Ariel: Back to Buenos Aires (2022) Movie Script
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(SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(CLOCK TICKING)
-(MACHINE WHIRRING)
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(BELL DINGS)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
So, were you okay seeing Dad?
-(SIGHS)
-You know he loves you, right?
He just has a hard time
expressing it.
It's okay. I'm used to him
treating me like dog shit.
I have no issue.
-(GULPS)
-Davie...
do you really think
that's a good idea?
Mami told me you're taking,
like, two or three Zaleplons
just to sleep.
-(BOTTLE THUDS)
-(GRUNTS) Here we go again.
It's supposed to be a vacation,
not an intervention.
Can you please
just stop acting like Mom?
Why do you always
have to do that?
I don't act like her.
She's been so weird lately.
Every time I talk to her
about her pregnancies--
Her pregnancies. Yeah, I know.
You've told me already.
Can we just not talk
about babies?
(BELL DINGS)
-(GULPS)
-(GLASS THUDS)
What's this all about,
Dee Dee?
Nothing. Forget it.
-What?
-Nothing.
Dee Dee.
Davie, I don't remember Mami
being pregnant with you.
I don't remember seeing
any pictures
of her pregnant either.
-What are you talking about?
-Argentina is very Catholic.
And I was just thinking,
you know,
teenage girls got pregnant,
and had to give up their babies
because they were born
out of wedlock or whatever.
And that happened
all the time.
So, now, you think I'm adopted?
-Well--
-What the fuck, Diana?
You brought me
on a fucking airplane
to ambush me with this?
I just thought
that maybe in Buenos Aires,
we could try and find out.
Don't you think you should've
mentioned this to me first?
I was scared that if I told
you, you wouldn't come.
Of course, I wouldn't have come.
-Jesus Christ, Diana--
-I wasn't sure.
Yep.
And I thought
you wouldn't have listened.
()
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-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
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(SIGHS SOFTLY)
(TANGO BARDO SINGER
SINGING IN SPANISH)
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(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MARIONETTE JINGLING)
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(SINGING IN SPANISH)
(BYSTANDERS APPLAUDING)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
(SNORES)
-(LAPTOP DINGS)
-DIANA: Hi, Mami.
Diana, dear.
Can you turn your camera on?
I'd like to see you.
See how you are.
(LAPTOP DINGS)
SILVIA:
Hey, much better!
Did you have any trouble
with immigration?
Did they ask a lot of questions?
We're fine.
SILVIA:
Your father was worried
you might have some issues.
-It went fine.
-Have you spoken to Justin?
DIANA:
Not yet.
We've been really stressy
lately.
So, it's kind of nice
to have a little break.
Justin and I have been trying
for a baby all year.
And It's been...
it's been really rough. I just--
-Where's Davie?
-Sleeping.
-SILVIA: How's he doing?
-He's fine.
-Well, just keep an eye on him.
-DIANA: I will.
Don't worry.
This is really good for him.
He seems really happy here.
It's beautiful.
Yes, beautiful,
but full of garbage, dog shit.
Watch where you step.
You really need to be careful
not to get robbed, Diana.
I'm serious.
-When Mariela finally--
-Okay, Mam.
For God's sake,
don't go to La Boca.
()
(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(IN SPANISH)
Hello!
Let's do it.
Diana Vega
wants to learn tango.
I don't believe it.
-We could learn together.
-Fuck off.
Maybe you'd like to see
some authentic tango.
It's not for tourists.
MAN: (IN SPANISH)
Thank you.
()
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
TOUR GUIDE:
The Casa Rosada sits
at the Eastern end
of Plaza de Mayo square.
This large square
which since its foundation
in 1580, has been surrounded
by many of the most important
political institutions
of the city and the country.
Witnessing the weekly
symbolic protest
of Las Abuelas
de la Plaza de Mayo
is something that I hope
will stay with you
after you leave.
The Abuelas, the grandmothers
have marched around
the Piramide de Mayo since 1977.
And they do this as a reaction,
as a protest
for the kidnapping
and the murder of their children
during the last
military dictatorship.
Some 30,000 Argentineans
were kidnapped
and murdered by the regime.
They were victims of a campaign
against left-wing activists
-and their families.
-(SIGHS SOFTLY)
Up next, we're going to visit
the beautiful Botanical Gardens
of Buenos Aires.
(INHALES, EXHALES)
DIANA:
Remember when we were little,
and I would let you
dress up in my clothes?
No. (INHALES)
DIANA:
What about when I used
to pay you
to get out of my room?
(EXHALES) Where is this heading?
How about I pay you to come
to this milonga with me tonight?
Oh, come on. You'll be in bed
by nine o'clock like always.
-I really wanna go.
-DAVIE: So, go.
How much?
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-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
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(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS, CHEERS)
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(SINGING IN SPANISH)
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(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS, CHEERS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-DIANA: Cheers! (CHUCKLES)
-MEN: (IN SPANISH) Cheers!
-How did you like the show?
-Mm. I loved it.
They are great teachers,
you know?
So, if you want to dance,
you need to learn
the art of the cabeceo.
That sounds exotic.
Imagine I want
to ask you to dance,
and you are on the other side
of the dance floor.
So, I walk all the way
over there,
and you refuse my invitation.
The walk of shame
back to the table.
So, the cabeceo is an
invitation that a man does
from far away.
So, he nods his head,
and he raises his eyebrow.
(CHUCKLES)
ALEJANDRO:
And the woman
gives a nod back to accept it.
And if I wanna ask a man?
Well, you just...
you just stare at him like this.
And if he wants to dance
with you,
he will invite you like this.
And then I accept like this.
Oh. You just accepted
an invitation from El Gordo.
I did?
Get ready. Wait for him
to come to the table,
then stand up.
It will be like riding
a big Mercedes Benz.
But I can't dance.
I don't know how to dance--
ALEJANDRO:
Don't worry.
Don't worry. Just let go.
Be in the moment,
and let him lead you.
-(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
-(DAVIE GRUNTS)
-(GROANS)
-(PANTS)
(SOBS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
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(SPEAKING SPANISH)
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Uh, what?
Oh, sorry. I thought
you spoke Spanish.
Uh, take off your shoes.
You can't pivot in those. Okay?
(GRUNTS)
Come on. I will walk with you.
I'll lead you.
Okay.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Relax. Breathe with me, okay?
Breathe with the music.
Move with your chest,
so you don't step on--
-JOSEFINA: Oh! Oh.
-DAVIE: Ah. Sorry.
It's okay. It's okay.
Uh, listen, everybody. Come on.
It's very important.
Forget about the arms. Okay?
Mm. Relax.
Think only about the breath.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
-JOSEFINA: Change partners.
-Thank you.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-Jose.
-I know.
(KISSES)
Okay.
The leader is going
to be like the one
who drives the car.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
The leaders are the prey,
and we are the hunters.
We have to follow close
to hunt them down.
The embrace
is not a frozen position.
It's a hug.
So, we connect first
with our chest
as we hug a friend
or a family member.
Okay.
Now, try with your partner.
()
-JOSEFINA: What's your name?
-Oh. Uh, I'm Davie.
People call me--
they call me Davie.
Ah. Here, we don't shake hands,
we kiss.
(KISSES)
Thank you
for coming to the class.
How do you like Buenos Aires?
Are you staying long?
Just a few weeks.
Our parents are from here
actually.
-Really?
-DIANA: Yeah.
We were both born here.
Oh, interesting.
When did your family move away?
DIANA:
Um, I think
it was, like, the early '80s.
We were both really little
when we left.
The early '80s
was a difficult time here.
A lot of people left to escape.
I don't think
it was anything like that.
Um, our father
got transferred for his job.
JOSEFINA:
What did your father do?
-JOSE: Hey.
-Hi.
You did great today.
Oh, thanks.
I mean, I'm such a beginner.
I-- This is my brother Davie.
-Oh, your brother?
-Yeah.
-I don't believe it.
-Well, believe it.
How about a bus tour today?
-Or what about a museum?
-Whatever.
Davie.
Now that we're here,
do you feel something?
I mean, don't you think
it could be true
that maybe you're adopted?
(BOOK THUDS)
Okay. Let's say it's true.
And I am adopted. Okay?
Let's say we find that out.
All right?
And then let's say
we find my mother.
My real mother.
What do you want me to do
when I meet her? Hmm?
What do you want me to say?
Actually, I thought
we could just start
by trying to get a copy
of your birth certificate.
DAVIE:
Why don't you just ask
Ma for my birth certificate?
I did.
She wouldn't give it to me.
So, I thought
that we could start
by trying
to get your birth certificate.
And then we'll know.
And then we can try to find
your birth mother if you want.
What if I don't wanna meet her?
At least you'll know the truth.
At least I'll know.
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
()
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
Hola. Would it be possible
to get a copy
of certificado de nacimiento
David Vega? David Vega?
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
DIANA:
Pardon me?
-Expired. Expired .
-Oh, okay.
Okay. Um, or maybe
you have the, um,
(IN SPANISH)
Certificado de Sentencia.
Adoptado? Adopted?
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
-Wait. There.
-(IN SPANISH) Okay. Thank you.
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
(DIANA SIGHS)
()
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
(DOCUMENT RUSTLING)
(PEN SCRAPING)
Gracias.
You're not adopted.
You're not adopted.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I don't believe it.
(SIGHS) Okay, come on.
Let's get out of here.
And now, the vacation
can really start.
-I promise.
-Yeah.
-(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
-(INSECTS CHIRPING)
()
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
Please, come. Please.
I'm scared to go alone.
You said you loved the music.
The music makes me
wanna slit my wrists.
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
But in a good way.
Why are you acting so insecure?
You used to be a real man-eater.
Guys used to throw themselves
at you.
-Remember Andrew S.?
-DIANA: That was high school.
And those guys
didn't dance tango.
How about Andrew T.? Hmm?
Andrew T.
really had the hots for you.
And I'm sure
he'd be really good at tango.
(HANGERS RATTLING)
I wanna dance with men.
Argentinean men.
So much debauchery.
Dee Dee... that looks slutty.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
That's the idea.
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(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
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(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
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(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
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(BOTH GRUNT, MOAN)
(MOANS)
(PANTS)
(CRACKLING)
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(TABLET TAPPING)
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(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
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(SIGHS DEEPLY)
(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
-(TABLET RINGING)
-(SNORING)
For the guys,
you need to know this.
Women are like dogs.
We can smell your fear.
Like wolves.
So, it's important not to show
hesitation or doubt.
The lead has to be decisive.
So that we can relax
and enjoy the ride.
Ladies, I know you're in charge
all day long.
So, tango is your chance
to let the guy
be in charge for a little while.
Let him make the decisions.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Today, we're going to focus
on how the man
can move the woman's hips.
Okay.
Um, I think you need to lead
with your left foot.
And I need to feel your lead
a little bit more in your chest.
Can you do that? Okay. Great.
-Diana.
-Yeah?
You're dancing alone.
You need to let him lead you.
-Can I see?
-Yeah.
Okay.
()
Stop, stop, stop,
stop, stop, stop.
-Uh, let me lead.
-Okay.
It's like if a man
tries to be a gentleman...
Mm-hmm.
And wants to open
the door for you.
If you rush ahead
and grab the door handle,
he can't do it.
You don't have to do
everything by yourself.
Okay, everybody,
take a ten-minute break.
Take off your shoes.
She's right.
It's the story of my life.
It's 'cause you take over.
Not just in dance.
You eviscerate guys' balls,
and then you resent them
for having no balls.
-Justin.
-It's not true. (SIGHS)
Do you think tango
is old-fashioned sexist?
-Yeah. But in a good way.
-What?
It's a game.
And the rules of the game
work for everybody.
Now, people like to try on
these old,
masculine-feminine archetypes.
It's role play.
It taps into something primal.
But then there are those who
say that an archetype is just...
BOTH: (TOGETHER)
A stereotype
with a college degree.
Yeah. I know.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Good. No, no, no! Very good.
Really.
(SPEAKS IN SPANISH)
(LAUGHS) Oh, my God!
Photo, photo, photo.
Selfie. Selfie, selfie.
Okay? Okay. Wait.
-Whiskey!
-CROWD: Whiskey!
-(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
-(ALL LAUGH)
-JOSE: Pizza or empanadas?
-Empanadas.
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
-Yeah.
(BOTH SPEAK SPANISH)
(SINGS IN SPANISH)
Sorry. (CHUCKLES)
It's a sad song. Sorry.
So, um, you and Jose
have been together
for a long time?
Ah, yes. We've been dancing
more than five years. Yeah.
-Dancing?
-Yeah, dancing.
What? (CHUCKLES) Yeah, dancing.
Only dancing.
We would never--
I would never...
(SIGHS) Jose is like
my little brother. Okay?
(SMACKS LIPS)
So, I heard La Glorieta
is a good milonga.
Yes, it's very good. (GIGGLES)
Are you inviting me?
Yes.
Um, that's what I'm doing.
Uh-huh.
-DIANA: Hey.
-Oh.
-Let me come with you.
-No.
I'm coming to chaperone you
so that you don't get violently
wasted
-and throw up on your date.
-Fuck off now.
-Okay? Yeah?
-DAVIE: Yeah
-Okay, bye!
-DIANA: Yeah, bye.
-(JOSEFINA SPEAKS SPANISH)
-(BOTH SPEAK SPANISH)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
()
(SNICKERS)
Sorry. I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
Mm. Oh. You didn't bring
your books tonight.
-Tonight, my book is tango.
-Oh.
What do books mean to you?
You're always carrying them
around with you. I noticed.
Books...
I mean, they're...
...the most important
relationship in my life.
That's not even an exaggeration.
Reading, to me,
is like a separate life.
-You know?
-Yeah.
You have what you understand
from your experience,
and that's one you.
And then
there's the reading you.
And the reading you
has thought of ideas
and done things
that the real you
would never do.
JOSEFINA:
It's the same for me
with tango.
I had some troubles
going on in my life.
Then tango
is like a separate life.
I am who I really am.
(SINGERS SINGING IN SPANISH)
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(SNIFFLES) Come on.
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-Ah!
-(DIANA PANTS)
You look surprised.
(PANTS) Well, I guess...
I guess I am surprised.
-(TABLET RINGING)
-(SIGHS)
-(TABLET DINGS)
-Hey, babe. You're up late.
-How are you?
-I'm okay.
You're a hard woman
to get a hold of there, huh?
Must be having
a really good time.
-How are you?
- I'm good. Yeah.
And Davie is--
Well, you know, Davie is Davie.
Hey. Can you do me a favor?
Next time you see him,
can you not mention
any of the stuff I told you
about him being adopted?
JUSTIN:
Oh, right!
How did that go?
-I mean, how did he take it?
-Well, he's not adopted.
He's not.
So, it's not really a thing
anymore.
So, that's good.
That's... that's good.
That's really good.
So, what are you guys
doing down there?
You know,
the usual touristy stuff.
(DOOR OPENS)
(EXHALES)
()
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()
(GROANS SOFTLY)
-You awake?
-I am now.
I could hear you breathing.
Normally, you'd be snoring.
-Davie.
-Dee Dee.
Do we know
the reason they left here?
Like... like,
what was the real reason?
Well, he worked for Ford.
Ford transferred him to Canada.
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
Why wouldn't they teach us
Spanish?
Why have they never brought us
back here?
Why didn't they want us to come?
Maybe they had something
to hide.
But we saw
your birth certificate.
()
Sometimes, I feel
like I don't even really exist.
Do you know what I mean?
I just have this feeling.
()
So, as far as you're aware,
your birthday
is February 1st, 1978.
And your family
left Argentina in 1982.
You were three years old,
and, Diana, you were five.
Yes, that's right.
But you don't know
the exact date.
DIANA:
No.
Maybe you can find
your old passports?
Do you have
your birth certificate?
-Yeah, I have it.
-Oh. Yeah, I brought it.
Um, we got it
at the Registro Nacional .
And it has both
our parents' names on it.
Sometimes, the birth
certificate
contains false information.
Here, Dr. Armando Grimoldi.
This doctor who delivered you,
delivered many babies of women
who were held in captivity.
He's dead now.
If not, he would most likely
be in prison.
As far as you're aware,
your parents have no
connections to the military?
No. Um, Pap worked for Ford.
And Ford transferred him
to Toronto.
Uh, he's retired now.
He worked for Ford
here in Buenos Aires?
Yes.
You probably
aren't aware of this,
but Ford were strong supporters
of the regime.
So, if you decide
to do a blood test,
you can go with an appointment
to the Duran Hospital.
Here's the address
and opening hours.
The results can take some time.
Sometimes, months.
Maybe if we are lucky,
it can be faster.
But once the DNA sample
has been given,
the process moves forward
under the guidance
of the government commission.
So... how do they do it?
How do they find a match?
LUCILA:
Over the years,
a DNA data bank
has been built up,
both with DNA samples
given by family members related
to the disappeared persons.
And by taking DNA
from the remains
of the disappeared persons
in cases where the bodies
have been recovered.
So, that would be, what, like,
taken from teeth
or something from my dead
real mother
or my dead real father?
LUCILA:
Usually,
from the DNA samples
from the existing
biologic family members.
So, um, what happens
to the, uh, you know--
to the adopters?
-JORGE: The appropriators.
-What happens to them?
LUCILA:
The persons responsible
for abducting the child
and concealing
the child's identity
are prosecuted immediately
by the government
of the Republic of Argentina.
()
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Are you sure
you wanna go through with this?
I wanna know
who my real parents are.
The rest I can sort out
in therapy.
I know I started this, Davie.
I know I did.
I just never imagined that--
(WHISPERS) Shit.
()
(HANGER RATTLING)
()
Bye, then (KISSES)
(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
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()
(LAUGHS)
(MARIONETTE JINGLING)
()
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
()
(WOMAN SINGING IN SPANISH)
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-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(WIFE SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(WIFE SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(GUNSHOTS)
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()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(CROWD CHEERING)
Happy birthday, Sol!
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(CROWD CHEERS)
Hi, Davie.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
This is Davie.
What the hell happened to you?
(BOTH GRUNT)
-(DAVID GROANS)
-JOSEFINA: Hey. Hey.
No, no, no, no. Please stop.
Please, no. Please.
Come on, come on.
You're making a mistake.
-Amigo, no! No!
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
-(GRUNTS)
-You stay away from me.
Go!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(GRUNTS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-DIANA: Today is the day.
-(CUP THUDS SOFTLY)
I know.
DIANA:
Your appointment's at 11:00.
DAVIE:
I know.
So, don't you need to get going?
I am going.
DIANA:
No, you're not.
You're just sitting there.
No, I'm not.
Davie, if you don't go today,
you aren't gonna get
another appointment.
Our flight's tomorrow.
You need to get your shit
together.
Get my shit together.
That's interesting
coming from you.
What's that supposed to mean?
You're here, escaping
from a job you secretly hate.
You're supposed
to be getting married
in two months to a guy
for whom the most you can
muster is mild indifference.
My misery is the only meaningful
thing in your life.
You're so busy trying to fix me.
Well, take a look
in the fucking mirror.
-(GRUNTS)
-(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
()
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
(SIGHS SOFTLY)
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I was. I was.
He thinks he's a champion.
King's champion.
SILVIA:
This is not an ordinary
cheesecake.
It's from Bartletts, of course.
But it's a very special one
they do
because the fruit is reduced
and reduced
for a very long, long time.
And then it's cooked
with a pastry base.
-(GUESTS CHEER)
-Wonderful.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Shall I make more coffee?
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(DOOR OPENING)
DANIEL:
Not now.
You smell terrible.
(IN SPANISH) Wait, wait!
-Ma.
-SILVIA: Oh, David.
-Hi, my love.
-Hello, Ma.
(BOTH KISS)
-What happened?
-(CHAIR SCRAPES)
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
-Mm. Great cheesecake, Ma.
-Yes.
-Is it from Bartletts?
-Yes. Of course.
Hmm.
I have a question for you.
(FORK CLATTERS)
Am I adopted?
Uh...
Well, that's a "yes" face
if I've ever seen one.
Why me? Hmm?
Why couldn't Diana
be the one that's adopted?
That makes no sense, David.
No. What makes no sense
is you were lying to me
for 35 years.
Well, uh, it is time.
We're leaving. Uh, thank you.
It was wonderful.
-(TABLE SLAMS)
-Don't leave.
You haven't had the cheesecake.
Hmm?
-Stay.
-(CUTLERY CLINKING)
Thank you.
I think it's time
to tell the story of our life.
When we lived in Argentina...
before you were born, David...
...it was a very different time
then.
-Daniel.
-Sit down.
Please wait and sit down.
When we lived in Buenos Aires,
Silvia gave birth
to your sister, Diana,
and the doctor warned us
that another pregnancy
would be a great mistake.
It could kill her.
Yes, you are adopted.
But you have always, always
been the child of my heart.
What the fuck
is that supposed to mean?
Why didn't you tell me? Hmm?
After all the counseling,
the therapy--
Because that is not
the whole truth.
For her, you are adopted.
In fact,
you are my biological child.
-What?
-(SLURPS, GULPS) Yes.
You're my son, David.
One day, I was traveling
in the train, going to work.
And I met a woman,
a young woman,
and I had an affair with her.
And she fell pregnant.
I didn't see her anymore.
I didn't see her again.
Few months later, Dr. Grimoldi,
who knew perfectly
that Silvia
couldn't have any more children,
asked us to take a baby
in need of parents.
(SNIFFLES)
I knew he was talking
of my child.
Yes. And when I looked
into those big eyes,
I knew that was my son.
-That was you.
-David.
I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.
(SOBS)
Listen. Silvia is your mother.
The best mother in the world.
And it's time to leave all this
where it belongs.
The past. Okay?
You're a liar.
()
(DOOR OPENS, SLAMS)
()
()
()
(CELLPHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE RINGS, BEEPS)
LUCILA:
Hello, I'm looking
for Mr. David Vega.
This is Lucila
from the organization,
Abuelas of Plaza de Mayo.
Soon, we will have the results
of your DNA test,
and we will require you
to come in person...
-(PHONE BEEPS)
-DAVIE: Hello?
Um, this is David Vega.
(OBJECTS RUSTLING)
The marriage is off.
-DAVIE: How did Justin take it?
-(SIGHS) Davie.
He was so upset.
I just-- I feel so torn.
I thought
Justin and I were close.
And then tango...
And in a weird way... (SNIFFLES)
...I felt closer
to complete strangers
than I ever did with Justin.
What about having a baby?
Um, I... I've been reading
about freezing my eggs.
And... I mean,
they say it can free you
from your biological clock
and extend
your age of fertility.
-(SNIFFLES, SOBS)
-You could always adopt.
That's not funny.
(SIGHS)
Shall we go out tonight?
()
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Really?
-Come on. I'm cabaceoing you.
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I'm your sister.
No, you're not. But that's okay.
Pretend I'm Andrew S.
Or Andrew T.
Come on.
-(DIANA GIGGLES)
-Be serious.
()
-DIANA: Oh.
-Shh.
()
()
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER
-(CUTLERY CLINKING)
()
()
(DIANA GRUNTS)
-(SEATBELT CLICKS)
-(SIGHS)
()
()
Davie, Mami and Papi,
especially Mami,
she loves you so much.
And I can't imagine
they ever meant to hurt you
by concealing anything.
And I mean, if it is true
that Papi had an affair
and your real mother
couldn't keep you,
what's left to uncover?
And what is the crime in that?
Do you know what the difference
is between me and you?
Yeah. Denial.
You can't accept the truth.
And I can. You're in denial.
You can't tell the difference
between conjecture
and certainty. And right now,
all we have is conjecture.
Here's the other difference,
Diana.
My whole life, I felt
like an outsider in this family.
He treated me
like a second-class citizen
since birth.
Do you remember that Christmas?
-Davie.
-No, you remember it, right?
-(CHAIR SCRAPING)
-You're not still upset
about not getting the guitar,
are you?
He bought you a fucking piano,
Diana!
All I wanted was a guitar.
I asked for that guitar
all year.
I worked my ass off at school,
which was hard for me,
just to get that guitar.
They knew what I wanted.
What did I get?
A ukulele. I know.
Not just that it was a fucking
ukulele, Diana!
He smashed that thing,
and slapped me in the face,
and told me to be a man
when I was nine years old.
(SIGHS SOFTLY) This doctor
on my birth certificate,
he delivered babies
of women held
in military detention centers.
These women were leftists,
or sometimes just married
to activists or unionists.
The women were murdered!
But we don't know
anything for sure.
And I don't see
how two wrongs can make a right,
and what good could it do
to put two elderly people
on trial in a country
they haven't visited
in 30 years!
The babies were taken
from their mothers,
and given to supporters
of the regime.
-(SIGHS)
-I don't believe he's my father.
I don't.
Well... I think that I'm going
to stay here with them
when you go back to Buenos Aires
for the DNA results.
They are not elderly.
They're my parents. I love them.
I just wish you would think
this through a little more.
What about me?
You're always trying to help me.
Well, how about actually
doing it this time?
Why can't you support me
on this?
It's out of my hands now anyway.
It's the Argentinean government
that will prosecute, not me.
Do you remember
what they told us?
It's like a human rights crime.
And the government
will extradite people
even if the victims...
That's what I am.
Even if the victims
don't want it.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(TRAFFIC WHIZZING IN DISTANCE)
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
(CAR HORN HONKING IN DISTANCE)
JULIETA:
My name is Julieta de Camilis.
And I'm one
of the founding members
of the Abuelas.
I will be the one taking you
through the results
of the DNA test
and the implications
of the match.
First, I want to congratulate
you for your bravery
in choosing to know the truth
about your identity.
-(PAPER RUSTLING)
-There is a DNA match
that is 99.9 percent secure
that you are the son
-of Mara Eugenia Manzanares.
-(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Mara Eugenia was one
of the many unionists
held prisoner and being
tortured within the walls
of Ford's main factory
in Buenos Aires.
Then she was moved
to the ESMA naval base.
Some of the survivors
of this place bear witness
of Mara Eugenia giving birth
to a baby boy
who she planned to name Ariel.
So, your name is Ariel.
Ariel? (SIGHS) Ariel.
JULIETA:
She was married
to Facundo Sanchez.
And she gave birth
to their first child,
a daughter, in 1973.
And one night, while Facundo
and their daughter
were at a family gathering,
Mara Eugenia was taken
from their apartment in Boedo.
She was six months pregnant.
Facundo never saw or heard
from Mara Eugenia again.
But survivors of the ESMA
who witnessed the birth
are recorded as noting
that the baby boy
had a small half-moon birthmark
on his left shoulder.
After that,
we don't have any information
of what happened to Ariel.
But his family has continued
looking for him...
for you, for the last 35 years.
So, she's dead.
We can only assume
Mara Eugenia was murdered
by the regime.
These are your parents.
JULIETA:
Your mother.
DAVIE: (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
She's beautiful.
JULIETA:
And this is your father.
Facundo Snchez.
He's alive,
and he wants to meet you.
-And so does your sister.
-DAVIE: When?
-JULIETA: Now.
-Now?
Only if you feel comfortable.
No, no. I wanna meet my father.
I wanna meet my papi.
Ah, bueno!
Just give me a minute.
You're not mad, are you?
Of course, not.
-You're still my sister, okay?
-(SNIFFLES, EXHALES DEEPLY)
-(DANTE WAILING, COOING)
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
()
()
-(GASPS, SNIFFLES)
-(SOBS)
()
()
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Your father says
he waited so long,
and he knew
this moment would come.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
()
-This is my son, Dante.
-Hmm.
-DAVIE: Hola, Dante.
-JOSEFINA: Hola! Hola, Ariel.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
()
(SOBS, SNIFFLES)
()
()
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
()
()
-(WAILING)
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
SILVIA:
Diana, what's going on?
Where's Davie?
He's sleeping as usual, Ma.
Are you all right?
Are you both all right?
Mom, we... we met them.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
-Mom--
-DANIEL: Silvia!
I'm here!
Your father is home now.
Mom, her name
is Mara Eugenia Manzanares.
-She worked at Ford, Ma.
-(GASPS) Yes.
I remember now. (SIGHS)
She was one of the secretaries.
Daniel liked her
because she was very attractive.
What happened to her?
Well, Ma--
Diana, is Daniel
Davie's biological father?
-No, he's not.
-He must have known.
He brought the baby home.
He knew Mara Manzanares.
What happened to her?
Why did this happen?
Diana.
-DIANA: Papi.
-(TABLET DINGS)
Davie...
What did you tell him?
What did you tell him?
(GROANS SOFTLY)
Dee Dee.
()
()
DANIEL:
It's departing on time.
Let's go.
-We need to go now, woman.
-Yes.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
()
-(DOOR OPENS)
-DANIEL: Come in, please.
-Daniel!
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-What's happening?
RCMP OFFICER:
Daniel Ricardo Vega,
you're under provisional arrest
pending extradition
for the abduction
and detention of a minor,
Ariel Sanchez Manzanares.
-Silvia Mara Alvear de Vega?
-SILVIA: Yes.
You're under provisional arrest
pending extradition
for the abduction
and detention of a minor,
Ariel Snchez Manzanares
in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
in February 1979.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MIC SCREECHES)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS)
()
(SINGS IN SPANISH)
(AUDIENCE CHEERS, APPLAUDS)
(CHUCKLES)
()
()
(SIGHS)
()
Mami.
()
()
(Kisses)
()
Mm.
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
-(SNIFFLES, CHUCKLES)
-(CELLPHONE TAPS)
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
()
()
()
(SINGER RAPPING IN SPANISH)
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(CLOCK TICKING)
-(MACHINE WHIRRING)
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
(BELL DINGS)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
So, were you okay seeing Dad?
-(SIGHS)
-You know he loves you, right?
He just has a hard time
expressing it.
It's okay. I'm used to him
treating me like dog shit.
I have no issue.
-(GULPS)
-Davie...
do you really think
that's a good idea?
Mami told me you're taking,
like, two or three Zaleplons
just to sleep.
-(BOTTLE THUDS)
-(GRUNTS) Here we go again.
It's supposed to be a vacation,
not an intervention.
Can you please
just stop acting like Mom?
Why do you always
have to do that?
I don't act like her.
She's been so weird lately.
Every time I talk to her
about her pregnancies--
Her pregnancies. Yeah, I know.
You've told me already.
Can we just not talk
about babies?
(BELL DINGS)
-(GULPS)
-(GLASS THUDS)
What's this all about,
Dee Dee?
Nothing. Forget it.
-What?
-Nothing.
Dee Dee.
Davie, I don't remember Mami
being pregnant with you.
I don't remember seeing
any pictures
of her pregnant either.
-What are you talking about?
-Argentina is very Catholic.
And I was just thinking,
you know,
teenage girls got pregnant,
and had to give up their babies
because they were born
out of wedlock or whatever.
And that happened
all the time.
So, now, you think I'm adopted?
-Well--
-What the fuck, Diana?
You brought me
on a fucking airplane
to ambush me with this?
I just thought
that maybe in Buenos Aires,
we could try and find out.
Don't you think you should've
mentioned this to me first?
I was scared that if I told
you, you wouldn't come.
Of course, I wouldn't have come.
-Jesus Christ, Diana--
-I wasn't sure.
Yep.
And I thought
you wouldn't have listened.
()
()
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
()
(SIGHS SOFTLY)
(TANGO BARDO SINGER
SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MARIONETTE JINGLING)
()
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
(BYSTANDERS APPLAUDING)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
(SNORES)
-(LAPTOP DINGS)
-DIANA: Hi, Mami.
Diana, dear.
Can you turn your camera on?
I'd like to see you.
See how you are.
(LAPTOP DINGS)
SILVIA:
Hey, much better!
Did you have any trouble
with immigration?
Did they ask a lot of questions?
We're fine.
SILVIA:
Your father was worried
you might have some issues.
-It went fine.
-Have you spoken to Justin?
DIANA:
Not yet.
We've been really stressy
lately.
So, it's kind of nice
to have a little break.
Justin and I have been trying
for a baby all year.
And It's been...
it's been really rough. I just--
-Where's Davie?
-Sleeping.
-SILVIA: How's he doing?
-He's fine.
-Well, just keep an eye on him.
-DIANA: I will.
Don't worry.
This is really good for him.
He seems really happy here.
It's beautiful.
Yes, beautiful,
but full of garbage, dog shit.
Watch where you step.
You really need to be careful
not to get robbed, Diana.
I'm serious.
-When Mariela finally--
-Okay, Mam.
For God's sake,
don't go to La Boca.
()
(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(IN SPANISH)
Hello!
Let's do it.
Diana Vega
wants to learn tango.
I don't believe it.
-We could learn together.
-Fuck off.
Maybe you'd like to see
some authentic tango.
It's not for tourists.
MAN: (IN SPANISH)
Thank you.
()
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
TOUR GUIDE:
The Casa Rosada sits
at the Eastern end
of Plaza de Mayo square.
This large square
which since its foundation
in 1580, has been surrounded
by many of the most important
political institutions
of the city and the country.
Witnessing the weekly
symbolic protest
of Las Abuelas
de la Plaza de Mayo
is something that I hope
will stay with you
after you leave.
The Abuelas, the grandmothers
have marched around
the Piramide de Mayo since 1977.
And they do this as a reaction,
as a protest
for the kidnapping
and the murder of their children
during the last
military dictatorship.
Some 30,000 Argentineans
were kidnapped
and murdered by the regime.
They were victims of a campaign
against left-wing activists
-and their families.
-(SIGHS SOFTLY)
Up next, we're going to visit
the beautiful Botanical Gardens
of Buenos Aires.
(INHALES, EXHALES)
DIANA:
Remember when we were little,
and I would let you
dress up in my clothes?
No. (INHALES)
DIANA:
What about when I used
to pay you
to get out of my room?
(EXHALES) Where is this heading?
How about I pay you to come
to this milonga with me tonight?
Oh, come on. You'll be in bed
by nine o'clock like always.
-I really wanna go.
-DAVIE: So, go.
How much?
()
()
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
()
()
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS, CHEERS)
()
()
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS, CHEERS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-DIANA: Cheers! (CHUCKLES)
-MEN: (IN SPANISH) Cheers!
-How did you like the show?
-Mm. I loved it.
They are great teachers,
you know?
So, if you want to dance,
you need to learn
the art of the cabeceo.
That sounds exotic.
Imagine I want
to ask you to dance,
and you are on the other side
of the dance floor.
So, I walk all the way
over there,
and you refuse my invitation.
The walk of shame
back to the table.
So, the cabeceo is an
invitation that a man does
from far away.
So, he nods his head,
and he raises his eyebrow.
(CHUCKLES)
ALEJANDRO:
And the woman
gives a nod back to accept it.
And if I wanna ask a man?
Well, you just...
you just stare at him like this.
And if he wants to dance
with you,
he will invite you like this.
And then I accept like this.
Oh. You just accepted
an invitation from El Gordo.
I did?
Get ready. Wait for him
to come to the table,
then stand up.
It will be like riding
a big Mercedes Benz.
But I can't dance.
I don't know how to dance--
ALEJANDRO:
Don't worry.
Don't worry. Just let go.
Be in the moment,
and let him lead you.
-(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
-(DAVIE GRUNTS)
-(GROANS)
-(PANTS)
(SOBS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
()
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
()
()
Uh, what?
Oh, sorry. I thought
you spoke Spanish.
Uh, take off your shoes.
You can't pivot in those. Okay?
(GRUNTS)
Come on. I will walk with you.
I'll lead you.
Okay.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Relax. Breathe with me, okay?
Breathe with the music.
Move with your chest,
so you don't step on--
-JOSEFINA: Oh! Oh.
-DAVIE: Ah. Sorry.
It's okay. It's okay.
Uh, listen, everybody. Come on.
It's very important.
Forget about the arms. Okay?
Mm. Relax.
Think only about the breath.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
-JOSEFINA: Change partners.
-Thank you.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-Jose.
-I know.
(KISSES)
Okay.
The leader is going
to be like the one
who drives the car.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
The leaders are the prey,
and we are the hunters.
We have to follow close
to hunt them down.
The embrace
is not a frozen position.
It's a hug.
So, we connect first
with our chest
as we hug a friend
or a family member.
Okay.
Now, try with your partner.
()
-JOSEFINA: What's your name?
-Oh. Uh, I'm Davie.
People call me--
they call me Davie.
Ah. Here, we don't shake hands,
we kiss.
(KISSES)
Thank you
for coming to the class.
How do you like Buenos Aires?
Are you staying long?
Just a few weeks.
Our parents are from here
actually.
-Really?
-DIANA: Yeah.
We were both born here.
Oh, interesting.
When did your family move away?
DIANA:
Um, I think
it was, like, the early '80s.
We were both really little
when we left.
The early '80s
was a difficult time here.
A lot of people left to escape.
I don't think
it was anything like that.
Um, our father
got transferred for his job.
JOSEFINA:
What did your father do?
-JOSE: Hey.
-Hi.
You did great today.
Oh, thanks.
I mean, I'm such a beginner.
I-- This is my brother Davie.
-Oh, your brother?
-Yeah.
-I don't believe it.
-Well, believe it.
How about a bus tour today?
-Or what about a museum?
-Whatever.
Davie.
Now that we're here,
do you feel something?
I mean, don't you think
it could be true
that maybe you're adopted?
(BOOK THUDS)
Okay. Let's say it's true.
And I am adopted. Okay?
Let's say we find that out.
All right?
And then let's say
we find my mother.
My real mother.
What do you want me to do
when I meet her? Hmm?
What do you want me to say?
Actually, I thought
we could just start
by trying to get a copy
of your birth certificate.
DAVIE:
Why don't you just ask
Ma for my birth certificate?
I did.
She wouldn't give it to me.
So, I thought
that we could start
by trying
to get your birth certificate.
And then we'll know.
And then we can try to find
your birth mother if you want.
What if I don't wanna meet her?
At least you'll know the truth.
At least I'll know.
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(TRAFFIC WHIZZING)
()
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
Hola. Would it be possible
to get a copy
of certificado de nacimiento
David Vega? David Vega?
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
DIANA:
Pardon me?
-Expired. Expired .
-Oh, okay.
Okay. Um, or maybe
you have the, um,
(IN SPANISH)
Certificado de Sentencia.
Adoptado? Adopted?
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
-Wait. There.
-(IN SPANISH) Okay. Thank you.
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
(DIANA SIGHS)
()
(COUNTER BELL DINGS)
(DOCUMENT RUSTLING)
(PEN SCRAPING)
Gracias.
You're not adopted.
You're not adopted.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I don't believe it.
(SIGHS) Okay, come on.
Let's get out of here.
And now, the vacation
can really start.
-I promise.
-Yeah.
-(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
-(INSECTS CHIRPING)
()
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
Please, come. Please.
I'm scared to go alone.
You said you loved the music.
The music makes me
wanna slit my wrists.
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
But in a good way.
Why are you acting so insecure?
You used to be a real man-eater.
Guys used to throw themselves
at you.
-Remember Andrew S.?
-DIANA: That was high school.
And those guys
didn't dance tango.
How about Andrew T.? Hmm?
Andrew T.
really had the hots for you.
And I'm sure
he'd be really good at tango.
(HANGERS RATTLING)
I wanna dance with men.
Argentinean men.
So much debauchery.
Dee Dee... that looks slutty.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
That's the idea.
()
()
(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
()
()
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
()
(BOTH GRUNT, MOAN)
(MOANS)
(PANTS)
(CRACKLING)
()
(TABLET TAPPING)
()
(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
()
()
(SIGHS DEEPLY)
(CAR HORNS HONKING IN DISTANCE)
-(TABLET RINGING)
-(SNORING)
For the guys,
you need to know this.
Women are like dogs.
We can smell your fear.
Like wolves.
So, it's important not to show
hesitation or doubt.
The lead has to be decisive.
So that we can relax
and enjoy the ride.
Ladies, I know you're in charge
all day long.
So, tango is your chance
to let the guy
be in charge for a little while.
Let him make the decisions.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Today, we're going to focus
on how the man
can move the woman's hips.
Okay.
Um, I think you need to lead
with your left foot.
And I need to feel your lead
a little bit more in your chest.
Can you do that? Okay. Great.
-Diana.
-Yeah?
You're dancing alone.
You need to let him lead you.
-Can I see?
-Yeah.
Okay.
()
Stop, stop, stop,
stop, stop, stop.
-Uh, let me lead.
-Okay.
It's like if a man
tries to be a gentleman...
Mm-hmm.
And wants to open
the door for you.
If you rush ahead
and grab the door handle,
he can't do it.
You don't have to do
everything by yourself.
Okay, everybody,
take a ten-minute break.
Take off your shoes.
She's right.
It's the story of my life.
It's 'cause you take over.
Not just in dance.
You eviscerate guys' balls,
and then you resent them
for having no balls.
-Justin.
-It's not true. (SIGHS)
Do you think tango
is old-fashioned sexist?
-Yeah. But in a good way.
-What?
It's a game.
And the rules of the game
work for everybody.
Now, people like to try on
these old,
masculine-feminine archetypes.
It's role play.
It taps into something primal.
But then there are those who
say that an archetype is just...
BOTH: (TOGETHER)
A stereotype
with a college degree.
Yeah. I know.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Good. No, no, no! Very good.
Really.
(SPEAKS IN SPANISH)
(LAUGHS) Oh, my God!
Photo, photo, photo.
Selfie. Selfie, selfie.
Okay? Okay. Wait.
-Whiskey!
-CROWD: Whiskey!
-(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
-(ALL LAUGH)
-JOSE: Pizza or empanadas?
-Empanadas.
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
-Yeah.
(BOTH SPEAK SPANISH)
(SINGS IN SPANISH)
Sorry. (CHUCKLES)
It's a sad song. Sorry.
So, um, you and Jose
have been together
for a long time?
Ah, yes. We've been dancing
more than five years. Yeah.
-Dancing?
-Yeah, dancing.
What? (CHUCKLES) Yeah, dancing.
Only dancing.
We would never--
I would never...
(SIGHS) Jose is like
my little brother. Okay?
(SMACKS LIPS)
So, I heard La Glorieta
is a good milonga.
Yes, it's very good. (GIGGLES)
Are you inviting me?
Yes.
Um, that's what I'm doing.
Uh-huh.
-DIANA: Hey.
-Oh.
-Let me come with you.
-No.
I'm coming to chaperone you
so that you don't get violently
wasted
-and throw up on your date.
-Fuck off now.
-Okay? Yeah?
-DAVIE: Yeah
-Okay, bye!
-DIANA: Yeah, bye.
-(JOSEFINA SPEAKS SPANISH)
-(BOTH SPEAK SPANISH)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
()
(SNICKERS)
Sorry. I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
Mm. Oh. You didn't bring
your books tonight.
-Tonight, my book is tango.
-Oh.
What do books mean to you?
You're always carrying them
around with you. I noticed.
Books...
I mean, they're...
...the most important
relationship in my life.
That's not even an exaggeration.
Reading, to me,
is like a separate life.
-You know?
-Yeah.
You have what you understand
from your experience,
and that's one you.
And then
there's the reading you.
And the reading you
has thought of ideas
and done things
that the real you
would never do.
JOSEFINA:
It's the same for me
with tango.
I had some troubles
going on in my life.
Then tango
is like a separate life.
I am who I really am.
(SINGERS SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
(SNIFFLES) Come on.
()
()
()
()
()
-Ah!
-(DIANA PANTS)
You look surprised.
(PANTS) Well, I guess...
I guess I am surprised.
-(TABLET RINGING)
-(SIGHS)
-(TABLET DINGS)
-Hey, babe. You're up late.
-How are you?
-I'm okay.
You're a hard woman
to get a hold of there, huh?
Must be having
a really good time.
-How are you?
- I'm good. Yeah.
And Davie is--
Well, you know, Davie is Davie.
Hey. Can you do me a favor?
Next time you see him,
can you not mention
any of the stuff I told you
about him being adopted?
JUSTIN:
Oh, right!
How did that go?
-I mean, how did he take it?
-Well, he's not adopted.
He's not.
So, it's not really a thing
anymore.
So, that's good.
That's... that's good.
That's really good.
So, what are you guys
doing down there?
You know,
the usual touristy stuff.
(DOOR OPENS)
(EXHALES)
()
()
()
(GROANS SOFTLY)
-You awake?
-I am now.
I could hear you breathing.
Normally, you'd be snoring.
-Davie.
-Dee Dee.
Do we know
the reason they left here?
Like... like,
what was the real reason?
Well, he worked for Ford.
Ford transferred him to Canada.
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
Why wouldn't they teach us
Spanish?
Why have they never brought us
back here?
Why didn't they want us to come?
Maybe they had something
to hide.
But we saw
your birth certificate.
()
Sometimes, I feel
like I don't even really exist.
Do you know what I mean?
I just have this feeling.
()
So, as far as you're aware,
your birthday
is February 1st, 1978.
And your family
left Argentina in 1982.
You were three years old,
and, Diana, you were five.
Yes, that's right.
But you don't know
the exact date.
DIANA:
No.
Maybe you can find
your old passports?
Do you have
your birth certificate?
-Yeah, I have it.
-Oh. Yeah, I brought it.
Um, we got it
at the Registro Nacional .
And it has both
our parents' names on it.
Sometimes, the birth
certificate
contains false information.
Here, Dr. Armando Grimoldi.
This doctor who delivered you,
delivered many babies of women
who were held in captivity.
He's dead now.
If not, he would most likely
be in prison.
As far as you're aware,
your parents have no
connections to the military?
No. Um, Pap worked for Ford.
And Ford transferred him
to Toronto.
Uh, he's retired now.
He worked for Ford
here in Buenos Aires?
Yes.
You probably
aren't aware of this,
but Ford were strong supporters
of the regime.
So, if you decide
to do a blood test,
you can go with an appointment
to the Duran Hospital.
Here's the address
and opening hours.
The results can take some time.
Sometimes, months.
Maybe if we are lucky,
it can be faster.
But once the DNA sample
has been given,
the process moves forward
under the guidance
of the government commission.
So... how do they do it?
How do they find a match?
LUCILA:
Over the years,
a DNA data bank
has been built up,
both with DNA samples
given by family members related
to the disappeared persons.
And by taking DNA
from the remains
of the disappeared persons
in cases where the bodies
have been recovered.
So, that would be, what, like,
taken from teeth
or something from my dead
real mother
or my dead real father?
LUCILA:
Usually,
from the DNA samples
from the existing
biologic family members.
So, um, what happens
to the, uh, you know--
to the adopters?
-JORGE: The appropriators.
-What happens to them?
LUCILA:
The persons responsible
for abducting the child
and concealing
the child's identity
are prosecuted immediately
by the government
of the Republic of Argentina.
()
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Are you sure
you wanna go through with this?
I wanna know
who my real parents are.
The rest I can sort out
in therapy.
I know I started this, Davie.
I know I did.
I just never imagined that--
(WHISPERS) Shit.
()
(HANGER RATTLING)
()
Bye, then (KISSES)
(SINGER SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
()
(LAUGHS)
(MARIONETTE JINGLING)
()
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
()
(WOMAN SINGING IN SPANISH)
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(WIFE SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(WIFE SINGING IN SPANISH)
-(GUNSHOTS)
()
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(CROWD CHEERING)
Happy birthday, Sol!
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(CROWD CHEERS)
Hi, Davie.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
This is Davie.
What the hell happened to you?
(BOTH GRUNT)
-(DAVID GROANS)
-JOSEFINA: Hey. Hey.
No, no, no, no. Please stop.
Please, no. Please.
Come on, come on.
You're making a mistake.
-Amigo, no! No!
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
-(GRUNTS)
-You stay away from me.
Go!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(GRUNTS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-DIANA: Today is the day.
-(CUP THUDS SOFTLY)
I know.
DIANA:
Your appointment's at 11:00.
DAVIE:
I know.
So, don't you need to get going?
I am going.
DIANA:
No, you're not.
You're just sitting there.
No, I'm not.
Davie, if you don't go today,
you aren't gonna get
another appointment.
Our flight's tomorrow.
You need to get your shit
together.
Get my shit together.
That's interesting
coming from you.
What's that supposed to mean?
You're here, escaping
from a job you secretly hate.
You're supposed
to be getting married
in two months to a guy
for whom the most you can
muster is mild indifference.
My misery is the only meaningful
thing in your life.
You're so busy trying to fix me.
Well, take a look
in the fucking mirror.
-(GRUNTS)
-(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
()
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
(SIGHS SOFTLY)
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I was. I was.
He thinks he's a champion.
King's champion.
SILVIA:
This is not an ordinary
cheesecake.
It's from Bartletts, of course.
But it's a very special one
they do
because the fruit is reduced
and reduced
for a very long, long time.
And then it's cooked
with a pastry base.
-(GUESTS CHEER)
-Wonderful.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Shall I make more coffee?
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(DOOR OPENING)
DANIEL:
Not now.
You smell terrible.
(IN SPANISH) Wait, wait!
-Ma.
-SILVIA: Oh, David.
-Hi, my love.
-Hello, Ma.
(BOTH KISS)
-What happened?
-(CHAIR SCRAPES)
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
-Mm. Great cheesecake, Ma.
-Yes.
-Is it from Bartletts?
-Yes. Of course.
Hmm.
I have a question for you.
(FORK CLATTERS)
Am I adopted?
Uh...
Well, that's a "yes" face
if I've ever seen one.
Why me? Hmm?
Why couldn't Diana
be the one that's adopted?
That makes no sense, David.
No. What makes no sense
is you were lying to me
for 35 years.
Well, uh, it is time.
We're leaving. Uh, thank you.
It was wonderful.
-(TABLE SLAMS)
-Don't leave.
You haven't had the cheesecake.
Hmm?
-Stay.
-(CUTLERY CLINKING)
Thank you.
I think it's time
to tell the story of our life.
When we lived in Argentina...
before you were born, David...
...it was a very different time
then.
-Daniel.
-Sit down.
Please wait and sit down.
When we lived in Buenos Aires,
Silvia gave birth
to your sister, Diana,
and the doctor warned us
that another pregnancy
would be a great mistake.
It could kill her.
Yes, you are adopted.
But you have always, always
been the child of my heart.
What the fuck
is that supposed to mean?
Why didn't you tell me? Hmm?
After all the counseling,
the therapy--
Because that is not
the whole truth.
For her, you are adopted.
In fact,
you are my biological child.
-What?
-(SLURPS, GULPS) Yes.
You're my son, David.
One day, I was traveling
in the train, going to work.
And I met a woman,
a young woman,
and I had an affair with her.
And she fell pregnant.
I didn't see her anymore.
I didn't see her again.
Few months later, Dr. Grimoldi,
who knew perfectly
that Silvia
couldn't have any more children,
asked us to take a baby
in need of parents.
(SNIFFLES)
I knew he was talking
of my child.
Yes. And when I looked
into those big eyes,
I knew that was my son.
-That was you.
-David.
I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.
(SOBS)
Listen. Silvia is your mother.
The best mother in the world.
And it's time to leave all this
where it belongs.
The past. Okay?
You're a liar.
()
(DOOR OPENS, SLAMS)
()
()
()
(CELLPHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE RINGS, BEEPS)
LUCILA:
Hello, I'm looking
for Mr. David Vega.
This is Lucila
from the organization,
Abuelas of Plaza de Mayo.
Soon, we will have the results
of your DNA test,
and we will require you
to come in person...
-(PHONE BEEPS)
-DAVIE: Hello?
Um, this is David Vega.
(OBJECTS RUSTLING)
The marriage is off.
-DAVIE: How did Justin take it?
-(SIGHS) Davie.
He was so upset.
I just-- I feel so torn.
I thought
Justin and I were close.
And then tango...
And in a weird way... (SNIFFLES)
...I felt closer
to complete strangers
than I ever did with Justin.
What about having a baby?
Um, I... I've been reading
about freezing my eggs.
And... I mean,
they say it can free you
from your biological clock
and extend
your age of fertility.
-(SNIFFLES, SOBS)
-You could always adopt.
That's not funny.
(SIGHS)
Shall we go out tonight?
()
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Really?
-Come on. I'm cabaceoing you.
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I'm your sister.
No, you're not. But that's okay.
Pretend I'm Andrew S.
Or Andrew T.
Come on.
-(DIANA GIGGLES)
-Be serious.
()
-DIANA: Oh.
-Shh.
()
()
()
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER
-(CUTLERY CLINKING)
()
()
(DIANA GRUNTS)
-(SEATBELT CLICKS)
-(SIGHS)
()
()
Davie, Mami and Papi,
especially Mami,
she loves you so much.
And I can't imagine
they ever meant to hurt you
by concealing anything.
And I mean, if it is true
that Papi had an affair
and your real mother
couldn't keep you,
what's left to uncover?
And what is the crime in that?
Do you know what the difference
is between me and you?
Yeah. Denial.
You can't accept the truth.
And I can. You're in denial.
You can't tell the difference
between conjecture
and certainty. And right now,
all we have is conjecture.
Here's the other difference,
Diana.
My whole life, I felt
like an outsider in this family.
He treated me
like a second-class citizen
since birth.
Do you remember that Christmas?
-Davie.
-No, you remember it, right?
-(CHAIR SCRAPING)
-You're not still upset
about not getting the guitar,
are you?
He bought you a fucking piano,
Diana!
All I wanted was a guitar.
I asked for that guitar
all year.
I worked my ass off at school,
which was hard for me,
just to get that guitar.
They knew what I wanted.
What did I get?
A ukulele. I know.
Not just that it was a fucking
ukulele, Diana!
He smashed that thing,
and slapped me in the face,
and told me to be a man
when I was nine years old.
(SIGHS SOFTLY) This doctor
on my birth certificate,
he delivered babies
of women held
in military detention centers.
These women were leftists,
or sometimes just married
to activists or unionists.
The women were murdered!
But we don't know
anything for sure.
And I don't see
how two wrongs can make a right,
and what good could it do
to put two elderly people
on trial in a country
they haven't visited
in 30 years!
The babies were taken
from their mothers,
and given to supporters
of the regime.
-(SIGHS)
-I don't believe he's my father.
I don't.
Well... I think that I'm going
to stay here with them
when you go back to Buenos Aires
for the DNA results.
They are not elderly.
They're my parents. I love them.
I just wish you would think
this through a little more.
What about me?
You're always trying to help me.
Well, how about actually
doing it this time?
Why can't you support me
on this?
It's out of my hands now anyway.
It's the Argentinean government
that will prosecute, not me.
Do you remember
what they told us?
It's like a human rights crime.
And the government
will extradite people
even if the victims...
That's what I am.
Even if the victims
don't want it.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(TRAFFIC WHIZZING IN DISTANCE)
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
(CAR HORN HONKING IN DISTANCE)
JULIETA:
My name is Julieta de Camilis.
And I'm one
of the founding members
of the Abuelas.
I will be the one taking you
through the results
of the DNA test
and the implications
of the match.
First, I want to congratulate
you for your bravery
in choosing to know the truth
about your identity.
-(PAPER RUSTLING)
-There is a DNA match
that is 99.9 percent secure
that you are the son
-of Mara Eugenia Manzanares.
-(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Mara Eugenia was one
of the many unionists
held prisoner and being
tortured within the walls
of Ford's main factory
in Buenos Aires.
Then she was moved
to the ESMA naval base.
Some of the survivors
of this place bear witness
of Mara Eugenia giving birth
to a baby boy
who she planned to name Ariel.
So, your name is Ariel.
Ariel? (SIGHS) Ariel.
JULIETA:
She was married
to Facundo Sanchez.
And she gave birth
to their first child,
a daughter, in 1973.
And one night, while Facundo
and their daughter
were at a family gathering,
Mara Eugenia was taken
from their apartment in Boedo.
She was six months pregnant.
Facundo never saw or heard
from Mara Eugenia again.
But survivors of the ESMA
who witnessed the birth
are recorded as noting
that the baby boy
had a small half-moon birthmark
on his left shoulder.
After that,
we don't have any information
of what happened to Ariel.
But his family has continued
looking for him...
for you, for the last 35 years.
So, she's dead.
We can only assume
Mara Eugenia was murdered
by the regime.
These are your parents.
JULIETA:
Your mother.
DAVIE: (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
She's beautiful.
JULIETA:
And this is your father.
Facundo Snchez.
He's alive,
and he wants to meet you.
-And so does your sister.
-DAVIE: When?
-JULIETA: Now.
-Now?
Only if you feel comfortable.
No, no. I wanna meet my father.
I wanna meet my papi.
Ah, bueno!
Just give me a minute.
You're not mad, are you?
Of course, not.
-You're still my sister, okay?
-(SNIFFLES, EXHALES DEEPLY)
-(DANTE WAILING, COOING)
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
()
()
-(GASPS, SNIFFLES)
-(SOBS)
()
()
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Your father says
he waited so long,
and he knew
this moment would come.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
()
-This is my son, Dante.
-Hmm.
-DAVIE: Hola, Dante.
-JOSEFINA: Hola! Hola, Ariel.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
()
(SOBS, SNIFFLES)
()
()
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
()
()
-(WAILING)
-(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
SILVIA:
Diana, what's going on?
Where's Davie?
He's sleeping as usual, Ma.
Are you all right?
Are you both all right?
Mom, we... we met them.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
-Mom--
-DANIEL: Silvia!
I'm here!
Your father is home now.
Mom, her name
is Mara Eugenia Manzanares.
-She worked at Ford, Ma.
-(GASPS) Yes.
I remember now. (SIGHS)
She was one of the secretaries.
Daniel liked her
because she was very attractive.
What happened to her?
Well, Ma--
Diana, is Daniel
Davie's biological father?
-No, he's not.
-He must have known.
He brought the baby home.
He knew Mara Manzanares.
What happened to her?
Why did this happen?
Diana.
-DIANA: Papi.
-(TABLET DINGS)
Davie...
What did you tell him?
What did you tell him?
(GROANS SOFTLY)
Dee Dee.
()
()
DANIEL:
It's departing on time.
Let's go.
-We need to go now, woman.
-Yes.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
()
-(DOOR OPENS)
-DANIEL: Come in, please.
-Daniel!
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-What's happening?
RCMP OFFICER:
Daniel Ricardo Vega,
you're under provisional arrest
pending extradition
for the abduction
and detention of a minor,
Ariel Sanchez Manzanares.
-Silvia Mara Alvear de Vega?
-SILVIA: Yes.
You're under provisional arrest
pending extradition
for the abduction
and detention of a minor,
Ariel Snchez Manzanares
in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
in February 1979.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MIC SCREECHES)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS)
()
(SINGS IN SPANISH)
(AUDIENCE CHEERS, APPLAUDS)
(CHUCKLES)
()
()
(SIGHS)
()
Mami.
()
()
(Kisses)
()
Mm.
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
-(SNIFFLES, CHUCKLES)
-(CELLPHONE TAPS)
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
()
()
()
(SINGER RAPPING IN SPANISH)
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
()