Original subtitles

- Help yourselves. - Great, thanks!

So, Tell me what you think.

The smell is great...

Very original.

One of my clients.

His family has vines in Burgundy.

Can you taste the flint?

Yes, it's there.

So, you're a teacher, right?

Yes, well, I taught History and Geography for a few years, and then...

Then I became a headmaster.

And now I've just been posted to Jean Jaurès.

That's tough. Ask for a transfer!

Try for Debussy or St. Victoire.

No, I'm happy with my school.

The educational team does good work with the pupils.

It's a great place.

It's weird, the political correctness you teachers show.

Let's talk frankly.

Your job would be easier and much better paid at St. Victoire.

Probably.

I feel more useful at Jean Jaurès. Plus state education is my choice.

I admire you.

It's true: we need people like you.

I see why you feel useful.

Sure, useful...

Most classes are late because "Abdoul" and "Djamel" don't understand French...

I know what I would do at your place. To be useful!

I'd tell them: "Listen kids...

You wanna come to our schools? Start speaking our fucking language!"

What's a school?

A school...

Is like a company.

I think Didier isn't wrong.

French is the key.

You just need results.

You'd be like other "useful" headmasters, who have only one idea:

have good results to have the best school.

Where do you think they put their own kids?

With Abdoul? Certainly not.

You'll do the same.

You have to call a spade a spade.

For instance: I hire a woman...

I take a whole year to train her

then 18 months later she's pregnant.

The other day one actually called to say:

"Mr. Morin, I need more maternity leave.

My baby needs me."

Know what I said?

"How long does he need?

Are 18 years gonna be enough?

If he's a boy, wait until he graduates

and I'll give him a job."

But you gave her more time?

No. I told her I needed her too.

That either she came back after 3 months or not at all.

That's illegal. She could sue you.

- She won't. - She should.

So what do you do, my dear, as a job?

I was a teacher but I quit.

I want to work in publishing.

Otherwise, I run a literature workshop

for underachieving young girls in a vocational high school...

And I also write articles on literary reviews.

That's good.

Keeps you busy.

At your age, some women get aggressive.

Women like you don't know their limits.

Women like me?

Didier probably means women of character...

Who state their opinions.

Women... That...

Women with balls.

Exactly, with balls.

Women with views on everything, who talk too much actually.

CASSAN PARK

DOMESTIC LIFE

DOMESTIC LIFE based on "Arlington Park" by Rachel Cusk

Fuck! That idiot scared me!

It won't rain again tonight.

You're a weather expert now? You know it all this evening.

- Good evening! - Good evening!

Good evening, Laura.

Did it go well?

No problem.

It's been 4 hours, so we owe you this.

Thank you!

- Good night. - Good night.

- How will you get home? - My boyfriend gives me a ride.

Very well.

- Good night. - Good night.

It's late. I'm exhausted.

Come on.

I'm coming.

I wanna smoke a cigarette.

Are you OK?

Yes.

I'm pleased, I slept well. I feel great.

Tonight you'll be exhausted.

That's normal: feeling great in the morning, feeling tired at night.

You're the odd one, you're the other way round.

In the morning I'm worried, it's not the same.

What about?

I don't know. I think of the day ahead.

Of all I have to do.

I prefer evenings to mornings.

What's on today?

I don't know. A whole list of things to do.

Start with something nice.

One more thing on the list...

Charming!

You're a funny one.

You wake like some big kid. Everything's fine.

It's as if you camped by a river

and get back into your one-man canoe to paddle again.

That's right.

A big, happy kid.

It's not one extra thing. More a way of getting in shape.

Alright, enough. I'm getting up.

They're already awake anyway.

Last night's dinner was awful. That guy was talking too loud.

You drank too much.

Everyone did.

I didn't.

Everyone but you then.

Canoeing requires a healthy lifestyle.

If you slip up,

you've had it.

It's odd how guys who run a business think they're so important.

It's as if they thought every woman is their secretary.

What is a business anyway?

It's selling stuff to make money.

A photocopier firm too!

Who cares about photocopiers?

Printers, not photocopiers.

Right...

He'll provide computer gear for the high school

and that wasn't easy.

He'll dump all his old junk on you.

A dinner like that for computers... Thanks a lot.

I thought he'd ask me to take notes.

That's not what you did.

How could you say such a thing? "Women with balls".

I said it to shut him up.

You were wrong to get angry. He's not a bad guy.

What he said

about aggressive women wasn't aimed at you.

That's not what you said yesterday.

You said it was my fault and that I was obnoxious.

I didn't.

Of course you did.

That's not what I meant.

Off to Paris tomorrow?

Paris? No. Why?

You told me you had a meeting...

No, it's rescheduled for Monday.

You could have told me!

I was going to...

On that day Joseph has his music class. We'll have to let the babysitter know.

That's no big deal, just call her!

You had already invited your lover to come for breakfast, right?

He'd be an odd lover if I invited him for breakfast.

He'd be a husband.

It's the rock, it's the rock...

Get dressed, honey.

Careful. Stop that now.

I can put on my own skirt!

OK: I'll do the rest.

We learnt a new song at school. I'll sing it to you, OK?

All right.

It's the rock, it's the rock...

It's the witch rock...

Around the world, around the world...

At 4.000 km an hour...

Keep still, Pauline!

When are you buying my costume?

- What? - My costume for Tess' birthday party.

And her present? She wants Barbie TV News Anchor.

I'll go this afternoon. What costume do you want?

A princess or an Indian.

Don't forget!

No, I won't. I have to go shopping.

Let's go and see your brother.

Are we out of salted butter?

What?

Salted butter, has it all gone?

What do I know?

Oh no Joseph you're not even ready yet!

I was playing!

Quick, get dressed!

I have to tidy up again.

You're the maid.

No, there's no maid here, OK?

Get dressed and tidy your room. Move it!

Hurry up, Joseph!

I'm coming.

Listen. This is wonderful.

Agnes Obel. Beautiful, isn't it?

"Agnes Obel is a Danish singer from Berlin.

A sweet and smooth voice like a summer evening.

In her family everyone was a musician and spoke several languages.

In perfect English she murmurs these soothing melodies."

Cool!

See, cool women aren't obsessed by what they have to do all day.

Year, sure...

Long live Danish girls!

Scandinavians are perfect.

Feeling great in the morning, feeling tired at night.

Tough luck, you ended up with me.

Mornings scare me.

I want things over before they begin.

I can't wait for winter to end and for summer to come.

Let's just get it over with!

It's true...

Wouldn't you be happier with a tall, laid-back Dane

into canoes and morning gymnastic?

What's wrong with you?

Nothing...

Hey by the way...

Let's hope they let you know about that job soon.

You'll be less of a drag.

Wonderful. Thank you.

When will you know?

I told you yesterday.

I'm meeting Mathieu in a bit at the train station café.

Oh that's why you're like this!

Like what?

It's you and your music...

What about it?

You never remember what doesn't concern you.

I just didn't make the connection with this morning.

Plus don't you find complicated going to work in Paris?

- Montrouge. - Same thing.

It's only Montrouge.

We just moved here after all.

Can you show me the singing lady?

Sure Thing!

You'll be beautiful like her, princess.

She's not as pretty as Mummy.

Look, I'm sorry.

It'll work. You're the best. I have faith in you.

The collection editor is a bitch.

Stop doubting all the time.

It's you and me.

We're together whatever happens.

I have to go. I'll be late.

I'll call you later today, OK?

No way kids! I said no TV in the morning.

Stop it, Mum!

Put your shoes on!

We never watch TV...

- Fine, I'm going to my room! - Calm down!

...She lives in the Cathedral's nave, turned into...

Don't forget we invited Marianne and Grégory for dinner.

Who?

Mum you have to sign this.

The couple in the big house...

And a check for the canteen too...

The house with the bow window.

She's pregnant. You were there when we asked them.

Yes, shit. Can't we do it tomorrow?

No, we can't do it tomorrow.

It's going to be weird. We barely know them.

They seem nice enough.

You always complain about our dumb life.

I don't mean social invitations.

I'm talking about solidarity... Living together...

Right, I forgot.

The revolution, change the world...

Can't we have more guests?

I don't know.

Well, Che Guevara, if you got any idea just share it.

I spent my time organizing stuff,

but you keep your schedule secret.

That's not true.

Yes it is.

Want me to buy anything for tonight?

I don't know. Salted butter?

You're silly!

How about wine? I pass by the wine store.

Whatever.

What then?

Whatever you want.

- Bye kids, see you tonight! Bye, Dad!

- See you. - See you.

Joseph! Pauline! Come down!

Beautiful, isn't it?

A Danish singer from Berlin...

A voice like a summer evening...

No way!

Does the Dane sing in front of her washing machine?

Get your coats!

Hurry up or we'll be late.

Got your swimming goggles for later?

Yes, everything.

OK, let's go.

Hurry up!

Come on. Hurry, Pauline!

- Good morning! - Good morning!

Bye, Mum.

Bye, sweetheart.

Have fun today.

See you later.

You have lipstick there.

Off you go.

ANTI TERRORIST PLAN

Juliette?

I'm Betty Delaval.

I mean Joubert: I was Betty Joubert. Back then, but now I'm married.

Betty... From high school, right?

You were in my sister Sophie's class.

What are you doing here?

Bringing my children to school.

You have children? Have you lived here for long?

No, we were in Paris. We moved for my husband's job.

And for the children. We have a garden here.

I never thought we'd meet like this.

I thought you went abroad.

Yes, I did. I spent two years in Chicago,

then one at the French school in Buenos Aires

then I went back to Paris for my thesis.

I can work just about anywhere now.

I'm busy now but come over one day and tell me all about it.

Yes, alright. So how are you?

I'm great. Same old life.

I'm here with the kids.

My husband works nearby, we've finished the house...

With all that, the days fly by.

Can we go?

Yes, we're going, Gaspard. Let Mum have a chat.

His teacher's absent.

- Hello. - Hello.

Is tonight still on?

Yes, of course.

Great. Got time for a coffee?

Sure! I gotta go buy something, so...

See you at my place at 10?

Fine. Can Colombe and Inès drop by too?

Of course.

See you tonight.

See you.

You know her too. So weird.

I've known her since primary school.

And well... Our daughters were in the same class.

They're coming to dinner tonight.

Why don't you come too?

It's last minute but if you're free...

Tonight?

Why not? We're free.

With our crazy schedules,

last minute things are often simpler.

I'm delighted.

Me too. See you later.

The address is simple. 30, Allée du Parc.

Allée du Parc. Alright.

See you tonight!

My child! Are you out of your mind?

Bitch!

Go to hell, you damn bitch!

Hello, Cindy.

Hello, madam.

Not in class today?

No, I have stuff to do.

I'll go later.

Is this why you drink beer this early? Cause you got stuff to do?

It's OK, it's just a beer. I missed breakfast.

Coming to the workshop later?

What time is it?

Noon?

But, Cindy, it's...

It's the morning. It's 9 AM.

Come on, give me that beer.

Go get some rest. We'll talk this afternoon, OK?

Hi, Mathieu.

Hello, Juliette.

Want a coffee?

Yes please.

How are you? You look tired.

No, I'm fine.

So, it's a bit more complicated than I thought.

I mean, it's not all bad.

I talked to the collection editor.

She loves your resume.

Lots of experience, abroad too. You have the skills.

But you realize you're not the only one.

She's seen five people.

Yes, I imagined that.

The good news is, there are only two of you left.

The other one is Martin Delhomme.

From your master's course...

Yes, I know who he is.

Thank you.

You slept with him?

You're a drag, Mathieu.

I'm sorry.

Are you free later today or tomorrow morning?

She may want you to meet Fortier

before she decides.

I'll need to know soon for today but tomorrow is fine.

Alright.

I'll check it out and call you.

Right, I'm taking the 9:55 train.

No, let me get this, you came to me.

It's OK.

It's my week without the kids.

I can take my train here or two stations earlier.

It's the same thing.

- I'll call you. - OK.

Hey Laura, it's Juliette. I hope you got back well last night.

Can you fetch Pauline and Joseph from school?

Something important has come up.

Call me when you get this, thanks.

It's me.

You saw Mathieu?

It's complicated, but I may have to meet Fortier in Montrouge at 5 PM.

Can you leave work early?

You know I can't. I have the final year parents' meeting.

Can't you say the kids need you for once?

No, I can't. Did you call the babysitter?

Yes, I called Laura but I got her voice mail.

Then wait and she'll call you back. Have you tried your mother?

Maybe she can fit you in somewhere.

What about yours?

Don't start with my mother.

I have to go. Someone's here.

Yeah, sure. See you tonight.

- Hello. - Hello.

Can you take me without an appointment?

What's it for?

A cut and a blow-dry.

Not a makeover?

No, just a freshen-up.

In an hour or so?

That's too late for me.

I beg you, I have an important meeting today.

OK, come and get shampooed.

That's it? You finally killed your husband?

No, it's Mathilde's rabbit.

It died yesterday. She was so sad.

She made him a tiny coffin.

I think someone's not happy there.

Oh Gaspard...

That's enough now.

Isn't he at school?

His teacher was absent so I kept him.

But he's going this afternoon, teacher or not!

Come over for coffee next week.

Yes, I'd like that.

Wipe your feet, sweetheart.

Can I play outside?

No, the grass is wet. You'll get dirty.

I want to.

Come on, sweetheart.

I'll put you in the TV room.

Want to watch a cartoon?

OK.

Yes, Sophie.

What about Grandma? What is it? What's wrong?

That must have been horrible for you.

Sophie... Grandma was 98 after all.

Did you call Mum? She texted me the other week.

To ask me to see Grandma while she was away.

She's in the Canaries for a week.

I really didn't have time. If I'd known...

Listen, Sophie, I understand.

I'm sorry but I can't talk now.

Shall I call you later?

That's the doorbell.

Sorry, I have to go. It's the man about the boiler.

Be brave, OK?

After all she's better where she is now.

I'll call you.

Coming!

- Hello, - Hello.

- Here. - Thanks.

- Hello, - Hello.

Where's Colombe?

She remembered she had an appointment.

I love this big room!

I told you, didn't I?

I love the big windows overlooking the garden.

We wanted to feel nature's presence.

All this work must have taken you ages.

- One year altogether. - One year of works?

Yes, it was really tough.

I was still working then.

The fights I had with Bertrand...

It felt like we were hurrying to finish before filing for divorce!

Want to get out? Can I let him out, Inès?

Yes, go on.

You must like to cook.

Bertrand's an architect but he likes to cook sometimes.

Go on, sit down.

What are you doing? Give me that. Come with me.

Can I take him to the TV room?

Yes, go ahead.

I'll put on a cartoon. Gaspard's in there too.

Watch the cartoon with Gaspard.

It's great. Let me tell you... It's about two brothers.

What do you prefer? Arpeggio, Vivalto, Ristretto...

Volluto, if you have it.

I've run out. I had them all but I need to do a new order.

Ristretto then.

Vivalto for me, it's lighter.

I can't believe what you told me. A you sure she's a local girl?

Well, from Bel Air.

Only 1 km away as the crow flies.

She was two and a half.

No, I mustn't talk as if she's dead.

She's two and a half. Her name's Savannah.

What a name! Where do they find them?

There was one at the park called Clinton!

This is Bel Air!

At the nursery for sure all the Brandons and Kimberleys come from Bel Air.

It's the American soaps...

There can't be many Brandons at the Park's nursery.

It's terrible what's happening.

Imagine how her mother feels.

I keep thinking of Rose when she was two.

What if it was Gaspard or Robinson or Louise?

Stop it!

It's terrible for her mother.

Horrible thing happen in the world.

Did you see this morning the Somali famine report?

Yes, I saw it.

Those people losing it all in one go.

It's so stressful, this easy access to tragedy...

Yes, and we start worrying when here in our lives

we're pretty happy.

Help yourselves.

You're right. You have to love life.

Don't you agree?

Yes, love our lives here and now.

It's hard not to think of others...

Of people suffering in Africa or elsewhere.

Lovely pastries! From Bauman's?

Yes, on the way back from school.

And they're so religious,

they think God is testing them.

They should give up God. Praying won't help.

It's not that simple, you know.

I understand their need to believe.

Sometimes I need to pray too, to feel a presence.

I'd like to believe, but I'm too down-to-earth.

Coming to the mall this afternoon?

Good idea. I need a lamp for the baby's room.

Why not? Gaspard's going to school.

Oh shit, at 4:30 I have to take Louise to her horse riding class.

Let's take two cars in that case.

Good idea.

Can I give Robinson one of these?

Yeah sure. He's such a sweet tooth, he won't say no.

What have you done?

What are you doing? I can't believe it!

Stop it!

Stop it! I'll kill you!

Not a word!

You didn't stop him?

I didn't see...

My God, who did that?

It takes two to be silly.

It wasn't me.

Robinson, did you do this?

Take it to the cleaner's.

I think that stuff is for grease.

The cleaner's will know what to do.

Maybe I could start praying too, right?

I'll be going. I have to do Rose and Alice's lunch.

Thanks for the coffee. It was fun.

Thanks, Marianne. See you later.

I'll come to pick you up.

I'm so sorry, Betty.

He's unbearable.

But it's not his fault.

At home, we let him draw on the walls of his room.

Are you crying cause your grandma is dead?

It's Laura. Leave a message.

Laura, it's Juliette again.

I really need you at 4:30.

Call me as soon as you get this. It's urgent. Thanks.

BUTCHERY

There you go.

How's your husband doing?

Take your shoes off, Robinson.

Good boy.

There. Come on, my bunny.

That's a pretty plane!

- Hi, Béa! Hello, Inès.

Hey, Robinson. How are you today?

We're going to sing the welcome song. Want to sing with us?

Let's sing the welcome song for Robinson.

I have a name and a surname,

Two eyes, a nose, a chin

Tell me your name quickly...

I have to go cause parked badly.

What's your name?

Did you speak to Robinson?

Yes, I told him it was very bad.

He pinched Sixtine so hard. Her parents...

I know. We'll see how it goes today.

I have to run. Someone's waiting for me.

He has launched a new concept, Slow Cosmetics...

This is a kidnap alert from the Justice Ministry.

Yesterday, at 5 pm,

Savannah, aged two and a half,

was kidnapped in the Bel Air neighborhood

near the Cassan Park in the Seine-et-Marne department.

Savannah is 92 cm tall

with medium-length chestnut hair and brown eyes,

dressed in jeans and a pink hooded coat.

If you see the child, don't intervene,

but call the police at 08 05 200 200.

Shit, I forgot to call Sophie back.

...more efficient by applying

a plant oil facial,

rich in vitamins A and E and fatty acids,

like musk rose or argan.

This is a 100% active formula

unlike most commercial cosmetics...

Today, as a special offer,

we are going to town for your beauty.

Enjoy this magical day. Our make-up artists

will reveal their secrets.

Madam, do you mind if I ask your age?

No. I'm 41.

A woman's forties are when she needs

a touch of the magic wand, say.

Let's see what we can do.

Please, have a seat.

Look.

The nasolabial folds are deeper.

The tear troughs are forming.

And the marionette lines become clear.

Sorry, I'm busy now. Some other time?

As you wish.

Who does she think she is?

Tear troughs!

I feel like wearing a sweat suit for the rest of my days!

Found anything?

I'm not buying when I'm 6 months pregnant.

Why not?

You sound like Grégory.

"Treat yourself, not just the kids. Buy pretty things. Be elegant."

He's right. It would do you good.

Everything OK?

Fine.

- I found a 40. - Thank you.

You're welcome.

That's a pretty model.

The cut at the rise of the breasts is cool.

The rise of the breasts? More like their downfall.

I look like a slut.

Don't say that.

Sometimes, we like to look like sluts.

You can wear anything and never look like a slut.

With my checkout girl looks, I'm different...

When I was little, on holidays,

we'd have canned fruit and sponge fingers

with a bottle

Got the picture? I don't want to go back there.

It's pretty anyhow and it suits you.

The change of color is good too.

Sure,

if I want to pull beers behind a bar.

Isn't this too much for me?

No, it's good.

When I look at you, I feel like a cow.

We arrived at the start of my maternity leave.

What did you do before?

PR for Max Havelaar.

Not bad. Max Havelaar, the fair-trade company?

Yes. I plan to go back after this one's born.

Did you move here for your husband's job?

No, he's a photographer, always away.

He didn't think the move was a good idea.

Both of us thought we'd be less...

Less what?

I don't know.

See less people, go out less, let ourselves go...

We do that because we live in the suburbs?

We take our kids riding, cook dinner... That's letting ourselves go?

I'll let myself go.

I'll dump it all and split with the pizza delivery guy!

- Can I take your fries? - Go ahead.

I'll be right back.

Inès, you need a code for the restroom. 6554.

Thanks.

FREE YOURSELVES

Mathieu, it's Juliette. Any news?

No, or I'd have called.

Stay ready, I'll let you know.

Thanks, Mathieu. I'll wait for your call.

It's Laura. Leave a message.

Laura, it's Juliette. Listen...

Just call me.

Fucking hell!

Spare any change, madam?

Thank you.

- Hello, Juliette. - Hello!

You've had your hair done. You look younger.

I have a problem giving your literature workshop the library.

We can put you in room 312 next time.

312 is an earth science room.

It's not too...

It's not great for discovering literature...

You like the convivial aspect,

you bring coffee and biscuits...

But I have no other solution. Don't forget that these girls...

Are trainee care-givers. The workshop's optional.

To be frank, if we canceled it,

they wouldn't care, apart from one or two.

One or two is already a lot.

Juliette, I understand,

but I have no solution.

The new cut really suits you.

We'll stay as we are until the holidays, then move to 312.

What is this shit? Tea-time again?

Put your phones away, please, and come in quietly.

Laura: IMPOSSIBLE TONIGHT AFTER SCHOOL.

Alright...

Try to settle down quietly for once.

Chill, madam, we just got here.

Can you pass these back to the others?

You got your hair done or what?

Dress, heels, jacket... The works!

You look good.

I forgot my book.

It suits you.

You're serious, madam.

Yes, I'm serious today.

Got a date later?

Leave her be!

I bet she's got a date.

Are you all here?

No, Cindy isn't coming, she's sick.

I hope you've read

that small extract like I asked you to.

Madam, believe me,

I read two lines and I was lost.

I don't know if they're the same...

I mean, what is it, a novel, a book?

Your book's crazy.

It's about ancient people, while now we're in 2012.

I dunno why you talk to us about all this... It's crazy.

Let's see about that.

You can understand. Everyone can understand it.

Let's go.

"As Mildred carried him out,

she knew her son was thinking:

we won't go to the lighthouse.

She knew he'd remember it all his life.

No, she thought, children never forget.

For this reason, it was important

what one said and did,

and it was a relief when they went to bed.

For now she need not think about anybody.

She could be herself, by herself.

Although she continued to knit and sat upright,

it was thus that she felt herself;

and this self, having shed its attachments,

was free for the strangest adventures.

Our apparitions,

the things you know us by,

are simply childish.

Beneath it is all dark, it is all spreading,

it is unfathomably deep.

But now and again we rise to the surface

and that is what you see us by."

Come on! Who's speaking in this extract?

His old lady.

Yes, the mother. And?

The author.

What does the mother say?

She's sick of her kids.

She's a big slut she shouldn't have had kids.

Even so,

what does she say at the start about her son?

Anyway it's always the same: parents never keep promises.

Right on!

He'll never forget.

Children never forget.

I remember all my mum's shit.

True experience...

Shut it.

So what do you think?

I'll never give my kids any shit.

I won't have kids. That way. I won't talk crap.

That way, I won't talk crap

and promise stuff I won't do.

I won't have kids. I'll never marry.

Who gives a shit?

It's true, I don't want to have kids!

In your dreams! You'll get knocked up like Cindy!

- Alone with a daughter. - Cut it out.

It's the same thing!

It isn't. Cindy's a whore.

No, Brenda, no insults please!

Cut it out now!

Ask around.

Jessica, If Melissa doesn't want kids, that's her choice.

She'll do as she wants. So will you.

In France, women are free.

Free in their bodies, free to marry or have kids,

to work. To vote...

We're not all living in the same France.

Bye!

Hello, I'm Mia Deshaies.

Hello.

I'm Mia, the new au pair.

Yes, forgive me. I'm Marianne, the mother.

Come in.

This is your room.

Don't worry, it's a quiet street.

Great.

Make yourself at home.

You have TV, Wi-Fi

and your own bathroom.

You're totally independent.

Thanks, this is really nice.

I'll like it here.

Can I take a shower? I need one after that trip.

Of course. Help yourself to towels. See you later.

See you later. Thanks!

It's green tea. The best.

Thank you.

You went to Shanghai alone?

Yes, but I met lots of people.

You're here to study.

Yes, Oriental Languages.

You speak very good French.

I guess. My mother's from Quebec.

I'm learning Chinese.

I hope you won't be bored here.

It's not Shanghai.

No, I'm never bored.

Thank you.

Most of your work will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

My husband goes to Brussels twice a week for work

and Strasbourg too.

The girls will be delighted to have a "stranger" around.

So will I.

I'll be glad of the company.

I know you've only just arrived

but I'm very tired today.

Could you fetch the girls at school?

Sure, no problem! Where is their school?

It's a ten minute walk away.

I'll write a note for the teacher.

You'll recognize them. This is a good likeness.

...chestnut hair, brown eyes,

dressed in jeans and a pink hooded coat.

If you see the child, don't intervene

but call the police at 08 05...

CASSAN PARK

MATHIEU CALLING...

IGNORE

You can see Fortier at 5 today

or tomorrow at 8:30 AM before he goes to London.

Let me know.

I'm busy so leave a message.

Mathieu, it's Juliette.

5 o'clock is too tight for me

but I can be at the office at 8:30 AM tomorrow.

Thank you.

Hi Mom!

How are you?

Got our snack?

No snack today.

Why not?

I didn't have time.

Robinson... Robinson!

Stay here, Robinson! Right here!

I told you to play near the games.

You're getting on my nerves! Play with your friends.

We have to make them listen.

It's not always easy.

Jules is fine. But Robinson...

Stop that right now!

I think he must be deaf.

When his dad's away, he's unbearable.

It's me. Anybody home?

You're back early.

I didn't stop off at the office.

OK? Where are the girls?

Everything's fine. They're with Mia, the new au pair.

What are they doing?

No idea. Ten minutes ago, they were making pancakes.

What's that?

It's a bow.

I've...

Decided...

To take up archery.

Look.

It's beautiful.

Where will you do it?

In the garden.

I'll set up a target.

Isn't it dangerous?

You just have to be careful.

It's the perfect balance between body and mind.

So?

What's the au pair like?

Mia. Her name's Mia.

She's great.

Life seems so simple for her.

Girls!

Girls, I'm home!

Daddy's here.

We're learning Chinese!

Wonderful!

Hello, Pia. I'm Grégory.

Hello. It's Mia.

Laura!

Hi, Pauline? How's it going?

Are they your friends?

Yeah.

Sorry about earlier but I have another job today.

It's alright, I understand.

It was very short notice.

See you soon.

Bye, Pauline.

Pauline, put your boots on. Let's go.

It's late.

You're right, It'll be bath-time soon.

I don't know if you're the same

but the idea of it gets my stomach in knots.

I'm going to be alone, alone with both of them...

Which way are you going?

That way.

Me too. It will help them get moving. Let's go.

Call your brother.

Joseph!

Where is he?

Jules! Robinson! Come on, time to go!

- Who's it? - He is.

Who's it?

No, you are! You have to touch me again!

You're it!

Why all the police cars?

There's a police car and a fire truck!

There's someone in the water!

It's weird.

Come on now, we don't have time!

You two as well.

Besides, you might fall in. Move it.

Why are they in the water?

To look for something.

What?

I don't know.

They must be cold.

Louise, stop fidgeting. Try to concentrate.

Start again.

But I'm tired...

Daddy's home!

Daddy!

- Hi, beauty. How are you? - Fine. And you?

I'm great.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

I got the bread.

There was a real mess around the park.

There were cops at the gate, firemen in the water...

Really? I didn't see anything.

What's all this about going out tonight?

I met someone when I dropped the kids off today.

I was at school with her.

She invited us, I couldn't refuse.

A dinner party is the last thing I need.

Louise, take your brother for his bath.

Can't he have his bath alone?

What is it?

Nothing. Laura comes at 8 PM. I have to hurry.

I'm always hurrying. It drives me crazy.

What do you think I do all day?

Your father called.

He wants you to go with him to the Golf Show.

I'll call him tomorrow.

I had no idea the Golf Show existed.

My grandmother has died.

We have to arrange the funeral.

Where will she be buried?

At home in Normandy.

That's handy. Are you going?

She's my grandmother, Bertrand.

I know, but you didn't see her often.

Right. I'll get ready.

What are you cooking?

Chicken,

mashed potatoes and leeks, and a lemon tart if I have the guts.

How are you cooking the chicken?

In the oven, at 100°C, in a pot.

That'll take forever.

Two hours.

Why go to such trouble?

Because it's better.

Too complicated. It's bad enough making food every day.

I know, you've never liked to cook.

Making food and cooking isn't the same thing.

- What are you doing tonight? - Nothing.

You don't wanna go at Angela's?

She's a drag. She's self-centered and she's old.

Come on, she's your age.

I don't want to smoke on the balcony

and have jasmine tea at 10 PM,

when all I want is some red wine.

I'd rather be alone.

Mum, you need to see people.

They'll stop inviting you.

No one invites a woman who's alone.

When your dad was away, friends would say,

Let's do dinner when Jean's back.

I'd spend my time with Maxime and you.

But when I was away, he was invited.

Poor man, alone with the children...

You'll meet other people, make new friends.

It's only been a year.

Let time do its work.

"Let time do its work"...

The way you talk.

A thesis on contemporary literature

and you sound like magazine.

I have no more time to give.

Sharing a life means what it says.

I gave over half of mine to your dad.

I'm not sure he gave me half of his.

Mum, drop it...

It's true, you'll see.

At first,

we agreed on everything. It was important

to be self-sufficient and independent.

When I had you, I saw what independence was.

He carried on living like before

while I shopped and looked after you.

It was less tiring to do it all alone

than to try to get him to help.

Can you help me with these?

I think I became insufferable then.

I was obsessed with tidiness. I'd spend all day at the mall.

Buying things for the house and groceries.

Then I tried to stop

everyone from disturbing my tidy home.

Why eat? Why change clothes? It makes such a mess.

If you do the potatoes now, won't they crumble?

I'm going to mash them.

Yes, you're right.

Excuse me.

Mathieu, you got my message?

Yes, it's a bummer you couldn't come at 5

but never mind. Tomorrow, it's at 8 AM, not 8:30 AM,

and the meeting point is in front of the train station.

His train arrives at 9:13 AM.

OK, I'll be there at 8, no problem.

Good luck.

I'll call you later.

Take care.

Know what I did this weekend?

No.

Is something wrong?

No, everything's fine.

Wouldn't cloth napkins be better?

I don't have enough.

I went back to Montmorency. I saw the house.

Don't do that, it'll get you down.

Not at all. I didn't even feel sad.

I saw the places we'd walk when you were little. I was fine.

I'm getting old.

I don't even care about my memories anymore.

I couldn't put up

with so much disappointment and sorrow.

You weren't moved to think of our childhood? Your family life?

There isn't one moment you miss?

I don't know.

Yes, perhaps the period before Maxime was born.

I wanted to move to Italy. You were three.

To Italy? What for?

A whim? A passing fancy?

No, something else.

Why don't you do it now?

What's stopping you?

It's too late.

You need time ahead of you to do that.

I used to think I'd do this with a man,

that, with children, that, when I had a house...

I've spent my life waiting to be ready to start living.

When I was ready at last, it was already over.

I was waiting for the next stage

but there is no next stage.

Grandma Nicole!

You were able to make it after all.

You see.

She got here half an hour ago.

I see Fortier at 8 am. You need to drop the kids off.

No problem with enough warning...

Hello, Thomas. I'll be going. I just dropped in to say hello.

Don't let me scare you off.

I forgot, we have people for dinner...

I'll change. Are the kids upstairs?

Yes.

See you later.

I have to look after Maxime's kids tomorrow evening.

Have you seen their new place?

No, not yet.

It's incredible.

After just one month, it's already a pigsty.

Pauline, haven't you had your bath?

No, I'm playing.

She hasn't had her bath?

You gave Joseph his and forgot her?

She said she hadn't had time to play.

You should have told her to go.

You're afraid to tell her: "Stop playing, have your bath."

While you chat to your mother...

You're afraid to tell her.

"I'm busy now, we have guests tonight."

I made dinner for 6 all the same.

Right, she does all the talking. Always on about herself.

She cheered you up, I imagine?

Now you're all dressed up. Where's the wine you were getting?

I asked you this morning and you didn't answer me!

You've got a nerve!

I'll go now. There'll be somewhere still open.

Pauline, behave. We don't have much time.

Take your skirt off!

Had your bath?

You're beautiful, Mummy.

The color reminds of the flowers in Grandma's garden.

- Can I wear this one? - Any one you want.

- Are you sure? - Yes!

But it's clean.

So?

You said we can't take clean things no matter what.

Tonight you can.

You have a babysitter tonight.

I don't want one. I'm too big.

She's coming anyway.

- Who is it? - Laura.

Laura is nice.

Where are you going?

For dinner with Daddy.

But I'd rather stay here with you.

I love you, sweetheart.

Me too.

You're my little girl.

- What about Gaspard? - Gaspard too.

Gaspard and you.

And Daddy?

Daddy too.

And Laura?

Laura too.

Come on, put your nightshirt on. Give me a kiss.

See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow, Mummy.

Come in!

No kidding? You're going to do it?

I'll call you back I'm babysitting.

Hello, Laura, how are you?

Hello, Betty, I'm good.

They've eaten and had their baths. You just have to put them to bed.

Hello, Laura.

I'm ready.

Great, we can go.

You're going like that?

Why, it doesn't suit me?

It does, it's great.

Just a minute...

"In the big green room, there's a phone

and red ball and a picture..."

Sorry, it's for Mummy, it's important.

Yes, Mathieu?

Hello, Juliette, is this a bad time?

No, go ahead.

You must be with the kids...

It's bad news. Forget about tomorrow. They picked Martin Delhomme.

They did?

He saw Fortier at 7 PM and they clicked.

And I think the collection editor prefers to work with a man. Sorry.

It's not your fault, Mathieu.

I'll call you later.

Thanks anyway.

- Take care. - You too.

Bad news?

No, it's nothing at all.

Let's carry on.

"Good night room.

Good night lamp.

Good night sky.

Good night stars.

Good night Moon.

Good night all the sounds of the Earth..."

This girl, Juliette, she's weird. She always impressed me.

I thought she'd moved abroad.

I was almost disappointed to find her here

with her two kids and her shopping bag, just like me.

You shouldn't let others impress you.

I know. No one impresses you.

Laura is funny.

You said she was common.

You're wrong, I like her working-class side.

It reminds me of when you worked in street markets...

When I got up at 5 to lug crates around.

I walked past this house the other day.

They have a dog called Betty like me.

I heard her master calling out and playing with her.

"Betty, come on! Good girl, Betty!

You're a good dog, yes you are!"

Then, right after, I heard him yell: "Fuck, that bitch!"

I think she'd bitten him.

It's not so bad.

Where did you find it?

The wine store was still open.

Yes, it's not bad.

Have you sorted out that appointment?

They're here. I'll tell you later.

Good evening.

My husband, Thomas.

- Betty. - Pleased to meet you.

Let me take your coat.

- How are you? - Fine, and you?

- Bertrand. - Hi, I'm Thomas.

Please, go on in.

You have a nice living room...

Funny, we all decided to walk...

And here we are.

I know what's in there...

I nearly got some, they're delicious.

They'd run out of violet.

Salted caramel's my favorite. Do you know them?

What are they?

You don't know Bauman's macaroons?

Well no.

You were at high school together? Incredible...

Actually, I was in her sister's year.

Yes, Sophie's year.

Have a seat...

A Sancerre from the Wine Club,

that little store near the train station.

I get all my wine there now.

They always have good finds.

I'm never disappointed.

Yes, this is good, dry and fruity.

Been here long?

Almost eight months now.

You're the headmaster at Jean Jaurès?

I drove by the other day.

You have some scary specimens there.

Don't say that. Most of them are nice.

Nice...

They've repeated three years, they're 2 meters tall...

You can't do much with them.

I'm trying to set up a few things.

You know, the school day

is the only real structure they have.

You have to trust them...

I think it's time to eat...

- We take our glasses? - No, don't worry.

Can I have some water?

Yes, I'll get you a glass right away.

Thank you.

What line are you in?

The European Affairs Secretariat, in agriculture.

Quotas and all that.

Interesting. It must be a lot of work.

Especially now. We're often in the hot seat.

I don't want to worry Marianne but it's tough.

I can imagine.

It's hard taking a step back.

Yes, we have difficult jobs.

It's not easy leaving work at the door.

I'm an urban planner.

Our firm is on the Greater Paris project.

It's fascinating work.

Help yourselves.

Bertrand, don't start, please.

But I'm interested.

Aren't there huge delays?

I have to admit, in some areas,

we're behind schedule.

We're trying to learn from the past.

We're asking a lot of questions, we're making huge efforts.

Juliette, I'd love a drop of sauce.

Greater Paris is a long-term project, an ambitious one,

to revolutionize urban life...

Enough, Bertrand.

What? It's important, isn't it?

It's the future of our landscape, our children...

"A mass of houses is not enough to make a city

you need faces and cherries

blue swallows and slender dancers

a screen

and images that tell stories..."

What's that?

A poem. "City" by Tahar Ben Jelloun.

That's nice.

It's nice to be able to recite poems.

It's beautiful.

Thomas is very fond of poetry.

He writes poems too sometimes. He could recite one.

He even asks what I think of his style.

Juliette always teases me about that.

She seems to think

that men are animals

who don't understand human emotions.

Forget Tolstoy,

Flaubert, Hemingway...

And countless others.

It's delicious.

Simple, but delicious.

Thank you.

Where are

the fucking plates?

Why do I piss myself off like this?

Can we make some coffee?

That's what I'm doing!

Great.

What is it? What's wrong?

Nothing.

I know you. What have I done?

Nothing. Not a thing!

Come on, relax.

Don't invite people if it gets you in this state.

Besides, you invited them all.

Let me take that.

You're so useless!

What?

You heard about the little girl?

- What girl? - Samantha, that was kidnapped...

Savannah.

Same thing.

The mother confessed.

She reported a kidnapping but it was her.

She choked the girl in the night and dumped her in the lake.

They fished her out tonight.

She choked her?

That's horrible...

Cindy Baudin, 19.

Right here...

Where are the social services?

A 19-year-old with a 2-year-old kid!

Cindy...

2 and a half.

They have too much work.

That's true...

Cindy Baudin... I know her...

She's in my workshop.

How could she?

Marianne!

It's just a glass of wine...

I saw her this morning, in the park. I spoke to her.

She had her leather jacket on...

You're sure?

I think we saw her last night. You nearly ran her down.

That could have been anyone. We couldn't see in the dark.

Juliette, even if you know her,

does that change anything?

What kind of workshop?

A literature workshop.

That's good, literature...

A woman needs to keep busy, right?

Drat, I forgot the lemon tart...

That was a delicious meal but...

I couldn't eat another bite.

Betty, we need to let the babysitter go.

Look how serious he is tonight. "Let the babysitter go."

No way, I want a slice of lemon tart.

Lemon tart it is, then.

Take care.

Thanks, see you soon.

Bertrand, you have the wrong jacket.

Sorry.

It's time we were going.

Good night, Betty.

Good night and thank you.

You're welcome.

See you soon.

It'll do us good to walk.

Take care.

Excuse me.

Know where they're going?

No...

For a nightcap at Betty and Bertrand's.

Why do you say that?

Because I know they are.

I heard Betty invite them outside the bathroom.

So I drop the kids off in the morning?

No, don't bother anymore.

Mathieu called when you were out. They picked someone.

Shit...

You can say that again.

It's for the best.

Don't say that. I know you're disappointed.

It was too complicated. Going to Montrouge every day...

We would have worked it out.

What will you do now?

Keep writing for reviews. I'll take on more work.

An occasional job for occasional pay...

You're really disgusting...

Really disgusting.

Don't take it badly.

One day, I'll earn less than you.

I don't care about money.

Maybe you should have stayed a teacher.

It was easier.

Easier?

You asked yourself fewer questions.

We'll do this tomorrow.

I'm nearly done.

Once, at dinner parties, we'd play music and dance. We had fun.

Tonight it sucked like a committee meeting.

You're never happy.

You're never satisfied.

What a pain. Come to bed.

No, I want a cigarette.

Come here.