Hercules Falling (2025) Movie Script
- I thought they'd be finished by now?
- Yes, they'll be right out.
Oskar?
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, honey.
- Had a good day?
- Yes.
The teacher didn't show up,
so we just stayed in the computer room.
- Hi, Mom! You look beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Are you leaving already?
- Yes.
Am I a little overdressed?
No, you look nice.
Okay. I left some food in the fridge.
Call me if you need anything.
Sure.
We'll manage, honey.
Oskar, come and say goodbye
to your mom!
See you, honey.
Have lots of fun.
Not too much screen time.
See you, honey.
- You look beautiful!
- Thank you.
But who is fastest? The fireman Henrik
or the lifeguard Brian?
Henrik has been a fireman
and a paramedic for 30 years...
- I think they're both pretty cool.
- Yes. They are.
But that guy actually swims.
He almost lives on the beach.
Yes, but firemen are pretty cool too.
They're good at climbing.
What are you doing?
Can you fit more in?
Are you rooting for
the lifeguard or the fireman?
- Wifeward.
- What?
- Waifrard.
- Sorry, what?
- The what?
- The wiferard.
You need to pick one.
Spit them out, ugh!
Spit them out.
No! Yuck!
Dad?
Wake up.
Dad? Wake up, Dad.
Dad? Wake up.
Dad? Dad!
HERCULES FALLING
Right, Youssef...
Say goodbye to the mainland.
- Can I get some fresh air?
- Sure, you do that.
Wait here.
How did it go?
Did he get a chance to say goodbye?
Yes, but it was a big mess.
Come out and speak with Anne-Line.
Welcome.
You look a bit worn out.
Have you had a rough time?
Right.
Let's go talk to Stuart.
Then we'll determine if we're a match -
- and if we think you can handle this,
and whether you want to stay here.
This is where Stuart and I live
with our family.
There are six trailers,
and we have five guys staying here.
And you could have the last trailer,
if we decide it'll work out.
- This is the yurt.
- I'll just wait out here.
Sit down.
Stuart, this is Youssef.
Welcome, Youssef.
Stuart's a veteran too.
That's why we set up this place.
I'll tell you a little bit about myself.
I served with the Australian army
for 20 years as an officer.
And quite frankly, I didn't know what
the fuck was going on in my life either.
It took 10 years before I was diagnosed
with war-affected illness.
Having said...
I can empathize with you.
I don't know who the fuck you are,
or what you've been doing.
Where were you deployed?
I was...
... four times: In Kosovo, Iraq
and twice in Afghanistan.
Just look at me, mate.
I want to make it really clear to you
that I don't feel sorry for you.
This is not an exercise
in feeling sorry for you.
It's an exercise in helping you
to get back on your feet.
I know what it's like
when your family is afraid of you.
Do you want to explain to us
what happened at home?
This is an opportunity to recreate
the life you deserve.
And the life your wife deserves,
and your son deserves.
But the only one
who can do something about it is you.
And it's not going to be easy.
Is this what you want to do?
Okay.
This is your trailer, Youssef.
It's like
the FAB containers you know.
The manual for
the compost toilet is in there.
Breakfast is at 9 am,
lunch at 1 pm, dinner at 7 pm.
If you have any questions
just let me know.
Are you ready to eat?
Hi, Youssef. Come in and
grab a chair. Have some dinner.
Next.
- Hi, Youssef. Welcome. I'm Felix.
- Thank you.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Hand me your plate. I can't guarantee
the taste, but I hope it's all right.
- Did you try your best?
- You'll find out when you taste it.
- You did a great job.
- It's really good.
Great. I tried my best.
Invalid number.
Please check the number and call...
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Please check the number and call again.
Invalid number.
Please check the number and call again.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Are you ready for some metal?
- Yeah, go for it.
- Ready, Knudsen?
- Yes.
- Yes!
- Come one! One more!
Well done.
Hey, can I borrow your phone?
I left mine in... the trailer.
Just a quick call.
Did you block my number?
Why did you do that?
Did you think that I'll just stay here,
and we won't talk?
Am I not allowed
to talk to Oskar either?
So I'll be staying here for four months
without talking to you at all?
Lrke, hang on.
Lrke? Lrke!
How has your stay been so far?
It's been fine.
I'm curious to learn
why you're here?
What do you struggle with
in everyday life?
So are we just going to talk?
I was thinking we could
get to know each other -
- so you can tell me what you want
to learn. Why you're here.
Maybe you've already tried
several things, maybe not.
But I invite you
to learn something new -
- which will be vital in your way of
being around your family and yourself -
- when your mind starts acting up.
Do you know what I want?
That you shut up. I'd love that.
That you just shut up.
Can you do that?
So you want silence?
Instead of talking,
we can do an exercise together.
Would you like to do that?
Sure, let's do an exercise.
Flex all the muscles
in your body at the same time.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears.
Flex all the muscles
in your face and legs.
Lift your shoulders,
arms close to the body.
Flex! Flex!
Flex! And relax.
You're not completely relaxed.
Okay.
There is fresh coffee.
Morning.
Would you like some coffee?
- Yes, please.
- Sorry I'm late.
I was feeding the animals.
Good to see you.
- Did you finish feeding?
- Yes, all is well.
- Is there any coffee?
- How did you sleep?
Not well. My heart was pounding.
I had to go for a walk to calm down.
It was dark as hell.
I slept three hours in total. I had
nightmares and woke up in a sweat.
Youssef, how was your night?
- Fine.
- Glad to hear it. Knudsen?
I slept like a baby for once.
Seven hours.
Happy days.
Today's project: We're cutting down
a tree, and it's all hands on deck.
Knudsen is our chainsaw guy,
so you'll be...
Youssef, take this rope
and walk in that direction.
I'll tell you when you're at a safe
distance. Then you pull the tree down.
You can do it.
A bit further that way.
A bit further.
Safety first.
Stop there, Youssef.
Great.
And then you just pull that tree down.
Let us know if you need help.
Youssef,
you need to be facing it.
You have no pulling power
with your back turned.
Need help, buddy?
- Need a hand?
- Youssef, it's your call.
Let us know if you need help.
- Do you want our help?
- Yes.
- Right, we're coming.
- Yes, come on!
- Come on, boys!
- I need help.
- Here we are.
- I need...
Let's go!
Right, are you ready?
Has everyone got a good grip?
That's it!
Well done.
Good fucking job.
Well done, Youssef.
Welcome to the team.
Good effort, boys.
Good effort.
Great.
- What did you do before?
- I work as...
I worked as a security patrol officer,
driving around between locations.
Are you settling in?
Yes, I think it's...
I don't know.
I realized something...
I used to look down on other people
who suffered breakdowns.
I put on a front,
but then I suffered a breakdown myself.
I don't know how many of you
have tried it...
I've been in and out of
psychiatric institutions -
- and have tried
all sorts of drug therapy.
It wasn't until I arrived here...
... that I reached a point where I could
see a way through to the other side.
You're Youssef, right?
What?
My kite got caught in the tree.
I wondered if you could help me?
I just need to get it down.
If you'll try...
I think it just needs a jab,
but I can't reach it.
Thanks for your help.
My name is Indee.
See you!
- Hey!
- Hey, buddy.
- You're digging.
- Yes.
I just need to finish digging this hole.
- What's the point of it?
- To dig until you're done.
To burn off some excess energy.
This calms me down.
- Want me to take over for a bit?
- Sure.
Thanks.
It doesn't need to be any deeper.
- Is it done now?
- The soil is a lot harder now.
Then it's not fun anymore.
- Should I fill it back up?
- No, let's leave it. It looks fine.
It's nice to be able to enjoy it.
We can fill it in tomorrow.
- Sure.
- We should enjoy it first.
Who will help me with this sheep?
- You need to straddle the animal.
- What?
- Are you kidding me?
- No, for real.
That's right.
And hold it under the chin.
Walk slowly forward. I'll help.
It likes you.
Now you've got it under control.
It can tell.
- Correct sheep-handling.
- Let's turn around here.
- Hold it in place.
- Sure.
I'm taking over.
- Want me to move?
- Yes, please.
Hold the legs. Hold the legs like this.
Hold the front and back legs.
Hold the legs tight.
They might cramp.
- You can let go now.
- Are we ready to continue?
Let's just give it a moment.
Take hold of it again.
Take hold of the leg.
Now we'll hang it up.
Get a good grip.
Have you got it?
There we go.
You can let go now. Let go.
Youssef, are you okay?
Youssef? Youssef?
Youssef? Hey...
- Youssef? Youssef?
- I'm sorry.
Breathe.
Yes, just breathe.
That's it. Just breathe.
Breathe, Youssef.
Easy now. Easy now.
Let's take this off.
Let's take it off, so you can cool down.
Remember to breathe.
Remember to breathe.
You were gone for a moment.
- Did you go back? To somewhere else?
- What?
What happened?
It was a flashback.
It's nothing to worry about.
Breathe.
Everything is fine.
Well done.
Let's get you up.
Come on.
Okay, breathe.
In Afghanistan, we got Christmas
presents. We got a thermal mug.
It was from
the Department of Defense.
- A thermal mug?
- No, it was from the trade union.
- I got a gold pen.
- Yes, the gold pen!
That made you feel special.
"Thank you and Merry Christmas."
I can use it to write my resignation.
I keep it in a red box at home.
I've never used it.
You're the only person I know
who still has the pen.
- I brought too much crap.
- You're looking good.
- I'm wearing my Sunday best.
- I can hardly recognize you.
It's a different look, right?
How did you know you were ready?
I've been feeling it for a while now.
I've been here a while. I'm ready to go
home to my girlfriend and my daughter.
- Take this. Are you ready?
- Yes.
- Are you ready?
- I'm ready. I'm ready to say goodbye.
- Good luck, mate. Look after yourself.
- I really appreciate it.
I really appreciate it.
You know that.
- I'm going to hug you.
- Your girlfriend has my number.
- So we can always come and get you.
- I'll be fine.
- You'll be great.
- Thank you. This isn't a funeral.
It's been a pleasure.
- See you. I'm ready. Let's go.
- See you, Felix.
- Take care!
- Yes, sir!
Welcome, guys. You all right, Alex?
Welcome, Youssef.
Thank you.
You've probably seen these guys around,
but I'll introduce you.
- This is my son Aiden.
- Hi. Youssef.
- And Aida.
- Hi. Youssef.
- And Indee.
- Hi. You can sit here if you want.
Grab a seat, mate.
You look like a German tourist
in those sandals, Youssef.
Oh, yeah. My shoes were wet,
so I borrowed Henrik's...
I'm just teasing you, mate.
Take a seat.
- What is that?
- Oh, right. That's for you.
- For me?
- Yes.
- Can I open it?
- Yes, of course.
- Is it a kite?
- Yes.
It won't tear as easily.
Did you make it? Thank you.
You're welcome.
You live in the gray trailer, right?
Yes, it's gray.
I helped paint it. There's a huge eagle
underneath the paint.
- When I was younger.
- Okay.
- Well, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- So you like animals?
- Yes.
I want to become a wildlife vet
when I grow up.
Oskar, my son,
also wants to become a vet.
Or he did, when he was younger.
I don't know about now.
Will he come and visit you here?
I don't know.
We haven't...
We're having
some barbecued lamb.
You guys have helped
raise them and feed them.
Indee,
as the youngest you can start.
Let me know if he comes.
- I'd like to meet him.
- That's a deal.
I still feel your hands in mine,
even though you left
I still feel your eyes
locked into mine
And when you wake up
and don't really know where you are
I still think you know
that I'll always be right here
Come on, Pumpkin and Pie!
Come on.
Come on.
Are you coming in?
Or are you afraid of the water?
You need to get in.
- Did you make it yourself?
- Yes.
Do you like it?
- What do you think?
- It looks good.
Thank you.
- Do you crochet?
- No, I don't.
- Do you knit?
- No.
What about your son?
Does he crochet?
No, he likes to draw.
Do you miss him?
All the time.
Do you think he misses you?
I don't know.
He does.
- This is kind of tricky. Is it corn?
- No.
- Is it... is it...
- It's sweet.
- Cinnamon?
- No.
A clue?
It's something you like.
- Something I like... Peas?
- No, it's something sweet.
- But peas are sweet!
- Time is almost up!
- No! Give me a clue.
- It's a kind of treat.
- Is it...
- It's round.
- Cookie!
- Yes.
Hi.
Yes, I can hear you.
I'm sorry to call so late.
And thank you for...
Thank you for talking to me.
Eat this. There you go.
Good.
- Youssef?
- Yes.
- Come and meet the new guy, Thomas.
- Yes.
I was thinking
you could show him around.
- And we'll meet later in the yurt.
- Yes, of course.
Is that okay with you, Thomas?
Great. See you.
Yes.
- Oh my god!
- Come here.
I didn't see this coming.
Are you pretending not to know me?
You know me. I like to fly under
the radar. I don't want any gossip.
- Esser, damn it.
- That's how I am. You know me.
What are you doing here?
I'm awaiting a decision
on a compensation claim.
My girlfriend wanted me
out of the house and...
They don't think
my life was in mortal danger.
So I'm just waiting.
I really hope it's approved.
I'm completely broke.
I can't handle having a job anymore.
They claim it's stress
caused by doing paperwork.
Assholes.
So that's what I'm waiting for.
How about you? The family?
Lrke and Oskar?
Things kind of blew up at home.
But we're doing better now.
We're talking again. It's okay.
- Happy to hear it.
- Yes.
But this place...
Isn't it kind of hippie?
Totally hippie. Completely.
I wrote: "Fun-loving guy,
36 years old, living on Stryn."
Fun-loving?
- A fun-loving guy!
- Who's 21.
What's wrong with that?
I am fun-loving.
- I'm not getting married tomorrow.
- What did you put, Henrik?
- Are you all on Tinder apart from you?
- I'm not either.
- Those two are the Tinder boys.
- You should do a joint profile.
The Eiffel Tower.
- What kind of website are you using?
- Jesus Christ!
Please turn that off. Esser?
We don't watch war stuff here.
- You don't watch the news?
- We don't watch war stuff.
- I don't watch the news anymore.
- We've agreed not to watch it here.
Fair enough.
No. Okay.
The boys just
want to be able to relax.
I understand
you had a bit of an incident.
The slaughtering? Yes.
Yes, it was...
I guess I was a bit too bold.
Is it something
you want to talk about?
In...
In Helmand,
we were told to...
...save our snacks to bring on patrol.
We would hand them out to children.
One day we were on patrol,
a group of children ran towards us.
So we stopped and chatted to them
and threw some candy...
for them to catch.
I locked eyes with...
It was a little boy. He was...
He was more...
... vulnerable. They all were, but he
was more vulnerable than the others.
He was at the back.
He hadn't caught any candy.
He had these big brown eyes.
And really white teeth, I remember
for some reason. Then...
We locked eyes, and I said,
"Hey, this is for you."
"Fight for it."
And I threw it above their heads
and even past him.
They all laughed and tried to catch it.
He ran after it.
I vividly remember the laughter...
... that lasted right up
until the explosion.
He stepped on a land mine.
When the dust settled, I could see
that his whole body was intact.
He was floating face down
in the water.
So by pure instinct I ran to him.
I can't tell you why,
but I was sure he was okay.
I turned him over -
- and his whole face was gone.
His eyes...
It was all gone.
That must have been
a really painful experience.
I didn't feel anything.
A couple of months later,
after I'd come home...
... I felt...
... a huge anger toward Oskar.
Toward my son. And he...
He hadn't done anything wrong.
He's the sweetest...
He's the sweetest little boy.
Very sensitive.
And I was furious with him.
I don't know why.
And I didn't let it show. I held...
When you tell the story, I can feel that
behind the anger and rage -
- you're holding on to
an enormous amount of grief.
Can you feel it somewhere in your body
when you're telling the story?
- Yes.
- Right there?
Does it feel tight?
Is it suffocating?
Yes.
It's a huge thing, Youssef.
You can feel it. And there's room for it.
It's okay.
And you don't need to do anything.
And you're not alone.
Right now.
One, two, three...
You can park here.
- Hi.
- Hi.
You look different.
Well, I hardly brought anything.
There are no clothes shops on
the island. But I went to the swap shop.
Sorry...
A swap shop?
- Yes.
- That's not what I meant.
He's a bit nervous. He's so excited
and talked about it the whole way.
- Okay.
- Yeah. It'll be fine.
- Do I need to do anything?
- No. Are you ready?
Yes.
Honey, take off your seatbelt.
Dad has been looking so much
forward to it. So have you. Say hello.
Come on, honey.
Hi, Osbob.
Do you want to hug Dad?
- It's okay, honey.
- It's fine.
Do you want to see
where I'm staying?
We have animals.
Horses, sheep, and pigs.
Yes, we'd like that.
- Do you really live here?
- Yes.
I have everything I need.
It's lovely.
- That's me.
- Yes.
- Do you remember that day?
- No. When was it?
You must have been... six years old.
You had three ice creams.
- That's a lot.
- Yes.
- Where's the main building?
- Do you want to go there now?
- What the hell! Esser?
- Lrke.
- Hi!
- It's been ages!
- It's so good to see you.
- You too.
Youssef mentioned you were here.
- This is Oskar.
- Hi.
- Esser. Do you know who I am?
- No.
Your dad and I have known each other
for almost 20 years. Good to meet you.
- Well, shall we...?
- We're going to talk to Anne-Line.
- Come on, honey. Great to see you.
- You too, Lrke.
I'm going to talk to Anne-Line.
Are you okay? Sure?
- Great.
- Yes.
- Hi.
- Hi, Anne-Line.
Anne-Line runs this place -
- along with her husband.
They're the grown-ups around here.
- Mom?
- Just a second.
She'll be right back.
Is everything all right at home?
- And at school? With your friends?
- Yes.
- How about soccer practice?
- I quit.
Why's that?
Because Sebastian quit.
I see. Is that any reason
for you to quit too?
What else do you like to do?
I play GTA.
Cool!
That's a car game, right?
No, you need money.
And then... I have this thing where
I can make fake money and sell it.
One of my friends has an "acid lab"
where you sell cocaine.
Yes.
- He sells it to MC clubs.
- Indee?
- Hi.
- Hi. Come over here.
- Indee, Oskar. Oskar...
- Hi.
- What are you doing?
- Well, we're...
Oskar's telling me about a game.
- And his mom is talking to your mom.
- Right.
Do you want to come to the docks?
- Do you want to go?
- That's a good idea.
It's cool, right?
It's like driving a tank.
- Where are we going?
- I'm going to sailing school.
- We're sailing around the island.
- Okay.
We're giving Indee a ride,
and then you can see the docks.
- Have you ever been fishing?
- A couple of times.
- How about you?
- Only once.
- Did you catch anything?
- A tiny little fish.
It was too small for a piece of bread.
I threw it back. It was too small.
- Want to sit here?
- Yes.
It's really windy.
As if there's a tsunami on its way.
- A tsunami?
- Yes.
Yes.
I remember just after you were born
I was deployed to Afghanistan.
It's a desert landscape and really hot,
but it also gets very windy.
We had these sandstorms
where you couldn't see a thing.
I used to think about you and
your mom and what you were doing.
Whether you had the hiccups.
You sometimes did.
Or whether you were asleep,
or keeping her up at night.
Or whether you had taken
a big dump in your diaper.
Look at the pigs!
- Why are they eating dirt?
- They eat everything.
The orange one is Pumpkin,
and this is Pie.
He needs braces.
He's kind of ugly.
I think they're cute.
They're actually girls.
Throw it in the mud
and see if they'll eat it.
They will.
- Don't they care it's dirty?
- No.
And look,
she's carrying it around.
I want to try.
Here you go.
That means we have to hire
all the nurses that have quit -
- but now at twice the pay.
I think they sensed
I was going to leave too.
So they gave me more responsibility.
You're so clever.
Congratulations.
My paycheck also got bigger.
Honey?
Can you turn that off, please?
Come and sit down.
Do you want more food?
I'm not hungry.
- Can you tell Dad what you're up to?
- Sure.
- My birthday is coming up!
- Yes. It's a big one.
- 40 years old!
- I'll be 10.
- You'll be 10, and I can't believe it.
- Big birthday.
- We're having a huge party.
- Are you?
Yes, we are.
- Who's coming?
- Grandma.
Uncle Tolga and Aunt Elham.
- And... Victor.
- Yes.
- Who else is coming?
- Your cousins.
Except for Isa.
She has a gymnastics meet.
Okay. That's still...
That's a huge party.
Are you coming, Dad?
- Dad needs to stay here for a bit.
- But I'm turning 10 years old.
I know, but Dad needs to stay here.
And we're here right now.
Please!
I live here at the moment.
- We'll discuss it.
- Yes.
Sleep well.
Turn off the light.
Dad, wait.
Do you remember
when you used to sing me lullabies?
- That was Mom.
- You did too, sometimes.
- Rascal. You just don't want to sleep.
- No, I mean it.
- Which one do you want?
- The one about the lark's nest.
A lark's nest hides in plain sight,
I won't reveal just where
It lies where nature's might
hides it from all eyes out there
Inside the nest, the chicks hide
You're cheating!
Can you go to sleep now?
Otherwise Mom will tell me off.
- So you're singing him lullabies now?
- No, he just...
I've never heard you
sing to him before.
- He just wouldn't sleep.
- Sit down. We need to talk.
Anne-Line told me
what a great guy you are!
You talk to the pigs, you pick pears
and God know what else?
You've become
a new person in no time!
If you fuck things up with him...
I'm sorry about everything
I put you through.
I'm doing better now.
And I just want to go home.
To you.
And to Oskar.
And be there for you.
You need to go home and sleep.
Yes.
That's the plan.
I need to go back to my trailer.
Absolutely.
Right?
What's up?
The man of the hour!
- Did it go well?
- Well... yes.
- Hell, yeah.
- It went well.
I've set up a group chat
with the boys from way back.
- CL and Rosenkilde are there.
- Okay.
It's great to reminisce
about old times.
- I've invited you too.
- Did you tell them that I'm also here?
Yes, of course.
It doesn't make a difference.
We all carry a burden.
Yes. I just don't think...
Guys, can you give us a hand?
But say hi from me.
Just tell them hi.
LEGO Ninjago.
Will he like that?
Well, he used to love LEGO.
But he also used to love soccer.
- We'll get this kind.
- Okay.
- That one is cool.
- Let's have a look.
- Maybe he'd like that?
- Yes, it comes with weapons.
It's cool.
- Should we get this one?
- Yeah, let's get it.
It's good.
My daughter loves
rainbow-colored things.
When we're together, she says,
"Dad, do you know my favorite color?"
"It's the colors of the rainbow.
Let's find a rainbow."
"Yes, let's do that. Where is it?"
"I don't know. Just keep going."
I'm so glad I have you guys.
I'm glad you're here.
One time,
I was... on a bridge looking out.
I climbed onto the ledge.
I remember grabbing hold of the railing,
or fence, or whatever.
I wondered if this was the end.
But something
prevented me from jumping.
What scares me is, what happens
the day I can't control it...
... and I jump?
It will affect other people.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Do you feel the contact between
your feet and the ground?
How is your breathing?
Open your eyes and look
at the raisin with curiosity.
Like it was the first time
you ever saw a raisin.
Can you smell it?
And if you feel like it,
put the raisin in your mouth.
Close your eyes, and focus
your attention on your mouth.
Can you already taste it?
Is there saliva?
Let us close the circle.
What's up?
What happened?
It didn't work out.
- Did they reject it?
- What did I expect?
Of course they rejected it.
Assholes.
What am I going to tell Marie?
- I've been leeching off her for years.
- You'll think of something.
We always do.
I have nothing to bring home now.
You'll stay here a couple of months.
You have time to think.
You'll figure it out.
I'm going to Oskar's birthday party.
And I'm going home soon.
That wasn't in the cards
a couple of months ago.
All we have is what we have together.
You know that, right?
OSKAR
10 YEARS
Would anyone like more coffee?
- Is there any beer?
- No, but you can have more coffee.
Youssef!
- About time!
- Hi, honey!
Hi, honey. Sorry I'm late.
The train was delayed.
- You look beautiful.
- Thank you.
Hi, Sis.
Youssef is living on Stryn
at the moment.
- Hi, honey.
- They've got some great people there.
And he made friends with a pig.
- It's called Pumpkin.
- It's actually called Frank.
- Did you get nice presents?
- I got a puzzle and magic markers.
I brought something too.
Wow!
- But I don't play with Ninjago anymore.
- We'll just take it back.
- Will the shop take it back?
- Yes.
Let me hold it
while you say thank you to Dad.
- Thanks, Dad.
- You're welcome.
One, two, three, go!
Bring it over here,
so we can cut it.
Everyone to the kids' table.
Everybody gets a piece.
Save me a piece.
There we go.
- Are you doing well?
- Yes, I think so.
I just needed to settle
after getting back.
Well, cheers.
Cheers, Roland.
- Good to see you.
- You too.
- You're only drinking coffee?
- Yes, but thank you.
- Come on.
- I don't drink anymore.
What? Okay. Is it a kiddie camp
you've ended up at?
You normally...
Well, more for me.
What are we
going to do about Ukraine?
Let's show Putin and
his dickhead followers who's in charge.
We need to do something.
We can't let Putin take control.
We need to stand together.
We let him take Crimea,
and now we're doing it again.
- Are we? Okay.
- Yes. We all are.
- I'm just talking to...
- We need to do something.
Hey!
That was something...
- I'm just talking to my sister, okay?
- Sure.
Of course.
Oskar? Come here.
Let's hoist
the flag in honor of your birthday.
Want to hold it?
Then you've got to be careful.
This is our national flag.
The saying goes that if you drop
the flag, you lose the battle.
Remember that.
Be careful.
It'll be great.
What's up, honey?
- I'm sorry.
- Why do you say that?
I dropped the flag.
Oh, that's okay.
It was just a stupid story. Right?
Come here. It's okay.
Honey?
No. No, Oskar. Calm down.
- Mom! Mom!
- Oskar, look at me. Calm down.
- It's all right.
- Mom! Mom!
- Youssef! Go away!
- Sorry, I just...
Go away!
What happened?
Don't leave, Mom.
Breathe, just breathe.
It'll be fine.
Is he still here?
Youssef, what's going on?
- Is something wrong?
- What?
Yes, it didn't go so well.
It's fine.
- Youssef?
- I'm just going over there.
Grab a hold of it. Come on.
All in all, it was a crappy vacation,
but I don't think the kids noticed.
They played in the pool
and were on their iPads.
So that's...
That's all from me.
Thanks for sharing. Now we have Felix,
who we haven't seen in a long time.
- Hi, guys! Are you all well?
- How about you?
What are you up to?
I'm spending a lot of time
with my daughter who I've missed.
The first couple of weeks
went really well. No problems.
Then one bad decision
changed everything.
Can you explain?
Last Wednesday, I went out for Thai food
with my buddy Mathias.
Mathias bought a round of beers,
then I bought a round. Then cocktails.
And then after a couple of hours
we bought some drugs.
Suddenly, it was really late, and
my girlfriend kept asking where I was.
If I'd fallen off the wagon.
But of course I denied it.
So we went to Mathias' place, and
I've been staying there for a few days.
I don't even know what day it is,
but I went to pick up my daughter.
The kindergarten teachers
could tell that I was drunk.
So they asked me to leave
and said if I didn't...
Damn it!
That was a sad story.
A really sad story.
Yes.
There's not much of a soldier left
in those poor bastards.
Come on!
One more. Come on.
Yes! Put it down.
Well done, champ.
Any news from home?
Have you heard from Lrke?
No.
I wouldn't know what to tell her,
to be honest.
I can't figure it out.
When I'm deployed...
... they miss me and I miss
them too. But she handles it.
She packs lunches,
arranges playdates, and pays the bills.
Then I come home.
And everything kind of falls apart.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It is what it is.
- I spoke to OH.
- OH?
I knew that would make you smile.
- How is he?
- It's OH. Has he ever been well?
I don't know who put him together.
Well, listen...
The boys are ready.
Ready for what?
I've found us a private mission.
You are kidding?
Africa.
Decent pay, honorable cause.
Are you being serious?
Your eyes say you want to.
Don't pretend otherwise.
Oskar...
He's at school now, right?
What does he say when other kids ask
what his dad does?
Do you think he tells them
his dad is petting sheep on Stryn?
Or do you think he wants to tell them
his dad is a tough warrior -
- who has deployed with his old group?
To sort things out in Africa.
Esser, I'm not going anywhere.
Then what will you do?
You can't hide out here forever.
We're leaving with or without you.
Think about it.
Six and six.
- High five! You're so good!
- Of course!
Well done, honey.
We got a beating, Youssef.
Two sixes. Awesome.
- Can you...
- I'm just recording.
Can you...
I'm just recording...
- I'm just recording.
- Can you...
Morning!
Hi.
Hey.
- What are you doing here?
- You're not answering your phone.
- It makes me worried.
- I was going to call you back.
She has the best intentions.
And you, like so many others before you,
went home too early.
It's okay. We tried.
- Is he okay?
- Yes, Oskar is okay.
We've talked about it.
But he needs to talk to you.
Sure. I'll call him.
He's here.
He's on a walk with Indee.
That was close.
- Hi, Oskar.
- Hi, Dad.
Indee, Anne-Line needs some help.
I'm not sure what with.
- See you.
- See you.
- Were you having fun?
- Yes.
I'm very happy you're here,
because...
I miss you.
And because I want to tell you
how sorry I am...
... that I scared you
at your birthday party.
And all the other stupid things.
I didn't mean to do it.
It's...
It's okay.
Mom...
She says you're kind of sick.
- It's a good thing we've got her, huh?
- Yes.
We're lucky to have her.
Give her this.
- Do you think she'll like it?
- Yes.
You're the coolest boy in the world.
And I'm very proud of you.
Do you know that?
Yes.
Come here.
When will I see you again?
Soon. She's waiting for you.
Off you go.
You came like a storm,
like a song in the air
Breaking down walls
I forgot were there
And spring exploded around us
That year,
the world turned sharp and bright
And wild with the rush of melting ice
And everything whispered:
Live it!
I laughed, I ran, I drank the sun
As winter's weary bones came undone,
set loose in fields of clover
And you were fire and light...
Fire!
The easiest path to take
is to do nothing.
And think that you don't
have to take responsibility.
That's the easy choice.
Each of us have to find our own way
to deal with our situation.
One day at a time.
For the rest of our lives.
You'll probably never become
the man you used to be, Youssef.
Not even close to the man
you dreamed of being in this life.
And if you can accept the man
you have turned into along the way
maybe then can you start becoming
someone for somebody else.
Inspired by real events
at the rehabilitation center
'Nature Retreat for Veterans', Stryn.
Almost one in four war veterans
has a psychiatric diagnosis
or takes psychotropic medication.
5 % suffer from PTSD.
It's not only the veterans who
might be affected by a deployment.
Their relatives may also
be secondarily traumatized.
- Yes, they'll be right out.
Oskar?
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, honey.
- Had a good day?
- Yes.
The teacher didn't show up,
so we just stayed in the computer room.
- Hi, Mom! You look beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Are you leaving already?
- Yes.
Am I a little overdressed?
No, you look nice.
Okay. I left some food in the fridge.
Call me if you need anything.
Sure.
We'll manage, honey.
Oskar, come and say goodbye
to your mom!
See you, honey.
Have lots of fun.
Not too much screen time.
See you, honey.
- You look beautiful!
- Thank you.
But who is fastest? The fireman Henrik
or the lifeguard Brian?
Henrik has been a fireman
and a paramedic for 30 years...
- I think they're both pretty cool.
- Yes. They are.
But that guy actually swims.
He almost lives on the beach.
Yes, but firemen are pretty cool too.
They're good at climbing.
What are you doing?
Can you fit more in?
Are you rooting for
the lifeguard or the fireman?
- Wifeward.
- What?
- Waifrard.
- Sorry, what?
- The what?
- The wiferard.
You need to pick one.
Spit them out, ugh!
Spit them out.
No! Yuck!
Dad?
Wake up.
Dad? Wake up, Dad.
Dad? Wake up.
Dad? Dad!
HERCULES FALLING
Right, Youssef...
Say goodbye to the mainland.
- Can I get some fresh air?
- Sure, you do that.
Wait here.
How did it go?
Did he get a chance to say goodbye?
Yes, but it was a big mess.
Come out and speak with Anne-Line.
Welcome.
You look a bit worn out.
Have you had a rough time?
Right.
Let's go talk to Stuart.
Then we'll determine if we're a match -
- and if we think you can handle this,
and whether you want to stay here.
This is where Stuart and I live
with our family.
There are six trailers,
and we have five guys staying here.
And you could have the last trailer,
if we decide it'll work out.
- This is the yurt.
- I'll just wait out here.
Sit down.
Stuart, this is Youssef.
Welcome, Youssef.
Stuart's a veteran too.
That's why we set up this place.
I'll tell you a little bit about myself.
I served with the Australian army
for 20 years as an officer.
And quite frankly, I didn't know what
the fuck was going on in my life either.
It took 10 years before I was diagnosed
with war-affected illness.
Having said...
I can empathize with you.
I don't know who the fuck you are,
or what you've been doing.
Where were you deployed?
I was...
... four times: In Kosovo, Iraq
and twice in Afghanistan.
Just look at me, mate.
I want to make it really clear to you
that I don't feel sorry for you.
This is not an exercise
in feeling sorry for you.
It's an exercise in helping you
to get back on your feet.
I know what it's like
when your family is afraid of you.
Do you want to explain to us
what happened at home?
This is an opportunity to recreate
the life you deserve.
And the life your wife deserves,
and your son deserves.
But the only one
who can do something about it is you.
And it's not going to be easy.
Is this what you want to do?
Okay.
This is your trailer, Youssef.
It's like
the FAB containers you know.
The manual for
the compost toilet is in there.
Breakfast is at 9 am,
lunch at 1 pm, dinner at 7 pm.
If you have any questions
just let me know.
Are you ready to eat?
Hi, Youssef. Come in and
grab a chair. Have some dinner.
Next.
- Hi, Youssef. Welcome. I'm Felix.
- Thank you.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Hand me your plate. I can't guarantee
the taste, but I hope it's all right.
- Did you try your best?
- You'll find out when you taste it.
- You did a great job.
- It's really good.
Great. I tried my best.
Invalid number.
Please check the number and call...
Invalid number.
Please check the number and call again.
Invalid number.
Please check the number and call again.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Are you ready for some metal?
- Yeah, go for it.
- Ready, Knudsen?
- Yes.
- Yes!
- Come one! One more!
Well done.
Hey, can I borrow your phone?
I left mine in... the trailer.
Just a quick call.
Did you block my number?
Why did you do that?
Did you think that I'll just stay here,
and we won't talk?
Am I not allowed
to talk to Oskar either?
So I'll be staying here for four months
without talking to you at all?
Lrke, hang on.
Lrke? Lrke!
How has your stay been so far?
It's been fine.
I'm curious to learn
why you're here?
What do you struggle with
in everyday life?
So are we just going to talk?
I was thinking we could
get to know each other -
- so you can tell me what you want
to learn. Why you're here.
Maybe you've already tried
several things, maybe not.
But I invite you
to learn something new -
- which will be vital in your way of
being around your family and yourself -
- when your mind starts acting up.
Do you know what I want?
That you shut up. I'd love that.
That you just shut up.
Can you do that?
So you want silence?
Instead of talking,
we can do an exercise together.
Would you like to do that?
Sure, let's do an exercise.
Flex all the muscles
in your body at the same time.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears.
Flex all the muscles
in your face and legs.
Lift your shoulders,
arms close to the body.
Flex! Flex!
Flex! And relax.
You're not completely relaxed.
Okay.
There is fresh coffee.
Morning.
Would you like some coffee?
- Yes, please.
- Sorry I'm late.
I was feeding the animals.
Good to see you.
- Did you finish feeding?
- Yes, all is well.
- Is there any coffee?
- How did you sleep?
Not well. My heart was pounding.
I had to go for a walk to calm down.
It was dark as hell.
I slept three hours in total. I had
nightmares and woke up in a sweat.
Youssef, how was your night?
- Fine.
- Glad to hear it. Knudsen?
I slept like a baby for once.
Seven hours.
Happy days.
Today's project: We're cutting down
a tree, and it's all hands on deck.
Knudsen is our chainsaw guy,
so you'll be...
Youssef, take this rope
and walk in that direction.
I'll tell you when you're at a safe
distance. Then you pull the tree down.
You can do it.
A bit further that way.
A bit further.
Safety first.
Stop there, Youssef.
Great.
And then you just pull that tree down.
Let us know if you need help.
Youssef,
you need to be facing it.
You have no pulling power
with your back turned.
Need help, buddy?
- Need a hand?
- Youssef, it's your call.
Let us know if you need help.
- Do you want our help?
- Yes.
- Right, we're coming.
- Yes, come on!
- Come on, boys!
- I need help.
- Here we are.
- I need...
Let's go!
Right, are you ready?
Has everyone got a good grip?
That's it!
Well done.
Good fucking job.
Well done, Youssef.
Welcome to the team.
Good effort, boys.
Good effort.
Great.
- What did you do before?
- I work as...
I worked as a security patrol officer,
driving around between locations.
Are you settling in?
Yes, I think it's...
I don't know.
I realized something...
I used to look down on other people
who suffered breakdowns.
I put on a front,
but then I suffered a breakdown myself.
I don't know how many of you
have tried it...
I've been in and out of
psychiatric institutions -
- and have tried
all sorts of drug therapy.
It wasn't until I arrived here...
... that I reached a point where I could
see a way through to the other side.
You're Youssef, right?
What?
My kite got caught in the tree.
I wondered if you could help me?
I just need to get it down.
If you'll try...
I think it just needs a jab,
but I can't reach it.
Thanks for your help.
My name is Indee.
See you!
- Hey!
- Hey, buddy.
- You're digging.
- Yes.
I just need to finish digging this hole.
- What's the point of it?
- To dig until you're done.
To burn off some excess energy.
This calms me down.
- Want me to take over for a bit?
- Sure.
Thanks.
It doesn't need to be any deeper.
- Is it done now?
- The soil is a lot harder now.
Then it's not fun anymore.
- Should I fill it back up?
- No, let's leave it. It looks fine.
It's nice to be able to enjoy it.
We can fill it in tomorrow.
- Sure.
- We should enjoy it first.
Who will help me with this sheep?
- You need to straddle the animal.
- What?
- Are you kidding me?
- No, for real.
That's right.
And hold it under the chin.
Walk slowly forward. I'll help.
It likes you.
Now you've got it under control.
It can tell.
- Correct sheep-handling.
- Let's turn around here.
- Hold it in place.
- Sure.
I'm taking over.
- Want me to move?
- Yes, please.
Hold the legs. Hold the legs like this.
Hold the front and back legs.
Hold the legs tight.
They might cramp.
- You can let go now.
- Are we ready to continue?
Let's just give it a moment.
Take hold of it again.
Take hold of the leg.
Now we'll hang it up.
Get a good grip.
Have you got it?
There we go.
You can let go now. Let go.
Youssef, are you okay?
Youssef? Youssef?
Youssef? Hey...
- Youssef? Youssef?
- I'm sorry.
Breathe.
Yes, just breathe.
That's it. Just breathe.
Breathe, Youssef.
Easy now. Easy now.
Let's take this off.
Let's take it off, so you can cool down.
Remember to breathe.
Remember to breathe.
You were gone for a moment.
- Did you go back? To somewhere else?
- What?
What happened?
It was a flashback.
It's nothing to worry about.
Breathe.
Everything is fine.
Well done.
Let's get you up.
Come on.
Okay, breathe.
In Afghanistan, we got Christmas
presents. We got a thermal mug.
It was from
the Department of Defense.
- A thermal mug?
- No, it was from the trade union.
- I got a gold pen.
- Yes, the gold pen!
That made you feel special.
"Thank you and Merry Christmas."
I can use it to write my resignation.
I keep it in a red box at home.
I've never used it.
You're the only person I know
who still has the pen.
- I brought too much crap.
- You're looking good.
- I'm wearing my Sunday best.
- I can hardly recognize you.
It's a different look, right?
How did you know you were ready?
I've been feeling it for a while now.
I've been here a while. I'm ready to go
home to my girlfriend and my daughter.
- Take this. Are you ready?
- Yes.
- Are you ready?
- I'm ready. I'm ready to say goodbye.
- Good luck, mate. Look after yourself.
- I really appreciate it.
I really appreciate it.
You know that.
- I'm going to hug you.
- Your girlfriend has my number.
- So we can always come and get you.
- I'll be fine.
- You'll be great.
- Thank you. This isn't a funeral.
It's been a pleasure.
- See you. I'm ready. Let's go.
- See you, Felix.
- Take care!
- Yes, sir!
Welcome, guys. You all right, Alex?
Welcome, Youssef.
Thank you.
You've probably seen these guys around,
but I'll introduce you.
- This is my son Aiden.
- Hi. Youssef.
- And Aida.
- Hi. Youssef.
- And Indee.
- Hi. You can sit here if you want.
Grab a seat, mate.
You look like a German tourist
in those sandals, Youssef.
Oh, yeah. My shoes were wet,
so I borrowed Henrik's...
I'm just teasing you, mate.
Take a seat.
- What is that?
- Oh, right. That's for you.
- For me?
- Yes.
- Can I open it?
- Yes, of course.
- Is it a kite?
- Yes.
It won't tear as easily.
Did you make it? Thank you.
You're welcome.
You live in the gray trailer, right?
Yes, it's gray.
I helped paint it. There's a huge eagle
underneath the paint.
- When I was younger.
- Okay.
- Well, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- So you like animals?
- Yes.
I want to become a wildlife vet
when I grow up.
Oskar, my son,
also wants to become a vet.
Or he did, when he was younger.
I don't know about now.
Will he come and visit you here?
I don't know.
We haven't...
We're having
some barbecued lamb.
You guys have helped
raise them and feed them.
Indee,
as the youngest you can start.
Let me know if he comes.
- I'd like to meet him.
- That's a deal.
I still feel your hands in mine,
even though you left
I still feel your eyes
locked into mine
And when you wake up
and don't really know where you are
I still think you know
that I'll always be right here
Come on, Pumpkin and Pie!
Come on.
Come on.
Are you coming in?
Or are you afraid of the water?
You need to get in.
- Did you make it yourself?
- Yes.
Do you like it?
- What do you think?
- It looks good.
Thank you.
- Do you crochet?
- No, I don't.
- Do you knit?
- No.
What about your son?
Does he crochet?
No, he likes to draw.
Do you miss him?
All the time.
Do you think he misses you?
I don't know.
He does.
- This is kind of tricky. Is it corn?
- No.
- Is it... is it...
- It's sweet.
- Cinnamon?
- No.
A clue?
It's something you like.
- Something I like... Peas?
- No, it's something sweet.
- But peas are sweet!
- Time is almost up!
- No! Give me a clue.
- It's a kind of treat.
- Is it...
- It's round.
- Cookie!
- Yes.
Hi.
Yes, I can hear you.
I'm sorry to call so late.
And thank you for...
Thank you for talking to me.
Eat this. There you go.
Good.
- Youssef?
- Yes.
- Come and meet the new guy, Thomas.
- Yes.
I was thinking
you could show him around.
- And we'll meet later in the yurt.
- Yes, of course.
Is that okay with you, Thomas?
Great. See you.
Yes.
- Oh my god!
- Come here.
I didn't see this coming.
Are you pretending not to know me?
You know me. I like to fly under
the radar. I don't want any gossip.
- Esser, damn it.
- That's how I am. You know me.
What are you doing here?
I'm awaiting a decision
on a compensation claim.
My girlfriend wanted me
out of the house and...
They don't think
my life was in mortal danger.
So I'm just waiting.
I really hope it's approved.
I'm completely broke.
I can't handle having a job anymore.
They claim it's stress
caused by doing paperwork.
Assholes.
So that's what I'm waiting for.
How about you? The family?
Lrke and Oskar?
Things kind of blew up at home.
But we're doing better now.
We're talking again. It's okay.
- Happy to hear it.
- Yes.
But this place...
Isn't it kind of hippie?
Totally hippie. Completely.
I wrote: "Fun-loving guy,
36 years old, living on Stryn."
Fun-loving?
- A fun-loving guy!
- Who's 21.
What's wrong with that?
I am fun-loving.
- I'm not getting married tomorrow.
- What did you put, Henrik?
- Are you all on Tinder apart from you?
- I'm not either.
- Those two are the Tinder boys.
- You should do a joint profile.
The Eiffel Tower.
- What kind of website are you using?
- Jesus Christ!
Please turn that off. Esser?
We don't watch war stuff here.
- You don't watch the news?
- We don't watch war stuff.
- I don't watch the news anymore.
- We've agreed not to watch it here.
Fair enough.
No. Okay.
The boys just
want to be able to relax.
I understand
you had a bit of an incident.
The slaughtering? Yes.
Yes, it was...
I guess I was a bit too bold.
Is it something
you want to talk about?
In...
In Helmand,
we were told to...
...save our snacks to bring on patrol.
We would hand them out to children.
One day we were on patrol,
a group of children ran towards us.
So we stopped and chatted to them
and threw some candy...
for them to catch.
I locked eyes with...
It was a little boy. He was...
He was more...
... vulnerable. They all were, but he
was more vulnerable than the others.
He was at the back.
He hadn't caught any candy.
He had these big brown eyes.
And really white teeth, I remember
for some reason. Then...
We locked eyes, and I said,
"Hey, this is for you."
"Fight for it."
And I threw it above their heads
and even past him.
They all laughed and tried to catch it.
He ran after it.
I vividly remember the laughter...
... that lasted right up
until the explosion.
He stepped on a land mine.
When the dust settled, I could see
that his whole body was intact.
He was floating face down
in the water.
So by pure instinct I ran to him.
I can't tell you why,
but I was sure he was okay.
I turned him over -
- and his whole face was gone.
His eyes...
It was all gone.
That must have been
a really painful experience.
I didn't feel anything.
A couple of months later,
after I'd come home...
... I felt...
... a huge anger toward Oskar.
Toward my son. And he...
He hadn't done anything wrong.
He's the sweetest...
He's the sweetest little boy.
Very sensitive.
And I was furious with him.
I don't know why.
And I didn't let it show. I held...
When you tell the story, I can feel that
behind the anger and rage -
- you're holding on to
an enormous amount of grief.
Can you feel it somewhere in your body
when you're telling the story?
- Yes.
- Right there?
Does it feel tight?
Is it suffocating?
Yes.
It's a huge thing, Youssef.
You can feel it. And there's room for it.
It's okay.
And you don't need to do anything.
And you're not alone.
Right now.
One, two, three...
You can park here.
- Hi.
- Hi.
You look different.
Well, I hardly brought anything.
There are no clothes shops on
the island. But I went to the swap shop.
Sorry...
A swap shop?
- Yes.
- That's not what I meant.
He's a bit nervous. He's so excited
and talked about it the whole way.
- Okay.
- Yeah. It'll be fine.
- Do I need to do anything?
- No. Are you ready?
Yes.
Honey, take off your seatbelt.
Dad has been looking so much
forward to it. So have you. Say hello.
Come on, honey.
Hi, Osbob.
Do you want to hug Dad?
- It's okay, honey.
- It's fine.
Do you want to see
where I'm staying?
We have animals.
Horses, sheep, and pigs.
Yes, we'd like that.
- Do you really live here?
- Yes.
I have everything I need.
It's lovely.
- That's me.
- Yes.
- Do you remember that day?
- No. When was it?
You must have been... six years old.
You had three ice creams.
- That's a lot.
- Yes.
- Where's the main building?
- Do you want to go there now?
- What the hell! Esser?
- Lrke.
- Hi!
- It's been ages!
- It's so good to see you.
- You too.
Youssef mentioned you were here.
- This is Oskar.
- Hi.
- Esser. Do you know who I am?
- No.
Your dad and I have known each other
for almost 20 years. Good to meet you.
- Well, shall we...?
- We're going to talk to Anne-Line.
- Come on, honey. Great to see you.
- You too, Lrke.
I'm going to talk to Anne-Line.
Are you okay? Sure?
- Great.
- Yes.
- Hi.
- Hi, Anne-Line.
Anne-Line runs this place -
- along with her husband.
They're the grown-ups around here.
- Mom?
- Just a second.
She'll be right back.
Is everything all right at home?
- And at school? With your friends?
- Yes.
- How about soccer practice?
- I quit.
Why's that?
Because Sebastian quit.
I see. Is that any reason
for you to quit too?
What else do you like to do?
I play GTA.
Cool!
That's a car game, right?
No, you need money.
And then... I have this thing where
I can make fake money and sell it.
One of my friends has an "acid lab"
where you sell cocaine.
Yes.
- He sells it to MC clubs.
- Indee?
- Hi.
- Hi. Come over here.
- Indee, Oskar. Oskar...
- Hi.
- What are you doing?
- Well, we're...
Oskar's telling me about a game.
- And his mom is talking to your mom.
- Right.
Do you want to come to the docks?
- Do you want to go?
- That's a good idea.
It's cool, right?
It's like driving a tank.
- Where are we going?
- I'm going to sailing school.
- We're sailing around the island.
- Okay.
We're giving Indee a ride,
and then you can see the docks.
- Have you ever been fishing?
- A couple of times.
- How about you?
- Only once.
- Did you catch anything?
- A tiny little fish.
It was too small for a piece of bread.
I threw it back. It was too small.
- Want to sit here?
- Yes.
It's really windy.
As if there's a tsunami on its way.
- A tsunami?
- Yes.
Yes.
I remember just after you were born
I was deployed to Afghanistan.
It's a desert landscape and really hot,
but it also gets very windy.
We had these sandstorms
where you couldn't see a thing.
I used to think about you and
your mom and what you were doing.
Whether you had the hiccups.
You sometimes did.
Or whether you were asleep,
or keeping her up at night.
Or whether you had taken
a big dump in your diaper.
Look at the pigs!
- Why are they eating dirt?
- They eat everything.
The orange one is Pumpkin,
and this is Pie.
He needs braces.
He's kind of ugly.
I think they're cute.
They're actually girls.
Throw it in the mud
and see if they'll eat it.
They will.
- Don't they care it's dirty?
- No.
And look,
she's carrying it around.
I want to try.
Here you go.
That means we have to hire
all the nurses that have quit -
- but now at twice the pay.
I think they sensed
I was going to leave too.
So they gave me more responsibility.
You're so clever.
Congratulations.
My paycheck also got bigger.
Honey?
Can you turn that off, please?
Come and sit down.
Do you want more food?
I'm not hungry.
- Can you tell Dad what you're up to?
- Sure.
- My birthday is coming up!
- Yes. It's a big one.
- 40 years old!
- I'll be 10.
- You'll be 10, and I can't believe it.
- Big birthday.
- We're having a huge party.
- Are you?
Yes, we are.
- Who's coming?
- Grandma.
Uncle Tolga and Aunt Elham.
- And... Victor.
- Yes.
- Who else is coming?
- Your cousins.
Except for Isa.
She has a gymnastics meet.
Okay. That's still...
That's a huge party.
Are you coming, Dad?
- Dad needs to stay here for a bit.
- But I'm turning 10 years old.
I know, but Dad needs to stay here.
And we're here right now.
Please!
I live here at the moment.
- We'll discuss it.
- Yes.
Sleep well.
Turn off the light.
Dad, wait.
Do you remember
when you used to sing me lullabies?
- That was Mom.
- You did too, sometimes.
- Rascal. You just don't want to sleep.
- No, I mean it.
- Which one do you want?
- The one about the lark's nest.
A lark's nest hides in plain sight,
I won't reveal just where
It lies where nature's might
hides it from all eyes out there
Inside the nest, the chicks hide
You're cheating!
Can you go to sleep now?
Otherwise Mom will tell me off.
- So you're singing him lullabies now?
- No, he just...
I've never heard you
sing to him before.
- He just wouldn't sleep.
- Sit down. We need to talk.
Anne-Line told me
what a great guy you are!
You talk to the pigs, you pick pears
and God know what else?
You've become
a new person in no time!
If you fuck things up with him...
I'm sorry about everything
I put you through.
I'm doing better now.
And I just want to go home.
To you.
And to Oskar.
And be there for you.
You need to go home and sleep.
Yes.
That's the plan.
I need to go back to my trailer.
Absolutely.
Right?
What's up?
The man of the hour!
- Did it go well?
- Well... yes.
- Hell, yeah.
- It went well.
I've set up a group chat
with the boys from way back.
- CL and Rosenkilde are there.
- Okay.
It's great to reminisce
about old times.
- I've invited you too.
- Did you tell them that I'm also here?
Yes, of course.
It doesn't make a difference.
We all carry a burden.
Yes. I just don't think...
Guys, can you give us a hand?
But say hi from me.
Just tell them hi.
LEGO Ninjago.
Will he like that?
Well, he used to love LEGO.
But he also used to love soccer.
- We'll get this kind.
- Okay.
- That one is cool.
- Let's have a look.
- Maybe he'd like that?
- Yes, it comes with weapons.
It's cool.
- Should we get this one?
- Yeah, let's get it.
It's good.
My daughter loves
rainbow-colored things.
When we're together, she says,
"Dad, do you know my favorite color?"
"It's the colors of the rainbow.
Let's find a rainbow."
"Yes, let's do that. Where is it?"
"I don't know. Just keep going."
I'm so glad I have you guys.
I'm glad you're here.
One time,
I was... on a bridge looking out.
I climbed onto the ledge.
I remember grabbing hold of the railing,
or fence, or whatever.
I wondered if this was the end.
But something
prevented me from jumping.
What scares me is, what happens
the day I can't control it...
... and I jump?
It will affect other people.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Do you feel the contact between
your feet and the ground?
How is your breathing?
Open your eyes and look
at the raisin with curiosity.
Like it was the first time
you ever saw a raisin.
Can you smell it?
And if you feel like it,
put the raisin in your mouth.
Close your eyes, and focus
your attention on your mouth.
Can you already taste it?
Is there saliva?
Let us close the circle.
What's up?
What happened?
It didn't work out.
- Did they reject it?
- What did I expect?
Of course they rejected it.
Assholes.
What am I going to tell Marie?
- I've been leeching off her for years.
- You'll think of something.
We always do.
I have nothing to bring home now.
You'll stay here a couple of months.
You have time to think.
You'll figure it out.
I'm going to Oskar's birthday party.
And I'm going home soon.
That wasn't in the cards
a couple of months ago.
All we have is what we have together.
You know that, right?
OSKAR
10 YEARS
Would anyone like more coffee?
- Is there any beer?
- No, but you can have more coffee.
Youssef!
- About time!
- Hi, honey!
Hi, honey. Sorry I'm late.
The train was delayed.
- You look beautiful.
- Thank you.
Hi, Sis.
Youssef is living on Stryn
at the moment.
- Hi, honey.
- They've got some great people there.
And he made friends with a pig.
- It's called Pumpkin.
- It's actually called Frank.
- Did you get nice presents?
- I got a puzzle and magic markers.
I brought something too.
Wow!
- But I don't play with Ninjago anymore.
- We'll just take it back.
- Will the shop take it back?
- Yes.
Let me hold it
while you say thank you to Dad.
- Thanks, Dad.
- You're welcome.
One, two, three, go!
Bring it over here,
so we can cut it.
Everyone to the kids' table.
Everybody gets a piece.
Save me a piece.
There we go.
- Are you doing well?
- Yes, I think so.
I just needed to settle
after getting back.
Well, cheers.
Cheers, Roland.
- Good to see you.
- You too.
- You're only drinking coffee?
- Yes, but thank you.
- Come on.
- I don't drink anymore.
What? Okay. Is it a kiddie camp
you've ended up at?
You normally...
Well, more for me.
What are we
going to do about Ukraine?
Let's show Putin and
his dickhead followers who's in charge.
We need to do something.
We can't let Putin take control.
We need to stand together.
We let him take Crimea,
and now we're doing it again.
- Are we? Okay.
- Yes. We all are.
- I'm just talking to...
- We need to do something.
Hey!
That was something...
- I'm just talking to my sister, okay?
- Sure.
Of course.
Oskar? Come here.
Let's hoist
the flag in honor of your birthday.
Want to hold it?
Then you've got to be careful.
This is our national flag.
The saying goes that if you drop
the flag, you lose the battle.
Remember that.
Be careful.
It'll be great.
What's up, honey?
- I'm sorry.
- Why do you say that?
I dropped the flag.
Oh, that's okay.
It was just a stupid story. Right?
Come here. It's okay.
Honey?
No. No, Oskar. Calm down.
- Mom! Mom!
- Oskar, look at me. Calm down.
- It's all right.
- Mom! Mom!
- Youssef! Go away!
- Sorry, I just...
Go away!
What happened?
Don't leave, Mom.
Breathe, just breathe.
It'll be fine.
Is he still here?
Youssef, what's going on?
- Is something wrong?
- What?
Yes, it didn't go so well.
It's fine.
- Youssef?
- I'm just going over there.
Grab a hold of it. Come on.
All in all, it was a crappy vacation,
but I don't think the kids noticed.
They played in the pool
and were on their iPads.
So that's...
That's all from me.
Thanks for sharing. Now we have Felix,
who we haven't seen in a long time.
- Hi, guys! Are you all well?
- How about you?
What are you up to?
I'm spending a lot of time
with my daughter who I've missed.
The first couple of weeks
went really well. No problems.
Then one bad decision
changed everything.
Can you explain?
Last Wednesday, I went out for Thai food
with my buddy Mathias.
Mathias bought a round of beers,
then I bought a round. Then cocktails.
And then after a couple of hours
we bought some drugs.
Suddenly, it was really late, and
my girlfriend kept asking where I was.
If I'd fallen off the wagon.
But of course I denied it.
So we went to Mathias' place, and
I've been staying there for a few days.
I don't even know what day it is,
but I went to pick up my daughter.
The kindergarten teachers
could tell that I was drunk.
So they asked me to leave
and said if I didn't...
Damn it!
That was a sad story.
A really sad story.
Yes.
There's not much of a soldier left
in those poor bastards.
Come on!
One more. Come on.
Yes! Put it down.
Well done, champ.
Any news from home?
Have you heard from Lrke?
No.
I wouldn't know what to tell her,
to be honest.
I can't figure it out.
When I'm deployed...
... they miss me and I miss
them too. But she handles it.
She packs lunches,
arranges playdates, and pays the bills.
Then I come home.
And everything kind of falls apart.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It is what it is.
- I spoke to OH.
- OH?
I knew that would make you smile.
- How is he?
- It's OH. Has he ever been well?
I don't know who put him together.
Well, listen...
The boys are ready.
Ready for what?
I've found us a private mission.
You are kidding?
Africa.
Decent pay, honorable cause.
Are you being serious?
Your eyes say you want to.
Don't pretend otherwise.
Oskar...
He's at school now, right?
What does he say when other kids ask
what his dad does?
Do you think he tells them
his dad is petting sheep on Stryn?
Or do you think he wants to tell them
his dad is a tough warrior -
- who has deployed with his old group?
To sort things out in Africa.
Esser, I'm not going anywhere.
Then what will you do?
You can't hide out here forever.
We're leaving with or without you.
Think about it.
Six and six.
- High five! You're so good!
- Of course!
Well done, honey.
We got a beating, Youssef.
Two sixes. Awesome.
- Can you...
- I'm just recording.
Can you...
I'm just recording...
- I'm just recording.
- Can you...
Morning!
Hi.
Hey.
- What are you doing here?
- You're not answering your phone.
- It makes me worried.
- I was going to call you back.
She has the best intentions.
And you, like so many others before you,
went home too early.
It's okay. We tried.
- Is he okay?
- Yes, Oskar is okay.
We've talked about it.
But he needs to talk to you.
Sure. I'll call him.
He's here.
He's on a walk with Indee.
That was close.
- Hi, Oskar.
- Hi, Dad.
Indee, Anne-Line needs some help.
I'm not sure what with.
- See you.
- See you.
- Were you having fun?
- Yes.
I'm very happy you're here,
because...
I miss you.
And because I want to tell you
how sorry I am...
... that I scared you
at your birthday party.
And all the other stupid things.
I didn't mean to do it.
It's...
It's okay.
Mom...
She says you're kind of sick.
- It's a good thing we've got her, huh?
- Yes.
We're lucky to have her.
Give her this.
- Do you think she'll like it?
- Yes.
You're the coolest boy in the world.
And I'm very proud of you.
Do you know that?
Yes.
Come here.
When will I see you again?
Soon. She's waiting for you.
Off you go.
You came like a storm,
like a song in the air
Breaking down walls
I forgot were there
And spring exploded around us
That year,
the world turned sharp and bright
And wild with the rush of melting ice
And everything whispered:
Live it!
I laughed, I ran, I drank the sun
As winter's weary bones came undone,
set loose in fields of clover
And you were fire and light...
Fire!
The easiest path to take
is to do nothing.
And think that you don't
have to take responsibility.
That's the easy choice.
Each of us have to find our own way
to deal with our situation.
One day at a time.
For the rest of our lives.
You'll probably never become
the man you used to be, Youssef.
Not even close to the man
you dreamed of being in this life.
And if you can accept the man
you have turned into along the way
maybe then can you start becoming
someone for somebody else.
Inspired by real events
at the rehabilitation center
'Nature Retreat for Veterans', Stryn.
Almost one in four war veterans
has a psychiatric diagnosis
or takes psychotropic medication.
5 % suffer from PTSD.
It's not only the veterans who
might be affected by a deployment.
Their relatives may also
be secondarily traumatized.