Original subtitles

[dramatic classical music playing]

ONE FINE MORNING

[music fades]

[man] Coming. Just a minute.

Where is the...

-The key? -Yes, the key.

In the lock. You leave it in the door.

Where is the door?

The door is in front of you. The key's in the lock.

It's not. Fuck!

Don't panic. Reach out to find the doorknob.

-Okay. -And turn it.

I found it.

-Find it? Are you turning? -[doorknob rattling]

Yes, wait.

Which way?

To the right.

There we go.

[lock clicks]

Hello, Dad.

Hello, honey.

-Sit here. -Okay.

-You good? -Very good.

Despite my little problems. And you?

I'm fine.

And the person you tend to? I mean, your child?

Linn?

-Her teacher's out sick. She's thrilled. -Ah.

-That's not too bothersome? -I hope she won't fall behind.

Here.

And your stuff? You know what I mean.

-I work a lot. -[microwave chimes]

Commemorations start soon.

And I'm translating Annemarie Schwarzenbach's letters.

Say again?

Annemarie Schwarzenbach. A Swiss-German writer.

Close with Klaus Mann.

Klaus Mann. I know that name.

Son of Thomas Mann, your favorite writer.

Yes, for goodness' sake. Sure.

Can I help?

-Put your phone down. -I'm not sure.

You never know when Leïla tries calling.

-Well, we'll pick up. -Hm?

-We'll hear and pick up. -Think so?

-Sure. -I'm not sure it works.

-It works. I called before coming. -All right.

Here.

[indistinct chatter]

Can we go to the park? Everyone's there!

-[Sandra] First a kiss. -Let's go!

-How was school? -Yeah, we did a shooter drill.

-Meaning? -In case of a terrorist attack.

Oh. What do you do?

Lie down on the floor until the police come.

Great. That reassures me.

[children laughing and chattering]

-[Sandra] Yours? -Yes, thanks.

Sure.

-Jérémie, thank the lady. -I did.

Clément?

-"Lady"? So I've aged? -The glasses hid your face.

-Handsome boy. -[Clément] Thanks.

[Sandra] He's grown.

-You well? -I am. And you?

Not at the North Pole?

No. I'm just in Paris. Less exciting than you think.

Finish translating those letters?

-You remember? -I read Annemarie Schwarzenbach.

-I gave you a book. -Where Is the Land of Our Promises?

I read it on a boat between Tasmania and Antarctica.

Wow. Like it?

-The book? Yes, a lot. -And the expedition?

Fine. Except for the seasickness.

[chuckles] I want to hear.

-You never call. -You have to.

-Why me? -It's you who leaves.

Not forever. And that's no reason.

That's true.

[military band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner"]

[Sandra over PA] It took us one hour to reach the beach.

This was my first war experience.

At one point, we rammed into a German naval mine.

We fell into their trap.

We had to evacuate the landing craft.

The ramp was lowered.

[in English] Many of the men standing in the front of the boat

had been immediately killed.

Those who were not shot

had to jump into the water heavily equipped.

Many of them drowned.

[in French] Many of the men standing in the front of the boat

had been immediately killed.

Those who were not shot had to jump into the water heavily equipped.

Many of them drowned.

[trumpet playing "Taps"]

-[indistinct chatter] -[seagulls cawing]

[pensive classical music playing]

[speaking French]

-[in English] Designation of origin. -Yes.

[speaking French]

[in English] Distilled in a still pot. Um...

[speaking French]

[in English] Swan's neck.

[speaking French]

[man in English] The alcohol vapor goes up through the cap,

then through the swan's neck,

then it reaches the condenser.

On contact with cold, the vapor becomes liquid again.

The less the barrel is burned,

more the aromas of the calvados will be fruity, fresh, floral.

And the more the barrel is burned, the richer the notes.

Leather, dried tobacco, cocoa.

[in French] I thought we'd snuggle a bit.

Yes.

-It takes two to snuggle. -Mm.

Come. Get dressed. We have lots to do.

What?

Visit your great-grandmother.

Then your grandfather.

You can't do that to me!

Show some enthusiasm.

You haven't seen them in ages.

They'll be so happy.

Here.

-Take it easy. -[woman] Coming.

[Linn] Coming.

-Hello, Linn. I'm glad to see you. -[Linn] Hello.

-Me too. -Hi.

Come in.

-Hello, Jacqueline. -Hello, Sandra.

Can I help you?

How do you feel?

You feel okay?

-Yes. I'm fine. -Not too tired?

It's a bit difficult at times...

living.

Sometimes I go out.

To go to the hairdresser, to go--

No, the pedicurist comes, the manicurist comes.

To go to the dentist.

To go for the eyes, for the ears...

Everything in need of repair!

And I don't do it all.

Because...

it'd be too much.

I can't always go out.

I can't go down the stairs.

I need someone in front of me,

whom I follow.

I hold onto the rail, as if... I were in a cage.

It makes going out less fun.

And in the street,

when you're in a wheelchair, people look at you differently,

because they know you're very old.

But people are nice.

"Oh... poor lady, in her wheelchair."

I'm fine. I'm always at ease.

You mustn't let people take pity on you.

They mustn't take pity.

You must show you're there.

That you are a living person.

Pity-- forget that.

Never accept pity.

-See Leïla this week? -Yes.

Actually, it was a while ago.

-You're happy when you're with her. -Yes. Very happy.

-I always fear... -[Sandra] She stops coming?

That's it.

You know she loves you.

Yes, really.

-But she has a lot of... -Obligations.

Yes, exactly.

She still comes every week.

I finished my drawing. It's for you.

Thank you.

Excuse me, honey, but it hurts.

-[Sandra] Need the bathroom? -Yes.

I'll take you.

The bowl's there.

No, this way.

-You're good? -[Georg] Yes. Don't worry about me.

[cell phone ringing]

Not answering?

My father.

-Maybe he has a problem? -Of course he does.

It's not nice.

I'll call him back, okay?

Can I taste?

-Okay. -Thanks.

Give it back?

-So good. Mmm! -Give it!

No, it's my ice cream!

[woman] His condition is deteriorating.

Can't use the bathroom, put on pajamas.

Hallucinations.

Your father needs more than one, two, even three visits a day.

He needs full-time care.

The only choice is a home.

You agree, don't you?

Yes.

Leïla and your aunt want a private nursing home.

But a good place in Paris is unaffordable.

No professor pension covers it, and no one in the family can pay.

I visited two inexpensive private ones, and they're cash cows.

It's awful.

The papers are full of horror stories.

I put some aside for you.

Thanks.

I have the names of two public homes.

One in the 18th seems possible.

Anyway, brace yourself, it's no fun.

Your father may be GAL 1.

Meaning?

Autonomy level.

One is the maximum.

He'll be with much older patients, Alzheimer's...

The ones I saw were zombies.

But since he can't see, maybe he won't realize. Here.

Thanks.

[Françoise] Public homes have very long waiting lists.

One or two years.

Someone must die to free a bed.

Privates ones have shorter waiting lists.

We'll have to give up his apartment and decide what to do with his stuff.

Is it that urgent?

Sure is.

If we pay 5,000 a month, we need money.

We can't waste his retirement

on an apartment he'll never go back to.

What about his books?

I don't know.

Give them away.

Or throw them away.

Throw them away? Burn them, while you're at it.

You take them.

You kidding? You've seen my bookshelves!

-Your basement? -It's filled to the brim!

His books are his life.

I know. What can we do?

An hour by foot back to base.

It was getting cold, with the wind. Below 30.

I didn't look before going out.

We were plastered.

Then I heard a noise.

Actually, I felt it.

A dull thud. Boom.

Then a second one, louder.

The ice under our feet shook a little.

Yannick and I looked at each other.

It took us a while, but we understood.

What was it?

[exhales] Yannick said it first.

"Only a sea leopard can thump so hard."

It was following us for a while.

A sea leopard.

What's that?

A ferocious predator.

The Antarctic floe is his.

You're joking. You're teasing me.

Not at all.

They know they dominate the food chain.

Eh? They eat penguins, seals, walruses...

They avoid humans when we're ashore.

But if they mistake you for a penguin, they won't overthink it.

-No way. -I'm serious.

-Google it, you'll see. -Okay.

Are your wife and son okay with your travels?

Not always. My travels are very far, very long.

-It's romantic too. -[scoffs] That's not how Valérie sees it.

You don't mention her often. I saw her only once.

So ask me questions.

-Been together long? -About 10 years.

And are things good?

Fair, to be honest.

-All your travels? -No.

Well, not just that.

We've grown apart.

-Are you still in love? -[laughs]

Are we in love?

-[Sandra] Why do you laugh? -The way you asked.

-You've met no one? -Me? No.

-Hard to believe. -But true.

Not since Julian died?

No one in five years.

The memory of him holds you back?

No, I don't think so.

I just feel my love life is behind me.

Stop talking like an old lady.

You can still love and be loved.

-Bye. -Bye.

[water churning]

[sighs]

[faucet running]

[woman speaking German]

Readers enjoy positive emotions.

But the study shows that the strongest emotion is anger.

Articles that make readers angry

are 30% more likely...

[indistinct chatter]

Sandra Kienzler?

-Yes? -Georg Kienzler's daughter?

Yes.

He said you were a translator. I was a student of his.

Okay.

He was amazing. I still reread his lectures.

That'll make him happy.

Can I have his email? I'd like to write him.

Uh, yes. I'll give you mine.

He has a hard time reading.

Uh, just write me, and I'll read it to him.

Is he okay?

He has health issues.

Nothing too serious, I hope.

It's...

It's a disease.

Sorry. Goodbye.

Do you agree?

Things can't continue like this, Mr. Kienzler.

It's too difficult for you to live alone here.

[Georg] Yes.

-You can't find your bearings. -[knocking on door]

You have panic attacks, you feel lost.

-[door opens] -That's right.

So we must find a solution. Together. Because you're suffering.

-[Georg] Yes. -Hi.

What do you suggest?

Moving you somewhere you'll feel safe, where you'll be tended to.

A hospital stay until a long-term solution is found.

You agree, Mr. Kienzler?

"Agree."

I find the word a bit abusive.

[laughs]

[woman] What would be more appropriate?

-Hello. -Hi.

-For Mr. Kienzler? -[Françoise] Yes, here.

-You are...? -His ex-wife.

-His companion. -Hello.

His sister, his daughters.

-His doctor. -Hello.

And Mr. Kienzler.

Honey, the paramedics are here. They'll take you to the hospital.

-I'll come with you in the ambulance. -Hm?

-I'll stay with you the whole time. -Okay.

Can he walk?

He can walk, but not down the stairs.

Fine. We'll use the wheelchair.

I'll pack his bag.

-We'll put you in the chair. -Okay.

[indistinct chatter]

I have to tell you.

I did my first ANV-COP 21 mission.

-What's that? -A nonviolent ecologist group.

Lovely. So?

[Françoise] I took down a portrait of Macron.

[man scoffs]

What?

We had to go three hours early for non-violence training.

They explained the mission wasn't strictly legal,

and we risked five years in jail and a 75,000-euro fine.

She votes Macron, then takes down his portrait.

You voted Macron too.

With a gun to my head. It wasn't a vote of approval.

Neither was mine.

You can be for and against at the same time.

It's complex thought.

It's complex. You can't understand.

Right.

We got to City Hall, greeted with open arms. [chuckles]

Then we realized we didn't have the screwdriver to take it down.

We found a hardware store. Then we fled.

Except I had a hard time running, with my knees.

Excuse me. My father's been waiting five hours.

-We'll be right with you. -Thanks.

[indistinct chatter]

What do they want? Are they Nazis?

No, Dad. It's just the ER.

Well, how about Leïla?

-What's she up to? -Waiting next door.

It mustn't happen to her too.

Nothing will happen to her.

I'll go get her.

-See you. -Yes.

-He's asking for you. -Okay.

Leïla's with him. I'm going. The babysitter's waiting.

-I'm going too. -Go on, we'll stay.

-Can I take a sip? -Sure.

[Françoise] I saw something on TV about ERs.

The United States no longer has ER problems.

Ouch.

They had an idea: they put ERs in malls.

Medical booths with nurses for small emergencies.

You have to pay. People go to shop.

That way, hospital ERs aren't overburdened.

And hospitals cost a fortune there.

-I'll leave you. -Me too.

-Bye. -Bye.

[gate lock buzzes]

-Hey. -Hi.

It's not a bad time?

No. Quiet day.

I wanted to see your workplace.

Good thinking.

This floor is for terrestrial colleagues.

They like rocks.

I like rocks too, but ours are smaller.

-Low-tech for cutting-edge research. -Disappointing, right?

Most analyses are done elsewhere.

Here we work our brains and prepare samples for tests.

This is the extraterrestrial floor.

We leave the world of rational beings.

Meet Aurélie. We've worked together for 15 years.

-Hello. -Sandra, a friend who wanted to visit.

-Finish prepping? -[Aurélie] I finally adjusted the beam.

Notice the MEB's stabilization problem?

You get a good image, adjust it, then lose it.

You have to start over.

Is your support conducive enough?

You're asking me that?

Yes, it was conducive enough.

It's always me doing the last-minute adjustments.

-Last time it was me. -[Aurélie] Oh, right.

Last time, we couldn't get our bearings with your images.

You did a rush job.

Well, I'm off.

I'll bring them the sample tonight, seal it,

cross-section tomorrow morning.

-Goodbye. -Bye.

-See you. -Bye.

So this is where you work?

It seems relaxed.

That depends. Things can get tense.

Really? Why?

Fear of fucking up an experiment,

losing a precious sample,

failing to grasp an obvious result.

Do you want to see the mass spectrometer?

-The what? -It analyzes matter.

-Prettiest instrument in the world. -I'd love to.

Come.

-It means nothing to you? -No.

It's an ion microprobe.

Not the latest model, but it's what we need.

We put samples there, run tests here,

and images appear on that screen.

For example, that micrometeorite shaving

is brought here after synchrotron analysis.

This machine runs additional tests.

Isotopic imaging, for example.

Isotopic imaging, of course.

Well, I'm off.

I told Linn I'd go to her fencing class.

Thanks.

I thought you were leaving.

-Not if you kiss me. -You kissed me.

No way.

Never crossed my mind.

-You're my friend. -Really?

Look how you did it. Like this.

Nonsense. You're such a liar.

-The guy who pounces and-- -"The guy"!

You want to see how a guy pounces?

Let's see.

You often get slammed against walls?

-Not by an astrophysicist. -A cosmochemist.

A cosmochemist, sorry.

Nope. First time.

Can we meet up again soon?

We can consider it.

[pensive classical music playing]

[mouthing words]

[indistinct chatter]

You got here late!

Sorry, honey.

-Problem with the subway. -Oh. [sighs]

Take this.

And this.

You did well.

Like a pro.

[pensive classical music continues]

I had no idea he kept so much stuff.

Why these miniature cars?

He collected them, like the knives.

He'll like having them at hospital.

Think they'll let him walk around with knives?

-Oh, right. So at least the cars. -[music fades]

That pile we left downstairs with the broken furniture--

all gone in an hour.

[Françoise] Of course.

Want his pens?

Take them. I don't use fountain pens.

I'll take this one.

-Want this? -[both] No, thanks.

And this?

-[both] No. -Come, now.

-This? -[both] No, thanks.

Come on. Make an effort.

Who's taking the sailboat?

-Not me. -Me neither.

[Elodie] What about the books?

I'll deal with it. I'll contact his former students.

[knocking on door]

Who's that?

Jérémie's father.

He's coming for dinner.

-Why? -Why not?

-Hi. -Hello.

-Hi. -Hi.

It's for you.

-Thanks. -[Sandra] How nice.

A cardboard house. You have to assemble it.

The light on the roof is powered by solar energy.

There you go.

When it's sunny, put it by the window.

Then you can turn it on at night.

Okay.

-Good night. -Night.

Good night.

Good night, Mom.

Sleep well.

Come.

[Linn] I'm thirsty.

[glass clinks, then faucet runs]

Come.

I've forgotten how.

You can't forget.

I did.

It's easy.

How could this body stay asleep for so long?

I have to go.

Yes.

You seem sad.

No, I'm not sad.

It's tough for me, you know?

Going for a walk, Dad?

-It's Sandra, your daughter. -Oh, Sandra.

Sandra, honey.

Come.

Is it raining here right now?

-It's not raining. We're in your room. -Oh. Okay.

Are the caregivers nice?

-Yes, you can say that-- -[knocking on door]

-Hello, Mr. Kienzler. Hello. -Hi.

-I'll take your blood pressure. -Okay.

Goodbye. Have a good day.

So I don't get it. Why are we waiting?

There are people who talk, talk, talk.

We don't care because we're chatting quietly.

But there are others here, there...

There's no one else in the room.

Ah.

That's what's weird. Yes.

We're not in a waiting room.

We're in your room.

Okay.

We're at Hôtel-Dieu, in your room.

You've been here a week, and I came to visit.

Okay.

Sometimes there's a film, like yesterday.

Another, all that--

The films began and...

With a beginning, middle, end?

Now there's nothing. That's what I don't understand.

There's no program here.

But you have visits.

It's a weird feeling.

As if something were missing.

This feeling is very strong. It weighs on me.

Because... I wait for

the thing that should come--

And it doesn't.

And the two of us, we don't even know when it will stop.

Or begin.

[knocking on door]

-How long do you have? -Two hours.

No time to lose.

Shy girl who forgot how to make love.

You're quiet.

What are you thinking?

I'd never have thought...

That I was a sexual creature?

That it was possible between us.

That I could desire you so much.

I didn't exist.

You were my friend.

Right.

Your friend who patiently saw you home at night,

who dried your tears.

My friend with a wife and son

who never let things show.

I didn't have the right.

And now you do?

I seized it.

Life is short.

Not afraid of going astray?

-You're very sure of yourself. -No.

Not at all.

Remember, you kissed me first.

What?

The nerve of you!

The poets I'll keep.

The dictionaries too.

[Françoise] You said two crates. Now you're at eight.

Who'll transport them?

[Sandra] I'll manage.

Remember this?

No.

Dad's friend's house in the Cévennes. We went a few times.

No.

You've forgotten everything

that happened to us from birth to the age of 20.

True.

I remember my professional life, but my private life...

total blackout.

You realize the enormity of that?

I wasn't too happy with your father,

so forgetting was a way of... getting some distance.

Thanks.

What about us? You throw the babies out with the bathwater.

Why didn't you leave him earlier?

-For you. I was afraid he'd kill himself. -[knocking on door]

Enough suicide in the family.

-It's here! -Hello.

We weren't sure.

-Hello. -Hi.

-Hi. -Hello.

-[student] Wow. -What will you put them in?

-Large bags. More are on the way. -Great.

Hurry up. Sandra is taking the best books.

It's normal. He's her father.

Thanks for reminding her.

[children chattering]

Romy!

What do you want to do?

[Sandra] Nothing.

Want to go out?

Your wife's away, so you want to go out.

-Don't want to? -Aren't we fine here?

Making love, eating, sleeping is enough.

Not for me. If we never leave the bed, I'll get bored.

So here we are.

You've had enough. Already.

I have a passion for your body. Maybe you noticed?

But it's not all I like.

I also enjoy talking.

Talking?

Okay. What about?

Don't be hypersensitive.

You want to talk.

Go on. I'm all ears.

-You'd prefer I only want your ass? -Maybe.

Charming.

I guess I'm just a sex object for you.

No, but unlike you, I haven't had my fill.

-I never said I'd had mine. -You're bored.

You're being a pain!

I desire you nonstop.

What do you want to do? Museum? Exhibition?

-It's not insulting. -It is.

-You're totally crazy. Come here! -No!

-Come here, you fury! -[yelps, then laughs]

Yuck!

[indistinct chatter]

-Like them? -Mm-hm.

You're going to sulk until I leave?

Yes.

[both laugh]

-[yells] -[screams]

[both laugh]

Let's go back.

What for?

Guess.

Not afraid of getting bored?

Come, now.

It hurts to know you'll see your wife.

I don't like knowing you lie to her.

It's a nightmare. I try not to burden you.

-You're happy with me? -So happy!

That's what makes it so hard.

I can't go if you turn me on.

Right. I don't want you to leave.

Stay with me.

You'll write?

Yes, of course.

Don't forget me.

Is there something shiny?

It's the light.

-Shall I turn it off? -Yes, I'd like that.

What do you see in here?

Do you see me?

Of course, I see you. Yes.

What else?

Except you, some objects.

Obviously.

And... you.

I mean, your person.

Uh...

And so--

How about my dress? Do you see it?

Yours?

Yes, mine.

I see it very well.

-Can you see the pattern? -Pattern...

The flowers?

Yes, that's it.

Is my hair short or long?

What?

My hair. Is it short or long?

You have clothing.

Look at my face to see my hair.

Can you see if it's short or long?

It could be long.

It's short, actually.

All right.

And your children? Are they well?

Linn's at camp. She loves it.

She says she doesn't miss me.

-It annoys me. -Mm-hm.

She comes back tomorrow, and we leave.

Elodie rented a place in Normandy.

She invited us.

So... I won't see you for two weeks.

I'll see you when I'm back.

All right?

Yes.

-[pensive classical music playing] -[indistinct chatter]

Can we play Scrabble?

I want to rest.

You never play with me!

You kidding?

You promised Scrabble today.

-Steam. -Stem.

-Destem. -[laughs] Yes, but--

That doesn't exist.

It does!

What does it mean?

It means, "Remove the stem from a cluster of fruit."

That's cheating.

She checks out all the combinations on her phone.

[Linn] Your turn, Mommy.

Try to do better.

[Sandra] It won't be easy.

[laughing]

SEX - COCK

-What? Why are you laughing? -Stop. You're cheating!

[all chattering]

I found something.

Exit.

Eleven, 12, 13...

[crickets chirping]

There! I saw it!

I always miss the shooting stars.

It was beautiful.

-There! -Where?

That's an airplane.

[laughs]

-Want to know where it's going? -[in unison] Yes!

[all chattering]

There are no more shooting stars.

Uh, that one is London-Johannesburg.

And that one?

Where is Johannesburg?

[Michel] It's in South Africa.

[Linn] And that one?

[Michel] Tenerife-Amsterdam.

I'm going to bed.

-Can I sleep in your bed? -If you want to.

-[Linn] Good night. -Good night.

[Michel] Reykjavik-Milan!

[Elodie] Can't you put down your phone?

[Clément] Sandra, the heat here is overwhelming.

I swim every morning at dawn, when the beach is empty.

Then I go find Jérémie.

He wakes up early too.

We go on long walks, never the same.

We gather plants. I teach him to recognize them.

The rest of the time, I can't think, read or sleep.

When I close my eyes, I see your face.

I see your eyes.

I want to kiss them.

Your mouth. I want to devour it.

I want to bite your lips over and over,

and slowly move down your neck,

your shoulders, still moving down slowly.

Your breasts, to cherish them. I love them so.

To lose myself in you, my sweet love.

[Linn] My body aches. It hurts.

You're growing.

School's on Monday. Time to sleep.

[Linn] I don't want to sleep.

[knocking on door]

Mom?

There you are.

Hello, Dad.

-Hi. -Hello, ma'am.

-Hello. -Hi.

[indistinct chatter]

The doctor and the social worker harassed me to move him.

They found him someplace awful. I screamed at them.

They said, "You take him." I said, "We divorced 20 years ago."

Goodbye, Mr. Kienzler.

Goodbye, ma'am.

I hope they'll take good care of you at the new hospital.

Yes. Thank you.

Your father is a lovely man.

You're lucky.

Thank you.

-Hello. The Kienzler family? -Yes.

I'll show you his room.

Ma'am?

Ma'am?

You're putting him here?

She's dead in the other bed.

She's not dead. She's fine.

-Really? -Yes.

If we have no choice...

Take a seat.

Go ahead.

What can you tell me about Mr. Kienzler?

He has a neurodegenerative disease, Benson's syndrome.

He was diagnosed five years ago. He was still working.

His profession?

Philosophy professor.

[doctor] How did it manifest itself?

He couldn't read, but his vision hadn't deteriorated.

He began having difficulty finding his bearings.

Simple acts became complicated, if not impossible.

He became more and more confused.

Now he can't do anything alone.

It pained him to accept his brain was going haywire,

because his entire life

was devoted to...

the act of thinking.

Clarity and rigor obsessed him.

[Françoise] He tried working to the end.

A year ago, he was still working. He memorized his lectures

and dictated corrections to his mother, who at 98 is lucid.

-And to his companion, Leïla. -He has a companion?

[Françoise] For five years. They're close.

She has health issues, so she can't take him in.

-May I ask a question? -Sure.

How do you die of this disease?

You usually die because you become bedridden.

-[knocking on door] -Come in!

-We have another room, if you want. -Oh. Great.

Hi.

Valérie knows about us.

Really?

I told her.

I couldn't anymore.

What did you say?

The truth.

That I was in love with you.

She was dignified and threw me out.

How about your son?

He doesn't know.

He must sense something.

How did you explain leaving?

We said I was going away a few days for work.

A few days.

And then?

Then I don't know.

For now, I'm here.

You'll sleep here tonight?

If you'll have me.

Mommy...

I'm not alone. Clément is here too.

[laughing]

You know what Clément does?

[Linn] No, what?

Astrophysicist.

Cosmochemist.

Okay, cosmochemist.

-They're studying the planets at school. -[Clément] Really?

-You go into space? -[Clément] No.

That's astronauts. I stay on Earth.

But I go to remote areas to collect extraterrestrial dust.

It falls all over Earth, in oceans, everywhere.

It comes from comets or asteroids.

They enter the atmosphere, leaving a long trail.

Ever see a shooting star?

Shooting stars aren't really stars.

They're little particles of dust a few millimeters long.

I look for them, I gather them, and I analyze them here.

I know all the planets in the solar system.

-Go on. -Saturn, Uranus,

Venus,

Mercury,

Jupiter, Mars.

And also... Nep...

Nep... Nep...

-Neptune! -Good job.

Now go brush your teeth.

There's Pluto too. But way too small to be a planet.

Exactly.

[Sandra] Get moving.

I'd like it if you could help me so I can get into a bed,

where I can sleep well.

-Do you mind? -No.

It's not bedtime.

It's 5:30.

Yes-- No, but it's not too late.

What I'd like is that you,

if possible, you come with me briefly,

and we do something.

Or you do-- well, whatever you want.

And me, you-- you'd help me to--

To go to bed?

Yes, that's it. To do the right gesture for sleeping.

Hello, sir.

Excuse me.

[Georg] That's what I'd like.

Because you're my daughter.

And I'd like... for you to help me so that,

with that, I fall asleep.

I fall asleep.

I know that I fall asleep.

Uh...

And I know it's my family.

It's my daughter who does all that.

And so, I'm happy at that moment.

You see what I mean?

-Uh... -Mm. Uh--

Could you stand that?

But you'd like to go to sleep for a long time?

Oh, no. No, no, no.

A short film, a ten-minute film.

But it would be a few meters longer.

Um...

And afterward,

you won't tend to me anymore.

Little ghost!

Stop!

Skull and bones! [chuckles]

-You're terrible. Igloo! There. -[groans]

-Uh... -Spot!

Of what?

-Of paint. -[Clément] Oh. All right.

[Linn] Candle!

Candle...

-That little thing! -Spider web!

-I said thing! -It's called a web.

Clément?

I'm here.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

I can't sleep.

[Linn singing softly]

Someone's in a good mood.

How do you know Clément?

He was your dad's friend. Now he's mine.

He can't be boyfriend and friend.

He's my friend and boyfriend.

-Don't overthink it, okay? -Okay.

Work well. Give me a kiss.

-See you tonight. -See you.

[children chattering]

[door opens]

What?

I tried telling you last night. I couldn't.

I can't do this.

Leave my wife, make my son suffer, I'm not ready.

I'm torn, but I have to stop seeing you for now.

You knew my situation.

And you knew mine.

This was never a fling for me.

It was never a fling for me either.

All right.

[speaking German]

-[speaking French] -[poignant music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[characters yelling onscreen]

[children laughing]

[explosions, clamoring]

Oh!

[plane engine whirring]

-Enjoy it? -It was amazing.

I'm glad.

Not you?

I didn't love it.

You don't like the story?

The story's fine, but the images, sound--

What about it?

I found it very aggressive.

Not at all.

How can kids' movies be so violent?

You always spoil what I like. I'm sick of it.

I can't have an opinion?

-You're mean. -Mean...

What if I always said your taste sucked?

I don't always say that.

-Give me your hand. -No.

[Georg] And you? How are things?

I mean life.

Me?

I'm okay.

Good.

Excuse me, honey.

-Bathroom? -Yes.

I'll get someone.

Excuse me.

-Yes, ma'am? -He needs the toilet.

I'm coming.

-Thank you. -[mutters]

Thank you.

Why not do it yourself?

I don't know.

I'm embarrassed.

Really?

You know, my parents are ill. When I visit, I take them to the toilet.

It's not complicated.

I admire you. I can't.

Come, sir.

Give me your hand. Lean on me.

Nice and slow.

It's a pity-- I mean, for you.

Make the most of being together.

Careful. I'm opening the door.

Nice and slow.

You're leaving.

Got a minute to talk?

Yes.

You don't return the social workers' calls.

Sorry. I forgot.

They take it out on me. Thank you.

They want your father out in a week.

Fuck.

I tried everything.

I begged the doctor to keep him longer, in vain.

He's changed his tone since the last time.

We'll put him in a private home until we find something better.

The only one available is in Courbevoie.

Visit it with your sister.

Meet the manager, who also keeps calling me.

A bed became available, and she's very much...

in a rush to fill it.

Nice dog. What's his name?

It's a she. Pépita.

-She's allowed to wander? -Nope.

-Confined to the ground floor. -Too bad.

I have all the documents.

Here is the terrace.

Good morning, everyone.

-Hello. -Hello.

The lounge.

Hello.

[manager] I'll show you the room.

This isn't your room, Mrs. Lambert.

Come. I'll walk you to yours.

Come.

Taking the subway?

-Take the bus with me. -I can't miss my train.

Okay.

This place is impossible.

We have to get him out.

I'M GOING CRAZY WITHOUT YOU

I LOVE YOU

[pensive music playing]

I tried. I wanted to forget you.

But I can't. I miss you so.

Valérie senses it. I see her suffer in silence.

I had no idea it would be so hard.

My love.

[Linn] I'll ring.

Hello.

-Hello. -Hello.

-Flowers. -Thanks.

This way.

Hi.

Esther mentions your father often.

Thanks for the books.

We're thrilled. We'll brush up on our German.

[man] Hello.

I was wondering what to read. The Complete Works of Kant.

Good luck.

Give me your coats.

Elias Canetti.

[Esther] Austrian literature. For me.

-Hannah Arendt... -Hannah Arendt. Philosophy.

Here. Thanks.

-"Goette"... -[Esther] Goethe. For me too.

Franz Kafka...

You can take them back whenever. They're yours.

[Sandra] Thanks.

I'm glad his library will endure.

I feel closer to my father with his books than with him.

Why?

His library is more him than the person at the nursing home.

There, it's his bodily envelope. Here, his soul.

But he didn't write the books.

Yes, but he chose them.

Uh...

And through these books, his personality expresses itself.

Each book is a touch of color.

All together, they form his portrait.

-Understand? -Yes.

Eh?

-Will you read them? -No.

You rascal!

I'm glad Elodie brought this.

The other one was broken. You can finally listen to music.

Shall we try Schubert?

[classical music playing over speakers]

-Yes, I know it very well. -[woman groaning]

-Ma'am? This is the wrong room. -[groaning continues]

I'll walk you to yours.

[Georg humming along to music]

We often listened to Schubert. He's your favorite.

No, for me he's too...

How so?

This music is no longer for me. Too laden.

Too full? Too full of memories?

-Yes. -Does it stress you?

Yes. Leave it, if you like.

If it stresses you out, I'll change it. Jazz?

-[music stops] -Maybe not right now.

All right.

Want to walk on the terrace?

Yes, that's a good idea.

Ooh.

-Not warm out. -No.

It snowed yesterday.

And Leïla? Where is she?

Leïla was with you last Monday.

Oh, darn!

Um...

It makes me happy. It proves she loves me.

Of course she does.

I've always loved her.

Can we go back?

For me, three people mattered.

Uh, Leïla... and then me, I think.

I say "me" because I think that's how it is.

Uh...

And a third person...

Who is the third person that matters?

That's the problem.

I don't know.

[pensive classical music playing]

[music fades]

I don't know what to hang on to.

You help him by giving him time and by reassuring him.

But it's piddling.

In the end, he's trapped in his disease.

It's as if...

he's constantly drowning.

Hopefully, he'll lose awareness of suffering

and will no longer suffer.

-I have something to ask. -What?

If we're together in 30 years--

I know it's improbable,

but imagine we're still together in 30 years,

and I get my father's disease.

You said it's not hereditary.

Says my mother, but I don't believe her.

I don't want to check online. I'm too scared.

Promise me you'll help euthanize me before it's too late.

[laughs]

What a fun discussion.

You'll take me to a Swiss clinic on a lake.

We won't wait until I can't formulate this request.

We'll do it at the onset of the symptoms.

[voice breaks] Promise me. You swear?

Okay, if you promise the same.

I promise!

Now let's change the subject. Huh?

Let's enjoy the few years we have.

[in English] So do we have any questions, or has everything already been said?

Yes. Over here, please.

[man speaking in French over headphones]

I CAN'T SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND. TOO COMPLICATED.

I'LL WRITE AS SOON AS I CAN.

[in French] So, indeed, it's a very vast question.

Thinking of railways as networks, rather, like a network,

is not only simply thinking of terminals as facilities,

as essential installations for competition,

but to consider them as nodes to manage--

as management nodes-- Sorry.

[in English] Excuse me. I'm really sorry. I lost track.

Can you repeat the sentence, please?

[man in English] Oh. Okay, sorry, I'll start again.

So I was saying that, when you're thinking of rail as network, then just...

[doorbell rings]

Don't be upset. I was stuck.

-How long do you have? -An hour.

What do we do?

We can go out.

We won't make love?

Not if you're so cold.

You'll say I'm abandoning you after.

What do we do?

We don't always have to jump into bed.

Double jeopardy.

Lose-lose.

-Come. -I'm not your lapdog.

You're my lover.

Your mistress, rather.

Your abandoned mistress.

Stop it.

[yelps] No. No!

-No violence! -[laughing]

[laughs] Careful.

-Dad, know what we're doing this morning? -[woman groaning]

Packing your bags.

-You're moving. -[groaning continues]

Ma'am, this isn't your room.

-I'll walk you to yours. This way. -[groaning continues]

We're happy. You're going where we wanted.

There was a long waiting list, but a spot became available.

Yes.

-Hello. -Hello. Thank you.

Watch your head.

-Here. -Yes.

There it is.

You okay?

-How's the temperature? -Dad, you're not cold?

No. No.

I'm cold in the head.

-Give me your hand. -[car horn honks]

I have him.

I'll help with your leg.

Just lean into me.

[car horns honking]

Fuck!

[driver] Don't worry. They can wait.

-Hello. -We're moving our father in, Mr. Kienzler.

I'll tell the manager.

Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

Look at the birds.

[birds chirping]

[Sandra] Hello.

-Mr. Kienzler, our new resident. -Welcome to Jardins de Montmartre.

Our nursing assistants, Zahra, Bouchra, Madeleine, and Jacqueline.

-Hello. -[Sandra] Hello.

Welcome.

Thank you.

[knocking on door]

-How are you? -How are you?

-Hi. -How are you?

You have a visitor.

-[Leïla] It's me. -Sorry, who?

It's me, Leïla.

Leïla! It's you.

No way, I don't believe it! I was so worried.

Here I am. I was stuck in traffic.

We'll leave you.

Clément!

[Clément] Ah!

-How are you? -[Linn] Fine.

-[Clément] Happy? -[Linn] Yes.

Bravo.

Can I row?

Wait.

You know how to?

Afterwards.

-Did you ever row? -Sure, it's easy.

We'll row together. Sit here.

Careful!

-Want to do it alone? -Yes!

-Nice and strong. -[Linn] Okay.

I'll take a break.

People I know.

Where?

The girl in blue.

A friend of Valérie's.

Linn, come. Let's go.

Come on. It's time.

-We're going. -[Linn] I'm having fun!

[Sandra] Here.

Do you and Valérie still make love?

Sandra.

-Still sleep together? -You really want to discuss this?

So you do.

That repulses me.

We've been together ten years.

We share a room, so, yes.

We sometimes touch.

So you'll sleep together on vacation?

Is that the plan?

Stop.

I'm done being your mistress.

I can't stand it anymore.

We'll stop. It's better.

Leaving me again?

I'll come back after I leave Valérie.

I'm supposed to believe you?

I love you, Sandra.

You have to trust me.

Go.

Leave.

[door closes]

[intercom clicks]

-[woman] Yes? -It's Linn's mom. I was told to come.

What happened?

She's been limping for three days now.

She's in pain. She didn't even go to recess.

It was fine before. Now it hurts.

-Why didn't you tell me? You fell? -No.

-Why are you limping? -I don't know.

-No other pains besides the knee? -No.

You can get dressed.

It's nothing serious. Probably just growing pains.

I'll prescribe a homeopathic treatment. Take it when it hurts. Hm?

I left my book in the waiting room.

Go and get it.

She has nothing.

She's pretending?

Maybe she believes it.

-Do I play along? -I think so.

No need to challenge her. It'll pass.

Can I go to school tomorrow?

Yes. That's not a problem.

[groans]

You don't see Clément anymore? Are you angry?

[Sandra] No. He needed time to think.

Will you ever see him again?

I don't know, honey. I hope so.

Cover her up. It's cold.

Put this on.

Not this one.

It's warm.

I saw Georg yesterday.

The meeting to put him under guardianship.

How did it go?

Linn, put on your coat.

He bawled me out, refused to see me.

-Flat-out refused. -Really?

[Françoise] "Who is this lady?"

"It's me, Françoise. I came to be of help."

-"I have a companion named Leïla." -[urinating]

He took the doctor aside: "I never saw this woman before!"

He won't recognize me soon.

[toilet flushes]

[Françoise] Maybe. Prepare yourself.

The doctor told me so.

We trigger memories. It's painful for him.

He said he has six children. Thinks he's his father.

You won't come?

Frozen II? No thanks.

Go on.

Come on.

-Enjoy the movie. -[Françoise] Yes.

WALK IN RARE DISEASE

[Georg] Walk in rare disease.

Degenerative,

degenerescence,

degradation.

Earthquake, tsunami,

insidious creeping serpent.

Kafka, Metamorphosis.

Man, prisoner of an unexpected physical state.

Interrogations, anxiety.

What's happening to me? What must I do?

Doctors, first contacts with medicine.

My GP does not know my disease.

He sends me to a specialist at La Salpêtrière.

Next step, psychological testing.

Difficult session.

First, MRI and ophthalmologist.

Strange visual sensations.

Verdict: nothing.

Second: more thorough MRI.

Scintigraphy.

Spinal tap.

Second verdict: discovery of posterior cortical atrophy.

A combination of several symptoms: Benson's syndrome.

During the consultation, he insists

that my disease is not Alzheimer's

but belongs to the category of neurodegenerative, neuro-visual diseases.

So here I am, chronically ill.

I do not know what to make of this observation.

Numerous effects.

Vision badly controlled by the brain.

Memory loss beyond the usual.

Objects before my eyes that disappear from my sight.

I try to get used to the changes my new state requires.

I no longer take the metro.

[Linn singing indistinctly]

[Georg] The irony of things.

This disease deprives me of what is dearest to me:

reading.

Awareness of losing and having lost many things.

"That will never happen again."

Sense of an abyss,

of being outside the world,

away from others.

My aim would be, via writing, to rise above the disease

that would not destroy me completely.

It would be a kind of victory.

Is there a glimmer?

I do not see it but cannot yet exclude it.

The worst is never certain.

Kierkegaard: The Sickness Unto Death.

Despair:

Surrender to it for some time,

to know it and escape it.

That time could be endless.

-[indistinct chatter] -[Christmas music playing over speakers]

[Michel] Ah!

I'm lucky to be here tonight.

-How so? -I was in police custody.

-What now? -Civil disobedience.

Christmas Day? With Extinction-Rebellion?

I thought so, but it was Youth for Climate.

It was Youth for Climate? And they took you?

Yes!

They're less peaceful than Extinction-Rebellion.

There were anarchists and Yellow Vests.

She really wants to get bludgeoned.

-Or lose an eye. -What did you do?

We broke into Black Rock and trashed it.

-You're nuts. -I'm kidding.

That was the plan. I got nabbed before, leaving the metro.

-Cops got a tip. -Did they keep you long?

-Four hours! -Really.

They asked if I was demonstrating.

I said no, I was there by chance.

They didn't buy it but took pity.

Congratulations.

Santa wasn't supposed to stop by?

-[groans] -[Linn] Yes!

Leave milk and cookies.

And food for the reindeer.

And pickles!

[Françoise] We almost forgot!

Bowls in the sink, or we'll break them.

And I'll get the...

-[Linn] Milk! -Yes.

-[children clamoring] -Milk? Here.

Don't fight! There's more to do!

-Cookies? -Yes, the cookies.

-And next-- -The pickles!

Pickles!

Thank you.

[Françoise] Don't break anything.

[children chattering]

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace... ♪

Here it is!

Don't spill on the rug.

The rug isn't thirsty.

Now, I think...

-Santa will be happy. -So what do we do?

-I think you have to go hide. -[children] Yay!

[indistinct chatter]

Hide in the bedroom and don't make a sound.

Don't talk and don't come out. Or he won't come.

-If he sees you, he'll leave. -[children complaining]

Stay!

Don't make any noise.

Shh! Shh!

Silence.

[adults chattering]

♪ Christ the savior is born... ♪

[music stops]

[gasps]

[man] What happened?

Did you see?

-A shooting star! -Lightning?

-There was lightning. -Someone's on the roof.

-[chattering] -Does he have a red cap?

-[knocking on door] -A big white beard?

Someone knocked. I'll open it.

"Let me in!"

-Want to come in? -"Yes, it's cold!"

Come in!

Come in, Santa!

[thuds]

[laughing]

Wait!

The reindeer!

Reindeer all over! What a mess!

He's eating the books!

-The pickles! -There! Eat the pickles!

Shit. They ate Mom's mug.

[man] I came all this way! Are there children?

[Elodie] Yes, there are.

-[man] Did they behave? -[Elodie] Did they behave?

-[adults laughing] -Let's dump the gifts!

Oh, thank you!

Come on, reindeer, let's beat it!

Go on, leave. I'll help you.

-[man] They're flying away! -Thanks, Santa!

-Shall we? -Do what?

The gifts are here. Do we unleash the beasts?

[indistinct chatter]

[man] Take your glasses.

Dinner is served.

[children chattering]

Remember Dad said he'd write his autobiography?

Maybe, vaguely.

Yes.

A book about his childhood in Vienna and his father's suicide.

But he was too lazy.

Dad wasn't lazy. He worked nonstop.

He had to. He hated that.

A frustrated lazybones.

In his notebooks, there's a title that seems to reference that book:

"An einem schönen Morgen."

-[Françoise] Meaning? -"One fine morning."

So?

[indistinct chatter]

"The charges evoke his links to the Russian state.

The middleman is Rob Goldstone, the British publicist

who helped bring the Miss Universe pageant to Moscow."

[Georg] Mm.

I'm going to go, Dad.

Yes.

-You'll be okay? -Yes.

Leïla?

Leïla?

Leïla?

Leïla?

Leïla?

Leïla?

2 MISSED CALLS

Hello?

Clément?

I can't hear you.

[train alert beeps]

When?

Now?

[dramatic music playing]

I was afraid you'd never come back.

See? I'm here.

-[knocks on door] -Yes? Leïla?

-It's me, Sandra, your daughter. -Oh, Sandra.

I'm not alone. I'm with Linn, my daughter.

-Oh, yes. Hello. -Hi, Grandpa.

And Clément, my friend.

-Hello. -Hello. Who?

-Clément. I said I'd introduce you. -Oh, yes.

-We just got back from Italy. -[Georg] Italy?

With Linn, Clément, and his son, Jérémie.

We drove down the Amalfi Coast.

Linn made a drawing. Can she tape it up?

Yes!

-You doing okay? -I'm doing okay.

You stand straighter.

You used to hunch over. You're straight.

Yes, I've heard.

They take good care here.

But I know by chance I arrive in this place at the bottom.

We're in your room.

This is her room?

-No, it's your own room. -[Georg] But where is it?

Jardins de Montmartre. You've lived here six months.

All right, but now I don't know where I am.

[Sandra] Now you're standing and walking in your room.

[Georg] I see.

How can you be so sure?

Because I see it.

Linn sees it too. So does Clément.

-You must've seen it before. -I've come here often.

-[knocking on door] -Ah, all right.

-Hello. -Hello.

Recital in the lounge. Come join us?

-Want to? -What?

[Sandra] Sing?

My word...

[indistinct chatter]

Sit down, Dad.

Hello, I hope you're all comfortable.

We're happy to be with you.

We hope you're happy too.

We're handing out pages. Sing out loud.

Start with page four, "Mon Amant de Saint-Jean."

["Mon Amant de Saint-Jean" playing over speakers]

[all vocalizing]

♪ I don't know why I went dancing ♪

♪ In Saint-Jean, at the fair ♪

♪ All I needed was one kiss ♪

♪ For my heart to be taken captive ♪

♪ How could I not lose my mind ♪

♪ Held tightly in bold arms ♪

♪ For we always believe sweet nothings ♪

♪ When they are uttered with the eyes ♪

♪ I loved him so ♪

♪ I found him the handsomest man In Saint-Jean ♪

♪ I felt dizzy, powerless Under his spell ♪

♪ Without thinking, I gave him ♪

♪ The best of myself ♪

[Sandra sobbing]

Honey.

I'd like to go. Can you get Linn?

You have to say goodbye.

[singing continues]

Dad, we're going.

-Ah, yes. -Mom, no!

Honey, please.

We always leave when it's fun.

We wanted to take a walk. It's nice out.

[Sandra] Let's see the view from Sacré-Cœur.

[Linn] No walking!

[Clément] Ah...

-Linn! -Don't worry.

Linn. Come see the view instead.

Okay. Tell us what you recognize.

Um...

See that over there?

The Eiffel Tower.

And that big skyscraper?

-[Linn] Montparnasse Tower. -[Clément] Good.

What else do you know?

That church with the bell towers?

No. What is it?

I think it's Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

Know where your house is?

No.

["Love Will Remain" playing]

I think it's straight ahead.

There?

More like there.

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ When knowledge has passed away ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ When other tongues have failed ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ When prophecies have passed away ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

♪ Love will remain ♪

[song fades]

[pensive classical music playing]

[music fades]

Translated by: Andrew Litvack