Original subtitles

[narrator] What is God?

Is God peace?

Is God light?

Is God love?

-[bell chimes] -[narrator] Is God power?

Everything He wants comes true.

Thy will be done.

The history of religion is based on hatred and violence.

-Faith causes pain and death. -[gunshots]

The more prayer, the more blood.

For each prayer, a tombstone.

-For each faith, an enemy. -This thing isn't God!

[narrator] At this very moment,

people are dying for a holy cause.

USA INVADES AFGHANISTAN

DAMNED SAINT

And why does no one see this?

Because it's almost impossible to face the end.

Emptiness. Nothingness.

The truth is unbearable.

God doesn't exist.

Any questions?

[students laugh, murmur]

[bell chimes]

[chattering]

CHAPTER 1 THE SYMPHONY OF CHANCE

Gabi needs new clothes.

-Did she ask you? -No, but her clothes don't fit anymore.

When did Gabi become a teenager?

Yeah. Nothing's eternal.

Not even us?

Reinaldo, I'm thinking of going back to work.

Oh, no. Let's go back to philosophizing

-about eternity. -Okay. Let's.

Not us, not life, and least of all, our money will last forever.

Nor your doctorate. And that's what matters now.

We don't even have this month's rent.

I might as well go back to work.

Honey, when my book is published, things will get better.

So books make money now?

Even if your book is a best seller, it still can't buy a pair of jeans.

-We have a teenage daughter-- -Books lead to interviews…

-Hmm? -…which lead to newspaper articles,

-which lead to lectures… [laughs] -[laughs]

…which lead to how horny you make me feel.

-Reinaldo, I mean it. -I mean it too.

[moans]

-[crickets chirping] -[dog barks]

[sighs]

[inhales]

[sighs]

[Reinaldo] The symphony of chance is the music of our lives.

Since nothing has meaning, we need to create meaning.

The despair of chaos makes us believe in anything,

even God.

[sighs]

Since nothing has meaning, we need to create meaning.

Despair of chaos makes us believe in anything, even God.

The symphony of chance

[chair creaks]

[blender whirs]

Good morning.

-Good morning. -Hey, Mom. Can I borrow this?

-Of course, honey. -Hmm.

Okay. And you're picking me up from practice today, okay?

-Me? -Yeah. And don't even try saying

mom has more time.

I'd love to just study all day long.

Oh, so you mean studying doesn't require time or hard work?

-Oh, honey. -[moans]

-Can you smell that? -[both] Smell what?

The smell of dad's jealousy.

-[laughs] -[laughs] You're hilarious.

I'd love to pick you up after practice

but I have one of those damn faculty meetings.

-My God, they're awful. -God doesn't exist.

That's true but hell does, and it's called a "faculty meeting."

Dad, here's an idea, why don't you skip it?

-[Reinaldo] Hmm. -Tell them your grandma died.

-Honey! Do you do that? -Oh yeah, plenty of times. [laughs]

Our agreement to not lie is just between us.

All teachers have to be there, honey. It's the rule.

Hmm, and since when do you follow rules?

When I need more hours.

You know what? I'll pick you up. With one condition.

[Reinaldo] Hmm?

-Do the dishes for two weeks. -[Reinaldo] Aha, oh?

-[Gabi laughs] -Talkin' to you.

-Me? No. You. -[parent] Yes, you.

Two against one?

Exactly.

Okay, you're both amazing. I couldn't live without you.

[person] It is of utmost importance that we standardize all the rules.

When in doubt, please check the guidebook.

If we each do things our own way, it's chaotic, right, folks?

That's why these regulations are so important.

Our head office ran a detailed survey of the major college entrance exams--

Please excuse me, everyone.

I have to go. Uh, my grandmother has just passed away.

-I'm so sorry. -My condolences.

Yeah, honey, just the other day you cried

-because you wanted an Olaf doll. -Hmm.

Now you're competing in an international tae kwon do match.

Yeah.

Dad, listen. If I lose, do you think I'll lose my scholarship?

Of course not, Gabi.

You're the best student at that gym, by far.

Okay, but what if I don't even make it to the semifinals?

Honey, "what if", "what if".

What if you let things happen?

-You don't control everything, Gabi. -Hmm.

Things just happen.

Okay.

You told Mom you were picking me up, right?

-I did. -Okay, then.

-It's all good. -[chuckling] Okay.

[engine starts]

[parent] Thanks.

-[taxi driver] No problem. Bye, bye. -Thanks.

[vehicles honking]

Mister!

Mister, I forgot my purse.

-[taxi driver] Here you go. -Oh, thanks a lot.

-[taxi driver] No problem. All set? -All set.

Picking up Gabi. Love you. XOXO.

-[engine revs] -[vehicles crash]

-[gasps] -[door opens]

[taxi driver] Motherfucker.

[motorcyclist] You crazy?

You know you're paying for this shit, right, asshole?

Paying for what, man? Nothing happened, look.

-That bike's too much for you. -Fuck you.

You really fucked this up.

Hey, Buddy, this isn't your backyard.

Buddy? Am I your fucking friend, man?

Leave now, or you'll regret it. Fuck off.

Is this a joke to you?

[people shouting, gasping]

-[bystander 1] Whoa, guys! -[bystander 2] Put that down!

Who the fuck is leaving now?

GOD IS IN CHARGE

-Relax, this isn't necessary. -[bystander 3] I'm calling the cops.

Give up! Let go.

-Drop that gun. Drop that-- -[gunshot]

[vehicles honking]

Dad, I just want to stop dreading it so much, you know?

Would it help to know I'll be with you?

Of course it helps.

I'll be with you. Come what may, okay?

-Okay. -[laughs]

[groans]

[groaning, gasping]

[gasps]

-[heartbeat thumping] -[choking]

[panting]

[splutters]

-[panting] -[machines ringing, beeping]

[doctors murmuring]

[phone rings]

[ventilator hissing]

[panting continues]

[person on PA, indistinct]

[machine beeping]

[ventilator hissing]

I'm sorry for all this bureaucracy right now.

But you still need to sign these documents.

Since you have no health insurance, we're going to need financial assurances

so we can admit Maria Clara.

-[machine beeping] -[people murmuring]

Lord, it is written in Your Word.

For what is impossible for men is possible for God.

Please, I implore you.

Unleash Your power over this situation.

Grandma, how is this going to help?

[grandmother sighs]

-[crying] -Praying is never useless, honey.

[sobs, sniffles]

It'll be okay. It'll be okay.

[Gabi sobbing]

SACRED HEART Hospital

[footsteps approaching]

Sorry for the wait. I'm Dr. Mércia.

How is she, Doctor?

We managed to reverse the cardiac arrest

and the surgery was a success, but she suffered hemorrhagic shock.

And she's entered what we call a persistent vegetative state.

But how long will she stay like this?

-That's very hard to say. -No. You need to tell me.

Because I put my wife in the best hospital in the city.

And you will give me an answer.

How long will she stay like this, lying lifeless on a bed?

Her chances of coming back are one in a million.

[Reinaldo] This is the seduction of God.

You say He exists but never see Him.

You say you feel Him

but never touch Him.

You say God can do anything

but when a tragedy happens, they are part of His mysterious plans.

Doesn't really hold up, does it?

-I have a question. -Yes?

Through every era, why do so many people believe in God?

-That one's for You, buddy. -[laughs]

It's a paradox.

It's precisely because God doesn't exist

that people believe in Him.

But there many things we can't smell, see, or touch,

and yet they exist.

Such as?

Love.

-[students] Aw! -It's true, guys.

I'll tell you what love is.

Love is a chemical reaction.

I shouldn't have asked you to pick me up.

No, Gabi.

Sometimes, we can't control such things.

So, that's it? Suddenly, out of nowhere?

Life's like that sometimes.

-Is Mom gonna die? -No.

But she might stay this way forever.

That's the same as dying, Dad.

[wings flapping]

[dove cooing]

-[ventilator hissing] -[machine beeping]

[curtain opens]

[gasps] Sorry, sir, I didn't see you there.

[nurse] It's been a month, right?

I know just how it feels to wait for a miracle from God.

My mom's also been like this for four years now.

It feels like an eternity.

How do you bear it?

I cling to my faith.

Without faith, we're nothing.

[exhales]

Excuse me.

Financial Office

Don't worry, sir, the hospital offers payment plans.

Oh, I have something else for you.

SUPPORT GROUP

The hospital also cares about our patients' families.

-Thanks. -[phone rings]

patients in a vegetative state

What is a vegetative state?

[footsteps approaching]

Hi, Reinaldo. What are you still doing here?

Silvana, I need more hours.

We're in the middle of the year. Our schedule is full.

I know you can help me.

I understand your situation, Reinaldo.

But put yourself in my shoes.

To give you more hours, I'd have to take hours from another professor.

[sighs]

-Day or night? -[Maria Clara] Night.

Beatles or Rolling Stones?

-Clash. -Cheater.

-Prose or poetry? -Prose.

God or the devil? No cheating.

Since I have no choice, the devil.

[footsteps]

[students chattering]

-Now or forever? -Now.

-Should your answer worry me? -No, all we have is the now.

We have to live it up.

Nothing is eternal.

[heartbeat thumping]

[machine whirring]

[sighs]

[doctors murmuring]

[whirring continues, muffled]

-[phone rings] -[receptionist, indistinct]

[ventilator beeping]

[card reader beeps]

[sighs]

[ventilator beeping continues]

No.

[sobbing]

Oh, my love…

[beeping continues]

You were the best thing that ever happened to me.

[gasps, exhales]

[sobs] What would I do without you?

[laughs]

[crying] Why? Why?

My love.

[computer beeps]

[beeping accelerates]

My love…

My love…

[Reinaldo] Help me.

[crying] Oh, help me, God.

[gasping]

[Reinaldo] Love of my life.

I can't see you like this.

Gabi and I will live for you.

[heartbeat thumping]

Nothing is eternal.

We've always known.

-[heartbeat continues] -[beeping continues]

[beeping accelerates]

[breathing heavily]

[beeping continues]

[Maria Clara shrieks]

-[gasping] -[alarm ringing]

-[gasping] -[ringing continues]

-[panting] -[ventilator beeping]

Prophets of the Faith Church

[pedestrians chattering]

[person, indistinct]

[Maria Clara shrieks through phone]

[nurse] I read the charts meticulously, Pastor.

This woman was in a coma until this man showed up--

Do you know who this man is?

The patient's husband.

-His name is-- -He's special.

This is a sign, Brother.

[inhales] This man was used by God

to perform a miracle.

[gasping]

-Praise the Lord. -Praise the Lord!

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[machine ringing]

[gasps]

Reinaldo?

-Reinaldo. -Hey, hey, I'm here. Relax, relax.

-Reinaldo. [breathes heavily] -I'm here, relax. Stay calm.

-Reinaldo. -Everything's okay.

It's all gonna be okay.

[Dr. Mércia] But why were you in the ICU?

Listen, my wife is blind. How about you worry about that?

After this kind of trauma, the brain can take a while to fully restore its senses.

Are you saying she'll see again?

-It's possible. -I hope you're right.

HOSPITAL FEES

[phone ringing]

420,000? That's absurd!

It's all itemized.

-Inpatient fees, surgical fees-- -I saw.

Now I need your signature to approve the next phase of her treatment.

["A Cara do Crime (Nós Incomoda)" playing]

-For you, ma'am, that vase costs 60. -[chuckling]

Pastor, I'm sorry, but I have to say this.

Your grandmother worked so hard to buy this place.

Why are you selling everything like this?

What we look at with sadness, God sees as a sacrifice, Sônia.

Amen.

Give this to Paulo, please.

May God multiply it, Sister.

[Paulo] Excuse me.

[panting]

You need to be more careful with those boxes there.

And you're the only one I trust, Paulo.

God have mercy. Hide that. Someone could walk in.

Forgive me, Pastor.

No, I'm sorry.

I should have gotten rid of this already.

I thought I'd protect us in our mission.

But in my state?

Better to pray. Even better than standing up.

[grunts]

Pastor, here's what we raised.

Whoa.

And this is from me to help God's work.

I'll keep the box.

May God multiply this for you, Paulo.

[sighs]

The manual.

Registration and a spare key.

-She's all yours. -[engine starts]

-Ah. -Oh, fuck! Sorry!

I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there.

Many people don't see me. I'm sort of invisible.

Bad day?

I've had worse.

And for that, I kneel before our Father.

I'd kneel right here, but obviously…

Go convert someone else.

Shouldn't you be happy?

Because God created heaven and earth? That's not a good reason.

Thanks.

-[PA chimes] -[announcer on PA, indistinct]

-You again? -You made me curious.

-What do you believe in? -In nothing. Let me eat. Please.

But you believe in nothing rather fervently.

"Vanity is emptiness.

Since we can't stand emptiness,

people, in their infinite vanity, manage to invent God."

-Wow. Someone read my book. -It's very convincing.

-I almost became an atheist. -Really? And where did I go wrong?

When you resuscitated your comatose wife.

What are you talking about?

The Lord sees everything we do.

God was not there.

But His angels tend to gossip.

Cool, bro. Bless you.

[Reinaldo sighs]

Would you give a sermon at my church, sir?

At Prophets of the Faith?

15,000 for a single sermon.

Are you inviting me to be a pastor?

God knows how long I've waited for this sign.

You're completely insane. Take this back.

Insane would be ignoring God when faced with a miracle.

What miracle? You're not making any sense.

Reinaldo, I've never seen one so clearly, and I can show you.

-Prophets of the Faith is a-- -Excuse me!

PRONÓPIO PUBLISHING

You said you had to talk to me right away?

What else do you need?

Caiuby, I don't even know how to ask this.

Let's see.

REASON AGAINST FAITH

Your first book is great.

There's a sense of militant atheism. Didn't sell shit.

But it's lucid and sharp-witted.

And the next one?

Reinaldo, I want to help you.

But you need to put your words on paper.

You can't keep playing mnemonic songs for SAT prep students.

Caiuby--

Listen, if you wrote down all the excuses you've already given me,

you'd have a book with, like, 500 pages.

Well?

-I want time. More time. -[scoffs] You always ask for that.

I thought you'd come to ask for money.

I've never asked you for money. I even used to lend it to you.

[chuckles]

Okay. I'll give you 15 more days.

-Fifteen days? -Yeah. For the first chapter.

And then we'll see if it has a chance or if it's yet another one for the pile.

Caiuby, where did you learn to be so sarcastic?

It wasn't back in college.

[chuckles] The world has ups and downs. That's the irony.

How is Maria Clara doing? Give her a really big kiss for me.

[laughing]

Dude! Look at your face! You should have seen your face!

We're just friends.

[giggles]

"And it had three ribs in its mouth, and it was told:

'Eat all the flesh you want.'"

I could have run.

But I didn't run.

I could have danced.

But I didn't dance.

I could have raised myself up toward heaven.

But I didn't stand up.

I could have simply loved God, but I--

And so God took everything from me.

And He said, "Sit in this chair.

I'll tell you everything you have to do."

[footsteps approaching]

Only God knows how I've waited for His sign.

And He told me:

"Today, we are few.

But soon, very soon, we will be a legion."

-Amen. -Amen.

[congregation] Praise God! Hallelujah!

[congregant] Praise God!

[pastor] A miracle.

[Reinaldo] Love of my life.

What's this?

-How did you get this? -Shh. This is the best part.

You will explain this to me.

Divine chance brought this truth to me.

Relax, I won't sh-show it to anyone.

On the condition that I deliver a sermon for you, right?

You can erase it.

Extortion isn't compatible with free will.

[cell phone chimes]

REASONING AGAINST FAITH

-[Reinaldo] You read my book? -[pastor] Mm-hmm.

Why would an atheist preach the Word of God?

You may not believe in Him.

But He believes in you.

How do I even give a sermon?

What good professor doesn't know how?

Professor,

look at this place.

One sermon here in the middle of nowhere.

No one but God would ever know.

But you don't believe in Him.

Look. This is all of my life savings right here.

It's time to invest in faith.

I'll see you on Saturday.

Go in peace, Brother.

[Gabi] Gee, it's too bad you can't see me fight in the championship, huh?

[Maria Clara] Aw, my baby.

Mom's always going to be with you. Always.

-[Gabi] Thanks. -[Maria Clara] Uh-huh. [kisses]

I think it's all here.

-That's great. -Okay, then shall we? Let's go.

-Good luck, honey. -Thanks, Mom.

Are you ready?

-[machine beeping] -Honey, I can't go with you.

-[Maria Clara] What, why not? -There was an emergency with Caiuby.

Dad, you promised. You said, "Come what may." Remember?

Okay. Thank you very much, Dad.

That's really great of you. I mean it.

I'll go with you.

You're lying.

-Are you lying? -No.

But selling the car won't cover it, I…

I'll have to beg that self-important prick for an advance to pay the hospital fees.

[sighs]

Why did you bring me here?

Because I would do anything for you.

GOD DOESN'T CHOOSE WHO IS ABLE, BUT ENABLES THE CHOSEN.

[sighs]

[exhales]

God's peace, Pastor.

-I'm so glad you came. -[chuckles]

No, no, no. I've reserved this seat here just for you.

You'll love this new pastor.

It will work for us this time, honey.

In the name of our Lord Jesus.

I promise you, okay?

Today's a very special day for us at Prophets of the Faith.

Today, our church welcomes a man who's been touched by God.

-Before us… -[coughing]

-Amen. -…a man who prayed to God

and brought his wife back to the land of the living.

I truly hope that today's testimony…

-[exhales] -…may multiply our faith.

-Amen. -[congregation] Amen. Hallelujah.

Please welcome,

Pastor Rei.

[playing slow organ music]

Jesus is the path to truth

[exhales]

[microphone feedback]

[microphone stand squeaks]

["Hallelujah" playing]

God doesn't exist.