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BASED ON VICTORIA AND THE STAVENEYS BY DORIS LESSING

MY FRIEND VICTORIA

Children!

Marie! Charlie!

I'd like to tell you about Victoria.

Her story could have been different...

ended in another way...

and made my friend happier.

I often think I could have changed things.

But can I be sure of that?

- We'll be going soon. - All right.

What could I have done for Victoria?

Should I have opposed certain decisions more firmly?

Why hadn't I been able to?

It all began long ago in a northern Paris school.

- Can I have a kiss? - No.

- Come on. - Leave me be, Thomas.

I won't speak to you again!

That day, Victoria had been told to wait for Thomas's brother

who'd fetch her from the yard.

Her aunt, whom she lived with,

had been taken sick and was in the hospital.

Play here, not in the rain.

Looking for something?

Are you lost?

Come on.

Eat. It'll do you good.

No answer at her place.

- Should we call the police? - Maybe.

Let's wait a bit longer.

Is that the boy who was coming for you?

When he arrived home,

Edouard realized Victoria was the girl he was due to look after.

Why didn't you come? You saw me in the yard.

- I didn't know it was you. - Why?

He knew very well why he didn't think it could be her.

It was because she was black.

I'm really sorry.

Many people wouldn't have cared about this mistake.

But Edouard's family was socialist

and he loathed third-world suffering and racism.

That's yours.

Thank you.

You know my initials?

Shall we go? I'm taking you home.

I'm tired.

We live there, just next to the bow windows.

What's a bow window?

Make yourself at home.

- Where's Thomas? - He's staying at a friend's.

Want some hot chocolate?

No? Sit down on the couch. I won't be long.

Victoria had never seen such a big apartment.

Only the school hallway seemed as spacious.

The apartment she shared with her aunt would have fitted in this room.

Victoria...

Hello, I'm Elena.

I'm Edouard and Thomas's mother. I'm happy you're here.

Your aunt needs to rest tonight. You can sleep here.

We've made dinner. Coming?

You have a pretty name, you know.

Where's your family from?

It would be nice to have people of every origin here, Edouard.

All your friends are white.

- That's ridiculous. - Not at all.

The school was right to call us. They were intelligent for once.

I'm off to the theater. You'll come to see me act one day?

Goodbye, dear.

- You'll manage? - Yes.

- I'm trusting you. - Fine.

What would you like?

We have some antipasti, risotto and Thai chicken.

Or plain rice if you want.

Will you be much longer?

Where's your room?

After the kitchen. If you call, I'll hear you.

Go on in.

You should undress.

Edouard forgot the gulf between them for a second

and gazed at Victoria's white underwear against her black skin.

- How old are you? - I'm eight.

But perhaps he felt that such thoughts didn't match his political views.

Victoria's mind was full of questions.

I'll leave a light on.

Good night, Victoria.

What would happen if she wet the bed?

Or if she sleepwalked and fell down the stairs?

One night, her aunt had found her near the elevator.

You can't sleep?

Come and sit down.

Are you ok?

Watch TV if you want.

Get up, Victoria.

We mustn't be late.

Well... Goodbye, Victoria.

- You slept in my room? - Yes.

- You played with Spip? - Who's Spip?

My squirrel. You played with him?

No.

- Can I have a kiss? - No.

All day, Victoria thought of her amazing night in that huge home.

She was sick of sleeping in her aunt's living room.

She wanted a room of her very own.

Daydreaming, Victoria?

Above all, she thought of Edouard who'd had a strange effect on her.

She was so angry for sucking her thumb.

She hoped Edouard would come for Thomas and see her.

Then she could proudly say,

"Hello, Edouard, how are you?"

And he'd see she wasn't a little girl.

Victoria?

Hello. I'm Diouma.

We met at church, remember?

You're coming home with me, sweetheart.

You aunt has to stay at the hospital. But she's getting better.

Give me your bag.

Victoria and I were at the same school but not in the same class.

Fanny! Here we are, honey.

- I wasn't too long? - No.

Victoria, you know Fanny?

- Have you seen Sékou's toy? - No.

Wait here, sweetheart.

You can kiss the baby later, his name's Sékou.

She didn't seem to see me.

She watched Thomas and his babysitter.

And thought that the day before

she'd taken the path to Edouard's home.

I'll change Sékou. Give Victoria some juice.

Want some orange juice?

No.

Fanny, warm the bottle, please.

Fanny, you could have tidied up like Victoria.

I remember she was odd that evening, in another world.

Cover up.

Good night.

Victoria...

Sleep tight, sweetheart.

She spent two nights with us.

On the second night, something scared me a little.

The next day,

she returned to her aunt Marion who had left the hospital

and life got back to normal.

- Get more. You have the prescription? - Yes.

Help me to the bathroom.

Bring me a glass of water.

What are you doing?

Nothing. I'm coming.

Hurry.

Hurry!

Hello, Victoria.

- How is she today? - Not very well.

I saw about her benefit. You have to wait but it should work.

- Who is it? - It's me, Diouma.

- I have to go to the pharmacy. - I have time.

- She's thirsty. - I'll see to it.

One day last winter,

Victoria took the wrong path and ended up there.

It was a big surprise to see that the Savinet family's home

was a stone's throw from hers.

She had started coming that way, hoping to meet Edouard.

She had seen the whole family,

except the father but that didn't surprise her.

She was used to fatherless families.

But no one had ever noticed her.

Here.

- Want me to sleep near you? - No. You're kind, dear.

Don't open the windows. I'm cold.

Victoria was sick of sleeping on the couch,

with her clothes in her aunt's wardrobe.

To her, they smelled bad now.

At times, sickened by the smell of illness,

she felt as if she were sinking into dirty black water.

When Marion died,

Victoria would move to her room

and it would be hers.

She couldn't help thinking that.

Auntie...

It'll be free at the end of the month.

The Housing Office will redo the wiring.

If you meet the conditions, you'll get priority.

Go ahead, take your time.

- Everything ok? - Yes, thank you.

I like your house. Who gave it to you?

My mom, when I was tiny.

A lot of boxes... Are you doing this alone?

If you need to get rid of certain things,

the town hall can help.

I'll give you the number.

Please.

What're you doing?

Open the door!

- Mom! - What is it, Fanny?

It's Victoria.

What's she doing? Victoria?

What are you doing? Open the door!

It's my room! I'm staying here!

- Honey... - Open up!

- Shall I try? - Sure, if you like.

Victoria, we met earlier, remember?

It's time to go now.

Open up or we'll have to break the lock.

That's how Victoria came to live with us.

You can borrow all my books if you want.

I'd discovered a passion for reading at the time.

A passion that Victoria didn't share.

She had trouble concentrating.

She was behind at school and was allowed to repeat the year.

You like sleeping below?

Since you sleepwalk,

you might fall.

- I don't sleepwalk anymore. - You never know.

I like sleeping up top anyway.

I'd always wanted a sister.

I was very happy Victoria was there.

I never knew what she was thinking.

She always seemed elsewhere.

Can we play with your doll's house later?

I think that's also why I liked her.

Mom said you're staying here for good.

I'm pleased.

- Hello, Dad, how are you? - I'm fine.

Come in quick.

- Did you find the girl's pajamas? - Yes.

I'm in the kitchen, they're in the living room.

Victoria, Fanny, I have presents for you too.

Whose turn is it?

Don't peek.

Victoria?

What have you chosen?

Scissors.

Come here, Victoria.

Come on, honey.

You can't sleep, like me?

The two of us get on well.

Know what? You have to listen to me.

Work hard at school.

You won't repeat the year again, ok?

Don't do what I did, Victoria. Don't pick the easy way.

Fanny, can't you sleep too?

Come with us.

I have my two little girls with me.

You're nice and warm here?

I adore you both, you know that?

Have you seen the snow outside?

Beautiful, isn't it?

Stay like this a while and then... go to bed. It's late.

- Not yet. - It's Christmas.

Yes, it's Christmas.

You can stay up till midnight.

I had a sister.

I was happy.

And the years passed more quickly than before.

Victoria, as was to be expected,

lost interest in school, dropped out

and started to work.

As for me, after graduation,

while doing odd jobs like Victoria,

I started studying literature.

During all those years,

whenever she passed, loyal to her memories,

Victoria always looked at the building where she spent that amazing night.

In that way, she saw Edouard and Thomas grow.

But the brothers never recognized her.

Come and see.

See him?

- Who is he? - A pain in the neck.

- He's not bad. - You can have him.

- He gets it. - Great.

- Are we seeing a movie? - Yes, I finish soon. Coffee?

Please.

I had been writing for a few years.

Poems, short stories...

I let Victoria read them

and she encouraged me, despite saying she was no expert.

But what mattered was what she thought of them.

- I'll write about you one day. - About me?

You couldn't.

- Why not? - Nothing to tell.

- Want to bet? - Ok.

The jobs helped Victoria to give money to my mother

who urged her to find better, to look in smarter neighborhoods.

Hold on. Victoria, have you seen my lipstick?

I can't find it.

Yes, I'm sorry.

No, that's no good.

I was talking to my daughter.

- Bye. - Where are you going?

To do photos.

- What photos? - Fashion ones.

- You like that? - I guess.

When'll you do something you like?

Fanny, have you got my lipstick?

Victoria tried all kinds of jobs.

This one wasn't very well paid,

but, for the first time, she almost felt at home.

The music, the customers, the staff... She liked everything.

She said she didn't want to move again.

Mom was disappointed but didn't show it.

She simply told her,

"Go, Victoria, do what you have to do. Make the most of your youth.

Because, after, you'll meet a man and it'll be over."

Can I help you?

- Got the new Archie Shepp? - Next week.

- Know this? - Yes, I like it a lot.

I loved his last concert.

- What is it? - You're Thomas.

Victoria.

You don't remember me?

We were at school together.

I slept in your room once.

Incredible... You recognized me after so long?

I've seen you while passing your place.

When you came in, I thought you were Edouard.

No chance of seeing him around here.

Why? He's not in Paris?

He's on a mission in Sierra Leone. He's a legal expert.

And what do you do?

I'm studying English.

It's cool to see you.

Can we go for a drink?

I'd like that.

Victoria couldn't believe she was back there.

At the same time, everything seemed a little fake.

First, Thomas wasn't Edouard.

Well?

I remember it well.

The apartment was less impressive,

the light less warm...

The carpets were worn.

It seemed odd wealthy people hadn't changed them.

You can hear the trains?

You'd forgotten? I don't notice it anymore.

Mom says it calms her.

It's her parents' place. She's fond of it.

Where's your mother?

In Marseilles. With some play or other.

Edouard's books. He wants me to read them. He's a drag.

- You don't share his ideas? - I do, but...

he keeps lecturing me.

What do you think? Are you left-wing?

Yes.

But...

books, activism, I'm not into that.

My best friend Fanny tells me about it.

What France does in Africa is horrific.

Ever been there?

I was born here.

I have no family there.

You're trembling.

- I'm not used to it. - Me neither.

- Maybe we can manage it. - Maybe.

A few weeks later,

the summer holidays began but Thomas decided to stay with Victoria.

In all the time they were together,

Victoria never mentioned Thomas to my mother or me.

Why did she keep him a secret?

She probably didn't know herself.

I'm sorry!

- Who's that? - Victoria. I told you about her.

She's pretty.

I told you she was. You never listen to me.

I don't?

Your brother's left Alice.

I don't know what he does to girls.

Glad to see you again, Victoria.

So am I, ma'am.

Call me Elena.

- That's a pretty dress. - Thank you.

I have to run to a rehearsal.

- I hope we'll talk soon. - I hope so too.

- Bye. - Goodbye.

You're not late for work?

Not yet.

You can grant me a few more minutes?

A few more?

Outwardly, everything seemed so natural.

But that wasn't the case.

She found him a bit superficial, too young at heart.

He found her too cautious, too genteel.

She hated his coarse mockery of Edouard.

He hated the way she carefully folded her clothes

before joining him in bed.

Look, I changed the street's name for you.

Are you pleased?

Silly...

It's funny.

True, they made love all the time,

but they knew deep down it could be different,

more violent and passionate, more intense and sweeter.

But they never spoke about all that.

Summer ended and Thomas left for university in America.

Ever made love on the banks of the Seine?

Victoria didn't really feel sad.

Neither did he.

And then time passed...

Are you ok?

I'm pregnant.

- I don't want an abortion. - What?

- I don't want the father to know. - You don't...

Hold on, who's the father?

A nice boy. White.

I've thought hard. I don't want him to know.

- It's for the best. - You think so?

Have you thought it through?

Yes, but this is how I have to do it.

Why?

I don't know.

It's something I sense.

- What are you doing? - Calling the guys.

Sékou, put the phone down.

Mom doesn't want you to go out.

I'm scared to tell Diouma.

Don't worry about her.

I'll disappoint her. She expected better.

She'll respect your decision.

And you?

Have you thought hard about this?

- You're sure? - Yes, I'm sure.

The following days, I tried to get her to talk about it.

She herself probably didn't understand her reactions.

If I tried to bring her down to earth and reconsider her decision,

she would withdraw into herself.

I decided to keep silent and leave her in peace.

When my mother heard,

she told Victoria she'd never disappoint her.

That she loved her as she was.

That she'd always be there for her.

She asked her to think again about the child's father.

There could be problems.

- Are you Mrs. Diouma? - Yes.

- Can I see you? - I'll see you shortly.

For now...

- Hi, Diouma. - Hi, Safi.

...we could apply for housing.

Good news. Yacine will probably get his papers.

That's good.

Are you ok, Diouma?

Hi there...

Hello, Marie.

Sékou?

- How are you, honey? - Fine.

Have you seen Sékou? We're eating.

- How's Marie? - She's asleep.

I'll come to see her later.

- Ok? - And you?

I'll see you later?

Take care.

Mom died a few months later.

Her heart gave up.

They said she had too many worries, that work had worn her out.

That's probably true.

Victoria's grief was terrifying

and lasted several long weeks.

We stayed together.

We tried to comfort each other.

- Hello, sir. - Hello. A beer, please.

She's adorable.

- What's her name? - Marie.

I'm Sam. And you?

Victoria.

You're Victoria, you love music and you have a pretty daughter.

I'm getting to know you.

Actually, I work in a record store.

- I have a group. - Really?

We have a few gigs. Do you play?

No.

As a kid, I liked to sing in church. But I stopped going.

It seemed meaningless.

I think she likes me.

I like you too, Marie.

You have a pretty mom.

- Can I see you again? - If you like.

- Less formal next time. - Ok.

How about next week?

Move, niggers!

What the hell did you just say?

Stop! Sam!

You're not alone, I'm with you

On earth as in heaven

When you're sad, dry your eyes

I'm your oak

No more hatred Like an angel, I'll lift you up

I'll lift you up

Victoria

What's she doing? Playing?

She wasn't any trouble?

No. I'm crazy about her.

I have to go. Sam's waiting.

- Is it still good with him? - Yes.

We're getting married.

What? You tell me that out of the blue?

That's a major event!

- He'll move in with me. - Congratulations.

- Hello, Victoria. - Hello, Grandpa.

- Is there any Coke? - In the fridge.

I told him to come here. He couldn't manage alone.

Not now Mother's gone...

Don't worry, I'm here.

I wish she'd known Sam.

Yeah, she'd have adored him.

Know what she'd have said?

"Why can't you find a decent man?

Why are you so picky?"

I'd have said, "That's just the way I am."

Victoria married Sam.

A little Charlie was born.

The place felt cramped

but Sam was often away performing all over.

This great philosopher

mocks the French team as too black but still writes articles.

That's an old story.

Yeah, but no one ever reacts, not even the Blacks.

- Are you Black, French... - I have to be something?

Marie's asleep now.

Guys, don't smoke too much.

The guys are sleeping here. On the couch and the floor.

You don't get that in a country like the USA.

Blacks are organized. They're a group with power.

- It's different. - You're right.

Sixty years after the end of colonization,

we have the Ministry of National Identity.

And they have Barack Obama.

I got this in London for Charlie.

I give you yours later when we're alone in our room.

Give me a kiss instead.

She hoped Sam would be around more once the baby was born, but he wasn't.

Bye, baby.

See you next week. Take care, you and the kids.

I spend my life waiting for you.

It's my job. That's how it is.

You love me for what I do, right?

But it's tough.

I love you. I'll try to change that. Promise.

Sometimes she thought of the men she'd known.

There had been a few one-night stands.

Then Thomas,

who was different but never really counted for her.

She often thought of Edouard, who had left his mark on her,

but that was something else,

strong emotions from her childhood.

Now there was Sam and she loved him deeply.

With him, life seemed more real, more concrete.

Yes, even if she was always waiting for him,

even if everyday life was hard,

Sam was well and truly the man of her life.

For better and for worse, as they say.

Just a second.

Music Land.

Yes, speaking.

What's wrong?

What is it?

Talk to me.

Sam was always on the road and drove like crazy.

Victoria dreaded getting into a car with him.

She'd beg him to drive more slowly for the children.

Only when they were along would he slow down a little...

Are you ok?

Want me to do it?

Over the following weeks,

Victoria had panic attacks but kept going.

She couldn't lose control.

She had the children to look after.

Then something unexpected occurred in Victoria's life.

She was forced to make some painful decisions.

All the more painful as they concerned less her life

than that of her daughter, Marie.

- Do you have it in black? - Sorry, we've sold out.

I'm already late. I'll get fired because of you!

This one in size 3?

Sold out too.

- Am I bothering you? - Not at all.

I'm sick of these checks all the time.

Just show us your papers, we won't ask again.

I don't have them on me.

- What's come over you? - Forgive me.

What are you thinking?

Go on out if you're interested.

Let go of me!

You're late.

I know, honey. Problems at work.

- Are you changing again? - I have no choice.

- Had a good day? - Yes.

- We'll go through my poem later? - Of course.

Let's go for a walk, honey.

- And Charlie? - He's at Fanny's.

It was incredible.

Marie was the daughter of Thomas who was there, just a few feet away.

Victoria had always refused to see Thomas as a father

and the idea now seemed novel to her.

What had she been thinking of all those years?

She felt she was emerging from a long sleep.

Who is that?

Nobody.

She had wanted to forget Thomas,

but how could she justify it now?

Why had she wanted to purge her memory of the Savinets?

She had seen Elena in a magazine.

She was having a brilliant stage career.

Like Lionel, her former husband.

As for Edouard, he wrote newspaper columns.

She also thought of her children.

What would become of them?

She knew her school was worse than before,

with drugs and fights.

Marie and Charlie might leave it even more ignorant than her.

Time for bed soon.

Five more minutes.

But what could she do for them?

I can't do anything, she thought,

I can't fight for myself or others.

Did you hear, Charlie? Bed soon.

Five more minutes, please.

The more she thought about it,

the more she felt like a feeble creature adrift on the current

without knowing what was happening or why.

A puppet gliding over the world without putting down roots

or controlling anything.

For the first time in her life perhaps,

she felt she could act and make a good decision.

What did she want now? For the Savinets to know Marie.

Then it would be up to them.

That was the resolution she made that evening,

and she knew it would haunt her mind.

That's my mom. The place could be ours this weekend.

Thomas?

It's Victoria.

- Who? - Victoria. Remember me?

- Of course I remember you. - Victoria?

I have something to tell you.

Just a minute.

Be right back.

Go on.

I have a child.

Your child.

A little girl called Marie.

What are you saying?

I got pregnant that summer.

Why didn't you tell me?

Are you angry?

No, I'm not angry.

But you should have told me. Why didn't you?

I don't know.

I don't know. I was stupid.

How old is she?

Seven, is that right?

She's seven.

What did you say her name was?

Her name's Marie.

Don't you want to see her?

I do.

I'd really like to see her.

Yes, I'd like to see her.

I want to see her.

Want to hold my hand?

- Are you working? - On and off.

And you?

Nothing much. I'm biding my time, I'm living.

- I'd like to start a soul group. - That's good.

And Edouard?

An international career. The pride of the family.

It's incredible.

You're as pretty as ever, Victoria.

And you have a very pretty daughter.

Marie, you have your grandmother's hands.

Who is she?

A great lady of the stage.

Maybe I'll never see him again, Victoria thought. Too bad.

The ball is in his court. I've done what I had to.

Delicious soup, Mom.

Thank you.

I have a child.

Her name's Marie. She's of mixed race.

Her mother's Victoria. Remember her?

Should I?

Vaguely. But there have been so many...

You brought her here as a little girl.

You let her sleep in my room.

You saw her again?

She's adorable. And our child too.

You're not reacting?

It's good.

You seem happy.

- How old is she? - She's seven.

She might be fooling you.

Consider the consequences if you recognize the child.

What are you imagining?

I know no end of similar stories.

Victoria isn't like that.

Why be so suspicious?

I've always wanted a black grandchild. Mixed race is good too.

You two talk such nonsense!

I'm saying it for your sake.

After all, it could be blackmail.

Money wasn't mentioned.

Maybe we should give some.

In that case, we need to know it's true.

I know it's true. Victoria is someone decent.

She wouldn't lie.

It's easy enough to be sure.

Do a paternity test.

That's so sordid!

It is.

You can't ask that.

Mr. Humanitarian is turning into Sarkozy.

You're mixing things up.

We could fund someone else's kid for years.

Victoria's someone decent, ok! I fucking know her!

A meeting was arranged.

Edouard regretted that a paternity test hadn't cleared things up.

You're really my daddy then?

Yes, kitten, that's right.

- Need help, Mom? - I can manage.

At first, he was distant

and bombarded Victoria with sly questions.

But he had to face it.

Everyone believed her but him.

Are you my grandma?

Absolutely!

We have the same hands.

That's right. Look.

So who are you?

Well... I'm your uncle.

Will I live here?

Of course not, you'll stay with me.

And Charlie?

You, me and Charlie. We stay together.

I just wanted you to know your family, see?

Let's celebrate this.

- Welcome to our family! - Welcome, Marie.

She realized time had passed.

She was with Edouard,

and he was no longer the boy who took care of her once.

Yes, he was a different man.

"Dear Thomas,

I'd hate your brother to keep thinking I want to trick you.

The thought keeps me awake.

I'd like you and Marie to do a paternity test

to prove the bond between child and father.

Write or call me soon to tell me what you think.

I don't want to force you.

With all my affection, Victoria."

Do you think that will do?

No, it's totally absurd. No one can make you do it.

What else can I do?

They have to trust you. The test is a disgrace!

Don't oppose me, Fanny. It makes me sad.

And I'm sad to see you give in!

They're not your masters. We're not their slaves!

Are you ok?

Marie and Thomas did the test.

Edouard admitted he was wrong.

Lionel was invited too.

Hello, Marie.

Dad, they're here.

Victoria, hello. Welcome.

So you're little Marie!

I'm delighted to meet you, little Marie.

She's delectable.

Bravo, Victoria. Why keep her from us so long?

Do you like this place? It's a bit big, isn't it?

When I was living here, I got lost all the time.

I couldn't find the kitchen...

I'd call, "Elena!"

But your grandmother's stone deaf.

I'd walk and walk until I was so tired...

Can I pick you up?

You won't be tired when we reach the living room.

Now where is the living room?

There.

She's so light, this little caramel cream.

Not the best comparison.

Can't I call you my caramel cream? My coffee ice cream?

Yes, you can.

Dad, it's borderline Uncle Tom.

Hear that? I'm stuck in colonial days.

Your granddad's a reactionary.

It's ready.

Just ignore me, Victoria. I'm too old to change.

It's because it's the first time.

I'm crazy with joy.

Crazy about your little Marie.

Crazy about being her grandfather.

Bye, slowpoke.

Why are you going so fast?

Because I'm not a snail.

No, I'm not a snail.

What are you doing?

Where are you going?

Thomas soon put money into Victoria's account for Marie.

He started spending time with his daughter.

She enjoyed their games and outings more and more.

You're going for a dip now.

They took Marie everywhere.

They displayed great affection for her.

Everyone adored her.

- Seen this, Mom? - You're beautiful.

You spoil her.

- Did you thank them? - Yes, 50 times.

Marie has lovely manners. She's a darling.

We have to go.

Bye, sweetheart.

See you soon.

Come on, Marie.

Maybe we could do something for Charlie.

Personally, I find it awkward.

I thought about it but...

Next time...

we can ask him to come with Marie.

- Is that ok? - I'll ask Victoria. Good idea.

The request bothered Victoria.

Charlie was Sam's son. He owed that family nothing.

And he was a little taciturn too.

She told Thomas that he wouldn't be very comfortable

and might bother them.

They didn't insist.

Serafon! He's coming back!

I knew it! He'll want even more money!

Out of the question!

Not one centime! Not one!

He won't get me.

That scoundrel won't get everything. It's too easy.

I put him up, give him money,

let him charm my wife before my eyes!

If he could rid me of her, that wouldn't be so bad.

If she could see herself simpering... Ridiculous at her age!

Odette, you're ridiculous.

Right, I have to hide. But where?

No, that's no good.

How pathetic!

Hiding in one's own home!

This fellow is a nightmare!

Why do I give him my key?

Why? It's tragic!

There you are, old chap.

You're here too, my darling!

I was trying out the lamp.

It works very well.

Yes, very well indeed.

I hammed it up.

Because of her, to make her happy.

I overdid it, didn't I, Marie?

I like it when you hit the bear.

Thank you. We're off to bed.

Good night.

See you soon, honey.

I'll call you soon about a circus trip.

All right.

Grandpa said he loved me lots.

- Do you love him too? - Yes.

Charlie!

Hello, special offer at the Conference Center mall...

I'm taking a break.

- At the café? - Yes.

Don't be long.

Thomas wanted to give Victoria more money.

He said it was for her too, not just for Marie.

He also offered to find her work.

Victoria refused everything.

She felt bought and that idea was unbearable.

I had become a reader for a publishing firm.

I was happy there. They trusted me.

It gave me the strength to write my old project about Victoria.

And then I met Vincent.

It was my first serious relationship.

I was passing by. I wanted to see you.

Something wrong? Shall we have dinner?

- What about Vincent? - That's ok.

Vincent, I have to go.

- No concert then? - Some other time.

Too bad. Have a good evening.

See you tomorrow.

I never thought they'd be so glad to know Marie.

Mixed race is ok. Black would've been different.

- They might change her school. - You think so?

They know ours. I bet they've gone off it.

It was odd, sending their kids there.

Stop it, Sékou! Grandpa's sleeping.

Sékou, think of your grandfather!

He steals my money, he screws up. He'll end up in jail.

You do what you can.

I don't know what else to try.

I'll check on him.

Are you ok, Grandpa?

Tell me. Are you ok?

Why aren't I dead yet?

Don't say that. You know I don't like it.

Shame on you! Grandpa's sleeping. You respect no one.

What's your problem?

You let society fuck you!

On Mom's grave, I pity you!

That summer, the Savinets took Marie to the country.

She was over the moon about leaving Paris for the first time.

Then Victoria was invited for a weekend.

She hesitated. Marie insisted.

She was gripped by anxiety when she arrived.

She thought they were taking Marie from her

and that she alone was to blame.

There she is. Look!

We're late. Sorry.

That's ok.

Sweetheart...

I'll take your bag.

Look, I've lost a tooth.

A tooth?

We're so glad you're here, Victoria. Marie couldn't wait.

Marie's hair is soft and nice The spider will eat her lice

He keeps getting it all wrong.

That's not it?

Hairy Marie didn't lose her head

She ate the spider with buttered bread

No, I'm not hairy.

You're not hairy? No?

I haven't spent the summer here with everyone for ages.

Little Marie brought me back.

How about a race? Have a head start.

Go on, I'll follow.

You're going too fast!

Little Marie, with all her hair Ate the big spider without a care

We're back!

Hi.

How are you?

Marie, come on!

Had a good journey?

My grandmother's wedding...

- Where is she? - Here.

Hello, Victoria.

How are you?

Welcome, Victoria.

A good journey?

Yes, thank you.

Look, we're sorting through all our old photos.

Books for Marie too.

Beautiful, aren't they?

A cup of tea?

Or coffee perhaps?

- It's red tea. - No, it's green.

Look, our holiday in Biarritz. All four of us in swimsuits.

You had sunburn.

Look, Marie, I've found a photo of your dad.

Ready for horse-riding.

Would you like to try it?

Look...

This is of the two of us.

We were performing in Nanterre... 30 years ago now?

Yes.

Twenty-five years ago, in a play by Brecht.

It's nice here.

Are you pleased?

Yes, I'm a bit tired.

I'll rest. Want to go and see your grandpa?

- Everything ok? - Yes.

That's Stéphane, the caretaker. He's here all year.

You know, Victoria...

I'm happy to see you here.

You're very beautiful.

I'm going to rest a little.

All right. Take your time.

The cheese is delicious, isn't it?

- Delicious. - I told you so.

Victoria, how about sending this little darling to a good school?

Dad's views on education have changed completely.

- A U-turn. - No, you're mistaken.

Really?

So why didn't you send us to a good school?

That's what I wanted but...

Don't start. Your school did you a lot of good.

Pupils there actually fought with knives last week.

It didn't happen back then.

But you could have wanted better teaching.

You'd have missed something

and you met people you'd never have frequented.

You were being politically correct.

Know what you'd be otherwise?

A little self-centered, ridiculous Parisian intellectual.

That's all?

- I like soul thanks to you? - Of course.

Let's have a truce so as not to bore Victoria.

This wine's better, isn't it?

It's very good.

I have no fond memories of that school.

I do.

Victoria!

But we barely saw each other...

It's true.

You're right. That school is getting worse.

Marie has trouble concentrating. I'm not much help.

We're back to where we started.

Marie, do you want to go to a good school?

- Where is it? - In Normandy, for example.

Not a boarding school.

I agree.

I don't want to be far from Marie.

I went to one and didn't really like it.

Yours wasn't a good school, Mom.

But Dad clearly knows excellent ones.

No boarding school for now.

I've also found a good school near your place.

Just a short metro ride away.

Don't you have anything to say, Thomas?

I think it should be your decision.

It would be good for Marie.

But I need to think it over.

I understand.

But I'm happy to see we all agree.

Is there any dessert?

Blue ice cream to turn Marie blue?

The future was clear.

Marie would go to a mostly white school.

She would still need to fight but in a different way.

And the Savinets, more than Victoria, would help her find her place.

Later, they would suggest sending Marie to boarding school...

and Victoria would accept.

Good night, Dad.

It's Thomas. Are you asleep?

That night, something occurred that hadn't happened for years...

Mommy, I'll always love you.

Good morning, Victoria.

We're the first up.

- Are you leaving? - Yes.

I'm sorry but I don't feel comfortable here.

I understand. This family can be trying.

No, it's not you, it's...

I don't know... This place...

And Marie?

I explained to her. She's asleep.

Thank you for everything.

Don't wait. It'll be here soon.

All right.

I wanted to tell you...

I'm sorry I was so reticent at first.

But you can tell things have changed?

You're always welcome. You know that.

Thank you.

I wanted to tell you...

Remember when I came to your home?

When you were eight?

I remember

missing you outside the school.

I'm ashamed.

What I remember most...

is falling asleep at your side.

- We did that? - I think so.

That's funny.

You know, we could be less formal with each other.

If you like.

- Now? - All right.

Have a good journey, Victoria.

- See you soon. - See you soon, Edouard.

Marie returned a few days later.

She was so happy to see her mother, she spent hours at her side

and kept telling her she loved her.

Hello, Grandpa.

She also liked the gift she had before leaving the country house.

I'm fine.

We went...

for a walk.

We went out.

Fries and a steak.

She's well.

It's broken.

She's on the couch.

It's all right, we'll mend it.

On the swings too.

Don't be upset.

You're my love, you know.

- And Marie? - Marie too.

I've written what I know about this story.

Victoria said she doesn't want to read it.

She couldn't return to those years

that seemed like a confused dream.

What would become of her now?

Could I help her more than in the past?

I know she won't let herself go.

She'll keep trying in her way to find a place somewhere.

Yes, that's how she is, Victoria, my friend.

It'll rain soon. Let's go back.

- Where are you going? - To see Grandpa at the hospital.

Is he better?

He's sick of life. He's letting go.

- I'll go soon. - He'll be pleased.

Call me. Tell me how the job goes.

- I won't get it. - Fingers crossed.

Victoria, my book!

- When's it out? - In three months.

- In three months then. - Bye, kids!

Bye, sweetheart. Don't forget to call me.

I won't.

Let's get the bus, Charlie.

It'll be here soon.

You're not too cold?

A little.

MY FRIEND VICTORIA

Subtitling: Hiventy