Layla (2024) Movie Script

Heard that you were selling
your piano and your car
It feels so weird to not reach out
and ask how you are
Wonder if you're moving,
or if money's just that tight
These are the kinds of questions
to which I've resigned my rights
- Ever since
- Sorry, girls, do you mind...?
I decided
There were things
that I needed...
Honestly, you slayed it, babe.
- Want a tea? I'm just going
to shower and pass out.
- Fair. Love you, Boo.
- Love you, too!
I've gone soft, sorry.
That was really fun.
- Bye.
- See you.
Eugh! A human centipede.
- Actually, kind of queer.
- Hmm. Yeah. Totes.
Imagine being the sound person
on that film.
Like, "Hey, Tamara, can we just get you
gurgling the shit in your mouth..."
Eugh!
What's this?
You keep forgetting to eat
before your gigs.
Thank you, honey.
Girl, girl, girl.
Come help me rescue this.
So, you excited to pretend
that ready meals cure AIDS tonight?
I'm excited for the 900
they're paying me.
- Nine hundred?
- Ooh, 900!
- That's right.
- Get it, girl. Slay!
Listen, baby, I'm not saying
you shouldn't do it, just, you know...
Feel free to euthanise me if someone comes
at my face with a rainbow glitter pen.
You don't have to come.
Don't listen to them.
Of course we're coming.
Free drinks, bitch!
We're not letting you get fed
to the wolves like that, yeah?
Oh, God.
Please do that in front
of the straights tonight!
OK, no. This is not my portion.
Oh, come on!
Ah, Holy Mother of Devastation!
Oh, Jesus!
OK, we want to get you on
straight away for a song.
Then a meet-and-greet,
then a little break,
and then some more numbers, OK?
Oh, and our catchphrase tonight,
just in case you forget, is:
"Grab a fork and tuck in,
"cos everyone is welcome
round this table."
OK?
You ready?
Yep.
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So, why am I with you now?
- I say release me
- Roll, honey.
- Whoo! Whoo-hoo!
- Happy Pride!
Work it, bitch! Ha-ha!
Oh, my God. Hysterical!
- Ha! You've got to see this one.
- Let's have a look.
Oh, wonderful.
- Oh, my God...
- Uh-huh, I think not. Fuck that.
- Princy, this is hell.
- Baby girl, I know. What did you expect?
"Happy Pride!"
Look, the bag, 900 quid.
That's why you're here.
- Who gives a shit what...?
- Please tell me someone has a lighter.
Yeah, it's basically broken, but...
see if you can work your magic.
You're a saint.
- Hey, Jonathan Brindle.
- Really?
Max. AD Brother.
We should celebrate later.
Primadonna girl, yeah
All I ever wanted was the world
I can't help that I need it all
The primadonna life,
the rise and fall
You say that I'm kinda difficult
- But it's always someone else's fault
- Isn't that a bit much?
No, I think it's OK.
I think it's just what they do.
- I said classy.
- I think people will like it.
Primadonna girl,
would you do anything for me?
Buy a big diamond ring for me?
Er, OK. Lovely.
That's enough for tonight.
Er, there's your payment.
Thank you so much for coming.
- Thank you.
- I think we've got a car...
- Oh, sorry. What are these?
- They're your Fork Me! coupons. 900 worth.
You're kidding, right?
I know.
It's probably gonna last you all year.
Fucking... Fuck me!
Hello.
Ladies and...
...gender queers.
Well, my name, erm...
as I'm sure you don't know... is Layla!
Whoo!
And tonight...
Well, since Fork Me!
are all about diversity...
...I thought I would use
this Pride celebration
to reflect on just how much
these ready meals have done
for me and my community.
Like when my sister Tasered me
after discovering my rusty anal beads...
...it was my trusty Fork Me! noodle set
that was there to heal all my wounds.
Honestly, thank you, guys, so much.
Or, erm...
Oh, when a white hen party harem
refused to sit next to me on the train
because my studded handbag
looked threatening,
it was my inclusive Fork Me! taco set
that stood by my side in the fight
against everyday racism!
Enchiladas, baby!
You lost... misguided children.
Us queens might just seem like
shiny surface candy to you.
But dig a little deeper...
...and you'll find some raw...
queer... meat!
Give me my meat!
- Oh!
- Oh, my God. This is deranged.
Give me my meat!
Give me my meat!
Give me my meat!
Give me my meat!
Give me my meat!
Mood.
- Oh, sorry.
- Sorry. Oh, fucking hell, it's you.
- And it's you.
- Max. That was, erm...
- A Satanic abomination?
- No, no, no.
I was going to say that was...
that was incredible.
Although you might've just lost us
a major client.
It's my company
that does all the marketing, so...
Oh, shit. I'm sorry.
Honestly, I don't know what came over me.
Don't worry. They're just ready meals.
Should I run before they come
for my head, or...?
No, I've got your back.
Not that you need protection or anything,
you're like... wow!
- I've got to... go.
- Yeah, yeah. Me, too.
Wait.
Erm...
There's a piece of beef in your hair.
Yes, it's... it's good.
- It's all good.
- Great.
- OK...
- Yeah.
- Go.
- Yeah.
Are you going somewhere
way more fun? Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
I'm just gonna channel my inner Titanic.
Erm...
You wanna go to a real party?
- You... you mean right now?
- Yeah.
Or you could stay at this thrilling rave,
I mean... it's up to you.
Ah Fuck. I said to my boss
that I'd see this out, so... I can't.
That's a shame.
Yeah.
See ya!
See ya.
- Right, time to skin you, bitch!
- There's literally an udon noodle up my hole.
- Move, man!
- It's giving Layla Bolognese!
- Oh, it actually listened to me.
- Ah, you're gonna be looking good.
Is she ready?
Is that party invite still going?
Hell, yeah!
You are just in time for the best part.
This is where you get to see
behind the curtain.
Enter Mr Darcy.
Wow, that's... What a production.
- Somebody's laying pipe tonight.
- Eugh!
- Come on, sit down.
- Yes... yeah... Hello.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- What do you think of this?
- It's unreal, babe.
Yes, honey, this eats, but this devours!
So, we're going to a sort of,
like an alien-themed party.
- Oh, yeah?
- Hmm...
- And you couldn't look more human.
- Mm-hmm.
- I thought that was a good thing.
- Ooh!
- It's giving very corporate realness, honey.
- Here.
- Perfect. Do you mind?
- What? Stabbing me?
- No, I'd never.
- I can do it, if you like.
- I mean... I am an expert.
- No, it's OK. I got it, boo.
You don't mind, do you?
I'll just make a small incision.
- OK. Where?
- You don't need any general anaesthetic.
Just here. Where you get
your normal jabs, OK?
When I dance, I prance with joy
I'm not thinking about you, boy,
it's useless all that energy
Going straight to you,
coming out of me
I want the cars, the cash,
the clothes, the finer things
Pretty girls love weed
and diamond rings
Caviar couture,
head out to the floor...
- Do you want a goodie?
- Yes, please!
- Hey, bitch!
- Boo-boo!
Oh, my God! Hey, bitch!
Mwah-mwah!
- How are you?
- I'm good. How are you?
I'm good. Nice to see... Ooh! Ooh!
- Who's your milk trade?
- Oh, this right here is Max...
Mercury!
And this bitch has her own orbit!
How do you know each other?
Well, me and M... Mercury,
we go way back.
Yeah, no, he's, erm...
he's a performance artist.
Yeah, yeah. I'm, er...
I use, like, banana skins,
and, like... other fruit peels
like in excessive orgies.
It's critiquing consumption.
- OK. Er... work!
- Yeah!
In a bit.
- Tell her about it, Neptune.
- It's an animation.
It's a love story, really,
between, er... a table and a chair.
- It's devastating.
- Wow!
You've got to tell me
if the chair's a top or a bottom.
Well, it's a table top,
so the table tops.
- Yeah?
- He's great.
- I'm great.
- Hmm...
Can I take you somewhere special?
Welcome to Eden!
Wow.
Ooh, wow!
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah!
This...
Wow, this is an epic view.
Yeah.
Yeah, we can see all the way
through to enemy lines.
You know I work near there?
Are you saying I'm your enemy?
Yes.
That's why I was forced
to kidnap you tonight.
Glad you did.
Very glad you did.
Yeah?
This club, it's just...
It's amazing.
Yeah, I know. Feathers is...
...basically like an orphanage for us.
We're actually fighting
to stop it from shutting down.
Can't believe I've never heard of it.
- She's a bit broken.
- Yeah.
- Whoa... sorry.
- What? No, no, it's fine.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Shit!
- No, it's fine, it's fine. Yeah, yeah.
- It's just a zip on the left.
- It's a zip?
- There's two.
- Yeah, there's two.
Oh, fucking hell.
You're beautiful.
Really?
What time is it?
Hmm...
OK...
- Did you have fun last night?
- Yeah. I guess.
Not as much fun as you, apparently.
We missed you last night.
Oh. My. God.
- You're already fallen hard, haven't you?
- No, I have not.
He was just...
- I never get with guys like that.
- Why would you want to?
They only ever want the fantasy,
not the reality.
Yeah, you're probably right.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure
I'm never seeing him again.
Those binbags were practically
leaking jizz. I can't.
Lovely.
It's a fucking hard knock life,
I'm telling you.
I'm sorry,
but she's not cooking tonight.
There's still probably some Fork Me! ready
meal in my wig. We could just stir fry it.
Oh, God. What was I even thinking?
Girl, you were everything!
You have to revive that ready meal
masturbation moment
for the Gay Shame party.
I lived! Lived.
- What's with the suitcase, boo?
- I've got a gig.
- At ten in the morning?
- Yeah. Drag brunch.
- Habibi!
- Oh, one second, yeah?
OK.
Latif, my handsome son.
My beautiful mother. Hello, Dad.
How come you never come
to see me anymore, huh?
Have you forgotten I exist?
It's nonstop travelling with work,
I told you.
Business must be good, then, habibi?
Yeah, well, you know me...
I'm doing my best.
- There's someone we want you to meet.
- No, Mum, please. Not again.
You remember Sara, right?
From Islam class when you were teenagers?
Hey, Sara.
- What's up?
- Everything's good, alhamdulillah.
We'll leave you two to get acquainted.
Mum, no one in England
actually says that.
- So, what have you been up to recently?
- Oh, no, we don't need to do this.
My boyfriend's waiting in his car
around the corner.
- He's white.
- Oh, shit.
I've got some blow, if you want.
I mean, it's the only way to keep
your eyes open through one of these.
Er, yes, please.
- Latif!
- Sis!
You look beautiful!
You know, you're legally obliged
to dance with me today.
Yalla!
Come on, let's go!
Latif, wait!
Just relax.
Of course I want you here.
- I never get to see you, Latif.
- We live in different cities.
That's going to change soon.
Haydar's work has an office in London.
I'm moving with him.
- Oh...
- Don't look so enthralled.
- My love!
- Hey.
How have I bagged me
the hottest bride?
- Haydar, this is Latif, my brother.
- Oh, my God! Well, finally!
- Come here, man!
- Hey!
We're family now.
And you work in the City, right?
I'm going to miss my train.
Latif? What?
Bye, Sis.
Congrats.
Split me open
I'm an animal
Not broken
Not whole
Make a cut down there
where the daylight dies
Turn me inside out
where the real me lies
So I'll lose it
at the discotheque
And I'll do it for all of us
You said yourself
Just keep climbing up that hill
I tell you what I love
I love to see you dance
I wanna feel free of dysphoria
Climate grief
Destruction of me
I wanna go somewhere
where it's just us
And lift you up
and watch you dance
I wanna be freed of this burdened soul
Wanna be alive
Wanna feel the sunrise
I wanna feel free of dysphoria
Dysphoria
Dysphoria
It stops
Every time you look at me
You said
Just keep climbing up that hill...
- Bye, bitch! You ate!
- You were great tonight.
Thanks, girlies!
Hey!
Hey...
Erm...
Oh, did you leave something
in the club the other night?
Er... yeah. You.
Come on, time to go-go!
Get out of my house!
Er... come on.
Hey...
I, erm... I haven't stopped
thinking about you.
- Me?
- Yeah.
- Excuse me.
- Sorry.
That was a really amazing night.
Yeah, it was.
What?
Is that a coat or is that your tent
for Glastonbury?
Oh, no, it's my protective cape, actually.
It makes me feel like a queer magician.
Can I try it on?
- Yeah!
- Yeah?
Yeah.
Well, don't look.
- You need to be careful with this.
- Oh, yeah.
OK, that's a look, for sure.
Oh, my God. I know what you mean.
I feel like I'm going to start...
levitating, you know.
Oh, yeah... really feeling
the force of gravity in this bad boy.
Yeah.
Have you got more fun stuff
that I can try on at yours?
I've got whatever you want.
Take it off.
I'm surprised you came back.
Oh, yeah?
- Time for some B.B.
- Excuse me?
- Breakfast in Bed, love, not Bare Back!
- Oh, you're too much.
Wow.
- Hmm?
- Mm-hmm...
So?
What?
What's my present
for missing work today?
Erm...
Don't I deserve... a private show?
A private show?
Well, you said I could have
whatever I wanted.
Whoa! Whoa, what's that?
Ah... erm...
Yeah, I used to dream
about wearing these as a kid.
Only my sister was allowed.
But, whatever...
So... have you ever worn it?
Erm...
I'm still... like, finding my way with it.
I bet you look gorgeous in it.
- OK.
- Yeah?
Yeah!
- You've got to help me into it.
- Ooh! OK.
- OK, it's a bit complex.
- What do I need to do?
OK, one second.
I'm going to slip in.
OK, white boy.
You're about to see some ancient shit.
Excuse you, sir!
- What?
- Well, this is a religious tradition!
What?
- Oh, yeah? Excuse me...?
- Mm-hmm... No, stop!
Why don't you just leave it on?
Nah!
No, just... leave it on.
So, has your sister
never seen you in that?
Not really, no.
Is she...
...I don't know, is she kind of...
against all that?
Yeah, kind of.
Yeah, well, she's missing out.
Cos you're pretty fucking spectacular.
To be honest, it's been hard.
She said she doesn't want to see me.
- Fuck.
- Hmm...
- Layla...
- Yeah, none of my family do.
Jesus.
I'm so sorry.
It's OK.
I guess that's the price to pay
for being me.
You amaze me.
Do you know that?
Really?
Amaze me.
- No, it doesn't matter.
- What?
I want you to meet my friends properly.
- OK.
- OK?
When?
- Er... tonight?
- Tonight?
- Mm-hmm.
- OK.
Layla! Hey! Where were you?
- Sorry.
- You're late.
Hey, dude... you remember Max?
- Hey.
- Yeah...
From the ready meal revolution.
How can I forget?
You moan like you're being murdered
when you're having sex.
Oh, sorry.
Yeah, it's my fault that he's so noisy.
- They.
- Hmm?
Er...
Oh, I... you didn't...
- No, I didn't realise.
- It's fine. You didn't know.
- It's not a big deal.
- Seriously?
No, it's fine.
Well, don't worry about it.
So?
Oh, fuck. Oh, my goodness.
Princy, it's incredible.
Honestly, I'm so proud of you.
Maybe you should take
a look around first.
What does it say
on his... their... body?
- Allahu Akbar.
- Fuck.
- Yeah.
- Wow, that's... that's really brave.
Put down the binoculars, man.
You know, my company are always
looking for photographers
from all kinds of different backgrounds,
so, you should give me your card.
I'm good. Thanks, though.
Yeah?
My folks are here.
So nice to see you!
Well done.
I'm very proud of you.
Jesus, you're one stop away
from eloping with this one.
It's different with him, Lucilla.
It's like, you know how most guys hate it
when I'm like this?
- Yeah, but, girl, remember me and Dom?
- Max loves me this way.
It's like I can be as big
as possible with him.
You know you don't need his permission
to be anything, right?
- Layla!
- OK, wait two secs.
Well, fuck my drag.
That must've felt pretty cool.
What?
Just... just, you know,
getting to show your art.
Wait, you're an artist?
Hmm...
Oh, so Mercury the performance artist
didn't come from nowhere?
No, no, no.
I draw. A bit.
- That's it. I don't get paid for it or...
- So?
- What?
- Well, show me something.
No. Really?
No, that's... it's silly.
It's not my job...
Yes! Please?
Come on.
There...
Jesus Christ, it's gorgeous.
- Who's this queen?
- That's my mum.
When I was a teenager.
She died when I was 15.
- Oh, I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...
- It's OK. Long time ago.
Oh, wow!
Yeah, well, OK...
I was high when I thought that up.
You're crazy talented, Max.
- Really?
- Yes!
I don't know. It's just...
- What's with the octopus?
- OK. Well, er...
I'm kind of obsessed with octopi.
- Actually, I think it's octopuses.
- No, I'm pretty sure it's octopi.
- Yeah, you're probably right.
- Yeah, octopi, I love 'em.
- Octopi?
- Yeah.
Why?
I don't know, they just...
they seem so free.
Yeah.
And they're just fucking dickheads,
as well.
What? How?
They way they mate is like
the world's worst one-night stand.
I'm serious.
The male, without even engaging,
he just inserts his penis,
and then, as soon as he's done,
he just runs off.
A bastard, right?
Imagine you putting your entire arm
into someone, without even looking at them.
Also known as being fisted
in a dark room on a Sunday afternoon.
If I was an octopus, I'd run off
in about ten seconds.
Blob-blob-blob...
Can I ask you something?
Well, you were just inside me,
I think I can handle a question.
Erm... the whole "they" thing...
- That's your question?
- No... Sorry, erm...
It's just...
I don't know, it feels...
kind of impersonal.
OK.
Well, it's totally personal.
Yeah, like it... I don't know,
helps you feel right.
What do you feel like?
Er...
Well, you know how an octopus
is always, like, morphing?
You know, like, the way they change
shape and colour and size...
...everything,
they're like warrior shapeshifters, no?
- Yeah.
- Yeah. Well, that's how I feel, like...
...something always in the in-between.
The in-between sounds kind of...
...chaotic.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
What I wouldn't give
to be stationary sometimes.
But, like, it's the place
with all the potential.
You know? Like...
...if you've made it out of there...
...then... you're already finished.
I mean, that's what Princy says.
So, I'm finished?
Or maybe you're just getting started.
- Can't miss work again?
- Definitely not.
Yeah, I'll come and drop you off.
Ah... you don't need to do that, honestly.
No, no, it's fine. I need to get
out of this dungeon anyway.
It's just... I've got to go soon, so...
Ready?
- So, this is you, eh?
- Yeah. In there.
AD Brother?
Yeah, that's it.
- Have you got a busy day today?
- Yeah, yeah...
Well, why don't I come over after,
help you unwind?
I... I think I'm going to be
working late.
OK. Well, let's just do
something after you...
Look, I'll call you, and we'll, er...
I've really... I've got to head in.
- OK.
- Yeah?
- I'll see you in a bit.
- OK.
See you.
Oh! OK...
Oh! OK...
This game is transphobic.
Oh, girl, what is the tea
for the Gay Shame party?
It's giving post-punk,
Marie Antoinette vibes.
- Ooh!
- You like it?
Do you know how much chiffon
I had to steal from school for you?
That's what they call giving reparations.
Girlie? Get out of your phone
and into the room.
- No, but I really like him.
- Baby, I know you do.
But it's been a week. That ghosting fool
is nothing but a... Horcrux!
- OK.
- What?
JK What's-her-face?
I thought we do not speak her name.
Exactly! He's a Horcrux,
and you're a fucking icon!
- Yes, that part.
- Look...
This weekend is going to be beyond epic.
You're going to be beyond iconic.
And you won't even remember
his basic fucking face!
- Right.
- Mm-hmm.
- You're right, I'm a fucking star.
- Hmm!
- And he's a fucking...
- Horcrux!
No more Aryans treating me
anything less than the queen I am.
Oh, finally she is risen!
- I'm gonna make us margaritas.
- Yeah!
- Yes, please. Salt on the rim, baby!
- Yes, honey.
- Do you want a closer look?
- Yeah, I wanna see.
Wait, where's mine?
I barely recognise you.
Er, yeah, no, it's laundry day.
You look good.
Thanks.
Anyway, I was just, er...
on my way to something nearby, so...
- Er, I'm just gonna head.
- No, wait. Er...
You don't know how happy I am
to see you right now.
I've missed you.
Really?
Uh... sorry I've not called.
I've been...
Do you want to do something?
- Now?
- Yeah.
We could go and...
...explore London.
I've pretty much seen it.
Can I... can I take you
to my favourite place?
Yeah, all right.
- It's not far.
- OK.
I knew you'd like it here.
I love it.
- It's so Zen.
- Isn't it?
It's kind of like an escape.
Yeah.
Do you think she knows she's trapped?
Aren't we all?
Hmm...
So... this is me.
Cosy!
- Hi!
- Hello.
How did you sleep?
- Good. Very good.
- What did you dream of?
I dreamt that Gordon Ramsay
wanted to fuck me.
- Oh!
- Yeah.
- OK.
- Yeah. I said no.
What are you doing?
Just having a little bite,
to know what it's like.
Oh, here he comes.
Here he comes!
Hey, what are you doing
for Pride tomorrow?
Oh!
Er... nothing that Pride-y.
OK. Well... me and some friends
are doing the parade,
but you and I could meet up after,
if you want?
- You want me to do Pride with you?
- Yeah.
Oh, shit. I'd love to,
but I think I'm gonna be busy, babe.
OK.
It's just a casual little thing
with the gang at Feathers.
- It's a fundraiser for the club.
- That sounds pretty Pride-y.
No, look, it really isn't your thing,
trust me.
OK. Well...
Hey, look, I...
I don't want you to think that...
I really love all that stuff.
I wanna be there,
I wanna support you, I promise.
Well, fab. You should come.
Yeah, I'll... I'll be there.
Great!
Give it up, you stingy bitches!
The fate of Feathers rests in your hands!
Thanks. All donations welcome, girls!
Fuck.
- Hey!
- Hey!
- You're here!
- Casual? This is mega.
- Layla!
- Oh, hey, boo!
Girl! Oh, you are gagging me.
Like, literally, I'm choking!
You're fucking serving that look on
a silver platter covered in fucking tempura!
Oh, thank, girlies.
Hi, guys. Happy Pride!
We ain't brought to you
by Barclays Bank, bitch.
- Tonight's called Gay Shame.
- Oh? Right, OK.
I'm Saturn.
I'm er... a contortionist.
At the Cirque de Soleil...
Layla and I met at, er...
a queer circus festival.
- Slay.
- OK...
No, I'm kidding.
I'm... We're... I'm kidding.
I'm Layla's boyfriend.
Bitch, you never said.
Since when?
I've gotta go on stage.
But I'll see you in a bit, yeah?
- Enjoy yourselves!
- Oh, wait...
- Hey. Tequila, please.
- Just the one?
Don't you know your queen?
Ripped
Heaving
Flower bloom at my feet
Don't you know your queen?
Cracked
Peeling
Riddled with disease
We love you, Layla!
Don't you know me?
Yeah!
No family is safe
When I sashay
Yes! Layla!
- Hey...
- Whoo! Killing it!
Whoo! Yeah!
Layla!
Yes! She's killing it!
Why did you invite the Horcrux?
No, I-I didn't. He just showed up.
Twat! I'll deal with it.
No, no, it's OK, it's OK.
I've got it.
Princy, it's fine.
- Thank you, beautiful man!
- Of course.
Hey! Hey, boo!
- Great set.
- Thanks.
Go find another friend's boy
to flirt with, Felix.
- No, Layla, I wasn't...
- Just please leave.
- Hey!
- Hey!
- That was amazing!
- Thanks.
Hey, the vibe here's really weird!
I think we should, uh... Why don't we go
somewhere else just me and you?
- I can't.
- OK.
Look, let's dance. Come on!
No, Max, stop! Max!
Max, stop!
Oh, I'm sorry. Shit!
If it's ruined, I'll get you a new one!
OK, dickhead! You need to go now, OK?
They don't want you here.
Are you gonna say anything to her?
- You OK, babe?
- Just go away, Princy.
Layla!
'Babe, last night was a mess.
'I'm making us fajitas tonight.
'You're gonna be in, right?
We'd all really love to talk.'
'Bro, still haven't
heard from you.
'Please come today.
You can bring someone if you like.
- 'We'd really love to see you.'
- 'Sorry, again, about last night.
'Never let me drink Tequila again.
'Call me back, OK?'
Thank you.
So, the other night was weird.
Hmm... yeah.
Hmm...
That wig is never seeing
the light of day again.
Sorry.
It was kind of horrible.
It just felt like I... really didn't
belong there, you know?
Do you think I'm boring?
Nah.
You're anything but boring.
God, you don't...
you don't know how lucky you are.
To have a community like that,
you know, a space... that's your own.
I don't think I have that.
I don't think I do either.
Look, I, er...
I wanna show you something.
Oh, yeah?
It's beautiful.
Oh, my God! This is amazing!
Thank you.
- Yeah...
- Oh, thanks!
It's no problem, Octopi.
Do you want it? Yeah?
Do I hear a "Yes, ma'am"?
Yes. Yes, ma'am.
- You a good boy?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Yeah?
- Uh-huh.
Well, I've never done that before.
Yeah, me, neither.
It felt... amazing.
Ma'am.
Hmm... you're such an adventure.
So...
...I'm... basically your exotic holiday?
My dad and my sister are coming
for dinner a week on Friday.
- Hmm...
- I'd love for you to meet them.
Really?
Yeah.
You know I'm staying here
for a while, right?
Yeah, I got that.
It just switched so quickly, you know.
- Did you not like it?
- No, no, I did.
- Convincing!
- No, no, it was great.
Hey, say what you mean, Layla.
No, no, it was cute.
OK, cute as in good
or cute as in... what?
Well, cute as in...
What?
I don't know, whatever.
I just find the whole, like...
You know, like, the whole, like,
"Oh, no, I wanna hit you,"
"Oh, no, I wanna kiss you,"
"Oh, no, this is just..." like...
...a clunky metaphor for
me-wrestling-with-my-sexuality motif.
- Uh-huh.
- Agonisingly basic.
So, just cos I liked an objectively
good film, I'm now basic?
What? No! I'm just saying
I found the film a bit basic.
Like watching WASP-y gays pretending
to act complicated isn't really my mood.
You know?
Don't you think
you're being a bit snobbish?
What? No, I'm just telling you
what I thought of the film...
Whilst making fun of me.
No, I wouldn't.
No, look, I've got
a weird taste in films, OK?
My childhood was so fucked up
that if a film doesn't include
at least one sado-masochistic murder,
I'm honestly not interested.
My favourite film is genuinely Saw V.
OK?
Well, don't take it personally.
- Really?
- Can't believe we've never...
Are you OK?
Latif?
Hey.
You couldn't be bothered
to pick up one of my calls?
Hi, I'm Fatima. I'm Latif's sister.
- Oh. This is your sister?
- Yeah.
- You talk about me?
- Sorry, I'm...
This is, er... Max. He's a work colleague.
We were just at a work event.
Oh. Great.
Well, why don't you join us for dinner?
- Yeah, that'd be...
- No, we can't.
We've got that big work meeting
tomorrow.
You're not just gonna ditch me
on the street!
- Latif!
- I'm sorry.
Erm...
Ah...
So were you just pretending
that she disowned you?
I wasn't pretending!
Look, you know what,
it's just easier, OK?
It's just easier to keep things
separate, than...
...than trying to make sense of living
in the in-between of it all.
The in-between? I thought that was
the place with all the potential.
You know what, just forget it.
You wouldn't understand.
Understand what?
You know, maybe I would, if you stopped
talking to me like I'm fucking stupid!
- This isn't about you, Max!
- I know it's not!
No, no, look, my family's
different from yours, OK?
Hmm...
Look, you have no idea
how lucky you are.
Lucky?
My mum's dead, remember.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Fuck, I'm sorry.
OK, that's not what I meant.
- You know what I mean.
- I'm not sure I've any idea what you mean.
Please, can we just stop
talking about this?
Why didn't you tell me
your name was Latif?
- Because it's not.
- So, who are you, then?
- Are you still all right for tonight?
- Can't wait to meet everyone.
If you want, you can borrow
some of my things.
I don't mind.
OK.
Keys?
Erm... yeah, OK.
See you later.
See you later!
Oh, God.
Eugh! Oh!
Oh, fuck!
Yep, that'll be ready
by tomorrow.
OK. Thank you. Bye.
Sorry about that.
I'll try my best, love,
but it might need a few goes.
OK. Whatever you can do
to get it by the end of the day.
- I can pay extra, honestly...
- There's no need, love.
- I'll make it a priority for you.
- Thank you.
That's all right.
- So, I'll see you in a bit, yeah?
- See you.
Thanks.
- Looks good, right?
- Looks like a restaurant.
- You promise?
- Yeah.
Yay, OK!
Good. Thank you.
They're gonna love you.
- Eek!
- Salad!
Hey! Hi. How you doing?
Come in.
It's about ready.
So, er... Dad, Becks, this is La...
who I want you to meet.
I'm Alfred.
Nice to meet you. I'm Latif.
- And this is my daughter, Rebecca.
- Hi, Rebecca.
Latif... cool name. Where's it from?
Surrey.
Oh. OK, I meant...
- Doesn't matter.
- No, it's a Muslim name originally.
I'm from Palestine.
Well, Britain's all the better
for having you here, my friend.
OK.
Er... drinks? Yes, let's...
You want a drink?
- Yes, please.
- Right, er... OK.
- What would you like, red or white?
- Dad'll have red.
I can't believe you knew
the whole time.
- You were supposed to be covering for me.
- I was!
I had to stay up every Saturday
so you could get through that window!
You guys thought I didn't hear that?
You were pissed off your head, love.
But this one gave me
no problems, though.
All he loved doing on a weekend
was homework.
- That's not true!
- Actually, it kind of is.
I still haven't figured out
how you managed straight As,
what with your teenage alcoholism and all.
Hmm... do Max's artistic genes
run in the family?
- Artistic?
- Wait, do you still draw?
No, no, this man is crazy talented.
- He's a born artist.
- That's not...
- When have you got time for that?
- I haven't. It's a hobby.
And Max tells us
you're a performer.
- Hmm...
- A comedian, you said, Max.
- Did he?
- Get us a VIP table one day?
What kind of material
do you do?
Erm...
- Er, political stuff, I guess.
- Mm-hmm...
- I mean, it depends on the crowd I get.
- How funny...
You know I watchHave I Got News For You religiously?
OK. My stuff's a little bit...
Your glass is empty!
I'm a bad host.
- Good?
- Yes, perfect. Thank you.
- You still going to tennis?
- Hmm, well...
Is it Wednesdays still?
'Feathers has been
a true mother to us all, yeah?
'So come down and pay your respects
to her one last time.'
They really liked you, I could tell.
Mm-hmm...
What? They did.
Oh, come on, Max.
You might as well have brought
a cardboard-cutout for your date.
I wasn't there.
Just imagine if I'd turned up
wearing like a...
...I don't know, like a turquoise tutu
instead of this...hideous straight-jacket.
Hey, that's...
They really liked you. They did.
It's just these things take time,
don't they?
Hmm...
Layla, I never introduce boys
to my family.
- Stop calling me a boy, Max.
- Sorry, I meant...
- This was a really big deal for me...
- Yeah.
No, you're right,
it was a big deal... for you.
Hey... are you pissed?
I just...
I thought that went really well,
all things considering.
- All things considering?
- Yeah.
As in...
No, it's fine.
I'm not mad, erm...
I'm gonna go to Feathers.
- OK, I'll join you.
- No, no, just please don't do that, OK?
- Honestly, not this time.
- What?
Yeah, they're a bit square, but that doesn't
mean that I don't love that side of you.
You know I do.
It's not just one side of me.
Jesus Christ, I'm so tired.
I'm so tired of...
...constantly feeling like
I'm at a dressing-up party with you.
One day, you want me all glittery,
and the next, you make me dress
like I'm basically
at a fucking funeral for myself!
I'm exhausted, Max.
I don't make you do anything.
Yeah.
Yeah... you're right, it's me.
It's me. I'm doing it to me.
Doing what? What?
You're doing it to yourself, too.
Layla, Layla, listen.
I love you.
Hey, I love you.
And I love you just as you are.
Yeah, which me? Huh?
- I can't...
- What?
I can't, I can't do this.
I love you.
I've never said that to anyone, so...
You can't... I can't just...
You know me better than anyone.
Layla, you and I, Octopi...
It's octopuses, Max.
Sorry.
I'm sorry.
Now this is just pure drag!
Wait for it, wait for it,
wait for it... Pow!
Udon on the chest!
It'll stick on stone!
Devastation! Ha-ha!
- Oh, my nail!
- Oh, no, where'd it go?
- A moment for the nail.
- May she rest in peace.
- Bless the nail.
- They! The nail is non-binary.
- May they rest in peace.
- May they rest in peace!
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Er... can I come in?
- Yes, sorry, of course. Hi!
- That outfit...
- No, no, please.
I don't want you to make this
into anything massive, OK?
I was... about to say you look gorgeous.
That's all.
It's no big deal.
No big deal?
Do you remember what you did
the first time I tried make-up on?
Well, I was a teenager.
I was scared for you.
Seriously, is... is that why you've been
pretending I don't exist this whole time?
Do you how hard it's been dealing
with Mama and Baba all by myself?
I know...
I just couldn't risk it, so...
But you've never even given me
a chance.
You just...
...disappeared.
I'm sorry.
Really, I am. I'm sorry.
Me, too.
Well, I'm really glad you're here, Latif.
It's, er... Layla.
Layla.
- That outfit is beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Thank you for coming, you'll love it.
- I've not seen them do this before.
Hey, we got a lighting change.