Laila Nadene (2024) Movie Script

1
[eerie music playing]
[heart beating]
[woman hyperventilating]
[glass shattering]
[man's voice shouting indistinctly]
[music fades]
[heartbeat slows]
[gentle music playing]
[music turns tense]
Well...
Happy anniversary, Laila.
Twenty-something years.
Twenty-five.
- [snapping fingers]
- Waiter!
Macallan, double, uh, chocolate mousse,
and a Porto for the lady.
- I'll take one too.
- [Raoul] Ah, wait, wait.
Is that a good idea?
- Please, Raoul. Not tonight.
- [Raoul] That's it.
[footsteps retreating]
[Laila] You're right. I do need
to lose a couple of pounds.
- It's a beautiful restaurant.
- [Raoul chuckles]
I feel like a princess.
This is your favorite dress.
It was a few years ago.
Come on, Laila.
You don't even try to look nice tonight.
I'm sorry, Raoul.
Anyway, I forgive you.
Let's talk about other things, all right?
[Raoul chuckles]
All right.
What's that?
Oh, come on.
You must have seen this coming.
- What?
- Too complacent, Laila.
I need excitement in my life.
What?
- Don't you want me to be happy?
- It's our anniversary.
It's final?
You gonna make this difficult for me?
- For you?
- Mm. Mmm.
Is there someone else?
You know what? I can't talk to you
when you get in this mood.
Me? You wine me and dine me,
and then, whoa, divorce papers?
Stop.
What's her name?
You're like a child.
I can't even talk to you like that.
Is there someone else?
Yes!
Are you happy now?
- Sign the papers.
- No, Raoul.
We'll get counseling.
I'll do whatever it takes.
Is she one of those girls you hire?
You know about that?
- [chuckles]
- Are you leaving me for a whore?
Hey.
Don't you ever...
call her that again.
She's my girlfriend.
[Laila hyperventilating]
I thought you'd be happy for me.
Here.
Delicious, Laila. You gotta try it.
Try it.
Sign the papers.
Sign the papers.
Sign the fucking papers.
[Laila] And there you have it.
[melancholy music playing]
[woman] What did you do
with the divorce papers?
[Laila] I signed.
[woman] And then?
[Laila] He left.
Whistling.
[woman] Whistling?
[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]
[Laila] He does that
when he's in one of his freak moods.
And after?
[Laila] I ordered my own chocolate mousse.
Bastard was right.
- It was delicious.
- [woman] And then?
I packed my things and left the next day.
Why did you stay with him for so long?
Think.
I thought he loved me.
And?
And I thought he would change.
It's time for you to take your power back.
How do you feel?
Manipulated.
Controlled.
Defeated.
Angry.
Broken.
It's okay, Laila.
Dr. Blaum, I'm so ashamed.
Why?
I... I thought I was smarter than this.
Falling prey to abuse
can happen to anyone.
Let's talk about Raoul.
What really stood out about him?
He... It was after a fundraiser event.
I had another panic attack
and I couldn't breathe.
[foreboding music playing]
[hyperventilating]
Would you like a cup of tea, honey?
[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]
It's okay, Laila.
You're in a safe place here.
Take a deep breath.
- You have asthma?
- Only when Raoul's around.
Stress-induced.
Tell me about the fundraiser.
A lot of money was raised that night.
For which charity?
Laurent Foundation.
Laila Laurent? You're that Laurent?
I never made the connection.
That foundation has been around
for a long time.
Thirty-five years.
My father started it
in memory of his sister.
I remember. She was beaten to death
by her new husband.
My father started helping one woman
at the time.
Word spread and the foundation was born.
Did Raoul have any formal role
with running the organization?
Only the parties.
Was your father aware
of the violence in your marriage?
He went through hell
when his sister was killed.
And yet here you are.
Here I am. Such a doormat.
No. You're a kind and gentle soul, Laila.
You're thoughtful, compassionate,
intelligent, and funny.
That's my public image.
You've just lost sight
of the magnificent person
you were born to be.
Don't worry.
We'll get you back on the right path.
- The path to what?
- Forgiveness.
I will never forgive him.
This has nothing to do with him.
It's about you learning
to forgive yourself.
Me? For what?
Thinking that you are not good enough...
or worthy enough
for having joy and love in your life.
[snickers]
You have got all this wrong.
You could have walked away
from your marriage at any time.
Why not?
My life is offtrack.
I don't know what to do.
Healing is a process.
Let's take a look
at when the physical abuse started.
It took a couple of years.
I pushed his buttons.
Spouses argue and that's pretty normal.
When an argument escalates
to verbal abuse,
it's time to pack up and get out.
When verbal abuse escalates
to physical abuse,
it's time to pack up, get out,
get a restraining order, never look back,
and you move on.
You're much too precious to live in fear.
I missed a few steps.
[stirring music playing]
[Blaum] You need to be kind to yourself.
Think about doing something spontaneous.
[music fades]
[suspenseful music playing]
Laila.
Oh, good. I need to rest.
You changed your hair.
And that dress.
Who are you? Do I know you?
Nadene. Raoul's shown me
tons of photos of you.
You're much prettier in person.
I can't deal with this.
I need to rest a minute.
Then go sit at a different table.
Why are you so mean?
I didn't do anything to you.
You broke up my marriage.
I did you a favor.
You're a kid having a kid.
[scoffs] He gives me the life I want.
Cubic zirconium.
- What?
- Fake, like your husband.
You could get yourself the life you want.
- I make him happy.
- [snickers] Sure, you do.
You're too old to understand.
He loves me.
Oh, heh. He's incapable of love.
Then be happy I took him off your hands.
Get out while you can. Raoul's a freak.
Raoul is right. You're old and jealous.
Jealous? Of what?
The constant abuse?
The screaming in my face?
The whoring around?
My youth. My beauty.
I make him happy.
Get yourself checked for STDs.
[tense music playing]
So how's this? Is that him?
Can you make his face more, uh...
More angular, like a chisel?
- How's that?
- Yeah.
Now, can you draw arrogance?
He's one arrogant piece of shit!
Thinks he's untouchable.
Yeah. That's more like it.
So, Uri, this is the guy?
Yeah. Looks exactly like him.
That's it.
- So, what do you know about him?
- He's loaded, man.
And the last time you've seen him?
A couple of weeks. A month, maybe.
Does he have a name?
Cash customer.
You came here voluntarily. Why?
Well, it's my civic duty.
You've heard about the missing girls.
We hear things on the street.
- How many?
- I'm not at liberty to discuss this.
Do you want my fucking help or not?
Sit down.
Tell me what you know.
He's doping my girls.
He smacks them around. That ain't cool.
Your concern is touching.
Look...
Detective Meunier,
I got a girl missing.
- Her name?
- Tatiana.
In your profession,
lots of girls come and go.
Maybe she's back with her family?
I'm her family,
and I'm telling you,
she was scared of him.
[knocking on door]
- Excuse me for a moment.
- Whatever.
[in French]
[in French]
[in English] Asshole.
[in French]
[in English] So, what makes you think
Tatiana's in danger?
That dude's a special kind of crazy.
You need to find her.
Honor amongst thieves. Touching.
Start from the beginning.
[menacing music playing]
[laughs]
Where's Tatiana?
She doesn't wanna see you no more.
Last time, you marked her.
That's not cool.
She should be grateful.
- Rich dick!
- Hey, motherfucker.
Think you can do whatever you want?
You get your share.
[Uri] Of course.
A good businessman always gets his cut.
A businessman?
You're nothing.
You come here, you strut your shit.
Who the fuck do you think you are?
Just fucking call Tatiana, all right?
Tatiana.
It'll cost extra.
No problem.
[Raoul grunts, then groans]
- All right.
- My guy will fuck you up so bad!
You have one hour with her.
No marks. Understand?
Who do you think you are?
[Raoul grunts, then coughs]
[Uri] One hour! No marks!
[groans]
[laughing]
[tense music playing]
Are you on anything?
I don't do that shit.
Bien. Continue.
He wants them young.
Hey, my girls are all legal, okay?
You get a prize. Continue.
He smacks them around.
And he throws them like they're shit.
And you don't?
Hey, I treat my girls right.
They need a job.
I find them customers and I get my cut.
- That's it.
- Bon.
Let's leave that for now.
Do you know where he works?
He comes and goes.
Do you have a photo of Tatiana?
Pretty girl.
She's younger than my daughter.
I'll e-mail it.
Keep the card.
Call me if you think of anything
that will help.
So you'll try to find her?
[grumbles] I don't answer to you.
Now get out of my office.
The fuck, man!
[music fades]
[knocking on door]
Damn it.
[tense music playing]
You're late.
A few of your things got mixed up
with mine.
That's all I found. Ready to go.
[chuckles] I'm not in a rush.
Gained a couple of pounds, haven't you?
Tsk. Gorging on desserts again.
I actually lost a bit of weight.
Yoga classes.
[Raoul laughs]
Oh, honey,
that dress shows every single bulge.
The color's a bit flashy too.
You know what?
Take your box and leave.
Later.
I've got great news.
Do you remember
how to make a gin and tonic?
- [snapping fingers]
- A gin and tonic.
Oh, by the way,
did you do something new with your hair?
[Laila] Like it?
Well, I'm sure it's fine
after you wash it.
I'm not in the mood for small talk, Raoul.
All right, all right.
I'll share my news.
You're remarried.
Look at her. She's gorgeous, hmm?
- Oh, look at this pic...
- I've already met her.
How old is she?
I see where you're going with this.
- She's legal.
- How old?
Nineteen.
[chokes]
You're 54.
So? Be happy for me.
I'm finally getting a family
that I wanted.
I'm the one who wanted the family.
You never did.
[Raoul chuckles]
I wish you well,
but please, take your stuff and leave.
Laila, how can you be so cold?
You're... You're my only friend.
- Leave!
- Laila!
Leave!
Now!
Leave!
Just leave.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[melancholy music playing]
[hyperventilating]
[Blaum] I know today is a bit painful.
Are you okay?
I'm not sure.
What are you thinking?
My head says none of this is my fault.
My heart says otherwise.
So we have to reconcile
your head to your heart.
I don't even know where to begin.
I'm here to guide you.
Get comfy.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
Slowly exhale.
And again.
[gentle music playing]
And again.
Breathe deeply.
And exhale.
You're on a beach with a friend.
Relax and keep breathing.
Your friend is abused.
Her husband belittles her.
She's scared.
Listen to her pain.
What is she saying?
[Laila] She blames herself.
[Blaum] Why?
[Laila] I don't know.
[Blaum] What do you say to her?
[Laila] I tell her it's not her fault.
[Blaum] Reassure your friend
that she is worthy
and that she has value.
Tell her she's safe.
Breathe deeply and relax.
Your friend walks away.
And a teenage girl appears.
Imagine she's your daughter.
Her boyfriend is cruel.
What do you say to her?
[Laila] My daughter?
She... She didn't do anything wrong.
It's not her fault.
[Blaum] Don't tell me.
Tell her.
Keep your eyes closed.
[Laila] It's not your fault.
You're a wonderful person.
And I love you.
[Blaum] Hug her for a bit.
Tell her she's safe.
Keep breathing and relax.
Now imagine that you, your friend
and your daughter are one.
You are the one who was abused
and belittled for years.
What do you say to yourself?
[Laila] Me?
[crying] I didn't do anything wrong.
It wasn't my fault.
I didn't do anything wrong.
[hopeful music playing]
Laila, you have value.
And you are worthy.
And you are good enough.
Good job.
I feel good.
Remember, meditate daily,
and be grateful for everything you have.
Grateful?
Laila, there's always someone
who's been through worse.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude.
I like that.
[keyboard clicking]
[dramatic music playing]
[door slams]
You live like a pig.
It's not all me.
I want this place spotless.
You hear me? Spotless.
Are you going to help?
Sure.
[carton clatters]
And pick this up
on your hands and knees.
[Nadene sighs]
It's not good for the baby.
It's not my problem.
Hire a maid.
[Raoul laughing]
You know my wife?
My ex-wife?
She kept the place spotless.
Pristine.
And she cooked every day.
I bet she was scared of you.
[chuckling]
[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]
[tense music playing]
[siren wailing in distance]
[in French]
[Meunier]
Hmmm.
[melancholy music playing]
[in English] Thank you
for identifying the body.
How did she die?
She was beaten and strangled.
An autopsy will give us the details.
Where was she found?
By Beaver Lake. In a parking lot.
Where in the parking lot?
In a dumpster.
Fucking dumpster.
Like common trash.
How did you find her?
It came in on the anonymous tip line.
- Who called it in?
- It's a tip line.
What part of "anonymous"
do you not understand?
A fucking dumpster!
Fuck them!
What the fuck, Annette?
Come here.
- You just let that client drive off?
- What's wrong?
They, um...
- They found Tatiana.
- Alive?
Where?
A fucking dumpster.
[sobbing]
Twenty-five years is a long time
to waste in a bad marriage.
Why did you marry him?
I... I trusted him.
He was funny and charming.
Maybe Raoul's having a midlife crisis.
This is deeper than a fling
or buying a fast car.
Sane men can work
through a midlife crisis.
But not so when you're dealing
with psychopathy.
I didn't see the red flags.
Sometimes you don't see
what's right in front of your nose
until the bad behavior is way off
the charts.
Yeah, but he left me.
I put up with everything.
Unacceptable behavior became
your new norm.
Why did I put up with that shit?
Well, you tell me. Why did you stay?
Because I deserved it.
I don't know why I said that.
In the psychiatric world,
this is what we call an "aha moment."
I don't understand.
This is progress, Laila.
I... feel bad for the new wife.
People can only change
when they want to help themselves.
And unless they're ready,
they're going to continue
to push you away.
You're a damn fortune cookie.
How are you feeling?
Lighter.
That's progress.
[tense music playing]
- What do you want?
- [sighs]
Can't I check up on you?
We're divorced. Now you're stalking me?
- You should leave.
- You know, you've changed.
- I don't like it.
- And I don't care.
You don't talk to me anymore.
You completely shut me out.
Millions of people
get divorced every day, Laila,
every day, and still be friendly.
- Why can't you?
- [scoffs]
I can't believe you're asking me this.
I've always been nice to you.
You only care about yourself.
That's a lie and you know it.
I gave you a great life.
You didn't give me anything.
I paid my way.
You left me.
You put it that way, you're right.
And I feel pretty good.
Are you being glib now?
You treated me like shit.
And I apologized.
You put me in the ER.
You're obviously in a bad mood.
Did I hurt your imaginary feelings?
What is wrong with you?
The real issue here is the lack
of empathy and compassion.
You're a freak, Raoul.
Are you tracking me again?
I should have known.
You never talked to me like that before.
I found my voice, you dipshit.
Laila,
you have anger issues.
Un-fucking-believable. You know what?
That's it. Get out! Out!
Out.
Out.
Now. And never contact me again.
Get out.
Laila,
I am not in the mood for you.
Too bad. This is my hangout spot.
What are you doing here?
What's got you all upset?
Let's see...
I'm a middle-aged woman
in therapy, divorced,
sitting across my psycho
ex-husband's new child bride.
Thanks, Elodie.
[Nadene] I totally missed the part
where you went from being a doormat
to being the poor victim.
How dare you?
You have everything.
Money, a job, your own place,
your freedom and health.
You could never understand.
Why? 'Cause I'm too young and stupid?
You don't know anything about me.
You allowed Raoul to walk all over you.
The sweet, naive wife,
begging for attention.
That's enough!
I didn't ask you to sit down.
Raoul and I loved each other.
He didn't buy me
from some street corner.
Must be nice to look down your nose
and judge people.
I didn't do that.
You called me a whore.
At least I'm honest about it.
You're too young to be this cynical.
A wife trades in a different currency,
that's all.
You're supposed to marry for love.
How many years were you married
before the abuse started?
Couple of years.
How long were you married for?
Twenty-five.
You overstayed your welcome by 23 years.
You have no idea
what I've been through.
It goes both ways.
I had dreams when I was a kid.
I'm a strong survivor.
You're a timid, little doormat mouse.
Okay, stop! Okay?
No more arguing. Please.
I really do like your hair.
Really?
It softens you.
Thank you.
- What do you want to be?
- What?
When you were a kid,
what did you dream of being?
Alive.
Who is she?
Tatiana was my sister.
This is Nadene, her best friend.
Your sister?
We've been trying to notify next of kin.
I need contact information.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Fuck off.
My so-called bitch of a mother
is gonna be happy Tatiana's dead.
I still need to notify your mother.
She may want to claim her.
No. I am claiming my sister.
She'll be ready for release
in a couple of days.
Do you know who did this to her?
Did you get any hits
from the police sketch?
Not yet. Tell me what you know.
That crazy fuck wanted
the whole girlfriend experience.
He took her dancing one night.
[foreboding music playing]
She doesn't look good.
Something's wrong.
[piano playing in background]
She's getting up.
[Raoul] Whoa.
Whoa...
Get the car. Don't let him see you.
Hey!
[Raoul] She only had a couple of drinks.
I'll take her home.
This is her first drink.
You're spying on me?
[Raoul grunts, then groans]
[Raoul coughing]
I fucking warned you.
[Raoul groaning]
[Meunier] So you followed them
back to the club?
I had just heard
he's a crazy motherfucker,
so, yeah, I followed them.
- Both times.
- Both times?
She met him a week after that.
When was this?
A few days before she disappeared.
Was she roofied the first time?
She had no memory.
My sister didn't even finish
her first drink.
Tell me about the second time.
[piano playing in background]
[Raoul smacks lips]
Who are you looking for?
Nobody.
[sighing] All right.
Don't lie to me.
You're looking for Uri.
Are you scared of me?
No.
[Raoul chuckles]
- All right.
- I have to go to the bathroom.
- Back in a minute.
- Okay. Yeah. Okay.
Thanks.
[Raoul] Hey!
What the hell is wrong with you?
Hey. Forget about this.
It was an accident.
I just hate fucking clumsy people.
Cheers.
Here's to fun times ahead.
- You have no idea.
- Hmm.
Ah. [smacks lips]
[Raoul clears throat]
[clears throat]
Oh, fuck.
Heh. The poor bastard roofied himself.
[Uri] She switched the glasses.
- [Raoul] What did you do?
- [Meunier laughs]
- [Raoul] What have you done?
- [Meunier] Serves him right. Go on.
[Raoul grunts]
[foreboding music playing]
- [Tatiana] No!
- [Uri] It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.
Hey, hey, hey. We got him.
We got him. We got him.
Get him in there. Come on!
It's okay. It's okay.
We got him. It's okay.
[Tatiana] Bastard.
- Leave. We'll handle it now.
- No way.
I got this. Go home.
No.
I'm gonna do to him exactly
what he did to me.
No more, no less.
You promised.
[Meunier] So Tatiana...?
[vibrator buzzing]
[Uri] With great vigor and without lube.
[Meunier curses in French]
[Meunier] Then what happened?
[Uri] My guys dumped him
60 kilometers out of town.
[Meunier] Was he alive?
[Uri] Yes.
[Meunier] And then?
[Uri] Tatiana disappeared
a couple of days later.
Fuck you!
[Blaum] Laila, we're doing EMDR today.
What's that?
EMDR stands for "eye movement
desensitization reprocessing."
So it's a kind of therapy
where we ask you
to relive your experience,
then rewrite it, and finally release it.
How does it work?
I ask you to concentrate
on something specific.
When you're doing that,
you're going to be watching
the blinking lights.
Then the situation is going
to flip around,
in the sense that you are going
to be in control.
What will I see?
[dramatic music playing]
For everyone, it's pretty different.
For some people,
it's kind of like watching a movie.
But for other people,
they can sense something is happening.
Not really sure.
But the bottom line is
that you go with the flow.
[exhales] Okay.
- I'm ready.
- Great.
So I'd like you to concentrate
on why you think
you deserved all that abuse.
What we want to do is get
to the root of this.
Take a deep breath.
And we'll start when you are ready.
We were married for a couple of years.
Then something happened.
[Blaum] Okay.
Continue looking at the blinking lights
and follow through with that thought.
- Tell me.
- I was pregnant once.
[Blaum] I was not aware of that.
Was Raoul happy?
[menacing music playing]
You lied about the abortion.
[whistling pleasant tune]
I told you to get rid of that thing.
No. No, please...
[echoing] No, please...
No, please... No, please...
[fading] No, please...
No, please... No, please...
I was on the bathroom floor...
too scared to move.
And he was screaming at me.
What was he saying?
He said I had to get rid of it.
[Blaum] What did he do when you cried?
Nothing.
Keep going.
Tell me.
I wanted that baby so bad.
I thought I could leave him
before I started showing.
[Blaum] Did you leave?
Why not, Laila?
[Laila] I was nothing without him.
[Blaum] Dig deeper.
Why did you stay in the marriage
for so long?
[Laila] Because I deserved it.
- No!
- [Blaum] Why?
My baby died...
because I was weak and pathetic.
[body thuds]
That was my first trip to the ER.
It may not feel like it right now,
but you are doing really well.
Are you ready to continue?
Perfect. Now, there's one last thing
I want you to do.
Close your eyes.
You're in a beautiful garden,
full of fresh, lush,
vibrant, beautiful flowers.
Smell their fragrance.
And you are at peace.
You look down...
and you see that you're holding a baby.
[poignant music playing]
Trust me.
Close your eyes.
See your baby.
And is it a little boy or a girl?
[Laila] It's a little girl.
She's all in pink.
[Blaum] Talk to her.
Tell her how much you love her.
[Laila] I'm sorry.
I wanted to keep you.
I was scared.
[Blaum] Now, in your heart,
ask your daughter to forgive you.
[Laila] How?
[Blaum] However it feels right.
[Laila] I feel the love.
[Blaum] Now it's time to let her go.
[Laila] It's beautiful here.
She's going to love it.
[Blaum] This garden is now
your safe place.
You can visit your little girl
any time you want.
And now how do you feel?
Free.
[lively music playing]
[Uri] Man, you're fucking late!
I've been waiting for you
this whole time, man.
Come on!
Let's do this!
[Meunier] Stop that.
You're making me crazy.
- [Uri] What?
- That whole, uh...
[Uri] What? Smoking?
[Meunier] No, that whole, uh...
[Uri] What? Breathing?
[Meunier] No, tabarnak,
that whole, uh, walking.
- Pacing?
- Oui, that's it. Stop pacing.
You're making me crazy.
[music stops]
The sketch artist did well.
That's him.
I'm forwarding this to Forensics.
Check your e-mail.
So?
Get out of my face. I have work to do.
[lively music resumes]
Fuck off, man.
Fucking cop.
Fuck you, man.
Asshole.
[solemn music playing]
[Meunier] Thank you for seeing me,
Madame Laurent.
Of course. You said it was urgent.
These are delicious.
- Do you mind if I take notes?
- No, it's fine.
I have questions
regarding your husband, Raoul...
Ex.
- Pardon?
- Raoul is my ex-husband.
Oui, of course. Forgive me.
What about him?
These questions are a little personal,
so I must apologize.
During the course of your marriage,
you have been admitted
to the ER three times
for suspected domestic abuse.
Is this correct?
[softly] Yeah.
Each time, you refused to file charges.
Is this also correct?
May I ask why?
I was scared.
Madame Laurent,
I'm not here to judge you.
Why are you asking about this?
A body has been found a few days ago.
And why does this have to do with Raoul?
You tell me.
Is your ex-husband capable of murder?
No. Well, I... I don't think so.
Does he have a temper?
Did he always have a temper?
For the first couple of years,
he was just an asshole.
And after that?
Uncontrolled rage.
He always apologized
and said he will never do it again.
He did, of course.
Have you ever seen
any of these young women?
[Laila] This is Nadene, his new wife.
Is she in danger?
How can you ask me that
after what he's done to you?
Excuse my rudeness, but I'm frustrated.
These are kids.
Do you have children, madame?
I almost did.
I do not know your circumstances,
but I have a daughter.
Caroline is my world.
It didn't occur to me.
- I didn't think...
- Madame...
domestic abuse, it never stops.
It always escalates. Always.
I'm so ashamed.
He hurt them?
Madame, we are beyond that point now.
I am waiting on Forensics.
Are they dead?
- How?
- We found this one in a dumpster.
A dumpster, madame.
Is it too late for me to file charges?
- Will you?
- Yes.
Can you come by the station tomorrow
and make a statement?
- Yeah.
- Good.
Be grateful you got out.
She may not be so lucky.
You seem to be doing well for yourself.
- I'm happy for you.
- Thank you.
I will no longer take
any more of your time.
Thank you for speaking with me.
I will see you tomorrow.
Call me if you have any questions,
in the meantime.
[gentle music playing]
Thanks for meeting me.
You called me five times.
What do you want?
He came to see me
a couple of hours ago.
A cop?
Why?
He asked about Raoul
and showed me some pictures of girls.
- One was of you.
- [scoffs]
Yeah.
And?
I didn't wanna get involved.
So don't.
Nobody asked you to.
Wait.
Let me help you.
Why?
Because nobody helped me when I needed it.
Please, Nadene, let me help you.
[groans softly]
- He scares me.
- [music fades]
Tell me.
So you can judge me again?
You have no idea what my life's been like.
[solemn music playing]
I'm never going back.
The monsters on the street
are better than monster at home.
My mom said it's my fault
that her nasty husband
can't keep it in his pants.
She threw you out for good this time?
She said she'll kill me
if I ever go back. I believe her.
He can't hurt you anymore. You're free.
Where will we go? We have no money.
What will we do?
My brother will help us.
Uri?
Do you know where he is?
We'll look for him in the morning.
Don't worry, we'll be... We'll be okay.
Maybe we can get, I don't know,
some nice boyfriends.
Get married, have a nice house.
[snickers] Fairy tale aren't real.
But it'd be nice
to have a safe place to sleep.
Maybe we can get one
of those old-fashioned matchmakers.
Oh, on the street, it's called a pimp.
Yeah.
It's okay.
We'll be okay, right?
Yeah, we'll be okay.
I've had enough. [sighs]
Wait. Your stepfather
sexually molested you?
It's called rape.
Didn't anybody help?
He said I was special.
And it was our secret.
He said if I told anyone,
he'd have to go away.
And you didn't want him to leave?
He bought me things.
He never hit me, like my mom.
Did she know what he was doing?
She called me a lying whore,
then threw me out of the house.
Did you ever go back?
Tatiana's brother took care of us.
What happened to her?
I don't know.
I haven't heard from her in a while.
Then I met Raoul.
He promised me this great life.
You wanna hear something weird?
He has a photo of her on his computer.
Did you ask him about it?
I'm not allowed to touch his stuff.
- Do you have a picture of your friend?
- Yeah.
This is the same girl
the cop showed me earlier.
Why would a cop have a photo of my friend?
Nadene, I have to ask you something.
- Is Raul violent with you?
- What?
Does he hit you?
Not at first.
Just the normal screaming
and name-calling.
And now?
He loses total control.
I've never seen anything like it.
Have you ever tried to leave him?
He'd find me.
I wanna help.
Why?
You hate me.
No, I actually don't.
[groaning]
Are you in labor?
I guess so.
I didn't think you were due
for a few months.
Yeah. That's what Raoul thinks too.
- [groaning]
- I'll take you to the hospital, okay?
Breathe.
[whimpering and breathing deeply]
Yes, hi.
[siren wailing]
You did a good job.
- She's beautiful.
- Thank you.
My baby.
[gentle music playing]
[footsteps approaching slowly]
[Raoul] Hello, Nadene.
Congratulations.
You have a beautiful, healthy...
granddaughter?
I'm the father.
- [nurse] Oh.
- No.
That kid is four months early.
How can it be healthy?
No, she's perfect. Right on time.
She's a little cutie.
You are. You're beautiful.
She's adorable.
[menacing music playing]
I'll see you tomorrow, Nadene.
[footsteps departing]
[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]
[gentle music playing]
[Nadene] She's finally asleep.
Thank you
for getting us out of that hospital.
God, Raoul was whistling.
You'll both be safe here.
He doesn't know this place exists.
That better be for me.
No. You literally just had a baby.
I'm thirsty.
Aren't you going to breastfeed?
Do these look like udders?
Do I look like a cow?
Were you raised in a barn?
Don't slug your wine.
What the hell is wrong with you?
If you're old enough to drink,
then you're old enough
to appreciate a good wine.
It's just wine.
You sip. Don't chug.
Here.
Swish your glass like this.
What does this do?
It releases the bouquet.
Is this a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio?
Neither. It's a Torronts.
This wine is made
from the Torronts grape,
which grows in Argentina.
I have never heard of that.
Then pay attention.
Swirl your glass like this.
Breathe it in deeply.
What do you smell?
Flowers.
Floral.
Now taste but don't swallow.
Hold the nectar in your mouth.
You mean, swallowing is not a good idea?
You only swallow at the end,
when you check the finish.
If you say so.
Heathen!
The finish is the leftover taste
at the back of your throat
after you swallow.
Damn it! I've been doing it wrong
all these years.
Concentrate. What do you taste?
I don't know, some...
Some kind of fruity thing.
Citrus.
There's more. Come on, think.
- Maybe banana?
- What?
- Banana?
- [laughs]
Oh, my God, no. No, no, no.
Apple, peach, orange, and lime.
- It's airy and light?
- [sighs]
It's crisp and dry.
You have the wine nose of an orangutan.
[Nadene laughs]
[foreboding music playing]
No fucking prenup!
[glass shatters]
- [music stops]
- [baby fussing]
You're up early.
Are you sure
Raoul doesn't know about this place?
My dad left this to me, three years ago.
It's my retreat from the world.
[baby cooing]
I just want her to have a normal life.
[poignant music playing]
She's precious.
Thank you.
For everything you've done.
Of course. You need to rest and recover.
Why are you helping me?
Seriously, why?
I... I don't wanna be
a mouse anymore.
[Nadene] Hmm?
You once called me a mouse
and a doormat.
I should never have said that. I'm sorry.
Therapy is underrated.
I wouldn't have been able
to deal with this on my own.
After living on the streets,
you learn to be grateful
for the little things.
I am grateful.
So that's why you're helping me.
I'm no longer a mouse.
I have to get going,
but there's protection in the top drawer.
[gasps] You surprise me.
Are you sure you're going to be okay?
- Yeah.
- Okay, good.
What exactly does
the detective suspect Raoul of doing?
Let's see what kind of evidence
they come up with.
But a girl was found dead.
And Raoul has a picture of her
on his computer.
You sure it's the same girl?
Yeah.
I slept next to a monster for 25 years.
What about Nadene?
Safely tucked away at my cottage.
What will she do?
She's scared to death of him.
And she should be.
But why is she at your cottage?
I'm helping her.
You've softened towards her.
What changed?
She's an adult,
but she's never had a childhood.
It's hardened her.
You're such a kind person, Laila.
Will you get the people
at the Laurent Foundation
to find her a new home?
No, I'm doing this myself.
Dr. Blaum, I owe you so much.
- Well, therapy works.
- Oh. I'm a believer.
I... I want to take a break now
and rely on my own instincts.
Well, you've already done
all the hard work,
and I'm so proud of you.
[baby crying]
No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no.
[shushing]
It's okay, baby. It's okay. It's okay.
[shushes]
Oh, it's okay, baby girl.
We'll get the hang of this.
[shushes]
[crying continues]
[crying stops]
[mimicking gunshots]
[baby crying]
Okay, okay. [shushes]
[tense music playing]
[siren wailing]
[Meunier in French]
[Durant]
[Meunier]
[Durant]
[phone keyboard clicking]
[woman vomiting]
[phone buzzes]
[Annette] Uri, I know where she is.
- Fuck!
- Here's the address.
[tense music continues]
[baby cooing]
[suspenseful music playing]
[whispering to baby]
[door opens]
[Raoul chuckling]
- Hello, Nadene.
- How did you find me?
There's an app for that.
Anyone else here?
No.
Get away from her.
- That thing's not even mine.
- I never said she was yours.
What now?
Well, I'll either divorce you or...
Or kill you. Either way,
you're not getting a penny.
But you love me.
You'll give me a settlement.
You get nothing.
That's not how I see it.
I have information.
Lots of it.
- What are you talking about?
- That girl on your computer.
Tatiana.
Why do you have photos of her?
You knew her?
We grew up together.
So?
Best friends tell each other everything.
Like what?
I know what happened at the Odessa Club.
Uri will find me.
Police are looking for me.
Why? You're not... You're not missing.
You're... You're my wife.
Why would a kid like me
- want an old man like you?
- Hey!
- We had an agreement.
- Did we?
Yes, we did.
I heard they found
Tatiana's body in a dumpster.
You threw her out like trash.
You fucking asshole.
She was my best friend.
- Fuck! They found her already.
- [Nadene laughs]
The police know who you are.
- It was a mistake.
- [grunts]
You fucking killed her!
You fucking killed her!
[screams]
[sobbing]
Son of a bitch.
Nadene?!
You're fucking crazy!
[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]
This cottage is remote.
No one will hear you scream.
[screaming]
Nadene!
I'm back!
[baby crying]
What the fuck are you doing
in my house?
- Your house?
- [Laila] Yes.
- What the fuck are you doing here?
- [chuckles]
Laila, the countertop!
Get the baby and go to the room. Now!
You, move.
Go.
[Raoul] You don't have the guts.
Get your car keys and get out.
[Raoul] What has gotten into you?
It's me. You love me.
Put that stupid thing down.
[laughing] You're shaking like a leaf.
Put the gun down.
Give it to me. Give it to me.
[inhaler clatters]
- [yells]
- [blow lands]
You were always a doormat.
[Nadene] Leave her alone!
- [Nadene groaning]
- [Laila] Stop it!
Let her go.
[Raoul] Come on, Laila. You can't kill me.
You're spineless.
You always were. And...
[Raoul laughing]
Looking for that, huh?
[Laila hyperventilating]
How's the breathing, Laila?
Hmm?
The air seems a bit heavy, doesn't it?
Doesn't it, Nadene?! Huh?
I'll tell you what.
- We trade.
- What?
We trade. The gun for your inhaler.
How's that?
[siren wailing]
- They're coming for you.
- Give me the gun.
- Here, catch.
- [gun clatters]
Come. Come, come, come.
Damn it!
Fuck.
The fingerprints.
The fingerprints.
[exhales]
Well fucking played, Laila.
Well played.
[suspenseful music playing]
[door opens]
Did you wear gloves
when you killed Tatiana?
What the fuck are you doing here?
And what does Tatiana have to do
with anything?
- Raoul! She was my sister!
- [gun clicks]
Fuck!
[Raoul groans]
For Tatiana.
[officer in French]
[in English] Drop it down on the ground!
- [Raoul laughing]
- [in English] Drop it!
Yeah, Uri. Drop your weapon.
[gun clatters]
[gun slides]
Drop it!
No. No, no, no, wait. Wait, wait, wait.
That... That bitch played me.
Drop your weapon!
No, no, no, look! [laughs]
[Raoul groaning]
[screams]
[in French]
[Durant in English] Pussy.
[siren wailing]
[groaning continues]
[poignant music playing]
[baby cooing]
[in English] Yours?
I'm not a violent person.
And you thought
this would be adequate protection?
Well, it worked.
[in French]
You are a badass.
My knees are Jell-O,
and my insides are a mess.
[Durant speaks indistinctly]
[Raoul groaning]
Come on, tough guy.
Let's go.
Move it!
Have you chosen a name yet?
[poignant music playing]
Her name...
is Laila Nadene.
She'll be sweet and gentle,
like a butterfly.
But strong and confident too.
I like that.
A butterfly with titanium wings.
I wish you were my mom.
That is the nicest thing
someone has ever said to me.
Thank God, I have a shrink on speed dial.
Wow.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Where's your inhaler?
I guess I don't need it anymore.
We did it.
We're free.
[both shriek]
[both laughing]
[swing squeaking]
[dramatic music playing]
Grandma, can we get some ice cream?
[Laila] Yes! Let's get ice cream.
[Laila and Nadene cheer]
[Nadene laughing] Good job!
[dramatic music continues]