Original subtitles

He won't open the door. They say he has a shotgun.

- Did you call a locksmith? - He's on his way.

- And the police? - Coming.

Mr. Falout?

Go away! Go away or I'll shoot!

Be reasonable, Mr. Falout.

You're just making things worse.

Things can't get any worse than this!

This won't get you anywhere. The police will be here any minute

and charge you with obstruction of justice.

And making threats, that's a crime!

- Couldn't you just wait... - No.

- Maybe I could try... - No. Can you step aside, please?

There's nothing to see here.

What's going on here?

Jaros, court-appointed debt collector.

- The debtor... - Lubos Falout.

Lubos Falout is obstructing the seizure of his property.

- He won't let us inside. - Lubos, it's me!

Stop acting crazy and open the door!

Let them take what they want. We'll help you out.

Okay, but what do you want from us?

What do I want from you?

To facilitate the execution of the court decision.

He threatened me with a gun.

You should've called the SWAT team, not the state police.

We're not getting gunned down by some nutter.

Wait! Where are you going?

Are you armed? Mr. Falout?

- Come with us! - Please, be careful!

Easy, now!

There's nothing to see here!

On your way!

Jesus Christ!

You can manage the rest without me. What is it?

Bloodsucker!

I'm sorry, I'm at work. What's the matter?

Now? No way, I can't.

Listen-- what happened?

Come on, Matylda, not again! I'm swamped. I'll come visit as usual.

Matylda, stop it!

Matylda!

Are you there? Matylda!

Matylda, please...

Jesus, Matylda, don't!

Okay, just calm down.

I'm on my way.

You only have one mother. And you don't get to choose her.

For some time now, I'd been uncomfortable around her.

I felt bad about it,

because it meant my relationship with her

wasn't what a mother-son relationship should be.

It even made me feel ashamed of myself.

But I always did my duty.

I would visit her twice a month despite how far she lived.

The regularity suited me,

because it precluded the temptation to skip a visit.

But this unplanned visit was different.

It turned my whole life upside down.

What is this?

It's Christmas!

Christmas 1971!

You got this scooter. Don't you remember?

I do, but what...?

It's an exact copy of the photograph. They did an amazing job!

You'll just need to pay some extra charges or whatever.

I hope you aren't upset about the money?

You don't like it?

I don't know. Is it even appropriate for a grave?

Why not?

Why wouldn't it...

What's inappropriate about showing we were a happy family?

You think only dead doves and crucifixes are appropriate?

Karel, I come here.

I sit here and reminisce about what a happy family we used to be.

When you were little.

Your dad's long gone...

and you're always...

away, God only knows where.

All I have left is memories.

Did you drag me all the way here just to show me the headstone?

Let's go for a walk, then!

When was the last time we went for a walk together?

- If you moved to Prague... - Me?

- Yeah. - Prague...

What would I do in Prague?

Here, I had a life. There, I'll be just an old woman.

- Come here, Rosebud! - Wait, you...

Look!

There used to be an amusement park here.

S'andor! They're here!

Matylda!

Matylda!

- Who are they? Are they visiting you? - Visiting? We live here.

Excuse me?

Didn't your mom tell you? That she is moving out?

She's already packed up.

There must be some mistake.

Your mother gave the apartment including all furniture to me, okay?

This is a notarized transfer agreement

and the ownership certificate. Take your time to read it.

- What kind of nonsense is this? - It's no nonsense, it's a fact.

Are you telling me you cheated my mother out of her apartment?

The contract gives her a life estate,

so your mother can live here until her death.

But she doesn't seem to be interested.

What's this supposed to mean, Matylda?

Karel, I'm scared of them!

- After you. - Thank you.

That's a funny T-shirt.

WORK RUINS YOUR WHOLE DAY

It's not a joke.

It's a fact.

Or is it any different for you?

After you.

- What floor? - The fifth.

Me too.

You must be Pavel, right?

Yes.

My name's Lucie.

Sure.

Nice to meet you.

Fifth floor.

- Do you want to marry him? - Excuse me?

Just checking if I should call you "Mom" or something.

- Hey! - Hi!

Hello.

- Am I too early? It's 11 a.m. - What?

- You overslept, must be something serious. - We got back really late.

Wait, who?

Don't! Stop it!

It's no use! He loves those!

- Hey, Grandma! What are you doing here? - Oh, my, you've grown!

- I wouldn't even recognize you. - Hello!

- Hello! - I'm Lucie.

Karel didn't say his mother was coming.

Because that wasn't the plan.

You should be happy he at least admits he has a mother.

I'm very pleased to meet you.

Karel always says nice things about you.

We've been planning to visit you in Bratislava.

- Bratislava is over! - Wait! What do you mean?

Well, I sold the apartment and I'm moving out.

Bratislava is over!

What did you say?

What did you say?!

You "sold" the apartment?! Why are you lying?

- Tell them what really happened! - Well... I got rid of it.

- Exactly right! Now you said it. - See?

- You didn't sell it, you got rid of it. - Yeah.

- You got rid of a 4-room apartment. - Yes.

140 square meters, in your ownership!

I can't believe it!

You gave the apartment away for free!

With everything in it!

Including my dad's library!

Could somebody explain to me what's going on?

Nothing!

Nothing at all!

Your grandmother just brought fraudsters into her apartment

without telling me,

and transferred the ownership to them!

And now they kicked her out.

It's nothing at all. Everything's perfectly fine!

Isn't it, Matylda?

I've completely forgotten how obsessed with property you are!

Relax, Grandma. It's his job to obsess about property.

- Yeah! - What did you say?

You only come here for money! How dare you criticize me?

Is it my fault you only have time for me twice a month?

Pavel is right!

You don't care about your family, you only care about money!

- I'll come back some other time. - No, no! Miss, please come here.

You should hear this.

My husband and I wanted him to become a piano virtuoso.

Or at least a doctor!

And what have you become? A debt collector!

Do you know what?

Unlike you, I'm not obsessed with property.

- I don't need that apartment! - You don't?

No!

- Oh, you don't need the apartment. - No!

I can't believe it!

So, where are you going to stay?

Under the bridge? In the street?

I'll stay right here.

At your place.

You were always telling me to move to Prague, so here I am.

- Sure. - Yeah.

You're here.

Good stuff, huh?

I'm open for business.

I'll have some.

No way! You got money?

Yesterday was my payday.

But that's not enough, mate.

You still owe me five grand.

- That's all I got right now. - Is your old man that stingy?

Is he out of business? Not likely, eh?

- Idiot! - You're the idiot!

You were supposed to pay me back a week ago. So make it fast.

You should know how it works.

Or should I ask your old man to get my money out of you?

You shouldn't bother, I don't eat big breakfasts.

A big breakfast for a big day.

I borrowed your bathrobe, hope you don't mind.

Not just a bathrobe, I suppose.

Wait, come here!

Let me do it!

Ouch!

See what you did? Go wash it in the bathroom.

Where do you think I'm going?!

Please, don't do anything here!

Go for a walk, relax, watch some TV,

just don't touch any of my things!

Sir!

That journalist is waiting for you in the boardroom.

- Right, okay. - Sure you want to talk to him?

- Why wouldn't I? - Didn't you read the news?

No, why?

It's the Falout guy from Friday. Yesterday, he...

COMMITTED SUICIDE!

- Do you feel any remorse? - Why would I?

Most people feel remorse when they cause someone's death.

I didn't cause anyone's death.

Mr. Falout committed suicide

after you confiscated his house and he became homeless.

Mr. Falout had a debt he was unable to pay.

The seizure was a court order, I merely carried it out.

Okay. Do you at least feel sorry for him?

Feel sorry for him?

Let me rephrase. Don't you ever feel that your work is...

How should I put it? Immoral?

Sir, debt collectors are chartered by the government

to protect creditors from their debtors.

Do you find it immoral?

I find it immoral to turn a debt of a few thousand

into a debt of a few hundred thousand

and then take away someone's house when they're unable to pay it.

That's the law. I didn't write it.

It's not my job to have opinions about the law, but to enforce it.

That's all I can tell you.

I'm sorry, I was interested in the human aspect of a debt collector's work.

I'm not sure what you mean by "human aspect,"

but I don't think there's room for it in my line of work.

Debts have to be paid.

Everyone has to live by these rules. Me, you,

Mr. Falout, everyone.

Come, come!

REAL ESTATE REGISTRY RECORD

The apartment was transferred to them. There's nothing you can do about it.

- Can we contest the contract? - Well, we can.

- But on what grounds? - I don't know.

That she signed it under duress

or with a temporarily diminished mental capacity.

That they cheated her into signing with false promises.

You're the lawyer, you think of something.

I can try it, but don't get your hopes up too high.

In any case, the lawsuit will take a long time.

- Can't you offer them a deal? - You didn't see them.

Even if I did, Matylda will never set foot in that apartment again.

- You know what I don't understand? - What?

That she acts like nothing's happened.

ICE CREAM PARLOR

This way or that way? What do you think?

You have no idea, do you?

We didn't get lost, we aren't that dumb, are we?

- There's also navigation. - Right.

- You type the address into this field. - Right.

And it shows you the way. Just in case you get lost again.

- Are you listening to me? - Why should I get lost again?

You talk to me as if I were a child.

Karel, I'm old, but not stupid.

Give me that.

- At least try it while I'm here. - Sure. I will when I feel like it.

- Look! - Jesus!

- Hey! You're home? - Yeah.

- Hey, Rosebud! - What's going on?

Nothing, just dropping by to see how you're doing.

Scram!

Hey, Grandma! I brought you something.

Thank you, Pavel, darling!

Please, Karel, put these in the refrigerator.

- What is it? Do you need anything? - No.

I was just thinking if you or Grandma...

If you could lend me some money.

You got your allowance on Saturday. Did you get caught evading fare again?

- Are you in debt again? - I'm not in debt.

- I just need to pay for something. - For what?

- Just something. - Something what?

Do you have to interrogate him like this? He needs money. Give me my handbag.

How much?

- Well? - Ideally, five.

Jesus! So much fuss over five crowns!

Wait! I meant five thousand.

Get a job if you need that kind of money!

Just before my high school finals?

Before my high school finals, I used to...

Sure, your dad was making money even as a preschool child.

He set up a little table in front of the house

and tried to sell anything he found at home:

books, knives and forks, mugs, and I barely managed to save this ring.

It's a family keepsake. My grandmother used to wear it.

Thank you very much, these stories are exactly what I need right now.

Okay, but you'll pay me back.

- I will. - Sure.

That's not enough.

Thank you.

- You said you had no money. - This isn't money, it's savings.

I'll make strawberry dumplings for you!

Jesus Christ!

All she does is make a mess!

What? I'll talk to you later, mister!

Well, why are you staring at me?

You shouldn't have hidden them in the refrigerator.

Works for me.

Wait in silence For the clouded moon to beam

Then embark on the journey of your dream

Find the land where no roads of people go

The land of those Who know how happiness is sown

Find me there When the daybreak shows its smile

There's nothing else That you should know about this isle

Don't hesitate When my whole world is yours to own

Along with stars That shine above for you alone

For you alone

Go to sleep as chimes of solid gold Ring the way you know

Go to sleep, you'll know the way to go You won't be alone

Sleep in silence As the moon starts to gleam

Then embark on the journey of your dream

Find the land where no roads of people go

The land of those Who know how happiness is sown

Happiness is sown

Too bad your mom isn't here, isn't it?

What? Vera and I got along well.

And you...

Okay, okay, I'm going to bed.

- It was a fun evening. - Good night.

Rosebud, come!

Night!

Night.

I'm going away for two days tomorrow.

I'm scared to leave her on her own here.

Why?

She's acting weird.

This afternoon, she got lost right in front of the house.

And the strawberries.

Could you come check on her tomorrow evening?

Sure, if you think it's necessary.

Come along.

Are you looking for someone?

Yes. Come!

- I'm here to visit Maestro Eduard Kudrna. - Excuse me?

I'm his former colleague Matylda Jaros. He's an old friend.

I'd like to see Maestro again after all these years.

I'm sorry, but if you want to see the maestro, you have to go to Olsany.

To the Olsany cemetery, lady. He's dead.

We're even.

What a surprise.

I guess you aren't like your old man after all.

Keep my dad out of this, okay?

Why? He's famous!

What are you talking about?

You don't read the news, do you?

That's your old man, isn't it?

DEBT COLLECTORS CLAIM ANOTHER VICTIM

You should be proud of him. And learn from him.

I bet he has no debts. He makes a living off of them!

- Why so late? Sit! - Excuse me?

I said: "Sit!"

Seriously?

- You must be taking me for someone else. - You're such an idiot, Viktor!

Matylda?

Are you home?

Matylda!

- Rosebud! Cutie-pie! - Could you explain this to me?

Guess what?!

- I got accepted! - I want to know, what's all this mess?!

I'm going to sing again!

They couldn't believe their eyes!

I can't believe my eyes what a mess you've made here!

You have some kind of an issue, Karel.

Not just with me.

You just didn't turn out right.

What do you mean you couldn't have known?

I asked you to go check on her!

But you let me down. Like you always do.

Thanks for nothing.

- After you. - Thank you.

You were really helpful.

You know what? It's always the same.

I can't count on you. You're irresponsible.

What?

Pavel?

- Did you hear that? - No. What's going on?

- He said I killed people. - What?

I can't believe it!

He was supposed to watch Matylda but didn't,

and she trashed the whole apartment.

And now he tells me I kill people.

- Come on! You can't take that seriously. - Coffee, please.

My son despises me.

My mother keeps telling me what I'm supposed to do as if I was five years old.

She never really took care of me and now she wants to play mother.

And that hideous dog!

Maybe you need someone to take care of you.

You mean her? Are you crazy?

Dad died 30 years ago and she's been alone ever since.

- You know why? - Why?

Because she can't stand anyone and no one can stand her.

- What about you? - What?

Can you stand anyone?

Come on!

That's different.

What if...

- It's just an idea. - Yeah.

Let's hear it.

What if she lived at my place and I lived at your place?

I'd leave my place to her and we could finally be together.

That's very kind of you.

- But I don't know... - You don't know what?

- If I can ask this of you. - Why not if I want it?

I think we should think it over some more.

What's there to think about?

What?

You have two options: to live with me or with your mother.

Pick one.

I SAY DUMB SHIT AND I'M NOT ASHAMED

Do you like my T-shirt?

It's nice.

It's a "funny" present from Pavel.

- Can I keep it? - If you have nothing else to wear.

Pavel got his high school diploma.

Now he needs to get accepted to college.

We...

Lucie and I got an idea for you.

For a long time, we've wanted to move in together.

And... Lucie has this beautiful little apartment.

It would be a waste to just let it go.

Now we're in a situation where neither you nor I have any privacy.

Blah, blah, blah.

So Lucie and I thought

it would be great if you moved into her apartment and...

Lucie could move in with me. What do you think?

- You want to get rid of me. - How can you say that?

Because that's how I see it.

Matylda?

Matylda?

Barrandov Estates. Next stop: Barrandov Health Center.

Matylda?

I'm searching for happiness!

I'm searching for happiness!

I'm searching...

Let's go, madam. Careful.

Where's your dog?

Go take a shower. It'll get you warm.

Let me help you.

Come!

Wait.

Go!

Matylda!

Amyloid beta accumulation creates plaques that cause loss of nerve cells.

Basically, the brain starts shrinking

which leads to a gradual loss of cognitive,

mental and eventually also physical capacity.

What does it mean for my mother?

Her memory can get progressively worse.

Her personality and behavior can change.

It causes judgment impairment, episodes of confusion, anxiety, apathy.

But the patient can also experience fits of aggression and delusions.

She'll become unable to take care of herself including basic hygiene.

How long will it take?

No one can tell you that. It can take one year or a dozen.

We can slow down the progress of Alzheimer's with medication

but there is no cure.

Look, hospitalization has no benefits for her at all.

I live alone. I need to work.

I can't just quit my job and take care of her.

I wouldn't recommend that, either.

Bye.

So? Are you okay?

It wasn't about me.

But there's nothing wrong with me.

Matylda...

Your test results aren't good.

- Do I have to stay here? - No.

So I can go home.

- You can go home now. But... - But what?

The doctor says you can't be left alone.

- So... - So?

So we'll have to put you somewhere where they'll take care of you.

In an institution?

Never!

Matylda, wait! You need professional care,

- I can't give you that at home. - I don't want anything.

It's you who wants to turn me into a senile crone to get rid of me.

You wish!

- What are you saying? - The truth!

Son, you never loved me.

Come on. That's nonsense!

FENIX - SERIOUS ILLNESSES INSURANCE

Matylda. Matylda!

Wait!

- Wait for me! - Never!

I'm running away and I never want to see you again!

Never!

Where do you want to go?

Come!

Come on, Matylda! Don't do that. Let's go!

You know it's just temporary.

- Don't worry! - Hello!

You must be Mr. Jaros. And your mother.

- Hello. Yes. - Hi!

Come, we're waiting for you.

Mom's being a little stubborn.

That's okay, we'll figure something out.

Let's go, Mother!

We require meticulous observance of our rules.

Visitors are only allowed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you need to talk to your mother at another time,

- you need to call in beforehand. - Okay.

Every morning, patients receive therapy

and as I'm sure you understand, they cannot be disturbed.

Regularity is absolutely essential for our clients.

Any questions?

Can I help you?

That isn't your father, Mr. Plecit'y.

Off you go to your room!

So, this is your room.

ROOM NO. 4

Thank you.

- Have you been waiting long? - Not really.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

So, how did it go?

Well, what do you think?

Wait, they did accept her, didn't they? It was all arranged.

Yeah, they did.

- Everything's fine. - Happy to hear that.

Because I got a surprise for you!

Look.

- What's that? - A hotel in Santorini.

- We're going to the seaside! - When?

In two weeks.

I know you don't like surprises, but it was such a bargain!

The flight, an apartment with a sea view, the all-inclusive package...

We'll move in together later, it can wait.

Grandma?

What's going on in here?

Grandma!

What are you doing here?

What are you doing? Stop filming me! Give it to me!

Give it here!

Damn it!

And then there are new court orders for Mrs. Sobotkov'a:

Q-Real Estate - 47,000, Czech Energy - 23,000.

This is the third time. She's wants postponement.

Reason?

Her husband is sick and she lost her job because she was absent from work.

- Same old excuses. - Excuse me.

Pavel, I'm in a meeting. Call me later.

Where were we?

- Mrs. Sobotkov'a. - Excuse me.

What is it?

I'm busy, I'll take a look at it when I get home.

What? Wait.

What are you doing here?

Give me that! Stop filming me!

Give it here!

Damn it!

Wait there, I'm on my way.

This can't wait. I need to leave.

But what about Mrs. Sobotkov'a?

What? Schedule her for property seizure.

I'm going to sue you for trespassing!

And for kidnapping!

Go ahead! I'm gonna sue you for abuse.

What are you talking about? These are normal security measures!

Oh, yeah?

So you won't mind me posting that video online?

Goodbye!

- I'm posting it on Facebook right away. - Are you crazy?

Why? Let everyone see it.

No way! I don't want my name on this.

See, Grandma? That was close!

So we aren't moving in together! What's your plan?

I called almost all homes in Prague.

- There's no place for her. - So what about outside of Prague?

No way.

After this experience, I'm not sure at all this is the right solution.

I see. So, what is the right solution?

- How many vacation days do you have left? - This isn't about vacation!

- We never should have left for vacation. - Would that have changed anything?

- No. - See?

Maybe we could hire a carer.

- And have a carer live here too? - What am I supposed to do?

You should've left her there in the first place!

You know how hard it was to find that place?

You should've yelled at them, threatened them, but left her there.

They don't abuse anyone on purpose.

They are understaffed and she kept running away.

If anything happened to her, they'd be in trouble.

And people with this diagnosis soil themselves on purpose. As a revenge.

Had Pavel reached there 10 minutes later, it could've been fine.

- Really? - Yeah.

Would you like to see your mother like this?

Would you? Strapped down, with shit all over,

passed out on pills. Would you?

Come here, I'll show you the video.

Where's my phone?

- Thanks, I can imagine it. - Here it is.

- No, I'll show you. - I can imagine it.

- Look. - I said I could imagine it.

- I'm telling you look here! - I can bloody imagine it!

I doubt it.

I...

I just can't take that on my conscience, I can't!

- Where is Rosebud? - How the fuck...

Come here.

Come sit down. You can watch some TV, okay?

Sit down, Matylda, I'll turn on the TV for you.

Don't worry, I'm sure there's a fun show.

Look. Like this...

It's a mathematical symbol that looks like the capital V

with a number written over its left side, which is lower,

and another number under its extended right arm.

I hope she forgets about that dog soon. She keeps asking about it.

- Thank God it's gone. - She looks absolutely normal.

What if she did it on purpose to make you bring her back home?

Are you expecting someone?

Yeah, Pavel.

Is he coming for dinner or for a talk?

Hey, Dad!

Hey, Mom!

I'd better be going.

Why? We're going to talk about my future.

My mom, or stepmom, should take part in it, right?

Jesus, stop it. Let's go sit down.

Your mother called me.

It was just bad luck. I scored...

Just below the admission limit. That's what all the flunkers say.

Why am I surprised?

- It would be a miracle if you got in. - Jeez, I can try again next year.

- What will you do in the meantime? - Dunno, does it matter?

It does, because you are likely to do nothing at all!

Your mother is worried you'll waste the year fooling around.

- When I was your age... - Were you ever my age?

- Thanks for your help! - Don't mention it.

I'm surprised you're acting like this given my situation.

What situation?

I'm saddled with a mother with dementia!

- And my son's a slacker. - I see.

Don't expect me to keep giving you an allowance.

Until you start working, I'm not giving you another cent!

- You're getting a job. - Sure.

- Really? - Yep.

- What are you going to do? - I can do anything.

Give me a break!

I'll be more useful than you, that's for sure!

If you want to be useful, why don't you look after your grandma?

- Not good enough for you? - Why not?

You can't be serious! Him?

Sure, I can make sure she doesn't run away.

It's more than that!

I'm not stupid! I can work as a carer if you want me to.

Have you both lost your mind?

Where's Rosebud?

FOUND IN BARRANDOV, PRAGUE 5

ROVERS DOG SHELTER

Your turn.

And a second card.

See? You got a pair.

So you can keep going.

You're bored, huh?

Yeah, so am I.

Let me turn on the TV.

Fuck! The pills!

- Here. - It's...

- Here, we're late again. - Don't!

It's Benackov'a!

What a voice!

She sang this so well and so did I!

My voice isn't there anymore.

- Do you like this? - Yeah.

Tell me...

Did you ever sing solo or just in a choir?

What?

I sang Rusalka.

Almost.

What do you mean, almost?

I was expecting your dad.

Another singer ratted me out, so they took the role away from me.

And she got the part.

After that, I only sang in bars.

I'm sorry.

Hey!

Wait, wait!

Dad isn't here today.

But I'm watching her overnight.

I can't leave her alone.

I'm sorry.

That's too bad.

Okay. So, happy birthday.

Yeah. See you!

It's gonna be fine!

Are you okay? I'll just say bye and go.

Give me five minutes.

- She wants to leave already? - Yeah.

- He's coming tomorrow. - Sure.

Three minutes, okay?

- He keeps staring. - Forget about him.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

- Hey, where's Matylda? - Don't know. Where is she?

Well, you got to keep an eye on that hag, mate.

Hello?

Yes, it's me.

You found her where?

Houses are empty on this street

I feel the earth moving under me feet

I'll stay with you I'll always stay with you

Fuck, it's the social services!

- Give it here! - No, wait!

Was it you who applied for the care benefit?

No, it was my dad. I'm Pavel Jaros, his son.

He's at work. I'm looking after her today.

I see you are applying alternative remedies.

- Put it away! - Sure.

- Would you like some? - Grandma, please!

- I'll have coffee with milk, please. - Yes.

Alright.

You are Matylda Jarosov'a, born July 8, 1948.

Yes!

You used to be a singer.

Yeah.

Could you sing something for me?

Yeah!

Okay, go ahead!

We will turn you into an animal of love

You'll get a golden collar That fits like a glove

Memory - excellent.

Communication skills too.

Self-sufficiency... Do you feed yourself?

Yeah.

- Do you dress yourself up? - Of course!

Personal hygiene.

- Can you wash yourself? - Yeah!

Yeah, Grandma can shower. Even in her clothes, right?

Yep!

It changes a lot depending on...

Young man, I've seen enough.

She has basic self-sufficiency.

It doesn't even qualify as mild dependence.

You'll receive an official decision. Goodbye.

Let me show you...

I can see myself out.

Bye, then!

Goodbye!

I did good, right? I'm not dependent at all, am I?

- Great! - Yeah.

Mrs. Sobotkov'a is here to see you.

Jesus, I forgot.

I need to leave.

She's the one who keeps applying for postponement.

She says it's urgent...

Okay, send her in.

You see...

My husband suffered a severe injury,

he was hit by a car, became paraplegic,

and ended up in a wheelchair.

I'd never put him in an institution.

We have no children,

so I had to quit my job to be able to take care of him.

You don't need to tell me all this. What do you want from me?

My husband used to be a high school Czech teacher.

After the accident when he couldn't do anything anymore,

he started writing a book.

His memoirs.

He had an old portable computer that he used for writing.

You took that computer away from him. To him, it has an enormous value.

His whole life is in it.

Without it, he is like a body without a soul.

I'm not asking you to give it to me for free. I'll pay you.

I'd like to give it to him for Christmas.

Put that away, it's out of question.

I'd like to help you, but I have to go by the rules, the official procedure.

Hello...

- Hello. - Hello.

- Hey, darling! - Mom!

- My name's Karel Jaros. - Karasov'a.

I filed an application for a care bonus with your office.

My mother has Alzheimer's disease

and according to her doctor, she requires care 24 hours a day.

- Would you like to take a seat? - No, I...

- Your colleague Vlkov'a visited us. - Right.

She asked my mother a few questions and concluded

that the head doctor of the neurology clinic, Professor Vales,

is wrong and that my mother doesn't require fulltime care.

Look, we have clear criteria for this

and we have to follow the rules and the official procedure.

The rules, right?

I'm not here to argue. I brought my mother here

and if you think she's fine, I'll leave her here.

She may help you with your responsible job.

Which she has started doing already.

Goodbye.

Bye, Mom!

Wait, you can't do that!

What was that about?

Hey, honey!

What's she doing here?

I'm filling these out.

You know how you made me look?

I was filing a complaint and now I have to apologize to her!

She wants to report me to the police! For drugs!

Jesus! We had a joint, what's the big deal?

It is a big deal!

Drugs in my apartment?

It's legal in California. And it helps her.

What the hell are you talking about? This isn't California! It's illegal here!

And you'd better respect that!

You didn't give her her meds either, did you?

What? Let me see!

- I forgot, big deal. - Oh, you forgot!

You always forget everything!

The apartment is a mess. You break everything you touch!

You didn't take her for a walk either, did you?

Look at me when I'm talking to you! Look at me!

By the way, you never returned the money you borrowed from her.

I don't think she needs it, do you?

It doesn't matter! You borrowed it, so you should give it back!

But the worst thing is that you lie to me.

Lie about what?

You didn't tell me you lost her!

You didn't ask, so it wasn't lying!

Stop playing dumb! Why did you think the tram depot called you?

Even though Matylda only has my number in her phone?

I told them to call you!

Because I was hoping you'd fess up! That you'd tell me what happened!

- But you're a coward! - You know what?

If you don't like how I do it, do it yourself. I quit!

- What do you mean? - I quit.

Jana and I are going on vacation for Christmas

and I'll find a job in January.

- Are you telling me just like that? - Yeah. Deal with it!

Are you serious?

- What am I supposed to do? - That's your problem.

I'll take care of her until Christmas, but not a day longer.

Get a carer or ask your lady friend.

I have my own life! Do you think I enjoy...

Come on! Say it!

- Taking care of a demented woman? - No, listening to your bullshit!

You talk to me like I'm a useless idiot,

but you only ever think about yourself!

If I did, she'd be in an institution by now!

- Instead of taking care of her myself! - Take care of her, then!

Matylda! Let's go, please!

Come on!

- I'm going there. - Sure, Let's go.

There.

There. What? Let's go!

Jesus, it's taking us ages! Come on!

Want a doughnut?

Here.

Go buy a doughnut and wait for me there.

What a pain, huh?

A stroke?

- Excuse me? - A stroke?

- No, Alzheimer's. - Same thing.

- Is she your mom? - Yes.

My wife had a stroke.

She has vascular dementia now. It's terrible.

She's like a toddler.

But I don't have to tell you. You know what it's like.

- How old is your mother? - 75.

- Do you know how old my wife is? - I don't know.

50.

I married a younger woman, so that she'd take care of me when I got old.

Now I'm old and I have to take care of her.

Would you believe the irony?

Look, she's running away!

Matylda!

Matylda! Let's go!

- Are we going there? - Yes, we are.

To the bathroom. You need to pee and go to sleep.

Give some of the fish to Rosebud. And make sure there are no bones.

Sure. No bones.

She's already asleep.

Do you like it?

It's beautiful.

But I don't want it. I can't keep it.

Why?

Karel, don't you see how fake this is?

- Is that ring fake? - Not the ring.

What we're pretending here.

- I'm not pretending. - But I am.

Do you really think we can function like a happy family?

Why not?

Look, I...

I was willing to try.

But one evening is enough to make me see I'm not up to it.

I'm not up to this.

Wiping your mom's butt,

feeding her,

and watching her disintegrate alive.

You aren't up to it either.

You're just scared to admit it to yourself.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe I'm not up to it.

But...

It's a hard to explain.

When I was driving Matylda to that institution,

I felt stupid.

I kept talking nonsense and I was ashamed of myself.

At the same time, I was glad to get rid of her.

Wait, so you're doing all this to repent for your sins?

Is this an act of penance?

Karel!

What's wrong with putting her in an institution?

Why should you feel guilty?

Anyone would do the same thing.

It would kill me.

When I look back,

all I see is a failed marriage.

Everyone around me is unhappy.

I don't understand you.

She's happy here.

This is her home now.

I can't take that away from her.

But my ideas of a home and happiness are nothing like this!

Do you know how long it can take?

It's not for a week or even a month. It can take years!

And I want my own life, too!

A normal family!

Don't you see my clock is ticking?

Do you realize what you chose?

Soon, it won't even be her anymore.

Everything you loved about her

and even the things you hated about her will be gone.

She won't remember anything,

recognize you or understand what you're saying.

You're healthy, so you can't understand.

Sure.

I got you something else.

I didn't want to give it to you in front of her.

PLEASE, MOM, WILL YOU DIE ALREADY?

What is this?

It's written by a French journalist. She tells her own real story...

how instead of putting her mother with Alzheimer's in an institution

like any reasonable person would do, she decided to take care of her herself.

Destroying five years of her own life.

Of her family's life.

Her home.

It's very eye-opening.

- Where are you going? - Home.

Wait!

I need you!

No, you don't need me.

You need someone completely different.

You should think about what you really want.

And so should I.

Matylda, get up!

Do you hear me, Matylda? It's almost noon.

Are you okay?

Is anything wrong?

Shit.

Here.

You done?

What are you doing?

Are you trying to make me nuts? What is this?!

Shit.

Jesus, Matylda, you scared me! What are you doing here?

You should be in bed. Come.

Matylda!

Jesus Christ! Matylda!

Jesus...

Wait, it's my phone.

Who is it?

- Dad. - Why don't you answer it?

- Because I know what he wants. - And what is it?

He'll say he can't stand living with Matylda anymore.

Maybe he wants to wish you a happy new year.

Keep dreaming.

That isn't like him.

- He just wants me at home. - You are going back there, aren't you?

No, I'm not.

- How come? - Because I can't take it anymore.

It must be tough living with her.

I don't mean Matylda. It's my dad I can't stand anymore.

All he's ever done is bust my ass.

No matter what I do, it's never good enough for him.

I understand him leaving Mom,

but all he's ever cared about is my grades at school,

making sure that I don't swear, that I don't lie...

He never asks me how I am, what I like...

He's never praised me for anything, ever.

I just can't forgive him.

Come on, how about going back?

I don't mean this minute.

Well, women have always taken better care of themselves.

One of the reasons is that we women know that men are strongly visual.

So a woman's appearance...

Hello, I'm Libuska Mal'a, carer. They sent me here.

Hello! We've been waiting for you. Come in!

You are lucky I happen to be free. Normally, you'd have to wait for months.

Matylda! This is Libuska.

She's going to be taking care of you while I'm at work.

Hello, Matylda! What are you watching?

She's sulking, isn't she?

She isn't communicating. I don't know why.

It's nothing unusual, it's their defense when they feel threatened.

- I can handle that. - Okay.

I'll be on my way. Thank you very much.

...not just plastic surgery.

DEBTOR: MRS. SOBOTKOV'A, JANA

He died two days before Christmas, so he wouldn't have gotten it anyway.

- I'm very sorry to hear that. - You don't have to apologize.

You're just doing your job.

- I'm sure you think... - No, I don't think anything.

You did a good deed.

All my life, I've been trying to live by the rules I believe in.

I only do things I consider right.

- But I guess that isn't enough. - What do you mean?

I do my work properly, as best as I can.

But everyone still sees me

as the lowest villain and parasite.

- And does it surprise you? - I don't feel good about it.

Ironically,

I've never felt good until now that I broke all the rules.

Even though in fact,

it's useless too.

You tested positive.

You're coming with us for a blood test.

Matylda!

What were you doing? She could've killed herself!

I'm sorry, I've never seen anything like that before!

You said you could handle her!

It's never happened to me, she's been sabotaging me the whole time!

How could you leave her unattended?

I needed to use the restroom and I thought she finally fell asleep.

I'm sorry, I'm not up to this, I'd have to strap her down.

What do you mean?

That I won't be responsible for her. She needs institutional care.

Bye.

Matylda?

Rosebud!

Rosebud, cutie-pie!

- Let's go home, Rosebud! - What are you doing?

- Hey! Are you crazy? - We're going home!

That's my dog!

No, he's mine!

Are you out of your mind, you crazy bitch?

- Give me, give me... - Forget about it!

Leave me alone, bitch!

Come. Come on, let's go!

What are you doing here?

- Look at this place! - What?

What a mess! How can you live like this?

I have other things to worry about.

Well, you look terrible. Is anything wrong?

Yeah. Matylda ran away.

- What? Did you report it? - Of course I did.

Where's Pavel?

I don't know.

I haven't heard from him for weeks.

- If you'd listened to me... - Did you come here to patronize me?

No.

I have good news for you.

- Good news still exist? - It surprised me too.

The Erzi woman

is willing to give the Bratislava apartment back to you.

All of a sudden?

As long as you drop the suit against her.

It turned out they are ex-cons who rob old people.

They're being sued by several parties and they're trying to frame each other now.

Maybe she thinks she can get away.

Aren't you happy?

Hello?

Yes.

I can get there in about 90 minutes.

Okay, thank you, I'm on my way.

- So, where is she? - In Pilsen.

Pilsen?

- How did she get there? - I don't know.

- I have to go. - Sure.

Don't let me delay you.

Lucie!

I don't know what to do.

Sure, you do.

You just don't want to accept it.

When you figure it out, give me a call.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

LEARN ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S

- Hey. - Well?

What do you need?

What is it?

Can I come in?

I'm listening.

I'm in trouble.

Tell me something new.

I was in a crash and I trashed the car.

Jana's parents' car.

- You don't have a driving license! - Exactly.

Great! Let me guess: the car wasn't insured?

It was but...

But what?

- But what? - I...

I smoked a joint before that.

Are you fucking kidding me?

You trashed a car

without a driving license while you were high.

Do you know what it means?

It's a crime! You'll go to court.

Do you even realize what you've done?

What do you expect? What am I supposed to...

What do you want from me?

What do you actually want from me?

Help me.

Was anyone hurt?

No, fortunately not.

Come in, let's talk about it.

Are you going somewhere?

Not me, just Matylda.

- You want to put her in a home again? - I don't, but I have to.

- Why do you have to? - Because I can't handle it anymore.

You can't imagine what happened after you walked out on us.

She kept running away.

She had pneumonia, almost fell out of a window...

I'm sorry.

I had no idea.

Fuck it, drop the gun!

Hey, Grandma.

Wait in silence For the clouded moon to beam...

Look, it's Eva!

Haven't seen her for a while.

I wonder how she's doing.

Isn't she dead?

But she still has a great voice.

...The land of those Who know how happiness is sown

What a sappy song!

But she sings it so well.

I should give her a call.

- Can I invite her over? - Sure!

You can sing a duet when she comes.

Hey!

Hey!

Waltzing Matylda...

Why do you call her Matylda instead of Mom?

She wanted it.

Probably to make people think I was her younger brother, not her son.

I got used to it and it stuck.

She never really treated me like her son.

She took Dad's death so hard that she started totally ignoring me.

You never told me that.

Once after we had a big fight, I packed up my things and left home.

I would've come back, but she acted like she hadn't even noticed.

I've fended for myself ever since.

See? I know what it's like to grow up without a dad, too.

Yeah.

That was my favorite song.

Bye!

TODAY, ON SEP. 2, 1966, KAREL WAS BORN.

IT TOOK 10 HOURS, HURT LIKE HELL, BUT THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE.

KAREL IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY IN THE WORLD.

KAREL DIDN'T SLEEP AT ALL TODAY.

HE KEEPS CRYING. THE DOCTOR SAYS IT'S NORMAL.

WE GOT NO SLEEP AT NIGHT,

BUT STILL, THIS IS THE GREATEST TIME OF MY LIFE.

Wait, I know this! It's Monet, isn't it?

Yes, Monet.

'Etretat.

Let me show you something.

'Etretat.

A beach resort in Normandy, France.

Mom and Dad spent a few days there in 1968.

She used to say it was the most beautiful time of her life.

Well...

So, I got an idea.

What idea?

You may think I'm out of my mind, but why don't we take her there?

She always used to talk about how she'd like to go back there.

Jesus, Matylda, what are you doing?

Wait!

Karel, promise me you'll let me die at home!

What is it?

What is it, Mom?

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

Mom!

What?

Why are you looking at me?

Just looking.