Hotel Excelsior (2026) Movie Script
1
Think of me...
as a mood,
an impulse.
Nothing more.
Please, don't exaggerate me.
If I recommend you to
do this, dont do that.
And you heed my advice.
Is that on me?
I'm no angel.
Angels are terrible.
Inspiration is my humble business.
I am sociable.
I don't give orders.
I don't forbid.
You decide.
I just manage the keys.
Ages ago,
I told Ferdinand Fink...
Back when he was a child.
I told him the following:
"Daddy sneaks out
for a nighttime snack.
Chocolate.
After spending time with ladies
who charge for their services,
he is restless, agitated, angry.
That's when he needs chocolate.
Poor angel.
So, Ferdinand,
I wondered...
What if someone were to place
a couple of marbles,
up there,
where the stairs begin?"
In no time, Ferdinand fetched
his colourful glass marbles
and in the dead of night...
Ferdinand's father lay lifeless
on the ground.
Nature morte.
I only thought it.
I didn't do anything.
Ferdinand Fink.
On 6. August 1919,
we were standing here.
It was still a rundown
hotel back then.
A dive.
Ferdinand,
you were 23 then
and were bursting with guilt.
He wanted to see
the place for himself,
where his father met up
with those ladies.
You saw yourself as a father-killer.
Just because, as a child,
you placed a couple of marbles
at the top of the stairs.
Since then, you haven't felt
at home anywhere.
So, I thought to myself:
Why, Ferdinand, don't you
take over this dump?
Turn it into a hotel.
In honour of the father you overthrew.
Higher.
Higher!
Strive higher.
Excelsior!
And that's exactly
what Ferdinand did.
To my great joy.
I thought it.
He did it.
He needed it,
like a lock needs a key.
Hello?
Hello? I just saw you walk in.
Hello?
Please, could you open up?
My boyfriend's in the toilet.
He'll be out soon.
Please!
Please, just a second...
Thank you.
He'll be right back.
It won't take long.
Hell come back,
whine for a bit
and then fall asleep.
He snores like a walrus!
Thank you.
I'm not very fond of hotel sheets.
Is this your first time here?
It is for us.
Not the first time here,
but at the Excelsior.
Last time, we stayed at the Montana.
We both have a bit of a temper.
But don't worry.
I give as good as I get.
That thud you heard?
That was his head hitting the wall.
We are here for a wedding.
My cousin, Sandra.
Were really close.
We went to horse-riding camp
every summer.
We're staying on a couple of days.
She has no room for us.
And her fianc isn't my biggest fan.
Maybe there's another room available?
Did you eat something bad?
I'm sure the lady at reception
can help you.
Go ahead.
I don't mind.
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME.
Do you have cancer?
My father died of cancer.
I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Do you want me to stay
and keep you company?
I don't mean to intrude.
I have problems with...
Boundaries?
Have you tried chemo?
It didn't work for my father.
But it's always worth a try...
My dog died.
My dog died and I'm here
for a time out.
I'll leave as soon as...
I knew someone like him too, once.
I was younger than you.
If you're so sure about
your "time out",
why is it turning
your stomach upside down?
Maybe I'll just wait around
for half an hour,
steal your money and run off.
To the sea.
All the way up north.
To the North Sea.
Cold wind and...
people...
in jackets.
I don't want to...
When they find me...
I don't want to make a mess.
Are you going to rat me out
to the receptionist when you leave?
How would I get your money then?
I don't think you'll be
the first one to...
to fall asleep here.
Well then.
Well then.
You'll be heading north?
I might go see my cousin first.
Im Livia, by the way.
Katja.
The Hotel Excelsior attracts many
who have a decision to make,
who want to find a way
back to themselves.
Life,
relationships, career,
separations.
All that brings them here.
Because they need something.
- Hi
- Guys.
I'm Gigi. This is Pete.
- So nice to meet you.
- Hey, listen, if I
stumble over this cable,
I see you. Okay. I'm sorry.
- Right? Are you guys ready?
- I'll take it.
- What?
- Oh,
- Turn the camera on. I
- Fucking stick it anyway.
- Okay. Hello, my friends.
I'm Chrisy C from the
Prisoners. And this is Abby.
- They know who we are. Yeah.
- Thanks. Where
- My bloody
- Cigarettes.
Thanks for your infinite wisdom, Abby.
We are here at this very special
place, right? Tell them ab
- Yeah.
It's actually the place we rented 20 years
ago before our first gig. Yeah,
- That's great.
Guys, can I have the mic back please? One,
- Come follow me.
Follow me. Come look at
this, this, this is all the,
all the same curl, right?
Right. And hey, film the cake.
Fit the cake, dude. Come on.
Look at this. This, this
cake is a gift from the hotel
and it's written Welcome back prisoners.
This time you will break free.
- Yeah, whatever that
- Means. It's delicious.
- Oh, there,
- Cool.
- Come - On over here. Got
them. Look, look at this.
This is where it all started.
I mean, we had no money,
no future, no plan.
- Some of us even slept
on the floor, right? Kay.
Slept on the floor, right?
- Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, you
weren't there back then.
- Lana wasn't even born.
- I mean, it doesn't matter
if I was here or not.
And this is where our roots
are. Honor your roots.
You know, it's a
energetic thing, you know,
- Back to the roots.
- Okay guys, shall we?
- What are you doing later?
- I think we should really get
started with the interview.
I'm Gigi, and I guess
you already know who's
sitting next to me By now.
Back to the Roots is already
on top of the album charts.
Your tour is gonna start soon. Wow. Wow.
So the fans even fought over
the tickets. Did you know that?
- Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
- What do you think is the
key to your success? Oh
- Really?
- We are the
- Key.
- I think it's our infinite beauty.
- Definitely.
- Did you listen to the bloody album?
Of course. And why are you
asking such a stupid question and
- Well, I'm sorry, I just, you
- Know what?
She reminds me of that cartoon character?
- What?
- What cartoon character.
Yeah, that cartoon came from the two bus.
The funny bunny. Hey, funny Bunny.
Hey, can I look into your
cards funny buddy? Yeah, sure.
No worries. Thank you.
Hmm. Gigi's getting boring.
Come on.
- So how does your lifestyle
resonate with your family?
Chris, you have a little daughter right?
- Next.
- Why
- Got nothing to do with our music, Gigi,
but with your image, and that's what
- We're talking about, right?
- I don't know. Are we?
I hate this bullshit, Gigi.
- It's just that your image
doesn't match the, well,
you know the rumors
that have surfaced the fans just
want to know if you're fooling them.
- Okay? Anybody? It's
getting bloody dangerous
for you right now.
- Up X scale has taken
a stand. Okay? He says
- Rock and roll image.
- It's
- Hypocrisy.
- And that you kicked him out of the ban
because he objected to it.
- Okay? This is,
- You have that.
I warn you, I fucking won't.
- I told you Kale must have
paid her off to provoke us. Cus
- At least we have a longer break now.
Okay.
- Is there something without cadaver?
- Well, on the vegetarian
section, there's,
- What's that?
- You're doing it again? Yes. You.
Your compartment compartmentalizing again.
- I'm not compartmentalizing,
I'm ordering.
- Oh, yes you are.
You are compartmentalizing
and you are enabling him.
- Not sure
- We agree to talk about
these things right away.
So I am. You are compartmentalizing.
Okay.
- Okay.
- I will have something anyway.
- What do you want?
- Nothing that has already had a name.
- Don't worry. Those animals
certainly didn't have names.
- Okay. No hunt, no meat. That's rules.
Abby, just veggies for me please.
Veggies.
- Abby's, right? Maybe
we should talk about it,
- Huh?
- Maybe we should talk about it.
- Fucking psychobabble. Bullshit.
Are we going to order or what?
Okay, let's talk.
- Good.
Okay, let's talk
- About what?
Hm? About kale.
- What?
- Are you surprised that he's angry
after you kicked him out?
- I kicked him out. Yeah.
- Well, first you threw
out his fucking base.
- Oh, fuck you. After you started it.
Of course he not about ka,
- It's not about kale.
Remember what Dr. Hausman said?
What's the true cause
of the anger? We feel
- True.
Cause you know,
guys, I just can't take this any longer.
Okay? I can't take it anymore. Sorry.
I'm out.
- Oh, here we go again.
- Oh, you see, he doesn't
even take me seriously.
Did you hear that? Here we
go again. You know what?
I'm not gonna freak out. I'm
not going to do you that favor.
- And what are you going to do instead?
- What?
- Run around naked in the woods
with your biking friends?
- You know, I don't expect
you to understand Chris,
but you do need to
respect my beliefs. Okay?
- Okay. I'm sorry,
but I think you forgot about
the contract we've signed.
If you commit the tour,
they will take away everything you have.
Even whiskey.
- What? My little whiskey.
Why would they take
away my little whiskey?
- I mean, remember Jackie?
They sold her poodle back then.
- Jackie. Gosh, put Jackie.
Where is she now?
- She works at the gas station selling
porn to truck drivers.
- Huh?
Feels like they're ripping
my bloody soul apart.
I mean, all I want is is to be me
or whatever that means.
I'm actually losing the
connection to my true self.
Sorry.
- No, it pays the bills.
- God, he's so fucking
pragmatic, aren't you, Chris?
- I mean, why can't we just
- What?
- Show them who we are that
we've changed. I mean, many do
- I?
No way.
- We have to separate
work and private life.
- But why do we need to be
vegetarians or workers butchers?
- Well, I am technically
not a vegetarian, you know?
- Yeah. You only kill
the meat that you eat.
That doesn't make you
any better than any other
carness by away.
- Hey, Lana. Killing is the
wrong term. Okay? Wrong word.
I actually take the life of
an animal with my bare hands
after I've hunted it down
and then I look into its eyes
and I say, thank you.
And I actually am in
connection with nature.
And this is something holy,
something very spiritual.
All right? Forget.
- Forget it. Forget it.
- Right? Forget it. Our
careers would be over.
- Oh, you're being overdramatic.
- Don't you get it? The
fans don't care about us.
They pay for the fucking show.
What else do you want
to do with your life?
Also work at the gas station like checky
or do you have any other hidden
talents we don't know about?
Huh?
- Wow. It's your project guys.
- No, no, Lana, listen, listen, listen.
Look. Chris does actually
have a point there.
I mean, they probably
forgive the two of us, right?
But Chris is taking us
daughter to belly classes.
I mean, that's not exactly the image.
- Hey, what is that supposed to mean?
- I beg your father.
Look at your lunchbox.
Your pink, ugly, little pathetic
best daddy lunchbox. That's
- What it is.
In what way are Lila's ball
lessons more embarrassing than
chanting in a yogi ashram?
- That's actually rather funny.
I know what the picture you're
thinking of the other day.
The newspaper. Newspaper.
He looked like a fucking
little bug. Dingy.
All in orange on the
plane. Yeah, little orange.
Getting on the The annoying orange Cheah.
That's so fucking funny. Okay.
- Okay, okay. Yep. But
we could at least do more
positive songs. We
- Are. We are.
- Positive. Positive. Oh yeah.
I'm killing Susie and
dance with the devil.
- Well, I mean, what do we always say?
We always say let your anger out
- So you can let the piece in.
- Exactly.
Three things can't remain hidden for long.
The sun, the moon,
- And the truth.
- The truth is that I have to take a piss.
- Well, why don't you go then,
- Because I'm holding it
due to our conversation.
- But the truth is that sooner
or later you will go for a piss,
whether you like it or not.
Most guests leave me eventually.
- Voting Rolling Stones
here. Can I let them in?
Moved, shaken, disturbed, delighted.
Some stay.
The undecided ones.
Some even come back.
Unable to bear
everyday comforts anymore.
Others come here to die.
But they all leave a small piece
of themselves behind in me.
A memento.
A withering filmstrip of their life.
Come in.
Lea.
Nice to see you.
How are you?
You always find me.
How was it?
What do you want me to say?
You got your money's worth.
It was...
It's a shame you couldn't make it.
Lea?
Call me Amadea from now on.
Amadea?
The Beloved?
Beloved of God.
Of Jesus.
Jesus?!
Jesus!
I'm here to celebrate
Christmas with you.
Christmas.
Christmas!
What would Mame say?
There's only one thing missing...
I feel Jesus inside me.
You know?
Please!
I am one with Jesus.
Filled with the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to destroy me?
I am your father!
I don't want to be
your daughter anymore.
I don't want to be a Jew either!
You...
You bring shame on me...
You sent your own son back to war,
for him never to return home again.
It was his decision.
He loved his country.
You promised him recognition.
Would he have listened to me?
What a devout man you are!
Lea!
Amadea, I said.
Broken glass brings good luck.
Even with Christmas baubles?
Do you miss Mame?
A little?
We needed each other.
But you and Mame...
That Mame-daughter thing.
I could never compete with that.
Mame-daughter thing?
I always had to massage her back.
I hated it.
That's right.
The massage.
"Nobody massages my back,
poor little me."
Oy vey!
Oy vey!
"There! Just a bit to the left."
"Do this, don't do that."
Once, I scratched her back.
On purpose?
No.
Say, what do you think of me?
It sounded like that.
But I have to admit,
it did suit me a bit.
And then she shooed me away.
At least, she left me
in peace for three days.
That's right.
I had to massage her instead.
Didn't those huge crater
pimples disgust you?
To be honest...
No, but...
The thing that got me
really worked up,
were her sighs.
Whenever I had worked
my way downwards
and I lifted my hands
to start again at the shoulders,
she let out this
dramatic moan.
A completely overacted sigh.
That almost drove me crazy.
Strange.
She never sighed with me.
You see...
There's the Mame-daughter thing again.
But I also massage in circles.
Don't tell me how to massage.
No Jew massages like that.
At least she didn't sigh with me.
Well...
It's still the good Jewish way.
Sighing is part of it.
The divine sigh.
I'm selling the company tomorrow.
War will be back, you'll see.
The community advised me to
get in touch with Mr Butzenbhl.
Butzenbhl?
The guy with the clocks?
His wife was very nice.
She even cooked for me.
Mr Butzenbhl has a huge garden.
He said in spring,
it brims with tulips.
Butzenbhl's tulips.
He mainly needs precision screws.
For his tulips?
For his clocks.
And he has assured me,
he will keep the workforce.
Nobody asks me.
Ever.
Even more luck.
How did you find me this time?
Aunt Hanna.
At the Kaddish, she said:
Zurich.
Hanna.
Is she still so sleazy?
No.
But her daughter is.
And her son stutters.
I stutter too, when I see her.
She has a charming way about her.
You remind me a lot
of Mame right now.
She had a sense of humour.
Did I say you had a sense of humour?
She wouldn't have let you sell.
There are many things
she wouldn't let me do.
She wanted you to have it.
She always protected you.
"He blames himself for everything."
"Give him time."
Do you remember
how you used to tune it
for me as a child?
I really liked the way you played.
You had zero talent.
None. Almost tragically untalented.
But... As distorted as it was,
it was still beautiful.
The moment right before the decision.
At the crossroads.
Time stands still.
That is my moment.
That's where you'll find me.
If you're agonising about
making the right decision
or the wrong decision.
Often any decision
is better than none.
Hi.
Dave.
You look shorter.
Shall we have a drink?
What?
Should we have a drink?
Okay.
Red wine or champagne?
Red makes me sleepy.
Champagne it is, then.
Sorry, I just have to...
You can do this.
You can do this.
Hi.
I thought...
Everything ok?
Yes, yes. Everything's great.
Hey, wait. Stop!
Okay. I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
We can take things slower...
I asked you here
for something else.
- The photos look...
- This is stupid.
- No wonder, I'm the black sheep.
- I should update them...
What did you say?
This isn't about sex.
Would you prefer to talk?
I want to hire you
to act as my fianc.
I don't do the "boyfriend experience".
I can pay you. A lot!
It clearly says so on the website.
You could have picked someone else.
This isn't an escort thing.
It's about a family dispute.
I need to make something clear.
It doesn't feel right.
Okay?
Come on.
I mean, you have sex for money.
What?
It's the truth.
Is someone forcing you to do this?
No, I just...
Okay. You know what?
My private life is none
of your business.
I didn't mean to be
condescending.
I'll refund your money.
Please, I'm really sorry.
Please. I really need your help.
And you really look great.
Better than your photo.
10'000.
Your share of the
inheritance advance.
What would I have to do?
You just have to
memorise a few facts.
What is this?
Everything about me.
My date of birth, my hobbies.
Everything about
my parents, my family...
And how we met.
This is a book.
When do I have to learn this by?
Right now. They're on their way here.
They? Who?
My parents.
I can't...
I can't memorise this that fast.
Okay, just the short facts then.
So, what do you think?
Yes, it's doable.
But something is missing.
What?
What about me?
What about you?
There's nothing in here about me.
Can you quickly tell me your life story?
There's nothing on the website.
Do you have any talents, skills?
Not that.
I don't see anything bad
about this profession.
At least I make a lot of money.
I study mechanical engineering.
Really?
Good!
So when do I get the money?
Pretty much right after
the wedding,
the money will be in my account.
What wedding?
Yes. Well, you know...
We have to actually get married
to get the inheritance.
I mentioned that.
No, you didn't.
First the engagement,
then the wedding.
First we sign a contract,
then money. Self-explanatory.
You didn't mention a wedding!
It's no big deal.
After a few months,
I'll file for divorce.
No big deal?!
Why you? I'll be the one
filing for divorce!
What?
Do you have any siblings?
This is a big deal!
It's a lifelong commitment.
It's not a game.
But you've already accepted.
No.
I said, it's doable.
How much inheritance
are we even talking about?
What language is that?
I'm Iranian.
Are you Muslim?
Yes.
You had to think about that?
Yes, yes, I am.
Wouldn't I have to convert
or something?
Well...
As far as I know,
it's just a small ceremony.
You just have to learn
a few Arabic verses.
What?!
More memorising?
Hey, you'll be fine.
You seem intelligent.
I don't want to convert!
It's fraud all over again.
Sorry, this is where I draw the line.
What?
I'll check again about converting.
My family isn't religious at all.
Maybe there is a loophole.
What is your share
of the inheritance?
Why?
No, seriously.
I can't tell you.
What are we talking about?
Company and sex?
No sex.
Whatever is visible to them.
We just have to be convincing
as a couple.
Then what? Make out?
Yes.
Kissing, occasionally with tongue.
Groping.
What?
Nothing.
We won't see each other every day.
Only when we have to show ourselves.
Twice a month, sometimes more.
100'000.
No converting.
Are you crazy?
You jumped from 10 to 40.
There must be room to manoeuvre.
That's the limit.
I can't go any higher.
And your demands mean
extra work for me.
- Three months.
- Four.
Champagne?
Vodka!
To the perfect performance!
What do you want to do
with the money?
I want to open a shop at the airport.
With souvenirs from other countries.
Why would you want to...?
Let's say, you're just back
from a vacation in Bali.
And you forgot to bring
a present home.
You promised your girlfriend a gift.
In my shop, you'll find
the perfect Bali souvenir.
And from any other country
around the world.
Nobody will notice.
I'm the oldest.
I have two sisters
and a brother.
I have two older brothers.
Where did you grow up?
In the countryside.
My parents are farmers.
Mrs Nuri, your parents are in the lobby.
Oh yes.
Please send them up.
Why are your parents
coming to the hotel?
My brother wants to get married.
I wanted to beat him to it.
You should have involved me earlier.
I'm totally unprepared.
This is crazy,
completely insane.
I don't do things like this.
I'm really very reasonable.
Reasonable people don't
do things like this.
Don't panic, okay?
Come on. Hey.
Giving it all up now,
that would be really silly.
I mean, it's...
It would be really stupid.
It is in fact, a great plan.
- I know. It is, right?
- Yes.
It's great.
I just wanted to do it quickly.
So it's not weird when
we have to do it later.
My name is Benjamin, by the way.
Fariba.
Does Hotel Excelsior
meet your expectations?
How did you imagine it?
A man lets himself be
pleasured one last time.
Two lovers hesitate to get closer.
A daughter thinks she's at
the end of her tether.
Many people feel that way.
Right around the next corner.
Always right around the next corner,
there waits...
Waits...
What?
Laurels?
Hope?
The one true love?
I do not judge.
I only show the doors.
Manage the keys.
Do you need a room?
Or do you want to carry on
arguing for a few more years?
Make up?
Love, hate, be lonely?
That's fine by me.
You know where to find me.
Think of me...
as a mood,
an impulse.
Nothing more.
Please, don't exaggerate me.
If I recommend you to
do this, dont do that.
And you heed my advice.
Is that on me?
I'm no angel.
Angels are terrible.
Inspiration is my humble business.
I am sociable.
I don't give orders.
I don't forbid.
You decide.
I just manage the keys.
Ages ago,
I told Ferdinand Fink...
Back when he was a child.
I told him the following:
"Daddy sneaks out
for a nighttime snack.
Chocolate.
After spending time with ladies
who charge for their services,
he is restless, agitated, angry.
That's when he needs chocolate.
Poor angel.
So, Ferdinand,
I wondered...
What if someone were to place
a couple of marbles,
up there,
where the stairs begin?"
In no time, Ferdinand fetched
his colourful glass marbles
and in the dead of night...
Ferdinand's father lay lifeless
on the ground.
Nature morte.
I only thought it.
I didn't do anything.
Ferdinand Fink.
On 6. August 1919,
we were standing here.
It was still a rundown
hotel back then.
A dive.
Ferdinand,
you were 23 then
and were bursting with guilt.
He wanted to see
the place for himself,
where his father met up
with those ladies.
You saw yourself as a father-killer.
Just because, as a child,
you placed a couple of marbles
at the top of the stairs.
Since then, you haven't felt
at home anywhere.
So, I thought to myself:
Why, Ferdinand, don't you
take over this dump?
Turn it into a hotel.
In honour of the father you overthrew.
Higher.
Higher!
Strive higher.
Excelsior!
And that's exactly
what Ferdinand did.
To my great joy.
I thought it.
He did it.
He needed it,
like a lock needs a key.
Hello?
Hello? I just saw you walk in.
Hello?
Please, could you open up?
My boyfriend's in the toilet.
He'll be out soon.
Please!
Please, just a second...
Thank you.
He'll be right back.
It won't take long.
Hell come back,
whine for a bit
and then fall asleep.
He snores like a walrus!
Thank you.
I'm not very fond of hotel sheets.
Is this your first time here?
It is for us.
Not the first time here,
but at the Excelsior.
Last time, we stayed at the Montana.
We both have a bit of a temper.
But don't worry.
I give as good as I get.
That thud you heard?
That was his head hitting the wall.
We are here for a wedding.
My cousin, Sandra.
Were really close.
We went to horse-riding camp
every summer.
We're staying on a couple of days.
She has no room for us.
And her fianc isn't my biggest fan.
Maybe there's another room available?
Did you eat something bad?
I'm sure the lady at reception
can help you.
Go ahead.
I don't mind.
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME.
Do you have cancer?
My father died of cancer.
I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Do you want me to stay
and keep you company?
I don't mean to intrude.
I have problems with...
Boundaries?
Have you tried chemo?
It didn't work for my father.
But it's always worth a try...
My dog died.
My dog died and I'm here
for a time out.
I'll leave as soon as...
I knew someone like him too, once.
I was younger than you.
If you're so sure about
your "time out",
why is it turning
your stomach upside down?
Maybe I'll just wait around
for half an hour,
steal your money and run off.
To the sea.
All the way up north.
To the North Sea.
Cold wind and...
people...
in jackets.
I don't want to...
When they find me...
I don't want to make a mess.
Are you going to rat me out
to the receptionist when you leave?
How would I get your money then?
I don't think you'll be
the first one to...
to fall asleep here.
Well then.
Well then.
You'll be heading north?
I might go see my cousin first.
Im Livia, by the way.
Katja.
The Hotel Excelsior attracts many
who have a decision to make,
who want to find a way
back to themselves.
Life,
relationships, career,
separations.
All that brings them here.
Because they need something.
- Hi
- Guys.
I'm Gigi. This is Pete.
- So nice to meet you.
- Hey, listen, if I
stumble over this cable,
I see you. Okay. I'm sorry.
- Right? Are you guys ready?
- I'll take it.
- What?
- Oh,
- Turn the camera on. I
- Fucking stick it anyway.
- Okay. Hello, my friends.
I'm Chrisy C from the
Prisoners. And this is Abby.
- They know who we are. Yeah.
- Thanks. Where
- My bloody
- Cigarettes.
Thanks for your infinite wisdom, Abby.
We are here at this very special
place, right? Tell them ab
- Yeah.
It's actually the place we rented 20 years
ago before our first gig. Yeah,
- That's great.
Guys, can I have the mic back please? One,
- Come follow me.
Follow me. Come look at
this, this, this is all the,
all the same curl, right?
Right. And hey, film the cake.
Fit the cake, dude. Come on.
Look at this. This, this
cake is a gift from the hotel
and it's written Welcome back prisoners.
This time you will break free.
- Yeah, whatever that
- Means. It's delicious.
- Oh, there,
- Cool.
- Come - On over here. Got
them. Look, look at this.
This is where it all started.
I mean, we had no money,
no future, no plan.
- Some of us even slept
on the floor, right? Kay.
Slept on the floor, right?
- Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, you
weren't there back then.
- Lana wasn't even born.
- I mean, it doesn't matter
if I was here or not.
And this is where our roots
are. Honor your roots.
You know, it's a
energetic thing, you know,
- Back to the roots.
- Okay guys, shall we?
- What are you doing later?
- I think we should really get
started with the interview.
I'm Gigi, and I guess
you already know who's
sitting next to me By now.
Back to the Roots is already
on top of the album charts.
Your tour is gonna start soon. Wow. Wow.
So the fans even fought over
the tickets. Did you know that?
- Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
- What do you think is the
key to your success? Oh
- Really?
- We are the
- Key.
- I think it's our infinite beauty.
- Definitely.
- Did you listen to the bloody album?
Of course. And why are you
asking such a stupid question and
- Well, I'm sorry, I just, you
- Know what?
She reminds me of that cartoon character?
- What?
- What cartoon character.
Yeah, that cartoon came from the two bus.
The funny bunny. Hey, funny Bunny.
Hey, can I look into your
cards funny buddy? Yeah, sure.
No worries. Thank you.
Hmm. Gigi's getting boring.
Come on.
- So how does your lifestyle
resonate with your family?
Chris, you have a little daughter right?
- Next.
- Why
- Got nothing to do with our music, Gigi,
but with your image, and that's what
- We're talking about, right?
- I don't know. Are we?
I hate this bullshit, Gigi.
- It's just that your image
doesn't match the, well,
you know the rumors
that have surfaced the fans just
want to know if you're fooling them.
- Okay? Anybody? It's
getting bloody dangerous
for you right now.
- Up X scale has taken
a stand. Okay? He says
- Rock and roll image.
- It's
- Hypocrisy.
- And that you kicked him out of the ban
because he objected to it.
- Okay? This is,
- You have that.
I warn you, I fucking won't.
- I told you Kale must have
paid her off to provoke us. Cus
- At least we have a longer break now.
Okay.
- Is there something without cadaver?
- Well, on the vegetarian
section, there's,
- What's that?
- You're doing it again? Yes. You.
Your compartment compartmentalizing again.
- I'm not compartmentalizing,
I'm ordering.
- Oh, yes you are.
You are compartmentalizing
and you are enabling him.
- Not sure
- We agree to talk about
these things right away.
So I am. You are compartmentalizing.
Okay.
- Okay.
- I will have something anyway.
- What do you want?
- Nothing that has already had a name.
- Don't worry. Those animals
certainly didn't have names.
- Okay. No hunt, no meat. That's rules.
Abby, just veggies for me please.
Veggies.
- Abby's, right? Maybe
we should talk about it,
- Huh?
- Maybe we should talk about it.
- Fucking psychobabble. Bullshit.
Are we going to order or what?
Okay, let's talk.
- Good.
Okay, let's talk
- About what?
Hm? About kale.
- What?
- Are you surprised that he's angry
after you kicked him out?
- I kicked him out. Yeah.
- Well, first you threw
out his fucking base.
- Oh, fuck you. After you started it.
Of course he not about ka,
- It's not about kale.
Remember what Dr. Hausman said?
What's the true cause
of the anger? We feel
- True.
Cause you know,
guys, I just can't take this any longer.
Okay? I can't take it anymore. Sorry.
I'm out.
- Oh, here we go again.
- Oh, you see, he doesn't
even take me seriously.
Did you hear that? Here we
go again. You know what?
I'm not gonna freak out. I'm
not going to do you that favor.
- And what are you going to do instead?
- What?
- Run around naked in the woods
with your biking friends?
- You know, I don't expect
you to understand Chris,
but you do need to
respect my beliefs. Okay?
- Okay. I'm sorry,
but I think you forgot about
the contract we've signed.
If you commit the tour,
they will take away everything you have.
Even whiskey.
- What? My little whiskey.
Why would they take
away my little whiskey?
- I mean, remember Jackie?
They sold her poodle back then.
- Jackie. Gosh, put Jackie.
Where is she now?
- She works at the gas station selling
porn to truck drivers.
- Huh?
Feels like they're ripping
my bloody soul apart.
I mean, all I want is is to be me
or whatever that means.
I'm actually losing the
connection to my true self.
Sorry.
- No, it pays the bills.
- God, he's so fucking
pragmatic, aren't you, Chris?
- I mean, why can't we just
- What?
- Show them who we are that
we've changed. I mean, many do
- I?
No way.
- We have to separate
work and private life.
- But why do we need to be
vegetarians or workers butchers?
- Well, I am technically
not a vegetarian, you know?
- Yeah. You only kill
the meat that you eat.
That doesn't make you
any better than any other
carness by away.
- Hey, Lana. Killing is the
wrong term. Okay? Wrong word.
I actually take the life of
an animal with my bare hands
after I've hunted it down
and then I look into its eyes
and I say, thank you.
And I actually am in
connection with nature.
And this is something holy,
something very spiritual.
All right? Forget.
- Forget it. Forget it.
- Right? Forget it. Our
careers would be over.
- Oh, you're being overdramatic.
- Don't you get it? The
fans don't care about us.
They pay for the fucking show.
What else do you want
to do with your life?
Also work at the gas station like checky
or do you have any other hidden
talents we don't know about?
Huh?
- Wow. It's your project guys.
- No, no, Lana, listen, listen, listen.
Look. Chris does actually
have a point there.
I mean, they probably
forgive the two of us, right?
But Chris is taking us
daughter to belly classes.
I mean, that's not exactly the image.
- Hey, what is that supposed to mean?
- I beg your father.
Look at your lunchbox.
Your pink, ugly, little pathetic
best daddy lunchbox. That's
- What it is.
In what way are Lila's ball
lessons more embarrassing than
chanting in a yogi ashram?
- That's actually rather funny.
I know what the picture you're
thinking of the other day.
The newspaper. Newspaper.
He looked like a fucking
little bug. Dingy.
All in orange on the
plane. Yeah, little orange.
Getting on the The annoying orange Cheah.
That's so fucking funny. Okay.
- Okay, okay. Yep. But
we could at least do more
positive songs. We
- Are. We are.
- Positive. Positive. Oh yeah.
I'm killing Susie and
dance with the devil.
- Well, I mean, what do we always say?
We always say let your anger out
- So you can let the piece in.
- Exactly.
Three things can't remain hidden for long.
The sun, the moon,
- And the truth.
- The truth is that I have to take a piss.
- Well, why don't you go then,
- Because I'm holding it
due to our conversation.
- But the truth is that sooner
or later you will go for a piss,
whether you like it or not.
Most guests leave me eventually.
- Voting Rolling Stones
here. Can I let them in?
Moved, shaken, disturbed, delighted.
Some stay.
The undecided ones.
Some even come back.
Unable to bear
everyday comforts anymore.
Others come here to die.
But they all leave a small piece
of themselves behind in me.
A memento.
A withering filmstrip of their life.
Come in.
Lea.
Nice to see you.
How are you?
You always find me.
How was it?
What do you want me to say?
You got your money's worth.
It was...
It's a shame you couldn't make it.
Lea?
Call me Amadea from now on.
Amadea?
The Beloved?
Beloved of God.
Of Jesus.
Jesus?!
Jesus!
I'm here to celebrate
Christmas with you.
Christmas.
Christmas!
What would Mame say?
There's only one thing missing...
I feel Jesus inside me.
You know?
Please!
I am one with Jesus.
Filled with the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to destroy me?
I am your father!
I don't want to be
your daughter anymore.
I don't want to be a Jew either!
You...
You bring shame on me...
You sent your own son back to war,
for him never to return home again.
It was his decision.
He loved his country.
You promised him recognition.
Would he have listened to me?
What a devout man you are!
Lea!
Amadea, I said.
Broken glass brings good luck.
Even with Christmas baubles?
Do you miss Mame?
A little?
We needed each other.
But you and Mame...
That Mame-daughter thing.
I could never compete with that.
Mame-daughter thing?
I always had to massage her back.
I hated it.
That's right.
The massage.
"Nobody massages my back,
poor little me."
Oy vey!
Oy vey!
"There! Just a bit to the left."
"Do this, don't do that."
Once, I scratched her back.
On purpose?
No.
Say, what do you think of me?
It sounded like that.
But I have to admit,
it did suit me a bit.
And then she shooed me away.
At least, she left me
in peace for three days.
That's right.
I had to massage her instead.
Didn't those huge crater
pimples disgust you?
To be honest...
No, but...
The thing that got me
really worked up,
were her sighs.
Whenever I had worked
my way downwards
and I lifted my hands
to start again at the shoulders,
she let out this
dramatic moan.
A completely overacted sigh.
That almost drove me crazy.
Strange.
She never sighed with me.
You see...
There's the Mame-daughter thing again.
But I also massage in circles.
Don't tell me how to massage.
No Jew massages like that.
At least she didn't sigh with me.
Well...
It's still the good Jewish way.
Sighing is part of it.
The divine sigh.
I'm selling the company tomorrow.
War will be back, you'll see.
The community advised me to
get in touch with Mr Butzenbhl.
Butzenbhl?
The guy with the clocks?
His wife was very nice.
She even cooked for me.
Mr Butzenbhl has a huge garden.
He said in spring,
it brims with tulips.
Butzenbhl's tulips.
He mainly needs precision screws.
For his tulips?
For his clocks.
And he has assured me,
he will keep the workforce.
Nobody asks me.
Ever.
Even more luck.
How did you find me this time?
Aunt Hanna.
At the Kaddish, she said:
Zurich.
Hanna.
Is she still so sleazy?
No.
But her daughter is.
And her son stutters.
I stutter too, when I see her.
She has a charming way about her.
You remind me a lot
of Mame right now.
She had a sense of humour.
Did I say you had a sense of humour?
She wouldn't have let you sell.
There are many things
she wouldn't let me do.
She wanted you to have it.
She always protected you.
"He blames himself for everything."
"Give him time."
Do you remember
how you used to tune it
for me as a child?
I really liked the way you played.
You had zero talent.
None. Almost tragically untalented.
But... As distorted as it was,
it was still beautiful.
The moment right before the decision.
At the crossroads.
Time stands still.
That is my moment.
That's where you'll find me.
If you're agonising about
making the right decision
or the wrong decision.
Often any decision
is better than none.
Hi.
Dave.
You look shorter.
Shall we have a drink?
What?
Should we have a drink?
Okay.
Red wine or champagne?
Red makes me sleepy.
Champagne it is, then.
Sorry, I just have to...
You can do this.
You can do this.
Hi.
I thought...
Everything ok?
Yes, yes. Everything's great.
Hey, wait. Stop!
Okay. I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
We can take things slower...
I asked you here
for something else.
- The photos look...
- This is stupid.
- No wonder, I'm the black sheep.
- I should update them...
What did you say?
This isn't about sex.
Would you prefer to talk?
I want to hire you
to act as my fianc.
I don't do the "boyfriend experience".
I can pay you. A lot!
It clearly says so on the website.
You could have picked someone else.
This isn't an escort thing.
It's about a family dispute.
I need to make something clear.
It doesn't feel right.
Okay?
Come on.
I mean, you have sex for money.
What?
It's the truth.
Is someone forcing you to do this?
No, I just...
Okay. You know what?
My private life is none
of your business.
I didn't mean to be
condescending.
I'll refund your money.
Please, I'm really sorry.
Please. I really need your help.
And you really look great.
Better than your photo.
10'000.
Your share of the
inheritance advance.
What would I have to do?
You just have to
memorise a few facts.
What is this?
Everything about me.
My date of birth, my hobbies.
Everything about
my parents, my family...
And how we met.
This is a book.
When do I have to learn this by?
Right now. They're on their way here.
They? Who?
My parents.
I can't...
I can't memorise this that fast.
Okay, just the short facts then.
So, what do you think?
Yes, it's doable.
But something is missing.
What?
What about me?
What about you?
There's nothing in here about me.
Can you quickly tell me your life story?
There's nothing on the website.
Do you have any talents, skills?
Not that.
I don't see anything bad
about this profession.
At least I make a lot of money.
I study mechanical engineering.
Really?
Good!
So when do I get the money?
Pretty much right after
the wedding,
the money will be in my account.
What wedding?
Yes. Well, you know...
We have to actually get married
to get the inheritance.
I mentioned that.
No, you didn't.
First the engagement,
then the wedding.
First we sign a contract,
then money. Self-explanatory.
You didn't mention a wedding!
It's no big deal.
After a few months,
I'll file for divorce.
No big deal?!
Why you? I'll be the one
filing for divorce!
What?
Do you have any siblings?
This is a big deal!
It's a lifelong commitment.
It's not a game.
But you've already accepted.
No.
I said, it's doable.
How much inheritance
are we even talking about?
What language is that?
I'm Iranian.
Are you Muslim?
Yes.
You had to think about that?
Yes, yes, I am.
Wouldn't I have to convert
or something?
Well...
As far as I know,
it's just a small ceremony.
You just have to learn
a few Arabic verses.
What?!
More memorising?
Hey, you'll be fine.
You seem intelligent.
I don't want to convert!
It's fraud all over again.
Sorry, this is where I draw the line.
What?
I'll check again about converting.
My family isn't religious at all.
Maybe there is a loophole.
What is your share
of the inheritance?
Why?
No, seriously.
I can't tell you.
What are we talking about?
Company and sex?
No sex.
Whatever is visible to them.
We just have to be convincing
as a couple.
Then what? Make out?
Yes.
Kissing, occasionally with tongue.
Groping.
What?
Nothing.
We won't see each other every day.
Only when we have to show ourselves.
Twice a month, sometimes more.
100'000.
No converting.
Are you crazy?
You jumped from 10 to 40.
There must be room to manoeuvre.
That's the limit.
I can't go any higher.
And your demands mean
extra work for me.
- Three months.
- Four.
Champagne?
Vodka!
To the perfect performance!
What do you want to do
with the money?
I want to open a shop at the airport.
With souvenirs from other countries.
Why would you want to...?
Let's say, you're just back
from a vacation in Bali.
And you forgot to bring
a present home.
You promised your girlfriend a gift.
In my shop, you'll find
the perfect Bali souvenir.
And from any other country
around the world.
Nobody will notice.
I'm the oldest.
I have two sisters
and a brother.
I have two older brothers.
Where did you grow up?
In the countryside.
My parents are farmers.
Mrs Nuri, your parents are in the lobby.
Oh yes.
Please send them up.
Why are your parents
coming to the hotel?
My brother wants to get married.
I wanted to beat him to it.
You should have involved me earlier.
I'm totally unprepared.
This is crazy,
completely insane.
I don't do things like this.
I'm really very reasonable.
Reasonable people don't
do things like this.
Don't panic, okay?
Come on. Hey.
Giving it all up now,
that would be really silly.
I mean, it's...
It would be really stupid.
It is in fact, a great plan.
- I know. It is, right?
- Yes.
It's great.
I just wanted to do it quickly.
So it's not weird when
we have to do it later.
My name is Benjamin, by the way.
Fariba.
Does Hotel Excelsior
meet your expectations?
How did you imagine it?
A man lets himself be
pleasured one last time.
Two lovers hesitate to get closer.
A daughter thinks she's at
the end of her tether.
Many people feel that way.
Right around the next corner.
Always right around the next corner,
there waits...
Waits...
What?
Laurels?
Hope?
The one true love?
I do not judge.
I only show the doors.
Manage the keys.
Do you need a room?
Or do you want to carry on
arguing for a few more years?
Make up?
Love, hate, be lonely?
That's fine by me.
You know where to find me.