Original subtitles

- Hello. - Hi Pablo.

Hi Inés.

I've finished writing the prologue and I'd like to read it to you.

Right now, over the phone?

Yes, your opinion's important.

Can I read it?

I don't think now's the right time, Inés.

Do you realize that you only call when you need something?

No, I didn't...

Of course you do, Inés.

It's always the same story.

You wanted to read it to me, so you call

as if nothing had happened.

Call me to talk about us

or things related to the baby.

I thought this was important.

It is important.

I know.

But not now.

I'm hanging up. Bye.

Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team.

Hi. My name is Inés Acevedo,

I'd like to leave a sample at the blood bank.

I wanted information on the procedure.

Hi Inés, I'll put Celeste on the phone.

She'll tell you how we work and when to come in.

Perfect.

Thank you.

If I lie in the sun, my back itches.

If I lie in the shade, the icy wind gives me goose bumps.

By exposing my body, half to the heat and half to the cold,

I get the perfect temperature.

Lying on the grass in a bikini and a sweater,

I enjoy my holidays.

All the summers are projected into my mind at the same time.

I remember vividly the first fifteen years of my life.

From then on, my memories are a light switching on and off,

as if nothing was important enough to remember.

Every summer,

my family drove a trailer to the south,

a ritual that was repeated every year

each time with new recruits.

My great-grandfather was the first;

then my grandparents with their children:

my mom and my uncles,

and finally us, those of my generation.

At the age of 24, my mom married my dad,

two young aristocrats and Peronists in love,

and from that union, I was born.

Summer arrives,

the parrot-green Renault 4 awaits, glinting in the sun.

They cram the suitcases into the car,

and snuggle me into the gap, into my golden cradle.

My mom wears a striped sweater

tight over her belly, my brother sleeping inside.

She's the co-pilot.

The engine starts

and the "Road Runner" becomes a mere green speck on the horizon.

We are time travelers,

simple vacationers, desperately fleeing the city heat.

We cross the desert,

Eagle Rock, the Enchanted Valley.

The zigzagging road is dangerous,

but God's finger points the way.

The final uphill lag is tough,

but after two days on the road swallowing dust,

the mountains finally appear.

This means that we've arrived.

- Inés, look at me when I'm talking. - What?

- Where are you going? - Over there.

- Why don't you take Tomás with you? - I don't want to, mom!

Do you have the watch?

I want you back here in one hour.

Come and tidy up your things, Tomás.

Shall I put some music on?

I would love that.

No sad music, aunty.

I'm going to buy a cake.

OK.

Didn't you bring some music?

You can put your music on later.

I'm so tired.

Every year I plan to come by plane,

but in the end I take the car.

This year we'll sleep together.

Ok.

- No problem. - It doesn't bother you?

No...

What does Tomás do in the car?

He reads.

I think he's cross.

Something happened?

I really don't know.

And Inés, where is she?

Out walking, she should be back.

4...

5...

6...

7...

Inés?

I'm down here.

How strange. Don't you remember them?

Yes, but this way I feel accompanied.

I couldn't find the mat, any idea where it is?

With all the comings and goings, it could be anywhere.

I can't believe how they painted the wall.

I hadn't even noticed.

Now, an exercise for the abdominal muscles.

Pablo called when I was in town.

Pablo?

Yes, he's been calling you for 3 days.

The signal here's bad,

it's worse than before.

What did he say?

He didn't say anything to me.

- He acted as if nothing had happened. - With you!

He's mad at me.

With good reason.

- Why do you always defend him? - Because I care about him.

I'm going to cut some roses, want to join me?

You can do your exercises on the grass.

Why not.

Let me finish this set first.

OK.

Hi.

There's no signal here.

Where are you traveling to?

Cool!

Congratulations.

Yes, I can hear you.

I said it's great news. Can you hear me?

Pablo?

Can you hear me?

These are the four samples.

These two, no.

I like this typography, but less compact.

More space.

It's the one the designer suggested.

- Shall we keep these ones? - Yes.

Have you decided on the double-page photographs?

Yes, I'll bring the samples. Can I keep these?

Of course.

I chose these two.

Very good choice.

Both of them.

I haven't decided where they'll be in the book yet.

I want the double-page photographs to open chapters.

Sounds great. Good choice.

Julieta and I

were wondering when you are due.

Mid-March.

Do you want us to speed up

so we finish before then?

Yes, before. It's important for me.

Hi Tomás it's me.

No, nothing's wrong.

Do you know where Mom is?

I'm calling her but she's not answering.

In front of my building.

Maybe, but I have to call her 15 times before she picks up.

She's really terrible with technology!

I can see her.

Talk later. Kisses.

I've been calling you.

How about "hello"?

How are you?

I don't get it. Can't you hear your cell?

You seem in a bad mood.

No, but I called you fifteen times.

What did you want?

To tell you I was running late.

I was waiting for you, here, what's the problem?

It's not working. We have to take the stairs.

So, you don't hear the phone or you don't want to pick up?

Are you serious?

Come on, go up.

- Give me your bag. - No, I'm fine.

Ok, here.

It's too hot.

I found the crib in the attic.

I've ordered a new mattress,

and on the way, I bought some embroidery for the sheets.

Let's see it.

I love it.

It's two meters, that should be enough.

Beautiful.

It's cool here.

It must be an oven up there.

You'll have get air conditioning.

For the baby, I mean.

I bought you a dress as well.

But I forgot to bring it.

I'll give it to you when you come over.

Shit!

- Uncle, does the camera have sound? - Yes.

Sorry...

Inés, will you film me?

Good one.

Watch this, Inés.

Do it again.

Again!

Very good!

Come on, go for it!

Very good!

What if I get you like this?

Uncle, do it again.

What if we do it like this?

Inés, help me.

You killer!

Don't throw so hard.

- What's up, Tessa? - Your friend's an asshole.

Mom, I'm filming.

Kids, food's ready.

Cool!

- I like these tea-dinners. - Me too.

Careful of the necklace.

What is this?

A necklace.

- For you... - Thank you!

I'll put it on by myself.

Can we sleep with you in your room tonight?

Sure.

- We'll need a mattress. - OK.

It's very quiet.

Yes.

Mom?

What?

I'm glad we have some time to ourselves.

Me too.

I'm not sure.

- Are they camping on that island? - Yes.

Can I go next week?

Next week, we'll all go.

Why aren't you sleeping?

I am sleeping, you're the one who isn't.

You never sleep in your bed.

I like to look at the stars.

You'll get bitten by the mosquitoes.

There are no mosquitoes, go to sleep.

- I dunno why you're still waiting. - What?

Nothing.

Do you remember the client

who ordered printed patterns from us last year?

Yes.

I told you about it.

Now he wants us to embroider them.

This year, handicraft is in fashion.

You'll do it by hand?

How would I do an entire piece of fabric by hand?

I searched for embroidery models...

and I bought some napkins at the flea market.

There are so many embroidery models.

- Do you want to see them? - Yes.

I have them here.

This one's my favorite,

look how it's done.

If we can get this one made...

Imagine this pattern over a whole piece of fabric.

But it's difficult, look how it's made.

See, it's cross-stitch.

- Don't you think it's a bit crude? - Crude?

- You mean vulgar? - No.

"Crude" as in "cheap".

You think it's "cheap"?

It won't be this fabric or color.

It's cross-stitch embroidery.

The advantage is

that the machine can easily reproduce it.

I called the Forensic Anthropology Team.

What for?

They've returned several bodies now.

One of them could be Dad's.

Imagine if there was a chance of finding him.

They just need a blood sample.

What about your brother and me?

I'm telling you now.

Don't you think we should all have discussed this first?

We're discussing it now.

I just made a phone call.

I needed some information.

Tomás won't mind.

You don't know that.

Do you want more tea?

Yes.

Do you think I don't know what the Forensic Team does?

Why do you think I didn't go before?

Inés!

Get down off there.

You don't even use the car to go to work.

It's always parked there, sleeping!

You didn't even tell me when you'll be back.

You can't just turn up and ask to borrow my car

to drive 1600 kilometers to La Angostura with a stranger.

It's ridiculous.

These things should be asked in advance.

I'm asking you now.

What's the difference if I leave today or next week.

You put me in a tight spot, that's the problem.

I don't understand why it has to be now, today.

If you give me a few days I could come with you.

What?

That makes no sense.

Why? The whole family will be there.

I don't want you to come.

I want to find things that are connected with Dad,

do a photographic project.

I don't know exactly what yet. I set aside some photos.

I can help you.

It's like whenever people talk about Dad around you

everything becomes calculated.

Calculated?

I don't know if that's the word.

It's more measured.

Everyone bites their tongue when you're around.

You always end up with the final say.

I think it's only natural.

I don't believe my presence influences them.

Yes, they're careful, not just with that subject.

Mom, you know everyone treats you more gently.

I guess that's normal too.

What?

I guess it's normal, I don't know...

It wasn't always like that.

Mom, please, let me go.

I want to meet the boy first.

I told you his name is Pablo.

- Do you want to meet him now? - Now?

Invite him over for lunch and we'll see.

Pablo!

Come up, my mom wants to meet you.

4C.

The apartment is 4C.

The vacation is unbeatable.

It's a golden afternoon, my mom, my dad, and I,

set out on a second trip, this time by water.

The lake is flat like a mirror.

We move slowly,

our arms handle the heavy oars,

they try, in vain, to guide the boat.

We reach a tiny island.

There, all the questions will surface and die.

I teeter on the boat's prow.

My dad, a conquistador in a bathing suit, takes my hand.

My mom runs for the camera.

Click.

This is the only photo of me and my dad alone.

Winter arrives fast, and takes everything away.

On March 21st, 1977, my dad disappears.

But that photo remains.

I often opened the drawer of my mom's night table

to see it.

It's the image I trust the most.

Are you there?

Hey Mom! You did it!

Yes, a bit hard, but I made it, it's funny this chat thing.

How was the trip?

Good, it was quick. It's warmer than Buenos Aires.

How are you feeling with this heat?

Bloated. I feel heavy.

Something's up with your brother.

Why?

He had a fight with Vero.

We spoke two days ago. I called Vero today.

She didn't say anything but it's clear they had a fight.

Have you spoken to him?

He's here with me, but he doesn't want to talk about it.

What's wrong?

I don't know, I didn't want to ask.

He needs more time.

I don't know what's wrong with you two!

We stand by each other!

He's fine. He brought food and said he was staying over

and didn't want any questions.

So we'll have to wait.

I've digitalized the photos.

Do you want an enlargement of the one of me with dad?

Well, I'm glad he's alright.

Yes, enlarge that one for me.

OK. Let me check if the quality is good enough.

Inés, I keep thinking about your separation.

You know, every time we disagree,

I try to think what your dad would've thought.

I think he would be worried too.

It's a lot of work Inés,

I don't want you to go through it all alone.

Don't worry Mom, I'm OK and I'm not alone.

I'm tired, I'm going to bed.

See you tomorrow.

There's no air in my room. I'm coming to sleep here.

It's fresh here.

What were you doing?

I was chatting online with Mom.

With Mom?

She knows how to use a keyboard?

She just learned how to chat.

- Did you tell her? - No.

Don't lie!

Alright, yes, of course I told her.

- You get along well when it's about me. - Not true!

Only when you talk about me...

Maybe.

Lying down at last!

When I'm still for a while, my entire body aches.

Are you comfortable there?

Yes, don't worry.

Get some rest.

Wait, I want to talk to you about something.

I know.

The DNA sample.

Mom called me, all shook up.

- What did she say? - She was mad.

She said that you were spoiled and selfish.

I tried to calm her, to stop her ranting about you.

Apart from that, she didn't say anything else?

No. She asked me if I agreed.

And?

I think it's a good idea.

A good idea.

- I'll turn the light off. - OK.

When Mom went to Peru,

she left me her ID so I could pay her electricity bill.

The ID was pretty recent

and in the marital status box she'd put "married".

Give her a few days to process.

Yes.

A little time...

I'm glad you're here.

Liar!

- Does it hurt? - A little bit.

Don't move.

With my blood, I paint you and give you the most sacred powers.

Name the powers.

The power of healing and casting away the evil ones.

And flying, too.

Wait, I need more blood.

I give you wings so you can fly

and see the evil ones approaching.

- What's the game? - Hide and seek with flashlights.

Why don't Valentino and I have one?

I want one!

None left. Little kids with the big kids.

Not with me, I'm playing alone!

I'm playing with Mateo.

Everyone got it?

No...

He never understands anything.

First, we have to wait until nightfall.

Then, everyone hides

and nobody must know where the others are.

And the flashlights?

She yells "1, 2, 3". On 3, we all move our flashlights.

- They're like clues? - Yes, that's right.

- Can we move around? - Yes.

And if we find someone?

We stick together and look for the others.

- What? - I'm taking Lara back home.

The flashlight!

I'll be back, See you.

What are you doing, Simona?

- I'm going with you guys. - Hurry-up.

I'm playing with you, Inés.

- Alright, but we do as I say. - OK.

Now we have to wait until night falls.

6, 7, 8...

Over here, on the right!

Quick, quick...

They'll hear us!

Mind the tree trunk!

I'm staying here!

- Do you want us to win? - Yes, yes.

Tomás! Speak softly...

I have a secret hiding place, but don't be scared, OK?

- OK. - Sure?

Yes.

59... 60!

Ready?

1... 2... 3!

I'm coming!

I heard something...

Feli... I see you.

I found Feli!

Who's that?

Tomás, speak quietly!

Now there's two of us!

1... 2...

3!

Over there!

Come on, let's go...

No, this way!

I think there's someone there.

It's Fede!

That's not fair, it's cheating!

Doesn't matter, Agustina, I found you!

Ok. Ready?

1... 2... 3!

Inés, the flashlight!

But that's cheating.

Go in a bit further.

Here is the forehead...

the nose...

the lips...

the chin and the heart.

- Can we listen? - Yes.

See you Thursday for the class.

Ok.

- At the entrance, 5 minutes before? - OK.

Shall I walk you to the car?

- Need a lift? - No, I like summer storms.

Get in, I want to give you something.

It only takes a minute to get soaking wet.

Are you cold?

Dry your hands and grab the envelope in the back.

Isn't there a cloth in there?

- What is it? - The book.

It's finished.

The baby is kicking hard.

Do you want to feel?

Yes.

- There, can you feel it? - No.

There.

We're either together or we're not.

If we are, we live together as a family,

no more bullshit.

Tomás...

Tomás, wake up.

- What? - You had a nightmare.

Let me sleep, Inés.

Inés.

It's me.

Can I come in?

They need 2 or 3 samples,

so they need my blood as well.

How's Mum?

She's silent.

I was surprised they asked so directly.

This time it was me who wasn't prepared for such a direct answer.

Let's go?

Would you like a coffee or water?

- Not for now. - No, thanks.

This is part of the procedure,

as you know.

These are for the blood samples.

These small holes?

In the small circles...

At the bottom we'll put the matching barcode...

- OK? - Yes.

Who do I start with?

Me.

Do you have a preferred hand, Inés?

No, go ahead.

- Are you OK? - Yes...

Relax, that's it. Keep still.

I'm disinfecting it.

- Can I do it? - Yes.

There we go.

You can clean it yourself.

- Press on it. - Yes.

Which hand?

Whichever, the left one.

This one?

I'm not going to look.

Here I go...

Finished?

That's all.

- It's finished? - Yes.

- Are you alright Inés? - I'm fine.

If we have any news, you'll be the first to know.

OK?

And call us whenever you want.

Here are the numbers of the team, the address and e-mail.

Outside, on the street

the Renault 4 survives the winters

and to fight the cold, she thinks pretty thoughts.

Green and shiny, it goes through the valleys,

and the mountains.

It reaches the lakeshore and stares at its perfect reflection in the water.

It dreams it's a boat, floating freely on the lake.