Original subtitles

BASED ON REAL EVENTS

APRIL 6, 2010

- Just one question. - One question, please.

Paulette Gebara Farah, who died under mysterious circumstances

and whose body was found in her bed after being reported missing,

was buried on Tuesday in the French cemetery,

a few minutes before 4 p.m.

Can you make a statement?

- Goodbye, Paulette! - Goodbye!

She had a right to live.

It's not fair.

If her mom did something to her, the law should prevail.

She should have the same punishment.

She deserves that.

I don't blame her, but...

Forgive the people who hurt you, Paulette!

Forgive them!

It's not clear what happened. She was just a child.

We want justice for Paulette.

Who am I to judge?

If they're innocent, may God give them peace.

And if they're not, God will know.

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

Governor, I'm here to...

Governor.

I'm here to tender my resignation.

Kids, let's go!

We're going to be late.

Everything ready?

Thanks.

Honey

you're doing the right thing.

Have a safe trip.

INCOMING CALL BONILLA

Is that for your book?

Are there bad guys in your story?

I mean, a story with no bad guys isn't worth telling, right?

- Oh, really? - Girl.

- Girl, come here. - Oh, it's my mom.

Come here!

First, you tell me the police might be after you,

and then you vanish into thin air...

Yes, Mom. Please don't...

You could have also told me you weren't coming alone.

- Good afternoon. - How are you?

Nice to meet you. Alfredo Castillo, at your service.

- Alfredo Castillo? - Yes.

- The Deputy AG? - That's right. At your service.

- Nice to meet you. - You too.

I'm sorry.

I thought you'd be a horrible government employee,

like they usually are.

Well, Alfredo has a lot to do.

Yes, there's a lot to do.

We have a lot to talk about. You're staying for breakfast, right?

Yes, and you're going to tell me everything

about the event of the year.

And I beg you, don't underestimate me.

Don't you tell me it was an accident.

Miguel!

Miguel.

The bastards at the AG's Office are threatening me.

Carolina, not now.

They printed my name and a photo of me. What, do you think I did this?

Well, knowing you, you probably did.

Are you implying that I'm a liar?

I'm saying you're a liar.

You used the wrong mattress.

Who told you? It was Lalo, right?

That's not the point, Carolina.

I'm canceling your interview. You have no credibility.

You're... You're talking to me about ethics?

When this channel is a complete sellout?

That is a very serious statement. You'd have to prove it.

No, I don't need to prove it. Everybody knows that.

We live on bribes.

And you prefer to air an interview with a fortune teller

than one of my news reports.

Yes, a fake news report...

Do you know what's worrying?

That one of your people is getting death threats.

If you're so scared and so worried about your well-being,

why don't you quit?

- Okay. - Okay.

You don't need to worry about me anymore because I quit.

- Okay? - Okay.

And I don't need you or this channel to tell the truth, Miguel.

Okay, put it in writing, my dear.

Governor

following the analysis and the investigation,

mainly in...

Following the investigation and at the base of the results...

It's "on the basis of" not "at the basis"...

Come in.

Thank you.

Enrique.

CORONER

Where are you going in such a rush?

I noticed that you're very involved in the Paulette case.

Of course, when you get as much attention as Mick Jagger,

you kind of start to like it, right?

No, I'm not trying to get that kind of attention, Paty.

In fact, I just quit.

Oh, journalism is hard.

You need to be cut out for it.

I am cut out for it.

My dear...

In media, everyone makes mistakes.

And when that happens, you need balls to stay in the game.

No.

I'm staying in the game, Paty. I'm just quitting this channel.

It's the same everywhere.

I'm telling you that I'm not where I am for what I say, but for what I don't say.

With all due respect, Paty,

I think the entertainment world is completely different to the news world.

The Paulette case was never anything other than a show.

Can't you see it?

It's just a soap opera.

But the real drama was in the news.

Right, dear?

Please change my appointment.

Mr. State AG, I was expecting you.

- I have something that... - I've just resigned.

Don't say that.

And

- what about the investigation... - Relax.

The Governor did not accept my resignation.

In fact

he wants me to continue the investigation.

I'm glad.

If I may, I found something you need to hear.

What's going to happen?

Relax, it will be all right.

They don't have any proof.

Lizette and Mauricio.

Both parents were hiding something.

Where did you get this?

From Castillo's recordings.

He still wants his accident theory.

But this can buy us time.

Bonilla

you're working overtime.

Outside the office.

We'll get to the bottom of this.

Yes, sir.

The death was accidental.

Wrapped up in her own bed.

That's why even the dogs couldn't smell her.

If that's the opinion of your experts, so be it.

Whatever, as long as this nightmare ends.

I'm sorry, but I still don't agree.

- How's it possible that she... - Habib!

- The girl's in heaven now. - Cris...

Right now, all we need is to resign ourselves to this.

I will need Mauricio's signature to validate the investigation.

But it won't be enough.

We also need Lizette's signature and she'll have conditions.

Conditions? What do you mean, conditions?

She's applying for custody of her daughter.

No way. That woman isn't getting close to my granddaughter.

I'd rather die. That woman is unfaithful.

- Dad... - She's a terrible influence on the girl.

- She'll be better off here with us. - Okay.

I may be able to talk to her, but I can't make any promises.

But without her consent, this is not over.

That girl stays with us. That's our final decision.

Maybe her father should decide that, don't you think?

Chez stays... Chez stays with us.

It's for the best.

Where's my other shoe?

Have you checked under the mattress?

I'm worried, Beto. This is bringing you down.

The entire community wants to lynch you.

Yes, but it's over. Sipur Yashan. It's over.

Enough.

- You'll end up alone, Beto. - That's how I got here.

And it's how I'll leave. Besides, it's a marathon.

Not a sprint.

"Drools."

"Drools," yourself, asshole.

We'll have to make some corrections.

But our people can do that.

So you think it's worth publishing?

Do you have the family's permission to say all of this?

- No, but I think that soon... - We don't need it.

Especially if they're hiding something.

Well, that's not exactly what I want to say with the book.

I've got a title.

"Where is Paulette?"

But I can't answer that question.

The book doesn't answer it either. That's the State AG's job.

That's not important.

We need to sell books.

We want people to engage with the mystery, to find the answer.

But I don't have the answer.

It doesn't matter. It's the hypothesis game.

Sometimes the ending is not important in a book.

The journey is what's important.

Do you want to sell books? Yes or no?

Are you ready?

Lizette, a month and a few days...

Almost 40 days since Paulette went missing.

You're not with either of your daughters today.

Where's your eldest daughter?

She's with her dad.

But why is that?

Don't you have parental rights? What's your legal situation?

No, I do have rights. My legal rights still stand.

Her dad does not want me to exercise that right.

But it's arbitrary, it's not backed by the law.

We're waiting for the State AG's Office

to reveal the verdict on the cause of death of your little girl.

Do you think it was an accident?

I want them to give me an explanation.

If it was an accident,

it would be very hard for me to understand it.

Very hard.

But we want to know what happened to her.

If it was God or man.

Why are you here?

I need to see Lizette.

She's not answering her phone

and I want to tell her that I'm publishing a book.

We know about your book.

And frankly, she's very disappointed.

No...

No, that book is an opportunity for all of us,

so that we can heal emotionally.

It can help us both tell the truth. Could you explain that to her?

It's an opportunity for you.

That much is very clear.

I'm documenting everything.

- I even have Alfredo's version. - Castillo?

That guy tried to frame my mom.

What are you saying?

When Lizette was arraigned,

Castillo asked a relative to pick up her cellphone for evidence.

When my mom got to Lizette's house, it was abandoned,

- in total darkness. - The power went out. That's all.

I'm certain that when Paulette appeared,

your friend Castillo wanted to say that it was us who planted the body.

He wanted to frame us.

But it didn't work.

I don't think Alfredo wanted to do that.

Don't even dare publish that book, understood?

Least of all, because it'll be full of lies.

They didn't even let me go to the funeral.

I'm not a stranger.

Much less, an enemy.

Forget about the book.

Why would my sister want you to reveal her private life to the world?

Or to profit from her daughter's death?

Arlette...

If you care about Lizette, you won't publish that book.

Arlette...

"Yes, I know where she is."

But I will only tell you if you help me legally,

so that I don't have any problems with the law.

"I'm desperate. I don't want to go to jail."

Mauricio said this hours before they found Paulette.

It's a confession.

Castillo was tampering with the investigation from the start.

Fucking Castillo.

We had them.

If they had let me continue the arraignment, we'd have them.

Bonilla

make copies of the tapes. Take them to Miranda.

The Governor needs to know.

Yes, sir.

Montiel, Miranda, Peña, Castillo.

This smears everyone, right?

The government of the State of Mexico.

- The jewel of the country. - Don't I know it.

We did some investigations on them here at the magazine.

- Yes. - They're a bunch of crooks. All of them.

They even sued us once.

Do you want coffee? Water?

No, I'm fine.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Do you know anything about the coroner who disappeared?

No, so far I.

I don't know where he is.

I tried to reach him, but no luck.

They even threatened me.

You?

Well, make sure to include that in your story.

Yes, sure.

Yes?

Then we have a deal.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Healthy mind, healthy body.

So you need my help again.

Lizette Farah.

I understand she went to Mexico City's AG's Office for help.

I heard something of the sort.

Not much really.

We need Lizette to sign the report and authorize the official version.

That her child got tangled in the sheets?

And was stuck by the mattress for nine days?

And nobody noticed?

That won't be easy.

That version exonerates her.

Yes.

Her and her husband.

If you convince the dad to give her the other daughter,

I may be able to set this up for you.

But

what's in it for me?

This is how we move up, right?

If I arrange the custody,

I want a favorable statement

and I want the mom to thank me in the media.

As long as she ends up with her daughter, I don't see why not.

Make it happen on Mother's Day.

That would be a perfect story.

The new six-year term is approaching.

Mexico City doesn't govern itself.

Send my regards to your Governor.

I'm sorry.

There was a lot of traffic.

Thanks, Raul.

So Phase Magazine, huh?

You do know that if you work there, I won't be able to be your source anymore.

Why?

The government hates this magazine.

If they find out I'm giving them information, they'll fire me.

So if you work here

you're on your own.

Well, if our professional relationship is over,

maybe we'll have time to

to have another kind of relationship.

Thanks for the beer.

Keep it.

I... love my wife.

Do you know what that is, Alfredo?

It's hard to see it.

But I can imagine.

And deep down, I think she loves you too.

She filed a complaint in Mexico City, right?

That's right.

But I talked to the AG and we'll be able to resolve it very soon.

I don't care what my dad thinks.

Lizette can have custody of my daughter.

As long as this war ends as soon as possible.

Once and for all.

- How do you feel, Mrs. Farah? - A statement.

I want to thank Mexico City's AG Office...

MAY 10, 2010

my lawyers, and Dr. Mancera

who made this beautiful Mother's Day gift possible.

Will you sue your husband?

No.

Will you sue your husband, ma'am?

Please answer, ma'am.

- Mrs. Farah, please. - Thank you.

Answer, please.

Everybody signed your impeccable investigation.

No questions asked.

It was harder with Lizette, but in the end, we managed it.

They didn't change a single word.

I think we were all eager to reach a conclusion that was satisfactory.

No one was guilty.

Everybody's happy.

You play this game really well.

I beg your pardon?

You've been hiding evidence from me.

With all due respect, Mr. State AG, I didn't hide anything.

It's all in my report.

Even that tape.

Okay.

Let's say you were selective with what you showed me.

As I just said, everything is in my report.

I always showed you what I thought was most relevant.

Who are you working for, Castillo?

For the State AG's Office.

For Mexico State's Government.

And my goal is to reach a satisfactory verdict,

and to do it quickly.

Well.

I might

make this tape public.

I might also make public

the transcription in which the girl's dad confesses to knowing her whereabouts

hours before she was found.

Maybe someone's head

will roll.

Well, I hope it's not yours, Mr. State AG.

For all of our sakes.

We're going digital, we have an online portal...

We recently built a set for live broadcasting, so...

- Do you want to see? - Yes, sure.

Thanks.

- Good afternoon. - Hello. Good afternoon.

The idea is to build the team, gather more information,

and that people are able to watch us everywhere, on every platform...

We've already done two live broadcasts, so... it's working.

MAY 20, 2010

You beat me to it. I brought sandwiches.

And now? Are you alone?

- Did the wife leave you, or what? - No.

She took the kids on a trip.

I received your little package, Beto.

Well, it looks like the investigation has been compromised, right?

Interesting, what he said.

What he said in the recording and in the arraignment.

Looks like Mr. Gebara was taking us for a ride.

Does it?

- It's more like a confession. - What confession?

You really like exaggerating, man!

I only hear a tormented man, a worried man.

- Well, the... - Step aside, Beto.

We need to put the fire out, not make a bigger one.

Besides, remember my buddy is going for the big one.

Look, we're pretty messed up at the office right now.

- But we know that Enrique... - Hey...

The Governor, Beto.

Never forget that. The Governor.

There's a great theory about an accident. And that's the one we're going with.

Now, if you want to keep playing detective,

that's your problem.

Just don't lose your temper when my buddy asks you to resign.

Enrique is a good friend to his friends.

But friendship is a plant that needs to be constantly watered.

So if you are discreet, your family will never go hungry.

Talking about food...

Go ahead.

- I ordered it without chipotle for your... - Gastritis.

Carolina!

Did you have trouble getting in?

No, I still have friends here at the channel, so...

Oh, no way.

The security guys are useless. I told them to kick you out.

- Okay, Miguel... - No, relax.

I was joking. Sit down, please.

Come on.

I know you're dying to know

what I'm going to offer you.

I heard that you're looking for other work prospects

and that you were spilling the beans to one of those lousy magazines.

So you're worried that I won't take care of your main client anymore.

Carolina, even if you don't believe it, we care about your safety.

- Oh, really? - I've been talking to my bosses.

They've been thinking about you a lot.

Yes.

Well, then the State AG's Office is really worried about keeping me quiet.

My God, not everything is a conspiracy theory.

You're not irreplaceable.

So this is about the journalist who was threatened,

and who is now receiving a consolation prize, right?

No, it's more that the journalist who was lucky enough

to get an interview with Lizette on the bed,

days before the conclusion of the investigation,

should be awarded the occasional prize.

Besides,

we need to reach the company's gender quota.

Some things never change.

Look, Caro, if I were you, I wouldn't miss this opportunity.

I've already got an opportunity, Miguel. Thank you.

Just hear me out.

Your own segment as an anchor.

What you've always wanted.

And you won't need to worry about watching your back.

Something you will have to do if you go to... Phase Magazine.

Are you buying me?

I'm saving you, Caro.

This would be your salary.

Every month, honey.

MAY 21, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, as head of this office,

I acknowledge that the initial investigation

carried out by this institution

fell short by having not searched partially and comp,

and completely

the girl's bed and the bedroom.

The reports from our experts indicate that her death was an accident.

We have decided to conclude the investigation

without any criminal prosecutions.

The precise time of death

was nine days before the date and time of the autopsy.

This proves that the girl died the night she arrived from Valle de Bravo,

or in the early hours of March 22.

On the one hand, the investigation has reached a satisfactory conclusion,

in accordance with the law,

delivering a sense of justice and in accordance with the evidence.

I would not permit any injustice,

or impunity.

And in this case

neither has occurred.

- Outrageous! - Mr. State AG!

In this terrible case of the death of a four-year-old girl,

some things have remained constant on the part of the authorities:

The contradictions.

One day he states the investigation is going one way,

and the next day in another.

Back and forth.

They have prosecuted people, detained them, and then released them.

If the body of this girl was supposedly in her bed for several days,

why did they take so long to find it?

All of this has been very painful for the public.

I think they're lying.

I don't believe him.

It's a circus.

It's an injustice.

But there is a God and I believe in his justice.

There's a lot of skepticism surrounding the matter.

We don't agree with the results.

On the one hand, it's hard for me to believe,

but it makes me feel better that my daughter didn't suffer.

What did you ask the State AG's Office?

I'm requesting the file.

I've filed three times and I still don't have it.

I want to read the file.

They owe everyone an explanation.

I'm going to read a message from my client.

My family and I always trusted

that the authorities would get to the bottom of this.

Despite the fact that this involved a huge level of effort

I'm just grateful to hear the truth.

Alberto Bazbaz, Mexico State's AG,

should resign with immediate effect.

Mexico does not deserve this AG.

The Paulette case has ceased to be a judicial drama

and has now become a political drama

because of a petition for the resignation of State AG Bazbaz.

Mr. State AG, we don't want any more impunity.

We don't want scapegoats.

We don't want any more victims of crime.

You should tender your resignation as an act of conscience and honesty.

But the Governor still supports you.

Bonilla...

You still have a lot to learn.

Among wolves

you need to howl like a wolf.

Gatopardo will publish the first chapters.

The book launch will be sensational.

A bestseller.

Well

don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Yes, ready?

So arrange that and I'll be right there, okay?

Get moving, guys. Come on.

Amanda? What are you doing here? Come here.

Come here! Say hi!

- Fine, and you? - Very well.

What's up?

Still trying a little taste of fame?

Something like that.

You wrote a book?

Something simple to tell everyone what I've been through recently.

Great.

This book has to be better than the script you wrote for that movie.

What was it called? The one with... What was the movie?

You know which one...

Slut Commando!

That one would have been a classic.

Well, it's been a long time.

Yes, a long time.

Is this your campaign?

Yes, Roberts Burgers.

I'm impressed with all the effort you put into 30 seconds on the screen.

Something as brief as commercials.

Look, some people give their lives for those 15 minutes of fame, don't they?

Enjoy being the brand of the moment, girl.

Hey, I need to go. I hope your book is a success.

See you.

Fellow journalists, thank you for joining us.

Mexico State's AG, Mr. Alberto Bazbaz...

MAY 25, 2010

will give a statement,

and will not accept questions.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press,

to make the State AG's Office work efficiently

it's essential to have the trust

the credibility and the support of the people it serves.

When this is lost

it's impossible for us to carry out our responsibilities.

For this reason,

I have decided to tender my resignation to the Governor

from the position of State AG.

Thank you very much.

Caro!

I'm so glad. Seriously, for real.

I'm really glad that you came to your senses.

THE UNCENSORED STORY OF THE CASE'S KEY WITNESS

- May I? - Sure.

- What's your... - You're Paulette's mom, right?

No.

- I... - Okay, thanks.

- Please... - Of course...

Thanks.

Am I okay?

How's it going, guys?

We're ready.

Five, four, three, two...

Good evening. My name is Carolina Tello.

Hello, I'm Carlos Gomez.

- And this is the news. - Thank you.

It was a pleasure working with you.

- Alberto. - Jaime.

I'm sorry.

It's a pity,

Mr. State AG.

Alberto.

Call me Alberto.

Let's go, champ.

Man!

I'm sorry, boss. I.

I need to stay.

I was offered a position with the new administration.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

WHERE IS PAULETTE?

Miss Tello.

- Mr. State AG. - Nice to meet you.

I think we've met before.

Yes, I remember you. Congratulations on your news segment.

- Thank you. - Jorge!

Pour some tea for the lady and for me, please.

No, not for me. Thank you.

Try it, please.

I don't drink tea.

Thanks.

Pour her some tea, Jorge.

We all have tea here at the office.

We want you to feel at home.

I believe in opportunity, in promise.

We come into office, very eager to serve all of our citizens.

We need to modernize this office,

to restructure the police force, procedures, and the federal forces.

Team work.

One last question.

How did you use Paulette's case to become Attorney General?

How did you use it to get your news segment?

Any other questions?

No.

That's it.

Thank you.

Mr. State AG.

Thank you.

HE AGREED LIZETTE WOULD HAVE CUSTODY OF THEIR ELDEST DAUGHTER.

HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIZETTE FINALLY FAILED.

SHE TRIED TO REBUILD HER LIFE.

IN 2012, SHE SUED THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND REQUESTED COMPENSATION

FOR DAMAGES OF 531 MILLION PESOS. SHE LOST.

SHE CONTINUED HER CAREER IN THE ARTS AND AS AN ACTOR.

HER BOOK DID NOT BECOME A BESTSELLER AND HAD ONLY ONE EDITION.

SHE NEVER SAW LIZETTE AGAIN.

HE WAS INVITED TO LEAD THE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT.

FOLLOWING MISMANAGEMENT, HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR

OF THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY (CISEN).

IN 2019, HE WAS ACCUSED, ALONG WITH ALFREDO CASTILLO,

OF BEING PART OF A NETWORK THAT SPIED ON OVER 300 POLITICIANS.

THOSE ACCUSATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN PROVEN. YET.

HE JOINED PEÑA NIETO'S TEAM AS COMMISSIONER IN MICHOACÁN.

HIS ADMINISTRATION WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING,

AND WAS KNOWN FOR EXTRAVAGANCE, VIOLENCE AND ABUSE OF POWER.

HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CONADE AND ACCUSED OF MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

UNDER HIS ADMINISTRATION,

OVER 262 MILLION PESOS WERE DIVERTED TO SHELL COMPANIES.

IN 2012, PEÑA NIETO WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

HIS PRESIDENCY WAS TARNISHED BY CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY.

AFTER HIS TERM ENDED, HE SEPARATED FROM ACTRESS ANGELICA RIVERA.

HE FELL IN LOVE AGAIN AND NOW LIVES ABROAD.

A Caucasian male entered a primary school...

THE INCONSISTENCIES OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED,

OF THE AUTHORITIES, AND THE MEDIA EXPLOITATION

CAST DOUBTS OVER THIS EVENT.

AFTER AN INVESTIGATION THAT LASTED LESS THAN TWO MONTHS,

THE "PAULETTE CASE" WAS CLOSED. WITHOUT CULPRITS.

Series inspired by real events.

Events and characters in the case have been adapted

to present a version

of one of the most famous, tragic and controversial cases

in Mexico's history.

The series does not claim to be an accurate version of reality.

Names have been changed

in order to present a fictional version of a well-known story,

to preserve the reputation and privacy of people not known to the public.

Some scenes have been recreated for narrative purposes.

Factual details can be found in official court documents

and respective verdicts.

Subtitles by Laila Pollack