would be the last person
to judge her.

Is that why she has
restricted access?

Could I please have
the curry and the rice?

(Electrical hum)

(Sent message whooshes)

(Camera shutter clicks)

(Phone whines)

(Camera shutter clicks)

(Flower rustling)

(Phone whines)

Hi... Little Joe.

(Jet passes overhead)

(Sniffing)

(Rustling)

(He sniffles and sneezes)

(TV in background)

Hi.

I'm sorry, darling.

(Chatter on TV)

Great to see you too, pal.

Mwah! (She laughs)

Let's order some takeaway. Hmm?

I've already eaten.

Where's Bello?

That wasn't my dog anymore.

What, did you...

I had him put down.

That dog was not my dog.

What do you mean?

You'll see.

Alice, we need to talk.

Please. It's important.

Now?

Bello was like a child to me.

I'm sure you can understand
what that feels like...

to lose a child.

What?
What are you talking about?

Can you imagine that?

Somebody you love -
Joe, for example.

One day,
Joe isn't Joe anymore.

He looks the same,
he even acts like the same old Joe,

but... he isn't Joe.

- Something's changed him.
- Like what?

Little Joe.

At first, I thought it might have been
allergens in Little Joe's pollen

that triggered a reaction in Bello.

Well?

The vet did blood tests
before he put Bello down.

Nothing.

No antibodies, no histamines.

He couldn't find anything unusual.

Well, then, maybe there was
nothing wrong.

I really don't think that.

After all, we only ever find
what we're looking for.

The vet said he thought Bello
might have senile dementia.

Well, that sounds quite reasonable.

I think it's Little Joe's pollen
that's triggered something.

Not an allergy, perhaps...

- but something else.
- Like what?

Look here.

The pollen comes
through the nose

onto the olfactory receptors,

and then the olfactory information
goes straight into the limbic system -

the very part of the brain
where it influences our feelings,

our behaviour, our personalities.

And where that oxytocin
of yours triggers its effect.

Whatever it is that is in that pollen
that changed Bello...

...that is where it happened.

Will you please stop blaming Little Joe
for whatever was wrong with Bello?

Blame Little Joe?

We're talking about a plant,
aren't we?

If anyone's to blame, it's you.

Haven't you noticed
how Chris has changed?

No.

- I have the feeling he's infected, too.
- Infected?

From Little Joe's pollen.

Chris will defend Little Joe
at any price.

And why shouldn't he?
I will defend Little Joe as well

because I am responsible for him.

So you're a good mother...

...but which of your children
will you choose?

And could she be right?

(Alice) Of course not!

I did the genetic engineering myself,
and I know what I'm doing.

Fine.

Then there's nothing to worry about.

Your colleague is just imagining
Little Joe changed her dog.

Yeah, I think she's
a little... unbalanced.

Possibly your colleague is projecting
some inner conflicts onto the outside world,

and consequently
elements of her environment

strike her as... changed.

Yeah, that must be it.

Chris isn't infected either.

- Is that what your colleague said?
- Yes!

But he's only trying
to protect the plant.

It's very important to him.

So he's an ally?

Yeah.

It's just...

I'm not sure if he cares more for the plant
than he cares for me.

And what about you?

You care for him?

Me? No!

I mean, after all, I have Joe...

What do you think
you're playing at?

Sorry, I...
I really don't know what...

How can you set out
more of those plants

before the allergy tests
have been evaluated?

We didn't know.

My dear colleague,

perhaps you haven't yet grasped
how we do things here.

But, for us, safety is more
important than success.

I'm certain that Little Joe's
pollen is harmless.

Oh? And what makes you
so certain?

My son has a Little Joe at home,

and neither he nor I have shown
any allergic reactions at all.

- That... That's...
- ...against the rules.

I'm strongly tempted to halt any
further planting of Little Joe immediately.

But we need to be ready
for the Flower Fair.

If we miss it this year,

another lab might
come up with a similar idea.

I've already heard rumours.

I really don't think
we can risk any delay.

Very well.

But I assure you,
I will not let those plants out into public

until the tests have been fully evaluated.

(Alice) Why didn't you tell me
that you were putting in new plants?

I don't need this right now.
Karl is already against me.

(Chris)
Just trust me for once.

I know what I'm doing.

'Oh, yes, the scent was lovely.
Could get addicted.'

- (Man) 'Any specific reaction?'
- 'All fine.'

(Man) 'No itchy nose, skin rashes,

'runny eyes, swelling
of the mucous membranes?'

'Nothing.'

(Man) 'Very well, then...'

'If I could just say something?'

(Man) 'Yeah, of course.'

'Well, recently she's been...
moody, I suppose.

'When I'm talking to her,

'she's thinking about something
completely different.

'Tell him what you told me, Ella.'

'It's like... I was a person...

'in a play or a film.'

(Man) 'What person?'

'I don't know.

'Me, of course!
I'm playing myself.

'That's the strange feeling.'

(Man) 'OK, and how long
did that feeling last?'

'I don't know. For ages.'

'No, not really, darling.

'Started...'

'The scent was fantastic!

'It made me feel sort of... happy.'

- Everything OK with the interviews?
- 'I walked with my head in the clouds.'

Yes, fine.

The reactions seemed
pretty average.

Were you looking
for anything in particular?

No, I just wanted to be sure,
what, with Karl being after me.

Mm. (Laughs) I get it.

Ric, is this all the material?
I mean, are these the full interviews?

No, of course not.

They just babbled on and on,
so... I had to edit.

I see.

Yeah, well done!

Great.

So, how are things at school?

Yeah, fine.

What about the other kids?
I mean... are they cool?

- Yeah.
- Good.

That's very good.

And girls?
Anyone special?

Listen, we hardly ever
see each other.

So, come on, hmm...

Is there a girl?

(Exhales)
No, not... not really.

Sort of.

Great.

Thanks. Wanna come in?

OK.

Hey.

- Look.
- Oh! (Laughs) Please!

I caught it myself!

We can cook it in the oven.
Dad taught me how.

Sure. Yeah, let's do that.

Cook something in the oven
for once, great!

So, how was the weekend?

Joe is...

He's changing.

I don't know how to put it.

He's not the boy
he used to be anymore.

What do you mean?

You haven't noticed anything?

(Engine starts)

Joe...

You know that your dad
wants you to go and live with him.

So?

Well, so...

Is that what you want?

What about you?

Me?

Of course I want you
to stay here with me.

Mm!

Really good, Joe.

So, are we still up for a movie
this weekend?

Oh... I'm sorry,
I have to work.

Whatever.

After the Fair?

I promise.

(♪ Eerie musical soundtrack)

(♪ Muffled music playing)

Hi!

(She kisses him)

Come on.

(Door clicks and whirs)

- (Bleep)
- Cool.

(Bleep)

(Keypad beeping)

(Door clicks and buzzes)

Wait!

Oh, it's really hot in here.

The Little Joes need it.

They're very sensitive.

(Whirring)

(She sniffs)

Smells sexy.

You have to talk to them.

Did you know that?

And do they talk back?

Watch out!

(Flowers rustling)

(Hiss of gentle puffs)

(Rustling)

(She sniffs)

That tickles.

(She stifles a sneeze)

I hope I don't get hay fever.

You won't.

There. See that?

(Negatively) Mm-mm.

Rewind it, will you?

I didn't notice at first either.

Sorry, I really don't know
what you're talking about.

The plants, of course. Like...

when the camera comes back,
one of them has gone.

Oh, there.

(Alice) Ah.

(Chris) Someone knew his way around
the surveillance system.

But what would be the point
of stealing a plant?

The cameras are only there
to monitor growth.

Industrial espionage, maybe?

(Chuckles) Well,
let's not get carried away.

I mean, those plants
aren't that special after all.

(Whispering)

You're starting to notice too,
aren't you?

Please don't.
I'm not like you.

Oh, no?

Then why are you standing here
talking to me?

I...

We don't have much time.

I think I understand now
what's going on.

Little Joe is infecting people
in order to reproduce.

He's trying to survive.
It's his response to being sterile.

Isn't that incredible?

It's complete nonsense.

Little Joe changes
the people he infects

so they will protect
and propagate him.

They care for Little Joe

more than they care
for anyone else.

They will force us
to inhale the pollen.

Our only chance
might be if we pretend.

- Pretend what?
- That nothing's happening.

But nothing is happening.

I know you didn't want this...

...but it is really happening.

(Door being unlocked)

Joe?

'If I could just say something?'

(Ric) 'Yeah, of course.'

'Well, recently,
she's been... moody.'

(Soundless
during fast forward)

(Ric) 'OK, and how long
did that feeling last?'

'I don't know. For ages.'

'No, not really, darling.

'Started exactly on the day
she did the pollen test for you.

- 'I don't know why we did it.'
- 'For the money.'

'We said that she could
buy a bike.

'It's not really as though
we can't afford to buy a bicycle.

- 'We thought it was harmless.'
- (Ric) 'And it is. OK?

- 'So, please don't worry.'
- 'Don't worry?

'When my daughter doesn't
respond to her own name,

'doesn't recognise me when I collect her
from her flute lesson...'

'Mummy, I told you,
I wasn't wearing my glasses.'

(Mother whispers) 'Be quiet!'

'Well, I really don't know
what my husband is trying to say.

'I'm absolutely fine.'

'That's exactly the problem.

'She used to complain about me
all the time.

'Nothing was ever good for her,
but I knew she loved me.

'Now she couldn't be nicer
to me, but...'

'Because you deserve it, Harry.'

'I don't know this woman anymore.

'This isn't my wife.'

'My God! Please don't take
my husband seriously.'

(Ric) 'Can we just get back
to the allergic reactions?'

(Stops video)

(Muffled speech in background)

- (Joe) Who's there?
- (Girl) Erm...

(Joe) Mum?

Oh, I didn't know that...

Good evening, Mrs Woodard.

Mum, this is Selma.

We're doing
a... project together.

Lovely.

Hello, Selma.

So, you're classmates?

That's right.

Right.

Would you like to stay for dinner?

Oh, yes, please.

Well, then, erm...

...shouldn't you tell your parents?

Sure.

Hi, Dad.

Joe's Mum wants me to tell you
I'm staying here for dinner.

This is delicious,
Mrs Woodard.

Please, call me Alice.

It's just a takeaway.

I'm not much of a cook,
but thanks, anyway.

I'm glad that you invited
somebody over.

I hardly know
any of Joe's friends.

Oh, I am sorry.

Well, of course, a boy doesn't
have to discuss everything with his mum.

I suppose Joe spends more time
with his father?

No. He's mostly here with me.

Joe's father
lives out in the wilds.

I know. I've been there.

What?

Yes. Selma came with me once.

Yeah, it was really wonderful.
I love the countryside.

That's unusual for a teenager.

Why?

Joe, there's something
that I wanted to discuss with you.

- My Planthouse key card?
- That's funny.

I also wanted to discuss
something with you, too.

Yes?

Well, see...

You're always so busy with work,

and I guess it must be really tiring for you
taking care of me as well.

What?
Who says so? Ivan?

No.

You don't notice,
but usually I'm here all by myself,

and recently I've been getting
on really well with Dad.

Just been thinking...

I do want to live with him, after all.

That's out of the question.
I simply won't allow it.

See?

I knew you'd say that.

This is how
you will get rid of me.

It's your own fault.

Come on. We're going.

(Alice) Wait, please! Joe!

- Please!
- (Joe) Let go!

You're hurting me!

(She grunts)

I'll get a plaster.

Can I help you, Mrs Woodard?

(Weakly)
No, it's all right.

I think it does talk back.

(Joe) I told you.
It's a very special plant.

(Chuckling)

What happened to your ants?

Can't take care of everything
around here.

(Deep electrical hum)

(Mutters, clicks tongue)

Fuck!

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!

- (Bleeping)
- Fuck!

(Bleeping)

If you didn't know
how to handle the thermostat,

- you just had to ask.
- Oh, come on!

I've been plant breeder here
for twenty years.

Of course you have.

Just, next time, I'd be better off
doing it all by myself, I think.

- I think she did it on purpose.
- All right.

Bella, I'm sorry.
Ric doesn't mean it like that.

I mean, you were one
of our best breeders.

Oh, please, save your breath.

I know what you think of me.

I can see through you.

I know what's going on here.

(Machine beeps and whirs)

Bella's theories
are completely crazy.

Not that I'm prejudiced.
I'd be...

...the last person
to have such a prejudice.

Right. Stop looking at me
as if I were a zombie.

I've had enough.

I'm... I'm sorry.
Of course, you're right.

The whole thing,
it's... ridiculous.

I just don't understand why you're worried.
I mean, it worked well.

Perhaps it worked too well.

Perhaps the plant
isn't only making people happy,

but is actually infecting
people's brains.

- What?
- Oh...

What if we made a mistake

and then something went wrong
with the R-virus during gene transfer?

Like what?

What if the virus mutated...
and it became pathogenic?

(Laughs) Wow!

I mean, are you serious?

The cytokinin
could have caused a mutation.

Hang on,
let me get this straight.

You're suggesting that
this harmless little R-virus-vector

has mutated into
a human pathogenic virus

that infects people's brains?

What in the world
could cause that to happen?

Little Joe.

I mean, what if Bella's right

and this is how the plant
is trying to overcome its sterility?

By infecting people's brains?

By using the R-virus to do it.

We never should have made
Little Joe sterile.

- It is unnatural, after all.
- No, it's vital.

That's what makes
genetic engineering safe,

that we don't let plants propagate
into nature uncontrolled.

Oh, you sound like our promotional clip.
You believe that?

Well, of course there are other benefits,
such as the commercial use of a plant...

- See?
- But that's OK.

Well, maybe Little Joe
doesn't think it's OK.

Little Joe doesn't think at all.

Listen,
if you go around telling people

that we may have some sort of
human pathogenic virus in our plant,

our careers are over.

So you do think
that it could happen?

No, I don't.

But perhaps
that's exactly what happened.

(Sighs) So... now we're
dealing with a super virus

that infects people
so that all they care about

is the reproduction of Little Joe?

But at the same time,
you don't notice

because the infected people
act exactly as they did before

and they're deceptively good at it!
Sounds very plausible.

Bravo!

Alice... don't you think
that these "changes"

that Little Joe
is supposed to cause

could be happening
for completely different reasons?

I'm just so worried about Joe.

I just don't know him anymore.
We were so close, and now he's...

Well, Joe is growing up.

It's completely normal
for him to change.

He wants to move in with Ivan!

What would I do without him?

Well, I could talk to him...
if you like.

(Muffled chatter)

- I think I might have to go.
- All right.

- See you later.
- See you later.

Bye.

Hi, Mum. I didn't see you.

So, I decided
to take the weekend off.

We could go to an exhibition,
or a movie...?

(Joe)
I'm already doing something.

It's like I barely know you anymore.

You never tell me
what you're up to.

I don't have to discuss
everything with you.

Mum, please.

This is normal at my age.

Bella.

I have a huge favour
to ask you.

I'm...

I need to leave early today.

My... girlfriend
has had an accident.

She's in hospital right now,
and...

What do you want?

Could you do the nutrient feed
for me?

Please?

Fine.

Thank you.

The access code is "fromage" -
F-R-O-M-A-G-E.

Thanks, Bella.

(Door bleeps)

(Keypad beeps)

(Buzzing)

(She murmurs)

- Hello?
- (Flowers rustling)

(Puffs of pollen)

(She grunts)

Bella!

- How are you?
- Why?

Well, you seemed -
how should I say? -

- quite concerned lately.
- Oh, that.

That's all over. I'm fine.

I'm sorry I frightened you.

I realise now
that it was all in my mind.

I'm not sure if you know,
but I used to be ill...

mentally ill.

Sometimes my illness comes back,
and I'm not myself anymore.

Anyway, if I take my medication,
everything's fine.

That's how it is.

But Bello...

Really.
You don't have to worry.

Little Joe
is completely harmless.

I inhaled some of the pollen myself,
and I'm just fine.

Little Joe
couldn't harm anybody.

How can you be sure?

It's just a plant,
trying to survive.

(Bleeping)

Sorry, I don't see
an appointment for you today.

I know. But it's important.

This is most irregular.

Well, I'm no biologist.

What can I say?

What would
the consequences be?

We don't know.

We really don't know
what a virus like that could do.

Well, neither do I.

So, your colleague, Bella...

might be right after all?

Yeah.

No... Well, she's
changed her mind recently,

but I think that's because
she's been infected, too.

Just like Joe.

Joe?

It sounds so crazy...

(Sighs)...but it's as if...

...Joe weren't Joe anymore.

He frightens me.

Let's remember Bella's dog.

In our last session, you spoke about
how Bella stopped loving her dog

because she thought
it had changed.

- She had it put down, right?
- Mm-hmm.

Is it possible Bella prompted
certain fears in you,

fears connected
with the loss of your son?

Fear can distort
our perception of reality

until we actually see
what we're afraid of...

or what we secretly wish for.

Wish for?

What wish would that be?

(Device beeps)

Patient Woodard, Alice.

Workaholic.

Feelings of guilt centred on perceived
neglect of pubescent son Joe.

(Beep)

(Beep)

Possibly patient is suppressing
her subconscious wish

to free herself
from the bond with her child.

(Beep)

(Keys rattling)

(Joe) Don't even see
what the problem should be.

(Chris) Try to make her feel
more needed.

- That's just how mothers are.
- Yeah.

Yeah, I also think that.

Oh, Alice! There you are!

We were just wondering
what happened to you.

What are you doing here?

Oh, we're just having a chat.

Me and Joe
and his girlfriend Selma.

Is it all right
if Chris stays for dinner?

No!

Pity.

- What's going on here?
- (Chris) Nothing.

Didn't you want me
to speak to Joe?

Alice, how can you possibly
misunderstand everything?

(Alice) Chris, please,
you should leave now.

Alice...

I don't think you know
how much...

I... I think I love you.

(Passers-by chat and laugh)

Chris, um...

- (Woman 1) I hope we don't have to queue.
- (Woman 2) I hope so, too.

You know what?

There's nothing wrong with Joe.

You just have to let him go.

It's none of your business.
Joe is my boy.

Well, I'm just trying to help.

If there's anyone that's changed
around here, it's you.

That's not true.

Joe, please,
I have to talk to you.

Several things
have happened recently

that have disturbed me quite a lot.

For instance, what you and Selma
were doing in the growing hall.

What are you talking about?

I have no idea what you mean.

Don't bother lying, Joe,
I know you were in there.

You followed us?

Mum, that's really...

- How could you do that?
- No... Wh...

Why do you think...
Of course not!

We wanted to give Ivan
a plant... for his birthday.

But he's allergic...

I know.

We wanted him
to inhale the pollen, too,

so he'd become like us.

What?

It's true.

Selma and I have been infected
by Little Joe's pollen.

Huh... What?

(Joe) Yes.

It's funny, but...

ever since,
I've felt quite happy.

All of us
who have inhaled the pollen,

we belong together now.

And we'll do anything
to help Little Joe.

That's our job, isn't it?

Of course...
it's a pity you feel bad now,

but... that's just because
you're not one of us.

(Selma) Not yet.

(Joe) That's right.

If you inhale the pollen, too,
you'll understand.

It doesn't hurt.

You hardly notice the difference.

No one does, not even us.

We pretend to be
the same as before,

and it works.

It's a kind of reflex.

And it makes you feel happy.

Which is what you wanted, right?

No!

Joe, that's impossible.
That's not what I wanted.

But, look, Alice...

- Can I call you Alice?
- Yes.

There's nothing
for you to be afraid of.

Now, you think something
will be missing,

but like I said,
you won't notice.

It's like being dead.

You don't notice you're dead,
do you?

Good comparison.

(Joe and Selma laugh)

Joke! It was a joke.

What?

Come on, Mum, you don't really
believe that nonsense, do you?

It's me, Joe.

Your Joe!
I'm... I'm fine, really.

And so is Selma!
Right, Selma?

But... what gave you that idea?

Chris told us
a bit about your problems...

with Little Joe.

Seriously, Mum...

I suppose I've changed a bit,
but it's nothing against you.

It has nothing to do with you.

I guess I'm growing up,

and I simply want to spend
a bit more time with my father.

Can you please accept that?

Joe?

Oh, Joe.

I will always love you.

(Alice) Karl, I have to confess
that I lied to you all.

I'm terribly sorry.

I didn't use the usual vectors,

but one of the new virus vectors.

It was um... precisely the ones
that we're not allowed.

That's how we were able
to modify Little Joe's scent so well.

I see.

Well...

That is, of course,
a very serious offence.

If you want my opinion,

sooner or later, we're all going to be using
those new viruses, anyway.

They are pretty efficient,
aren't they?

Well, yes...

but I have reason to believe
that the ones that we've used...

- Which one was it?
- It's the R-virus.

I have reason to believe
that it has mutated

and now has a pathogenic
effect on the human brain.

Really?

Has this ever happened before?

- Not that we know of.
- Well...

But that doesn't mean
it didn't happen.

Maybe just no one
dared to think of it.

Mm.

Look.

But what exactly
are the symptoms?

Well, it's not like
they become zombies.

I believe
that those who are infected,

they change
in a nearly imperceptible way.

They actually feel happy,

but it cannot be compared
to the sort of happiness

that we wanted to create.

The consequences
that we're facing here,

they could be disastrous.

Could they?

Well, wouldn't it be terrible

if people lost
their genuine feelings

and only pretended
to be the same as before,

but they weren't because actually
they had stopped caring

about anybody else
but the plant?

Mm, as long as they're happy.
Hmm?

I was joking.

We can't take any risks here.

We must have
the whole genome sequenced.

(Sighs) Very well, then.

(Alice)
I'll get everything ready

and we can send a sample
to Genex later today.

(Equipment whirring)

(Beep)

(Bella sobs)

(Sobbing continues)

(Chatter)

My Bello was the only living being
I ever really loved.

I didn't inhale the pollen.

I just pretended...

like I always just pretended.

Bello was the only one
I could be myself with

and now he's gone.

- You're all gone.
- (Whispering)

You just don't know it.

(Laughter and whispering)

You're no longer
your real selves.

I'm afraid I'm still
pretty much myself.

- What about you?
- Yeah, I... I am, too.

(Whispering continues)

Come and sit down.

What's the matter with you,
Bella?

Nothing's the matter.
Nothing at all.

- Please sit down.
- I don't want to sit down.

Just leave me alone.

(Muttering and giggling)

Nice and easy now, Bella.

Where's your medication? Hmm?

- Do you want to see a doctor?
- I don't need a doctor.

Let go!

(Chatter)

No, we'll deal with this.

Sorry.

Erm, just...

Oh!

(Bella)
Don't come any closer.

- Stay where you are!
- (Chris) Please, Bella!

(Bella screams)

(Heavy thud)

(Rapid footsteps)

(Rapid footsteps)

(Gasps)

- What have you done?
- Nothing.

- We were trying to stop her.
- It's not what you think.

What can I say except...

I am absolutely shaken?

Bella was...
is my closest colleague.

Her dedication and empathy...

...absolutely invaluable
to the work we do here.

So, all our thoughts
are with our dear colleague,

who is at this moment...
fighting for her life.

And as soon
as we know more,

we'll post that information
on the internal newsletter.

But now, in spite of
today's tragic events,

we must carry on.

The Fair is approaching.

So, congratulations,
Team Woodard and Ric.

You have done fantastic work.

The test results confirm
that Little Joe does not trigger

any serious allergies
or other adverse reactions,

so consequently, facemasks
need no longer be worn,

with immediate effect.

We will be ready
for the Flower Fair!

There'll always be somebody
with minor allergic reactions.

- That's true.
- (Whispering)

Now...

I'm so sorry, Alice.

Little Joe is harmless.

I take full responsibility
for the failure of my Flash2s.

I'll just have to do better
next time.

Yeah? And concerning
the sample you prepared...

Yes?

We won't need it.

I mean, neither of us
wants Genex finding out

about your somewhat
unorthodox approach.

Now that we're so close to presenting
our Little Joes to the public,

we don't want to spoil it, do we?

But the risk of infection?

Please don't be offended,

but your theory lacks
any sort of evidence.

There are simply no symptoms.

And... who can prove
the genuineness of feelings?

- Moreover, who cares?
- (She laughs)

I fear Bella's ideas
have infected your mind,

rather than any virus.

It seems that this has all been...
a bit much for you.

If there's anything
I can do...

No. I'm... I'm...
I should be fine.

(Birdsong)

(Deep electrical hum)

(Beeping)

(Chris)
Still here so late?

Just checking the thermostat.

Well?

"Well" what?

Is the temperature all right?

Yeah, everything's fine.

(Chuckles)

It's just, I thought that you
might do something rash.

What makes you think that?

You have been getting
a bit carried away recently.

A bit chilly in here, isn't it?

Mm.

Alice...

You don't really want this.

Please,
just trust me for once.

I'll convince Karl
to authorise the sequencing.

We are a team after all.

How could you?

Your own children.

I know.
But I can't take the risk.

If I made a mistake,
then it's my fault.

No, it's not.
I'm a part of this as well.

Chris, I am the one
who did the...

Oh, "me, me, me".
This isn't all about you.

- Give me the...
- No!

Give me the key!

Just...

(Punch hits, Alice gasps)

(Clattering, Chris gasps)

(Beeping)

(Air conditioning
blows strongly)

(Door slides open)

(Pollen puffing)

(Karl clears throat)
Er, I have some news

that I wouldn't want
to keep from you.

Little Joe
has been nominated...

for the European
Herbs and Health Awards!

(Pleased chuckling)

Erm, as you know already,
we've received orders

from the National School Board
and NHS providers.

So, soon Little Joe
will be improving wellbeing

in classrooms
and hospital wards nationwide.

But... with this nomination,
we will receive orders

from all over the world -
even the EU.

(They laugh)

Little Joe
is our finest work by far.

It was a good decision
to bring you in after all.

Yeah, well...

You've turned out to be
one of our top breeders, so...

Congratulations... to you both!

- Erm...
- Thank you.

Little Joe will make the world
a little happier.

- To us!
- To Team Woodard!

- To you.
- To Little Joe.

(Others) To Little Joe.

Alice?

Again, about what happened...

I'm so sorry.

I was so angry
because you always...

And you never really...

Anyway...

Maybe it's too late now
and I've screwed everything up,

but I do want you to know
how much I... respect you.

Please forgive me.

It looks as though it was me
who almost screwed everything up.

We're a team after all.

(Joe) Mm!
Vietnamese!

That makes a change!

I'm glad to see
I can still surprise you.

Joe, I've been thinking.

If you still want to move in
with your father,

I would understand.

Really?

Maybe I was just too worried.

You know me -
always fearing the worst.

Yeah, true.

And I suppose it's high time
I learn to manage without you.

Oh, gosh, what did you put in here?
It's so heavy.

- Just rocks.
- (She laughs)

Take good care of yourself.

Yeah.

You're doing the right thing,
believe me.

You're a good mother...

but an even better
plant-breeder!

If you say so!

Anyway, I have to go now.

I have work to do.

For a minute there, I really believed
that my plant would change people.

How absurd to think
that a plant would change

the love between
a mother and a child.

Right.

And what made you
change your mind?

Ah, there was no proof.
No virus could be found.

I see.

And can you be sure?

Yes.

We finally had the sequencing done,
and it's all fine.

And do you have any idea
why you believed it in the first place?

I guess I felt guilty

about spending more time
with Little Joe than with Joe.

But what can I do?

I love my work, too.

And a boy needs his father.

And you know what,
maybe I did actually wish for it...

unconsciously.

That Joe would move in
with his father?

Yeah.

To have a bit more time
for myself and my work.

And there's really no need
to blame yourself for that.

It would be a mistake
to deny who you really are.

- Is it the one that makes you happy?
- Mm.

Mm. Lovely!

They like being talked to.

(Contentedly) Hmm.

Good night, Little Joe.

(Rustling)

(Whispering voice)
Good night, Mum.

(♪ MARKUS BINDER:
"Happiness Business")

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ One day,
happiness will be all around us

♪ Happiness business
has already found us

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ One day,
happiness will be all around us

♪ Happiness business
has already found us

♪ Happiness is business

♪ Good for you and me

♪ Happiness is business

♪ Good for you and me

♪ Happiness is the perfect
world full of harmony

♪ Happiness in the street

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness is business

♪ Happiness is business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business

♪ Happiness business ♪