Original subtitles

(film projector whirring)

(light gentle music)

(announcer speaking in foreign language)

(students chattering)

(students chattering continues)

(students chattering continues)

(students chattering continues)

(bell gently chiming)

(students chattering)

(students chattering continues)

(students chattering continues)

(students chattering continues)

- My parents do a paleo diet,

and they say it's really healthy,

and I'd like to do something like that.

- Protecting the environment is extremely important to me.

And I hope that conscious eating

will contribute to reducing global warming

by cutting down on the consumption of meat, for example.

- Um, I want to reduce my body fat to improve my fitness.

I do sports,

so it's important to care for your body.

- Um, for me, this course is all about self-control.

Rich countries, like us, suffer from an oversupply of food,

so we need to learn to control what we eat.

- Um, I saw a video

about mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Um, I think conscious eating could be a similar thing.

- Healthy nutrition is a core part

of a sustainable lifestyle,

and that matters a lot to me.

- I chose the class

because I need to increase my PSHE score for my scholarship.

(group chuckles)

- Well, I think you all made a good choice

joining this class,

because conscious eating will enable you

to achieve everything you have just named.

It will enable you to make a contribution

towards saving the planet.

You will improve your fitness.

You will optimize your self-control.

And you will increase your PSHE score.

(group chuckles)

So, how do you think we learn consciousness

by eating a bar of chocolate?

Well, then, let's see.

Who wants to start?

(chocolate bar wrapper rustles)

Now, before you open the chocolate, Fred,

take a couple of deep breaths,

in through the nose (inhales deeply)

and out through the mouth. (exhales deeply)

Mentally leave behind whatever you're thinking of.

Make sure there is nothing to distract you.

It's just you and the chocolate.

(Fred breathing deeply)

(bright chiming music)

(students chattering) (students laughing)

(bright chiming music continues)

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

- Good morning, miss.

- [Student 1] Is she the new teacher?

- [Student 2] Yeah, I think so.

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

(door clunking)

- All our children are highly talented.

At least that's what their parents think.

And it is our task to meet the parents' expectations.

We help these children stretch their abilities.

"There's more in you," as we say.

Obviously, we don't exert pressure,

but you'd be surprised how competitive these children are.

And extremely sensitive.

- They are in good hands with me.

- (chuckles) It was very important to the parents' board

that the children improve their nutrition skills.

And conscious eating seems to be the latest thing.

I'm so happy we found you.

- And I am very happy to be here.

- One more thing:

I'd be glad if you could help with the weekend duties.

They're so hard to cover.

- I am on my own, so it's not a problem.

- Lovely!

Well, it may not do me any harm

to be more conscious about my eating, too.

- Ooh!

You should, uh, try this tea.

It's a gift.

- Thank you!

Oh, dear.

Such a pretty smile.

(Ms. Novak chuckles)

(sparse lively percussive music)

(sparse lively percussive music continues)

(oven door slams)

- [Ragna's Father] This is vegan.

Just for you.

- Seriously?

Vegan is so out.

- Oh.

(chair scrapes)

So, how's the new teacher?

As sophisticated as she claims on her website?

I ordered her tea online.

- Yeah, her program is supposed to be very healthy,

we were reading.

And it could help you watch your weight.

- Why should I watch my weight?

(food squelching)

- Well, it might help

to improve your performance on the trampoline.

- Don't worry, darling.

Mum didn't mean it.

So, how about you show us how to eat consciously?

We'd love to see how it works.

Right?

- Yeah.

- It's really easy.

(Ragna breathing deeply)

- It was actually my idea to hire Ms. Novak.

I was the one who introduced her to the parents' board.

- How did you find her?

- Through her website.

The other parents were fans immediately.

- You've done so well, my dear.

- No, seriously.

I find it so important to teach our kids

how to reduce their consumerism.

- Well, let's see if Ragna keeps up with that.

You spoil her too much.

(sprinkler water pattering) (birds chirping)

- It's not easy to do the right thing.

(sparse percussive music)

(silverware clinking)

- Elsa, please.

Can you just eat something for a change?

Just because your mother won't eat,

doesn't mean you have to do the same.

- Larry, please.

- I'm eating consciously.

It's the new thing at school.

It's healthy, strengthens my willpower,

and preserves the environment.

- Oh, that's beautiful.

- [Elsa's Father] Yeah, well, spare me your excuses.

Just eat your meal, okay?

(dog whimpers)

(Elsa breathing deeply) (silverware clinking)

(dog groans)

- You don't have the slightest idea

of what this is all about.

(silverware clanks)

(dog panting)

(Elsa retching)

(toilet flushing)

(door clunking)

(sparse percussive music)

(students chattering)

(students chattering continues)

- Well, Fred, you're not going home for the weekend?

(plate scrapes)

Come with me.

I have something specially for you.

(sparse percussive music)

- Nice picture you have here.

- It's my favorite place.

You would like it there.

(Ms. Novak breathing deeply)

(inhales deeply) Hum!

Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

Hum!

(whistle shrills)

- [Coach] Ragna!

(ball bouncing) (students chattering)

(whistle faintly shrilling)

(trampoline thudding)

(trampoline thudding continues)

Well done, Ragna.

But you can do even better.

(whistle faintly shrilling) (students scuffling)

(trampoline thudding)

- Why so tense, huh?

Loosen those shoulders.

Yeah.

Remember to think up, like I said.

A piece of string is pulling you right up to the top.

And that poor little rose.

Look how beautiful it is, eh?

Really take that moment in.

Don't just... (grunts)

Yeah?

And then go off, yeah?

Let's go again.

Ready? - Yeah.

(majestic orchestral music)

(majestic orchestral music continues)

(bell gently chiming)

(students chattering)

- Well, Fred.

I hope your parents have been in touch meanwhile?

- [Fred] I concentrated completely on what I was eating:

How it tasted and how it felt in my mouth.

- [Ms. Novak] Good.

- Yeah, and as a result, I was less hungry, so I ate less.

Consequently, I was able to reduce my insulin dose.

And after eating, I was less tired than usual.

- [Ms. Novak] Very good, Fred.

So, you've experienced how conscious eating

changes your metabolism.

That is why you needed less insulin and you were less tired.

Wonderful!

Any other reason why we should eat less?

- To save the planet?

- Yes, but not only that, Helen,

there is another reason why we want to eat less.

The body launches a self-cleansing process

if it is not given any food over an extended period of time.

The cells start to discard useless waste

and renew themselves.

The process is called autophagy.

It strengthens and purifies our bodies.

With conscious eating,

we aim to activate this mechanism consciously.

Yes?

- But don't you get weak, if you eat less?

- No. On the contrary, remember Fred's experience.

He felt stronger and less tired.

Autophagy can even heal diseases,

and it has been proven to prolong our life

for 10 to 20 years.

- Wow.

(lively percussive music)

(students chattering)

(lively percussive music continues)

(lively percussive music continues)

(group breathing deeply)

(lively percussive music continues)

(group chuckles)

(lively percussive music continues)

(lively percussive music continues)

(students chattering)

(students chattering continues)

(ben gulping)

- No, Ben.

This piece is much too big.

Very good, but chew a bit more slowly.

That's right.

The slower you eat, the less food you'll need.

That's where the autophagy starts.

(students chattering)

(students laughing)

- Ms. Novak isn't gonna get anywhere with him.

It's sad.

- [Ben] I know how you feel.

- What?

- I see you.

- (laughs) What are you talking about?

- You wanna be seen.

(Elsa scoffs)

- [Ragna] Careful. I think he likes you. (chuckles)

(food dispenser machine chimes)

(Ben sighs) - Enjoy.

(food dispenser machine hatch clunking)

(students murmuring)

(students murmuring continues)

- I've been watching you, Elsa.

You have a strong will, I can see that.

You're capable of controlling your body.

Very few people can do that.

You could go very far in conscious eating or even beyond.

- Sometimes, I really wish

I didn't have any food in my body at all.

But my father,

he forces me.

- I know.

Somebody who does not eat is not tolerated.

Do you know why?

Because it frightens people when you question their truth.

Most people are like your father.

They hold on to their old beliefs

like to a walking stick without which they would fall.

Most people don't have the slightest clue

what they are capable of.

They are convinced they need to eat in order to live.

- And isn't that true?

(Fred breathing deeply)

(Ben munching)

(Fred breathing deeply)

- Don't you think you should work on your attitude?

Well, the way you constantly eat,

Elsa's never gonna like you.

- [Ben] What makes you think-

- Well, isn't that what you want?

To be one of us?

I really don't know what you have against Ms. Novak.

Her lessons are really inspiring.

Everybody thinks so, except you.

- Well, maybe I don't wanna be like everybody.

- You know, it's your own fault nobody likes you.

(laptop bleeping)

(students chattering) (students laughing)

(bell gently chiming)

- Well, Fred, you're doing great.

Keep it up.

So far, we've learned

that eating less prolongs our life,

improves our health, and helps to preserve our environment.

But still, we feel that sometimes

it's hard to resist the temptations around us.

Right?

- [Ragna] Mm.

- Right. That's normal.

It's not easy to say, "All this delicious food I am offered,

"it's all bad for my body and my mind."

Well, but most of it is bad for your body and your mind.

Maybe to an even greater extent than you think.

Worldwide, more and more humans become sick

and die early due to ill nutrition.

Meat, sugar, processed food:

We are constantly being seduced to consume food

our body can hardly digest.

Think about it.

Think about the consequences it has on our lives.

For those of you who are ready to be part of a real change

that's more efficient,

even more radical than anything we did until now,

those are invited to enter the next level

of conscious eating:

A plant-based mono diet.

It means we eat only one type of food at a time,

preferably veggies.

- I think Ms. Novak is exaggerating.

A mono diet?

That's too much.

- Too little, you mean.

- Don't you get angry about how we're

constantly seduced to eat all this crap

so that some people can make more money?

- [Student] Well, maybe that's just how it is.

We're not going to change the world.

(coin clinking)

(food dispenser machine buttons beeping)

- [Food Dispenser Machine] Enjoy.

- Don't you see that it's the food industry

and their lobby who make sure nothing changes?

- You think a mono diet would change anything?

- Maybe it will,

if more and more people refused to eat all that trash.

- The carbon emissions caused by factory farming

would be reduced and the ecologic system could recover.

- If people had to buy less food,

consequently there would be more economic equality.

- At least no one would have to starve

from being poor anymore.

(ball bouncing)

- Today is chicken nuggets and potato wedges.

- We can eat the wedges.

(lively percussive music)

(knife scraping) (students chattering)

(Helen breathes deeply)

(Elsa breathes deeply)

(Elsa munching)

(sparse percussive music)

Are you really gonna eat all that?

(sparse percussive music)

(knife scraping)

(lively percussive music)

What grade did you get on the Mandarin test?

- [Helen] I got a B.

What about you?

- A.

I didn't even really have to study.

I mean, it just seemed so simple.

- Wow.

(lively percussive music) (Ragna munching)

(Ragna retching)

Why is it so hard for her?

I mean, can't she see the bigger picture?

What we do is so important.

(cubicle door clunking)

(cubicle door creaking)

(cubicle door slams)

(faucet water splashing)

- It's my own fault.

I was so hungry.

- You just need to work on yourself.

I'm sure you can do it.

- We should tell Ms. Novak.

(door clunking)

Maybe she can help you.

- I ate unconsciously.

I was just so hungry. I'm sorry.

- [Ms. Novak] Thank you for being honest, Ragna.

It is normal to weaken.

- I'll carry on training.

- It's your willpower, dear.

Do you really want this?

- (sobbing) I do.

(Ms. Novak sighs)

- Then show us.

Show the others.

Show them how strong you really are.

(Ragna crying)

It's all right, Ragna.

Don't worry.

I'm here to save you.

(door clunking)

(sparse upbeat percussive music)

- She gave me the tea.

- See? She's trying to help you.

- [Ragna] Yeah.

- It's incredible how much there is to do here.

And our project's just a small contribution.

- But it's so important.

Here we really can change things.

- It's an incredible feeling.

We end up working the whole time.

- And enjoying it.

- Hi, Freddie.

- Hey, little bro.

- Guess what?

Yesterday, in the yard, there was a python.

It was so big, wasn't it, Mum?

I threw a stone and it vanished.

- That's really cool.

It'll be so great, I can hardly wait to be with you.

- Fred,

it really would be better if you finished school first.

- Why, though? I can just take a year out.

- That's not such a good idea, Fred.

With your grades right now,

I don't think there's much chance you could do it.

- Your father's right, Fred.

And anyway, it gets really hot here,

and you know very well how dangerous that is with diabetes.

Believe me, darling, we only want what's best for you.

(Fred sighs)

- Use your plie.

Come on, Fred, focus.

You can do this.

(Fred sighs)

What's up?

Hm?

- It's just...

- [Mr. Dahl] You can talk to me, Fred.

I'm here for you.

(sparse percussive music)

(sparse percussive music continues)

- [Fred] My parents don't really have much confidence in me.

It makes me feel like I'm not capable of anything.

And now they've dumped me here.

I'm a difficult child.

- Not at all.

Your parents don't seem to see you

the way you really are, Fred.

(couch creaking)

Good boy.

My boy.

(Ms. Novak sighs)

(sparse upbeat percussive music)

(students chattering)

(sparse upbeat percussive music continues)

- I feel wonderful.

Thanks to conscious eating and your tea. (chuckles)

So, how are you getting on with our children?

- [Ms. Novak] Oh, very well, actually.

Although, how should I put it?

Some of them are less responsive than others.

- Hm!

Well, I know some of the children are rather difficult.

Their parents don't have time for them

and then it is on us alone to give them all the attention

and affection they need.

- Mm.

One boy in particular worries me:

Ben.

- Ben Benedict?

But he's so talented.

He's applied for full scholarship.

- Yes, he is talented indeed.

That is why I make an effort here.

I think he could do great at conscious eating.

But something is holding him back.

- Ben's mother is a single mum.

His father is dead.

- Oh.

- Yes.

- Well, we know sometimes,

a child feels guilty for their parents' hard life.

Especially if it is a single mum.

But, for now,

I cannot grant him the score he needs

in order to obtain a full scholarship.

- [Ms. Dorset] Really?

(students speaking in foreign language)

(teacher speaking in foreign language)

(students speaking in foreign language)

(teacher speaking in foreign language)

(students speaking in foreign language)

(teacher speaking in foreign language)

(students speaking in foreign language)

- Very good.

(teacher speaking in foreign language)

(students speaking in foreign language)

- [Ms. Dorset] Ben Benedict?

- Yes?

- [Ms. Dorset] Can you come with me, please?

- Yeah.

(chair scraping)

- [Teacher] Right, we start again.

(teacher speaking in foreign language)

- And honestly, Ben,

a more conscious approach to nutrition will do you good.

I'm doing it myself.

And think of the benefit your mother would have

from a full scholarship.

(sparse pounding percussive music)

- Ms. Novak wants us to support Ben.

- As if that was easy.

He really is a tough cookie.

- You're the only one he's gonna listen to, Elsa.

- Me? Why me?

(students chattering)

(sparse pounding percussive music)

(sparse pounding percussive music continues)

- I know there is somebody present

who has been eating unconsciously.

I would like this person to speak up now.

Ben?

- [Ben] Yes?

- It pains me, truly,

to see a brilliant, smart boy like you

continue to resist the principles of conscious eating.

Why?

- I- I don't know.

- Tell us the reason for your behavior.

Perhaps we can help you.

- Um, I'm afraid that if I don't eat enough,

then I can't concentrate on my studies.

- This is what most people believe since their childhood,

and yet, you've heard in this class

that the opposite is true.

- Maybe I just don't wanna disappoint my mother.

She loves to cook for me.

(Ms. Novak chuckles)

(footsteps trudging)

- Now is the time to let go of your restraints, Ben,

and to become the person you really are.

Because what happens to all of us,

if we attempt to fulfill the expectations of our parents

and of society?

We lose ourselves.

Do you not want to give yourself the chance

and join in with us?

- I do.

- We thank Ben for his honesty and his courage.

This is the energy we need.

I want you all to look at this boy

and think, "Everything is possible."

(Fred chuckles)

(group breathing deeply)

Hum.

- [Group] Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

- Hum!

- [Group] Hum.

Hum.

Hum.

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

(electric carver whirring)

(electric carver whirring)

(fish tank bubbling)

(dog faintly barking)

(plate clunking)

(dog faintly barking)

(silverware clinking) (silverware scraping)

(dog faintly barking)

(Ben breathing deeply)

(napkin rustling)

(Ben breathing deeply)

- Listen, Ben.

I don't want you to be ashamed

or feel obliged to do anything just for the scholarship.

I mean, "conscious eating?"

(chuckles) What nonsense!

- But we need the scholarship.

- Not if you attended a state school.

Apparently, this school just isn't for us.

We're not rich.

Maybe it was nothing but a dream after all.

(silverware clinking) (silverware scraping)

- But I don't wanna quit right now.

Maybe it would do me good to eat less.

- What?

You do as you want.

I simply thought you liked my food.

- I do like it, Mum.

- [Ben's Mother] Then why would you let

Ms. Novak jeopardize that?

(Ben sighs)

(lively percussive music)

(lively percussive music continues)

(tin lid clunking)

(tin scrapes)

- The tea is delicious.

Thank you, Ms. Novak, for inviting us.

- I called you in because you have made such a progress.

Really, the whole group has made terrific progress.

- Well, yeah, We really wanna make a difference.

- I can tell.

You have come very far

on your way to become conscious eaters.

- Thank you, Ms. Novak.

- And maybe, you'll be able to go even further.

If you want to?

- Well, yes.

- Well, actually, we were wondering

what we could do to go even further

to ultimately change our belief of what we should eat.

I mean, the belief of our parents,

how we can overcome it.

- And we've found, um, a video

on the internet

about a man who nourishes himself from light, or prana,

and we wanted to know what you think of it.

Whether you think it could be possible?

- I don't know much about pranic nourishment.

It sounds a bit esoteric, don't you think?

These people obviously seek the attention from the media.

- [Elsa] But-

- But, between us,

there really exists a worldwide association of people

who do not eat.

Of course, it's secret.

The general public is not yet ready to understand.

They shouldn't learn about it until the time is right.

- So, it really is possible?

- Oh, yes.

I'm a member of Club Zero myself.

The club is constantly growing.

More and more people realize

that in many respects, it's much better not to eat at all.

For our minds, our bodies,

and, last but not least, the environment.

It has become a question of survival.

- Club Zero?

Are you part of the agricultural protest movement?

- No, but we do appreciate their actions.

Anything that stops exaggerated consumerism helps.

- But how is it possible, scientifically?

- Well, this is just now being evaluated.

The question is, why do we seek scientific proof

for something that obviously works?

- Do you think us, too, we could be part of...

- You could try.

If you really want to.

- [Elsa] What do we have to do?

(sparse lively percussive music)

(sparse lively percussive music continues)

(people murmuring)

- Ms. Novak signed it.

(light operatic orchestral music)

(vocalist singing in foreign language)

(vocalist continues singing in foreign language)

(vocalist continues singing in foreign language)

(vocalist continues singing in foreign language)

(people chattering)

- Yeah, I think the performance was really moving.

And her voice as well, was really, really powerful.

- Fred.

Ms. Novak.

(Ms. Novak chuckles)

You know, I'm really pleased you're so interested in music.

After all, you're a very gifted dancer.

Ms. Novak, I didn't know you were so into the opera.

- Yes.

(bell gently chiming)

Have a wonderful night.

- [Mr. Dahl] And you.

(people chattering)

(Fred chuckles)

(Elsa faintly speaking)

(footsteps tapping)

- [Ms. Novak] Thank you, Elsa.

(knocking on door)

Yes?

(door clunking)

We are meditating.

- [Mr. Dahl] I'm so sorry, I don't wanna disrupt anything.

It's just that Fred....

We really need to be rehearsing before parents' day.

We have quite a demanding choreography

which we need to get through.

- [Ms. Novak] I apologize for the inconvenience.

Fred will be with you as soon as we are finished.

- [Mr. Dahl] Okay.

(door clunking)

- Now, I advise you to keep all of this

strictly confidential,

not to tell the other pupils or your parents.

They wouldn't understand.

And by questioning you, they would weaken your faith.

You could be among the few who will actually live

when the rest of the world is going under.

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

♪ Hum ♪

♪ Hum, hum, hum ♪

- Today was...

I mean, wow!

- Feels like she bewitched us.

- Yeah!

- I'm out.

- She can't be serious.

- Why? What's the problem?

We're entering the next level.

- We need to take radical action now.

- Well, I can't live without eating.

- But you can.

You just think you can't.

- Don't you get it?

It's a question of faith.

- No, I don't get it.

What about you, Ragna?

- Me?

Why? Of course, I'm in.

I'm with Ms. Novak.

(sparse upbeat eclectic music)

- They're so narrow-minded.

Why can't they just try and accept

that something might exist

which they don't fully understand?

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm-hm, hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

- I'm not hungry.

- (chuckling) Me neither.

(Elsa laughs)

Thank you.

(sparse upbeat eclectic music)

Thank you.

♪ Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah ♪

♪ Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah ♪

(Elsa laughs)

♪ Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah ♪

♪ Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah ♪

- [Ragna's Father] Take some.

- Actually, Dad, I've already eaten.

- [Ragna's Father] Oh.

- Yeah, I took some food from the fridge earlier,

I was just so hungry, you know?

Now I'm really full.

- So what did you take from the fridge?

I mean, there isn't very much.

- What are you trying to say?

Do you think I'm lying to you?

- Of course not, darling.

It's just that you really should eat something.

- Really?

I thought you wanted me to watch my weight.

- Yeah, I didn't mean...

- At least try some broccoli.

That's in line with your mono diet.

- I've already said I'm full!

- As you wish, my dear.

- "As you wish, my dear."

"As you wish, my dear."

But I don't want to wish for what you

want me to wish for anymore.

(chair scraping)

(footsteps stomping)

(door slamming)

Hey, Elsa.

Haven't eaten anything at all today.

I feel high.

Amazing. (chuckles)

(cell phone chimes)

- Hey, Ragna.

It's fantastic.

If I don't eat,

I don't have to puke.

(laughs) At last.

(cell phone pipping)

(Elsa sighs)

- [Ragna's Father] We're always here for you if you need us.

And you really can tell us if anything is bothering you.

- I never meant you should starve yourself.

- What is wrong with you two?

- We think you haven't eaten anything all weekend.

We're just worried.

- Dad, you always worry too much.

It's an exercise for conscious eating.

We discipline ourselves

to cleanse our bodies.

- [Ragna's Mother] Are you?

- Yes.

All of Ms. Novak's class does it.

- Yeah, if it's under Ms. Novak's control.

(sparse lively percussive music)

(birds chirping)

(footsteps tapping)

(sparse lively percussive music continues)

- I don't know exactly what's going on here,

but I think Ms. Novak is manipulating our children.

- [Ms. Dorset] Well, certainly Ms. Novak is very specific

about what she expects from her pupils.

But as far as I know, Ben has much improved lately.

I'm quite optimistic about the scholarship.

- This isn't about the scholarship.

There's something wrong here.

The children aren't eating.

- Well, the children are eating consciously.

- I- I hear Ms. Novak,

she hasn't got any children of her own,

so perhaps

she loves our children more than she should.

- Oh, please.

Ms. Novak is a dedicated teacher.

She devotes her life to her students.

And she is extremely supportive of your son.

- Yeah.

No, you're right, and I am, we are

extremely grateful for all the goodwill you exert on us.

But what if Ms. Novak is taking it too far?

(sparse pounding percussive music)

(students chattering)

(silverware clinking)

- This fish is so good.

- Yeah, it is.

- I love these carrots. Have you tried them?

(sparse percussive music)

- I'm gonna try the dessert.

- Yeah, me too.

(sparse lively percussive music)

- Helen.

Is everything all right?

Are you doing well, my dear?

- We're just fine, Ms. Dorset.

- [Ms. Dorset] And Fred, why did you miss your dance lesson?

Mr. Dahl was so disappointed.

- Oh, it won't happen again.

I just got a bad grade in maths,

so I had to revise hard for a test.

But Ben helped me.

- Yeah.

♪ Hmm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm, hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm, hm-hm ♪ (food clattering)

♪ Hmm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm, hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm, hm-hm ♪

(hands slapping)

(trampoline billowing)

(trampoline thudding)

- My goodness, Ragna!

Soon you'll fly away and never come back.

(audience member coughs)

(bright classical piano music)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(bright classical piano music continues)

(audience applauding)

- How talented Elsa is.

- Thank you.

(lively orchestral music)

(lively orchestral music continues)

- [Narrator] And then an enormous gray wolf

came out of the forest.

(tense ominous music)

- Such a pity his parents can't see this.

They are really missing something.

(tense ominous music continues)

(tense ominous music continues)

(dramatic orchestral music)

(spoon clinking) (birds cawing)

(Ms. Dorset slurping)

(Ms. Dorset munching)

- Mm!

(hands rustling)

Sorry.

- Oh, no, no. Go ahead.

It's normal.

Takes a lot of time to build up the right belief.

(Ms. Dorset slurping)

- [Ms. Dorset] What is the right belief, then?

- Well, you said yourself,

you feel better after eating less.

- In the beginning, yes.

Um, but now-

- Now your mind interferes.

It doesn't want to believe what is actually true.

It isn't used to thinking that, in fact,

we don't need to eat.

- What?

- Well, what I am saying is,

we don't need to eat as much as we are told to.

(sparse percussive music)

So stupid.

We praise thee, Almighty Mother.

Mother, we have come so close to you.

Our faith is growing every day.

Don't let anybody spoil what we have achieved.

Please, let me fulfill this call.

- I feel so great.

It's unbelievable.

I mean, this is a revolutionary moment

and we're a part of it.

- Me too, me too. It feels great.

- You seem to be a fast learner, huh?

Or unless you're eating in secret or something?

- No.

Are you?

- Never mind.

He just always has to be top of the class.

- I don't have to take any insulin at all anymore.

- Shouldn't you be careful about that?

- Do you wanna play?

(students chattering)

(Fred sighs)

(ball tapping)

♪ Oh, I wanna dance with somebody ♪

♪ I wanna feel the heat with somebody ♪

♪ Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody ♪

♪ With somebody who loves me ♪

♪ I've been in love and lost my senses ♪

♪ Spinning through the town ♪

♪ Sooner or later, the fever ends ♪

♪ And I wind up feeling down ♪

♪ I need a man ♪

- Have you been eating?

- What?

No.

I don't eat, just like you.

♪ My lonely heart calls ♪

- [Fred] I smelt your breath.

♪ Oh, I wanna dance with somebody ♪

♪ I wanna feel the heat ♪

(alarm clock beeping)

(students chattering)

- [Ben] Fred.

Fred!

Um!

(door clunking)

- [Doctor] Fred has suffered from ketoacidosis.

Must have been caused by incorrect insulin doses.

This could be life-threatening.

(heart rate monitor beeping)

- [Fred's Father] We're very worried about you, Fred.

- I'm sorry.

- Fred, diabetes is a serious condition.

Don't you understand?

- You must inject your basal insulin,

no matter how little you eat.

- (sighs) I don't know, Martha.

He's hard to talk to.

As always.

(Fred's mother speaking faintly)

No, no, no. Please, stay.

Seth needs you.

And the project does, too.

How did the meeting go?

(Fred's mother speaking faintly)

Really?

Well, what exactly did they say?

(gown rustling)

(door scraping)

- Of course, I understand your worries,

but I only have limited control

over how accurately Fred measures his insulin dose.

- [Fred's Father] Yes. Naturally.

He himself is responsible for that.

Fred has always been a difficult child.

But he is going to get an automatic device

implanted in his upper arm now.

- Good. - Then everything

will be fine.

Fred has become so thin.

Isn't there any supervision

to ensure the children eat enough?

- Yes, of course.

The health of our pupils is our top priority.

I assure you.

- It isn't easy for us

to be separated from our son.

I have to rely on you.

Please, take good care of our child.

(light mid-tempo eclectic music)

I'm so sorry I have to leave.

The project- - No problem, Dad.

Send my love to Seth.

And to Mum.

- Of course.

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

(taxi engine revving)

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

(chocolate bar crunching)

♪ Hm, hm ♪

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hmm ♪

- Ms. Novak seems to be very lonely.

We pupils are everything to her.

I don't think she means it maliciously.

On the contrary.

Ms. Novak needs us.

Especially Fred.

I think she loves Fred.

(sparse percussive music)

- [Ms. Dorset] And the opera?

- Lovely performance. Very modern.

- Are you sure?

- Yes.

Yeah, the two of them seemed almost, um, intimate.

I don't wanna cause any trouble for a colleague,

it's just if Fred's parents were to find out.

(Ms. Dorset sighs)

- Ms. Novak is becoming a risk.

(coffee trickling)

(fire crackling)

- I don't feel good about this.

After all, Fred's parents are abroad.

She only tried to comfort the boy.

- Do you think Ms. Novak will hold it against us?

- I deeply regret what has occurred.

After all, Ms. Novak was appointed

on the initiative of the parents' board.

But I would like to point out

that Ms. Novak, undoubtedly, is a pioneer in her field.

But it appears that she has transgressed

one of the fundamental rules of our establishment:

That it is forbidden for teaching staff

to associate with pupils in private.

Ms. Novak invited a pupil to the theater.

- The opera. They went to the opera.

- Oh. Excuse me.

So, Ms. Novak invited the pupil in question to the opera.

- We must on no account be somehow lenient,

simply because we were the ones

who brought Ms. Novak into the school.

- The name of the pupil in question

should not be made known.

But for us parents,

that virtually means that it could be any child.

Mine.

Or yours.

Or yours.

- Anyway, going to the theater together,

or the opera,

is the only instance of misconduct that we know about.

Who can say what else may have happened in secret?

- Exactly. - Yeah.

I'm in favor of dismissing Ms. Novak immediately.

- As am I.

- Please, let's not get agitated.

The incident in question

might also be seen as a minor mistake.

And Ms. Novak seems to be a dedicated teacher after all.

So if any of you wants to make a statement

in favor of Ms. Novak, please raise your hand now.

(saucer scraping)

(sighs) Very well, then.

I yield to the majority's demand. (sighs)

We come to our next question:

The acquisition of new chairs for the music room.

- It must be a mistake.

I do everything to support these children.

And they are making great progress right now.

You have to take this into consideration.

- Ms. Novak,

I like you.

Your enthusiasm has been an inspiration to all of us.

And who will take over your weekends?

But associating with a pupil in private is not permitted.

And we simply can't afford to have dissatisfied parents.

They pay a lot of money for this school,

and they expect not to be bothered.

I'm so sorry.

(door clunking)

- [Parent 1] I heard she went to visit a pupil in his home.

- [Parent 2] Really?

The way I heard it, she took him to the theater.

- [Parent 3] She doesn't have a family of her own.

The children are her whole life.

- [Parent 2] Maybe she can't have her own children.

- [Parent 4] She forced the kids to starve themselves.

Elsa became bulimic.

- I don't know, Elsa's always been bulimic.

But Ragna? Soon she'll be too light for the trampoline.

- Poor girl.

- If I cannot be Ms. Novak, who am I?

Who sees me here?

Nobody.

Nobody knows I can do it.

That I really can do it.

Look here.

Look at me.

Why have you forsaken me, Almighty Mother?

I beg you, give me a sign.

(insects chirping) (bird caws)

(footsteps tapping)

(dog faintly barking)

(doorbell rings)

(dogs faintly barking) (bird cawing)

(intercom buzzing)

(door clunking)

You still believe in me, don't you?

- I always will.

(dogs faintly barking)

(lips softly smacking)

♪ And now we reach up to the stars ♪

♪ There is more in us ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ And we reach up to the stars ♪

♪ There is more in us ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ And we reach up to the stars ♪

♪ There is more in us ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ There is more in you ♪

♪ And we reach up to the stars ♪

♪ There is more in us ♪

(silverware clinking)

(dog munching)

(dog whimpers)

(sausage clinks) (dog whimpers)

(silverware clinking)

(Elsa's father munching)

(knife scraping)

(Elsa's father sighs deeply) (silverware clinking)

(knife scraping)

- That's enough! (slams fist)

Eat the damn sausage.

Eat it!

(silverware clinking) (knife scraping)

(Elsa's father munching)

(silverware clinking)

(drinking glass scrapes)

(Elsa's father slurps)

(drinking glass clanks)

(silverware clinking)

(Elsa gulping)

(Elsa breathing deeply)

(footsteps clomping)

(door handle clunking)

- Please.

Forgive me.

I'm so sorry. (breathing shakily)

(footsteps tapping)

(Elsa's mother sighs)

(sparse lively percussive music)

(fish tank bubbling)

(Ben's mother exhales deeply)

(sparse percussive music) (dogs faintly barking)

- I'm not hungry.

I don't need to eat.

It's a miracle.

- No, it's not.

It's a disaster.

(sparse lively percussive music)

(knocking on door)

(door clunking)

(birds chirping)

- I just wanted to tell you,

I know how important Ms. Novak was to you.

And I want you to know that I tried to defend her.

- Can't you see I'm busy right now?

- You don't have to punish me by continuing to refuse food.

- This isn't about you.

Stop manipulating me.

I'm not your puppet.

(Ragna sighs)

(sparse percussive music) (birds chirping)

(Elsa breathing deeply)

(door handle clunking)

(knocking on door)

- [Elsa's Father] Elsa, dear?

We brought you some lunch.

(sparse percussive music continues)

- [Elsa] (sighs) I will not eat.

- [Elsa's Father] But why?

- The way we produce and consume food today

is deeply harmful for us as a species.

Food production destroys our environment,

and the vast number of additives destroys our bodies.

The reason for our nutritional behavior today

is a commercial one.

More and more people have to eat more and more food,

so the food industry makes more and more money,

and this makes people not only sick

but also dependent on the conditions of their social status.

Those who can live without food are free

from all social and commercial pressure,

thus, we are threatening the capitalist system.

This will be politically explosive.

- Yes, but, honey, what if it only works briefly,

but then you suffer from malnutrition?

And you can even die.

- [Elsa] Maybe you need to consider

that what you think is true might not be true after all.

- Well, it is true that you need to eat.

- No. It's not true, Dad.

By my mere willpower, I can alter this truth.

By the power of my mind, I can alter reality.

(Elsa's mother laughs)

For instance,

if I wanted you to get cancer, Mum, you'd get cancer.

- Okay, don't say that. That's not nice.

- Or if I wanted it to rain this afternoon,

it will rain.

(rain pattering)

- Do you think I will get cancer now?

- That would be a pretty unfortunate coincidence.

(sparse lively percussive music)

(dog whimpering)

Elsa, open the door now.

- It's open.

(door clunking)

- Oh, God.

Look, Larry.

She's eaten.

- Eating is purely a matter of belief.

If we believed we were to eat vomit,

people would do that.

(Elsa retching)

(Elsa continues retching)

(Elsa continues retching)

(Elsa breathing deeply)

(Elsa sighs)

(Elsa breathing deeply) (Elsa munching)

(Elsa continues munching)

(Elsa's father sighs)

- [Elsa's Father] Elsa, what do you want us to do?

(fork clanks)

- There is only one person who could change my mind.

- [Parents] Yeah?

- Ms. Novak.

(Elsa's mother sighs sharply)

- Who the fuck is Ms. Novak?

- It's her nutrition teacher.

(wind whistling)

(birds cawing)

(doorbell gonging)

(door clunking) - Yes?

- Hi. - How can I help you?

- I'm- I'm one of the parents here.

Thank you.

(parents chattering)

(door clunking)

Oh. Right.

(parents chattering)

Thank you.

- Oh, hi! - Hello.

- How are you? - I'm good.

- [Elsa's Mother] This is Ben's mother,

this is Ragna's father.

- [Both] Nice to meet you.

- Paul Schmidt.

- [Ben's Mother] Jenny.

- Ragna hasn't eaten anything for days.

If she carries on like this...

- [Elsa's Mother] Well, we- we hope that Ms. Novak

is willing to help us.

- What?

But it's all her fault.

Or else why would she have been expelled?

- The parents' board had a very difficult decision to make.

It had nothing to do with questioning Ms. Novak's

competence as a nutrition teacher.

She was expelled for completely different reasons.

- She took one pupil to the opera.

- No, the theater.

They went to the theater.

- Yes, and the question we should allow ourselves to ask is,

did it ever harm any pupil to visit the opera?

Or the theater?

- We were shocked to see how easy the future of a woman

like Ms. Novak was destroyed.

She devoted her life to our children,

and we just put her out on the street.

(Ben's mother laughing)

- Can't you see what's going on here?

She was the one who made our children

stop eating in the first place.

- I think I know what you mean.

Our children were inspired by her lessons,

but then they took it too far.

- We cannot trust her.

- What Gretchen is trying to say

is that Ms. Novak didn't mean any harm.

We should trust her.

- If she doesn't cooperate, we'll sue her.

- (laughs) Even if it's Ms. Novak's fault,

she's the only person who can convince our Elsa

to start eating again.

We have to trust her

because we need her.

No, thank you.

(sparse lively percussive music)

(car engines whirring)

(sparse lively percussive music continues)

(sparse lively percussive music continues)

(sparse percussive music)

- [Ms. Novak] Well, we don't want to keep

your parents waiting, so let's start.

Where's Helen?

- Oh. Skiing in Switzerland.

- [Ms. Novak] What a pity.

- I feel stronger than ever before.

- [Elsa] I feel completely free.

I have absolute control over my body and my mind.

- I've only now just realized

how brainwashed I actually was before. (chuckles)

How much I depended on what other people expected from me.

Especially my mother.

But I can see clearly now.

I now know my mother suffers, herself,

from the pressures of our society,

and that basically it's not her fault

that she passes this pressure on to me,

but I'm- I'm willing to liberate myself from it.

(Ragna sobbing)

- I...

I didn't think it would work for me.

Somehow, I just wasn't ready to believe in it.

But now (laughs) I know I can do it.

My faith is stronger than ever.

- (sighs) It has become very clear now.

There is no going back.

It is not possible for you to live with the expectations

and pressures of those who are so close to you.

They would force you to live like them

and finally to perish with them.

Is that what you want?

Well, then,

I hereby declare you members of Club Zero.

I congratulate you.

You have been chosen to follow the great path

that leads us from our transitory existence

to eternal life.

We will be saved.

(group lightly chuckling)

(group continues lightly chuckling)

- [Fred] I've been thinking,

I won't come to Ghana next year.

You were right.

I'm sure it'd be better for me to stay here

because of school.

- And because of the climate.

You know- - I know.

- It's a good decision, Fred.

(Fred's dad speaking faintly)

- We say goodbye now, darling.

Our guests have arrived.

Merry Christmas to you.

- Thank you, Mum.

You too.

I love you all. (laptop chiming)

Goodbye.

(laptop keyboard key clicks)

(laptop chimes)

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Hm, hm ♪

(doorbell rings)

♪ Hm, hm ♪

♪ Christ our Savior is born ♪

♪ Christ our Savior is born ♪

- Merry Christmas, guys.

- Merry Christmas, love.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, Fred.

(dog faintly barking)

- Is that for me? - Yes, love!

- Thank you.

(gift wrapping paper rustling)

- I will always love you.

(light mid-tempo eclectic music)

(silverware clinking)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

- [Ragna] Please, not too much, Dad.

My body needs to get used to food again slowly.

- [Ragna's Father] As you wish, my dearest.

Bon appetit. - Thank you.

(silverware clinking)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

- No, thank you.

(silverware clinking)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

(light mid-tempo eclectic music continues)

- It's been ages since I've eaten that. (chuckles)

(silverware clinking)

(family munching)

(silverware clinking)

- You don't have to finish it, Elsa.

I wouldn't want you to feel sick.

- Thanks, Dad.

- (sighs) I was so afraid of losing Elsa.

- I know.

- Now, we'll be fine, right?

- Yeah. We will.

Stop driving yourself crazy.

Everything is gonna be fine.

I'm sure.

(bright festive music)

(footsteps tapping)

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm ♪

(dog scampering)

♪ And all is bright ♪

(knocking on door)

- Miss Elsa?

Time to get up.

♪ Mother and child ♪

♪ Holy infant ♪

♪ So tender and mild ♪

(dog munching)

♪ Sleep in a heavenly ♪

♪ Sleep ♪

♪ Sleep ♪

♪ In heavenly sleep ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ Silent night ♪

(knocking on door)

- [Ben's Mother] Darling?

♪ Holy night ♪

(door scraping)

♪ Shepherds quake ♪

- [Ben] "You mustn't try to find me."

♪ At my side ♪

- [Ben] "And please, Mum, don't be too sad.

"I am much better now."

♪ Glory from heaven ♪

- [Ben] "I am in a better place.

"In a better world.

"Forever.

"I love you too.

"Ben."

♪ Hosts singing hallelujah ♪

(Ben's mother sobbing)

♪ Christ ♪

♪ The Savior is born ♪

- [Ragna] "And please, no need to feel guilty.

"I am much better now. I am in a better place.

"In a better world.

"Forever.

"It is not your fault.

"Ragna."

♪ Hmm, hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm, hm-hm ♪

♪ Hmm ♪

♪ Hmm ♪

♪ Hmm ♪

(rain pattering)

♪ Hmm, hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

(wind whistling)

♪ Hmm, hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Hm-hm-hm-hm ♪

♪ Christ ♪

♪ The Savior is born ♪

♪ Christ ♪

♪ The Savior is born ♪

(light thoughtful music)

(birds chirping)

- I feel so sorry for you.

It seems so unfair.

Just because we were skiing in Switzerland,

our Helen was saved.

- Helen.

Why we asked for this meeting,

what we would all like to know is...

I'm sorry, it is very hard for me to speak about this.

- What we wanna ask you, Helen:

Why?

- Why?

Isn't that obvious?

- No, not at all.

- Please, be gentle with Helen.

She's suffered a severe trauma, having lost her classmates.

- We've lost our children.

- We don't know that.

It's still possible that they're alive somewhere.

- Of course, they're still alive somewhere.

It's us who is going to perish, do you still not get it?

(Elsa's mother sighs)

- Well, perhaps it would help

if we also tried to stop eating.

Then maybe we would understand.

- Certainly.

(Helen sighs)

But you'd need to have faith.

(bright chiming music)

(bright chiming music continues)

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

(bright chiming music continues)

(bright chiming music continues)

(bright chiming music continues)

(bright chiming music continues)

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪

♪ Hmm-hmm ♪