Love in Slow Motion (2026) Movie Script

[babies crying]
-[gentle lullaby plays]
-[baby coos]
[baby coos happily]
[man] They look so sweet.
[woman] They do. [chuckles softly]
[man] This one looks so innocent.
-Look at his small hands!
-[woman laughs]
This one is naughty.
I'm sure when he grows up,
he's going to be sly!
[woman] You can tell from his eyes
that he's very naughty.
[both chuckle]
Honestly, so cute, Jawad. So cute.
[woman laughs]
Look at this one,
playing with his foot. [laughs]
-I'm sure he's going to be naughty.
-Mm-hmm, yes, yes. [laughs]
They're so cute.
Oh, God.
May God send me a husband
who I can have a baby with.
No.
I don't want just one baby.
I want lots of children.
I want to have lots and lots of children.
Please, God.
[laughs]
-[light comic music plays]
-[chuckles]
Why are you looking at me?
Stop it, Jawad, don't.
I'll walk away and leave you here.
I can do it, you know? [laughs]
LOVE IN SLOW MOTION
Jawad, stop it! [laughs]
You know you're like a brother to me.
-Okay, I'll stop! We're just friends.
-Fine. It's just a joke.
Let's be quick,
otherwise she'll flip on us.
You know how crazy she is,
and I'm not in the mood today.
-[woman] Jawad, can we take a picture?
-Yes, of course.
-Come on, quickly.
-[camera apps click]
-Thank you, thank you!
-Sorry, we're running late.
Can I take a picture with you, please?
-Yes, of course.
-Jawad!
-[woman 2] I want a picture too.
-Quickly, please!
-She'll flip on us. She's crazy.
-Hey, you go. Go, go.
-I'll catch up.
-Okay. Don't be too long.
-[woman] It's blurry, another one please.
-Okay, let's.
[woman] How cute!
-[laughs]
-Is everything okay?
-Where've you been? You're late!
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, my love.
Forgive me. So, Doctor, update me.
Is everything okay?
This paper has the info
about the baby's sex.
Your sister requested
that the secret is kept with you.
[exclaims happily]
[sighs]
[gasps softly]
-Open it! Why are you waiting?
-Okay, okay.
In the name of Allah.
[gently suspenseful music plays]
A boy?
It's a girl? Please, tell me it's a boy.
Don't. Actually, I don't--
I don't want to know.
Tell us!
No, don't tell us.
You're happy! You seem so happy!
Your little sister is having a baby,
and you're already 35,
and you still haven't
found yourself a man?
[sighs heavily]
Mmm Perfect.
Okay.
First of all, I'm not 35 yet, mmm?
It's still early.
Also, who said I don't want to
raise a family, and have kids?
Lots of kids.
But the problem that I don't understand
is how come everyone around me
has found the right person, and not me?
Either I have bad luck,
or I still haven't found the perfect man.
But the one thing I know for sure
is that I want a baby.
-Get your act together and sort it out!
-Auntie!
What do you mean, "Auntie"?
Don't "Auntie" me!
Ever wonder why I'm still not married?
Because I'm waiting for you, dear!
If your mother was alive,
she would've thought I already found
a husband! What's wrong?
-Your lipstick is amazing.
-Oh, really?
-Really.
-Good.
-I can't take this.
-Okay, quickly!
You deal with her. I'll check on Cuba,
I've left him alone all day.
Ha-ha! Cuba! Cuba! Of course, Cuba!
Go to Cuba, or he'll get upset! Cuba!
That's your accomplishment, Cuba!
[lively music plays]
[chimp grunts]
Good boy!
Give me a high-five
Give me a high-five. Good boy!
[Haya] I don't know what my aunt's problem
is with Cuba. I feel it's very normal.
Some people have cats,
others have dogs, and I have Cuba.
That's right, I have Cuba.
He's like my son. I love him so much.
And no one entertains me like he does.
He makes me laugh,
he plays with me, he talks to me
You know what? You want
to call me crazy? Call me crazy.
-[sister] I don't feel like eating at all.
-Okay, pasta coming up!
[aunt] Hurry up, Haya!
-Your sister's hungry!
-Wow! It smells delicious!
[sister] I'm so nauseous from the smell.
[aunt] It's good for you and the baby.
[sister] I can't! I don't want to,
I'm feeling sick.
I'm feeling sick.
Tell her I'm too nauseous to eat.
Let her be, please.
-She wants to force-feed me! I feel sick.
-[aunt] Just eat a bit more.
Let her be. Let her be.
When's your husband coming back?
Next week. Please, everyone,
leave me alone. I won't eat.
Okay. I have good news.
-Mmm?
-[aunt] Yes?
Yesterday, I signed
my first film contract as a lead.
-No way! Are you serious?
-[all exclaim]
Even Cuba's excited! [laughs]
-Congratulations!
-[aunt] It's God's will, congratulations!
Thank you, thank you. But we're going
to film for a month in the Maldives.
Oh, my God! The Maldives?
I'm super excited! In the Maldives?
You're going to kill it. You'll see.
Yeah, it's a very good film.
It's a romance, and a huge project.
-Oh!
-[Haya] My God! Get out of here! Serious?
I'm a little nervous though.
Come on now. Stop it, don't be nervous.
You're up to it and more. Mark my words.
And you two mark my words as well, huh?
You'll see. I'm telling you,
my best friend will become
the biggest star in the entire Gulf.
-You'll see. [laughs]
-[Jawad] High-five, Cuba!
Ooh, good boy!
"My best friend! My best friend!"
How strange!
[curious music plays]
What? Did I say something weird?
Something you don't know about?
Something new?
We all know you two
are meant for each other.
What's weird about what I said?
You both know each other better
than you know yourselves.
Get married and have a baby!
Wise up, girl! Instead, we have Cuba!
[slurps]
Hey, is there more of this pasta?
I might wake up hungry later.
Mmm.
Just a minute, just a minute. Okay? Hmm?
I must must
Aha. Mmm!
Hmm.
Hmm! What does this mean?
It means that we've known each other
since we were this big.
He knows everything about me, I mean
Jawad and I, together?
It's like
I mean
No, no, no. No, no way.
[lively playful music plays]
[people chatter indistinctly]
-[phones ring]
-[people chatter]
You didn't travel?
I didn't travel.
And I won't travel. Do you know why?
W-Why?
Because as I was closing my suitcase,
I felt that I was missing something.
[gasps] I asked myself,
"What are you missing?" And suddenly
I was seeing you in front of me.
You're the thing that I was missing,
even though you've always
been in front of me. You.
[stifled laughing]
[light comic music plays]
[laughs]
I don't understand why you're laughing.
Jawad, sorry, sorry.
But you're being so dramatic.
Jawad, who acts like this now?
Why are you breathing out
so much air while you're acting?
It's my fault for rehearsing with you.
You know how important this film is!
-And you're making fun of me?
-Jawad. Jawad!
Come here! You can't get upset
and leave every time. Calm down.
I know what's best for you.
No one acts like that.
Love with your eyes.
Your eyes, not just words. Okay? Come on.
Come on, let's--
[chuckles] Let's try again.
All right, sorry. Sorry, really. Go.
Come on. Don't stare at me like that.
Go on.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[door opens]
You didn't travel?
Because as I was closing my suitcase,
I felt that I was missing something.
I asked myself, "What are you missing?"
And suddenly,
I was seeing you in front of me.
You.
You're the thing that I was missing,
even though you were
always in front of me.
Haya, I love you.
[romantic music plays]
Will you marry me?
[music stops]
[light comic music plays]
Uh, uh
Honestly, what you said just now
is really good, Jawad.
I mean, your acting is
very different from before.
It's amazing. But, I mean
That, uh, where is it?
It's not here in the script. I mean
That was real, not acting.
You and I, why can't we be together?
No, Jawad, we're always together, right?
Haya, I'm being serious.
No, no, no. No, Jawad,
I'm not willing to risk losing you.
No, no. Of course not! It wouldn't work!
But why wouldn't it? If we try,
it might actually work. You never know.
It wouldn't work,
because you and I are the ones
being pressured most by everyone
because they want us to find
the right person. Uh [claps] Hind! Hind!
Who's Hind?
Hind, my friend.
Hind is very much like you.
The same style, same attitude,
she talks like you, and everything.
You'll be so happy with her.
At the same time,
if you can find me
someone among your friends,
someone you know from the gym
or from work, you can introduce us.
That way, we can help one another. Hmm?
[light comic music plays]
[cracks]
[footsteps approach]
-Hi, Hind.
-[chuckles]
Uh Dr. Hind. How are you?
Hi, Jawad.
Hmm, have a seat.
[waiter] Yes, sir?
I'll have, uh, chicken breast, please,
with white rice, and without oil.
Sure. And you, miss?
Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese,
and white pasta. Alfredo, yeah?
-But without mushrooms.
-Excuse me?
"Exc" What?
Do you know how many calories
are in what you ordered?
-Chicken Caesar salad--
-Wait, wait, wait.
Do you know how much fat
is in Caesar salad dressing?
Water.
Water.
Lemon?
[Hind] By the way, I'm a fan.
I've followed all your series
for a long time, and I admire you.
Uh, as an actor of course. "Ah."
[garbled] Thank you, that's kind of you.
[laughs] Say again?
-Thank you, that's kind of you!
-[chuckles]
Hopefully, I can change
your opinion about dentists.
I'm not scared of them.
I'm not! You made me relax.
-You're very gentle. You calmed me down.
-[children chatter]
-You're very comforting. Comforting!
-[children laugh]
I really started to feel comfortable.
Haya told me all about you.
And you didn't disappoint!
Excuse me. Just a moment.
Okay, if it's just a moment.
[children continue laughing]
Hey! I don't want to hear a sound!
This is a clinic, not a nursery!
[chuckles] I hate children.
So, if we get married, don't worry.
I won't keep saying,
"I want a baby, I want a baby."
[date] By the way, you see
this food that I'm eating?
It's calculated by the gram and calorie.
One-fifty grams of chicken, that contains
approximately 50 grams of protein.
-[slurps]
-Each day, I need three of these.
The rice must be without oil.
Just water, of course.
Uh, what kind of movies
do you like to watch?
-[alarm chimes on cell phone]
-Vitamins! My vitamins!
Don't worry.
I use natural products, by the way.
-[slurps loudly]
-I don't take just anything.
Look, look. You see my triceps, yeah?
You see?
[nearby woman 1] Girls, did you know?
It turns out
that at the fertility centers,
all the eggs get mixed up with each other,
and they lose track of which egg
was fertilized by which father.
[woman 2 gasps] That's a huge disaster.
[woman 3] Yes, exactly!
By the way, I saw more than one person
talking about it on social media.
-It's a huge scandal.
-[date] You see my biceps?
[woman 1] Spain has been talking
about it for two years now.
-Everyone's asking, "Where are the eggs?"
-You and I can be like this, love story.
[woman 2] The most outrageous thing is
that they can't figure out
if it's their kid or not
because of this mess.
-No way!
-Look. Is there anyone who can do this?
[woman 1] And to make things worse,
even with DNA,
they still couldn't figure it out.
[exclaims]
Oh, my God!
-[people chatter]
-Did she faint? What's wrong with her?
[woman 2] Are you okay?
[suspenseful music plays]
Sorry, sorry!
I need to understand.
So now if my eggs get--
[quietly] get mixed up
with another woman's eggs,
I mean, that other woman-- No, no, no!
I won't allow anyone else to have my eggs.
I mean, imagine that my child
turns out not to be mine!
-After waiting for so long!
-Haya, calm down.
That could never happen here.
We use a barcode system.
Plus, each sample is checked by two people
and reviewed by two people.
[sighs] Okay. Okay.
No, no, no, no. No, no, no. Wait.
I'm not desperate, hmm?
Concentrate. I'm not desperate.
I'm chill, I'm not worried at all.
I'm just doing all of this
until I can find the perfect father,
so that I can have a baby.
Simply because life is not
like those rom-coms.
So, this is just like insurance.
Insurance.
Plan B.
-[Haya] In the Name of Allah!
-Do you think I'm having a girl or a boy?
-[all cheer]
-Whoo-hoo!
[peppy music plays]
[sister] Dear God, it's a girl!
[cheering continues]
[laughing]
[screams happily]
[laughs]
[ululating]
[laughs]
[Jawad laughs]
[clicks tongue] Jawa-- Jawad, enough!
-Stop it!
-I can't. You really fell down?
Yes, no big deal. I did. So what?
I'm just picturing
you falling on the floor.
Come here. You and that muscular friend
of yours, huh?
I'm telling you the problem
is way bigger than this!
The eggs are getting mixed up
with each other. You know what this means?
-Here.
-Oh.
-Here you go.
-[Jawad] Thank you.
-Thank you.
-You're next.
-Thank you.
-[laughs]
-Huh. I said, thank you!
-Yeah.
But what's reassuring me
is that my doctor told me not to worry.
But, hey.
Come on!
Since when have you told me about this?
-Does anyone know? No one knows.
-Right.
-But you're really making a big deal.
-No, Jawad--
I know that age is just a number,
that there are physiological things
that we can't help or control.
Okay, bravo, bravo.
So, tell me. How was it with Hind?
Before you say,
"The girl is decent, stylish, intelligent,
elegant, funny, pretty." Right?
Right. And she doesn't like children.
-She says they'll destroy your life.
-No. Oh, my God!
She doesn't want
the responsibility of being a mother.
Sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
She's a fine girl. She's decent
and comes from a good family.
-That's right, yes.
-But she's not you.
It's very hard for me
to find someone like you!
Jawad, Jawad, stop it. Stop it!
Huh? Enough.
How many times have we talked about this?
You and I will never be together.
Tell me why not.
-Because!
-Because of what?
Because! Just because.
-"Just because"?
-Yeah.
Give me one bad quality about Jawad.
-Speak up. Come on. Quickly, tell us.
-Say. Say. Say.
Click, click.
If two people love each other,
a spark has to click.
It's not just understanding each other.
I mean, I need a sign.
A sign that this is actually love.
[man on TV] I love you, Haya.
[woman on TV] I love you too, Jawad.
[romantic music plays on TV]
Is that a sign or not a sign?
Okay, I know how cute
we would be as a couple,
how compatible we are and all that.
But, I mean I didn't feel jealous
when I introduced him to Hind.
I mean, isn't it possible
that they fall in love and get married?
And I would definitely be happy, hmm?
Right? Or
[lighthearted music plays]
Okay. I know that he knows the real me
better than anyone else, okay?
And that I love his company.
And that he takes care of me.
And-- And-- And I know
that I can't do anything in my life
without running it by him first.
That's because-- because--
because he's my friend.
Okay? No, he's not my friend.
He's my-- my best friend.
But, I mean
[clicks tongue]
Okay.
Do you think that, um,
I should give him a chance?
It's already six o'clock.
How is it already six o'clock?
[cell phone rings]
[Haya] You and I will never be together.
[Jawad] Tell me why not.
-[Haya] Because.
-[Jawad] Because of what?
[Haya] Just because.
-[wistful music plays]
-[exhales heavily]
Jawad.
I think that we should, um
I think we should give ourselves a chance.
What do you think?
Answer the phone!
Answer so that I can tell you!
[scoffs]
[phone continues ringing]
[sighs]
[line rings]
JAWAD
[Haya] "Jawad,
why aren't you answering me?"
"I want to tell you something urgent."
-[bolt rattles]
-[grumbles] I can't!
I can't, I can't do it.
There, it fell apart. It fell apart!
I'm good for nothing.
I'm good for nothing! I can't do it.
I barely learned how to prep
a baby bottle. Barely!
And now, how will I do this?
I need to learn everything!
-I don't know how to do anything!
-[line rings]
God, I'm suffocating. I can't breathe.
There are so many things!
So many things that I have to do!
Everyone has to help me!
[line ringing]
-[Jawad on phone] Hello?
-Yes. Hello?
Hello?
[Jawad] Hello?
One second, one second!
Where are you? Hello?
[Jawad] Hello?
Get out, get out, get out. Hello?
-Sir, just one thing--
-One minute, bro. Just a minute.
-Hello?
-Where have you been?
I've been calling you for a week.
Why haven't you been answering?
Sorry! I swear,
we're so overwhelmed on set.
I finish shooting,
then I sleep like a log.
What shooting? Shooting?
-So, you traveled?
-Yes.
-They asked me to travel straightaway.
-Jawad, you're not serious.
What do you mean? They ask you to travel
so you up and leave just like that,
without telling me?
Why should I tell you?
What are you, my girlfriend?
No, I, uh I'm-- I'm-- I'm--
-I'm not. I mean
-[Jawad] "I'm what?"
I-- I-- I am I didn't-- I didn't say--
I mean, I didn't say that.
I was just trying to say, uh my birthday!
You're not going
to be there for my birthday?
Oof!
Right! Right, it's your birthday.
How did I forget?
Wait, what? No, wait a second.
I didn't quite get that. What?
"I forgot your birthday"? Are you serious?
Haya, they need me.
I'll call you back. Bye.
No, no, no, Jawad!
Jawad, wait, don't hang up!
-No, no, no. Jawad, Jawad-- Wait, I'm--
-[dial tone pulses]
It's okay. It's okay, it's okay.
It's okay.
It's no big deal.
If he doesn't come to my birthday
this year, hmm, fine.
Right? Right.
[sighs] Okay, so why am I bothered, hmm?
[whimsical music plays]
No, I'm fine. Okay.
I'm fine.
I'm fine, it's fine. What?
Fine. [chuckles]
[upbeat pop music plays on speakers]
Hold me, hold me close tonight
Get me on the floor
-[people chatter happily]
-[sister] My stomach got so much bigger.
Ah! That's why!
[Haya] Guys, I'll be right back.
Hi! Hi.
-Hi!
-Hello, hi!
It's so good to see you.
You look wonderful.
-You look amazing.
-You look good. Oh, nice!
-Thank you.
-Love the dress.
[woman laughs]
Even you?
-Ah! So, all good with you guys?
-Okay.
-All's good?
-[woman] What a lovely party.
[woman laughs]
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Hayoula
Happy birth--
What's wrong with you?
Are you looking for someone?
Why are you so upset?
What's up with you two?
I'm not upset. I'm actually
I'm fine. I'm having fun.
-[both] Hmm.
-Yeah.
She's upset because Jawad is not here.
This is the first birthday without him,
and you feel lost without him.
-You need him with you, right?
-Dalal, I said I'm fine!
[gasps] You keep arguing
with a pregnant woman?!
-[upbeat music stops]
-[whispers] Pregnant.
-[confetti cannon pops]
-[screams]
-[upbeat music resumes]
-[guests cheer]
Thank you.
[giggles]
Come on, make a wish!
[breath echoes]
Ooh!
[gasps softly]
Happy birthday.
[romantic music plays]
How?
I told them the film won't go anywhere.
A day, I'll come back.
Can't let you celebrate
your birthday without me.
I have a surprise for you.
-I have a surprise for you, too.
-What? Tell me.
-You say first.
-I'll tell you.
I finally
It looks like I'm not going
to stay single.
[giggles]
Me too. It looks
like I'm done being single.
I decided to get engaged!
And you had to be the first one
to know about it.
[both exclaim happily]
Of course, I had to be
the first one to know about it.
Happy birthday, gorgeous!
[squeals]
I've been so excited to meet you
after everything Jawad
has told me about you.
Happy birthday!
Thank you, uh
-Ah.
-Hi.
Nice to meet you.
I'll be right back. My fans.
-Hi.
-Zeina.
The lead actress
in the film that I'm shooting.
-I invited her, to introduce her to you.
-[sighs]
She's the girl I'm going to propose to.
[light comic music plays]
Tell me.
What's the surprise
you wanted to tell me about?
Uh Yeah, um, um
[clears throat] Remember, um, Cuba?
Cuba.
I told you that I want
to-- to find him a mate.
Of course, I remember.
Mmm.
[voice breaks] I found him
the perfect female monkey.
[suspenseful music plays]
Hmm. You know, that girl Zeina today,
I mean, the way she showed up
with Jawad felt a bit awkward.
-I don't understand why he brought--
-Oh, my God!
By God's grace!
She looks gorgeous!
Her eyelashes look so pretty!
-She's amazing! Look!
-Show me, show me.
[aunt] She's gorgeous!
Hey, relax! You're exaggerating,
you really are. "Perfect!"
She's no big deal, honey.
Come on. No big deal.
No, no. They seem natural.
-Wow! Wow!
-Wow.
Look, look at that dress!
Whatever she wears looks beautiful on her!
How can someone look so beautiful?
[aunt] This girl is breathtaking.
Look how beautiful!
-And the--
-[Dalal] Wow! I love her!
The color combinations are
-Imagine what her kids would look like?
-[gasps]
-Imagine if they have kids together. Wow!
-Ah, yes!
-They'll be amazing, Mashallah.
-They'll be so cute! Oh, my God!
-She's perfect for Jawad, don't you think?
-[Dalal] Mmm.
-[aunt] No, no. I agree totally.
-[Dalal] Of course.
Don't be silly. Just give her a chance.
Believe me, I'm sure you'll like her.
Okay, okay! All right, relax.
What did I say? I like her.
[chuckles] Remember during rehearsals
when I told you that I didn't like her?
Mmm.
I thought she was fake
and exaggerated everything.
But as soon as we started shooting,
I saw a whole other person.
Someone who's kind, simple, and charming.
[chuckles]
She's kind, simple, and charming.
So yeah, let's get married! Right?
It's my fault, I'm telling you everything.
Okay. Sorry. Sorry.
Go on. Then what happened?
One day, I got sick on set.
I got a sunstroke and a fever.
I told them,
"I need to go back to my room."
When she found out what happened,
she got me a doctor
and she insisted that he examines me.
She stayed all night by my side,
and took care of me.
That was it.
I started having
different feelings towards her.
I felt affection.
Affection that I hadn't felt
for a long time. Haya!
Uh I'm listening, I'm listening.
She came to-- to your room
and she got you some medicine.
-What happened next?
-No, I said that already.
I said that I felt affection,
which I haven't felt for a long time.
Okay, and what else? Mmm?
[chuckles] After a few days
of shooting, she confessed.
She said, "I love you."
Her directness scared me!
And I found myself saying,
"I love you, too."
Do you think what I felt was right?
[Haya] Well
I don't know if what you felt was
I mean, who can tell what you feel?
You have to feel for yourself.
Haya, you're not just anyone.
It matters to me how you feel about her!
Okay.
I promise you,
as soon as I feel something about her,
I'll let you know.
[director] Love, love! Show me love!
Yeah, make Shakespeare jealous, okay?
-[upbeat rock music plays]
-Okay. Okay, a bit lower.
A bit lower, a bit lower. Okay.
What a cute couple! Love, love, love!
Yeah! Look at us! Look at the camera!
You, you're playing hard to get.
You're playing hard to get.
Yes, that's the smile! Laugh at the joke!
Just come close to each other.
Stay close to each other.
Look at him again. Look at him again.
[all laugh]
Okay, show me eyes! Eyes, eyes, eyes!
Ah, look at her, look at her.
Love, show me love!
You're so in love with her!
-So in love with her! Beautiful!
-[Zeina] Haya!
Beautiful! You guys are love itself!
Show me, show me. Come here and show me.
Look at this one. And this one.
-This one.
-Uh-huh. Yeah?
-That's the one I like the most.
-I love it!
[director] Continue!
You love each other for real or what?
-[Zeina laughs]
-We need to concentrate! [laughs]
Still the first outfit,
and honestly I'm exhausted.
It's gonna be a long day. [laughs]
[stylist 1] Did you see
what Zeina did today?
[stylist 2] I did. And to be honest,
I don't have a good feeling about Zeina.
[stylist 1] Don't get me started.
You weren't with us in the Maldives.
Even if she had him under a spell,
he'd never let her treat him this way.
[stylist 2] I heard
they're getting engaged.
[stylist 1] Of course, she wants
to use him. She's self-serving.
-[toilet flushes]
-Sorry. Shh. Shh!
I'm sure the poster's going to be amazing.
Amazing! Amazing!
So excited! I'm so excited!
-We have strong chemistry.
-Very!
That's why I want to take a video, please!
Who's my sweetheart?
[both] You're my sweetheart.
-You are my sweetheart.
-You, you, you, you.
-I swear. You, you, you.
-You are my sweetheart.
Guys, please. Can we go? Please.
Yes, we're going.
My love, don't post any videos.
I know, love. It's for memory's sake.
Juju, let's go eat. I'm starving!
"Juju"?
It's nice. She makes it sound nice,
that's why I let it go.
[Zeina] Haya,
what's your account on TikTok?
I don't have a TikTok honestly.
-Because I like my privacy.
-Who cares about privacy?
Look how nice it is
when everyone loves you. Hi!
The best thing in the world is fame.
The best thing.
I created accounts
on social media for fame.
I did this film for fame.
I even made a song once,
even though I have a bad voice.
And it was a hit, and it brought me fame.
Look. Fame Excuse me.
is the most amazing thing.
It makes everyone love you
and gather around you. Right, Juju?
[Jawad] Right, love.
Who is my sweetheart?
[Zeina] I'm your sweetheart,
and you're mine.
[Jawad] Who is my whole world?
[Zeina] You, you. You're my sweetheart.
I will not let her marry him.
Hmm!
[light comic music plays]
[huffs] Mm-hmm.
No, no, no, no. No, no, no.
It's not because I want to marry him.
Not at all!
It's because this girl
is not a good match for him.
I need to gather information about her,
to figure out how to ruin
this relationship before it evolves.
[adventurous music plays]
[Zeina] Hello, girls! Get ready with me.
A new day, and a new episode
of What's In My Bag.
It's going to be very exciting.
Zeina, extraordinary makeup products
[commenter] Is it true
that you hate horror movies?
[Zeina] God, I don't know how some people
can actually watch horror movies.
Don't they get scared?
I hate cats!
And my best friend just got a cat.
My God! [screams]
Yeah, everybody knows this about me.
I really suffer from sea sickness.
If I get aboard a ship or a boat,
my head starts spinning, spinning,
spinning, spinning, spinning.
The thing I hate the most
in the world is football.
I don't understand
what's so fun about running after a ball?
Explain to me.
Now rip it. Bravo, Cuba!
-Good boy, good boy.
-[Cuba grunts happily]
High-five!
[woman 1] Wow, Zeina! You look gorgeous!
[woman 2] I love you, Zeina!
[overlapping women's voices
speaking to Zeina on social media]
[doorbell rings]
-[doorbell rings]
-[sighs heavily]
[dramatic music plays]
Her photos! Her photos!
Haya! Are you okay?
[cell phone rings]
-Hello?
-[Zeina] How are you? Are you home?
Yeah, yeah. Yes, I'm home.
[laughs] It's me at the door. Open up!
Yes, I know. Uh, I mean, uh
That's what I thought.
That's what I thought. Okay?
Just give me a few seconds,
and I'll be right there. Okay?
Bye.
Zeina! I miss you.
-Oh! Mmm!
-[sighs]
-[exclaims repeatedly]
-Did you cut your hair?
-[laughs] Extensions!
-Mmm.
I have a problem and I need your help.
Uh, what's wrong? What happened?
Did you have a fight with Jawad?
-Did something happen between you two?
-Juju? My sweet Juju!
He would never upset me.
He always makes me feel like a princess.
-Oh.
-No, I have another problem, honestly.
Oh? What?
Tomorrow's our first interview,
me, Juju, and the director.
-Okay. Mmm.
-I'm so nervous.
I'm worried about messing up,
embarrassing Juju.
I'm a bit spontaneous,
and I can be emotional.
[dramatic music plays]
-Haya, are you with me?
-I am, I am!
You were talking about the interview,
Jawad, director. [chuckles nervously]
Zeina, you have nothing
to worry about in interviews.
They're easy!
Uh, you know what you should do?
-Spit out your words. Spit!
-Mmm.
Spit 'em out! And be spontaneous.
Uh, you need chamomile tea.
Chamomile will help you relax.
Wow! Yes! My love Juju loves chamomile.
Jawad has never
Jawad loves chamomile! Right!
Right. That's why chamomile
will make you feel better. Okay? Uh
Okay. You know what helps
make me feel better?
What?
If you go to the kitchen,
and make yourself at home.
Consider this home, your home.
Of course, you're like my sister.
-This house? Okay.
-This way, yes, yes, yes.
And you can make yourself some chamomile.
-Okay, okay.
-Okay? Feel free! Please!
[whispers] Cuba!
-[dramatic music intensifies]
-[Cuba grunts softly]
Where's the photo? Where is it?
Just tell me. Where's the photo, huh?
Where's the photo? Where?
[Zeina] You know something, Haya?
Juju told me how calm
and laid back you are,
that you know how to handle any situation.
No. Don't pretend that you don't hear me.
It's not playtime now.
Where's the photo?
Where is it? Where is it? Where is it?
[Zeina] Absolutely nothing
stresses you out.
I wish I could be like you,
to be able to deal with things smoothly
Where's the photo?
[Zeina] and calmly,
without getting stressed.
Where did you put the photo?
[Zeina] So how do you think I should act?
How would Juju like a girl to act
in moments like these?
Yeah, just be yourself!
Make jokes, tell jokes loudly.
Be bold. Joke around.
-Be loud. Laugh loudly.
-[Cuba grunts]
Yes, yes. Jawad likes-- likes a girl
to be spontaneous and natural.
Come here! Cuba! Cuba, where's the photo?
So you think I should drink
matcha before the interview?
Yes. Drink matcha.
-What if I get hyper?
-Be hyper!
Be hyper, have fun, laugh. Get it all out!
I want you to have a blast
in that interview. It's your chance!
-Okay?
-Thank you. Thank you, Haya!
You're my best friend.
A real friend, I swear.
Are you always this hasty
with your emotions?
[Zeina] It's the first time
someone's given me genuine advice.
I usually feel that most my friends
want to use me, are jealous of me.
-[mouths] Cuba!
-But you're different.
You've become one of my closest friends.
I really trust you.
Now tell me, what do you feel?
Why does everyone
keep asking me that question?
What would I feel?
I feel happy! I feel happy.
I I don't understand.
I'm happy for you two!
I mean, do you think
Jawad is happy with me?
You're the one he trusts the most,
and shares all his secrets with.
-He He told you this?
-Yes!
So how do you feel?
Well, I don't know, honestly.
I mean, nothing really.
But when I feel something,
I'll let you know, okay?
-Oh! I feel something!
-[intriguing music plays]
Jawad leaves and gets bored easily.
So, what should you do? Play hard to get.
Don't bring up marriage a lot
and all the time mentioning having kids.
And be careful.
Especially kids,
don't bring up having kids at all.
-Okay? Be cool.
-Okay. Okay.
You have to come with me
to tomorrow's interview.
What? No, by the way, I did nothing wrong.
Okay, I know that what I did was toxic,
but I mean
I did it for him!
For him, not for me.
Three, two, one. You're on, Neshan.
Good evening, and welcome
to a new episode of With Neshan.
-Tonight, two stars
-Fix the lighting. [continues directing]
that I will be interviewing
under the backstage lights,
before the lights go off,
and they shine bright,
as the story begins on-screen.
The star, Zeina Ahmad,
and the star, Jawad Mansour,
and the director of the film
Love In The Maldives,
which you're going to be
watching very soon,
Mourad Semaan.
Welcome, everyone, With Neshan.
-Thank you.
-First of all, Neshan, thank you so much.
Thank you so much for having us.
We love you so much.
We love you so, so much,
and we're so excited
about being here with you today.
Thank you. It seems you're hyper, Zeina.
Yes, well, I had a bit too much matcha.
But it's okay, I'll manage.
Don't worry.
It'll wear off soon. I'll be fine.
[all laugh]
-It's good to have you here. Um
-[Zeina] Thank you.
I noticed that between the two of you,
there's chemistry.
There's this strange chemistry.
So, is this chemistry staged,
or has it been there for a while?
-Staged, he says!
-No, no.
-Even Neshan noticed the chemistry!
-Chemistry can never be staged. Uh
Chemistry is something--
[Zeina] There's no such thing
as staged chemistry. Glory be to Allah,
since the first day we met, right, Jawad?
Since the first day we met
what do the Lebanese say?
"A pot that found its lid."
I'm the pot and he's my lid.
-[crew laughs]
-[Zeina] Really, Glory be to Allah.
A match, a match made in heaven.
He understands just by looking at me.
Besides, we're very cute together.
[laughs] Very.
-Hi. Nice to meet you. [laughs]
-Nice to meet.
-[all laugh]
-[Zeina] I don't know why he's upset.
I'm sorry, this is the matcha.
It's the matcha, I swear.
-It's not me!
-Uh, the most important thing between
[director] Now close on Zeina,
and stay there for a bit.
Jawad, if I hand you a special invitation
for someone to come
and watch the film's premiere,
who would you give this invitation to?
[director] Okay, close on Jawad,
close on Jawad.
Well, I won't say the name.
But, uh
ever since I started acting
there's always been someone there for me,
who always gives me support.
And we have a deal
[romantic music plays]
that on the premiere
of my first film as a lead,
they'll be the first one to be invited.
-[Neshan] "They"?
-[Jawad] Someone.
-[Neshan] Someone?
-Someone.
[Neshan] You didn't name them.
So is it a he or a she?
No need to say the name.
They know who they are.
And that's enough.
-[Zeina] Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Amazing.
-[all exclaim]
-Congrats, Zeina!
-Neshan, thank you so much! I love you!
-You are trending, Jawad, everywhere.
-Thank you so much.
[Neshan] Mourad,
congratulations on the film.
[Zeina] Neshan, can I take one last photo?
Thank you so much!
-Thank you.
-I'll be right back.
[Zeina] Let's take a photo.
The episode is trending everywhere!
I'm so excited!
Honestly, it went great.
But you know, she really was
such a mess, right?
I was on edge the entire time.
I was like, "I'm sure Jawad can't wait
to finish the show
and get out of here quickly!"
-Actually, I loved her--
-Great job!
-Thank you! It was a pleasure.
-[Neshan] Thank you.
I loved her. She was so funny.
[chuckles] Yeah, well, I mean, I--
She really messed up.
I mean, she said some things
before even thinking them through.
That's what I love about her.
I was drawn to her
because she expresses
her feelings out loud.
Look, the situation was stressing me out,
and I didn't like it at all.
But over time, I realized
I should be with a woman
who wears her heart on her sleeve.
She says what she feels.
Even if it's irrational,
even if it's silly, she says it.
Mmm.
-Hey, bestie!
-Hi.
-Thank you.
-Okay, I have to go to work.
Oh, hey!
Come this weekend with them, to dinner.
Oh, my God! Amazing idea!
We'll have so much fun!
No, you guys go and have fun.
I don't want to follow you
everywhere like a shadow.
Haya, please. Come with us.
Let's have some fun.
Please, please, please!
Come on, it'll be fun, I swear.
Okay, God willing.
When the time comes, we'll see.
You're coming. It's final.
Let's go, Juju. See you.
I'm starving. Let's go somewhere to eat
and chat. We're trending today!
-Bye.
-[Zeina] We've got to celebrate!
Jawad!
Are you okay?
You still remember that premiere thing?
[tender music plays]
I thought that you had maybe forgotten
about the deal we have.
I could never forget.
I can tell you where we were that day.
We were at college.
In hall three, and we had
just finished a rehearsal.
And the next day was the show.
Right. I thought you had forgotten.
[chuckles softly]
I might not be expressive
but I never forget.
[light comic music plays]
Thank you so much for liking Zeina.
And thank you for giving me
support every step of the way.
It's okay.
He'll leave her, for sure.
He'll leave her. I'm sure.
He'll leave her.
Calm down. Enough! Calm down.
-[clatters]
-[sighs]
Haya, I'd like your opinion
about something important.
I'm thinking of buying her a gift.
But I don't know what to get her.
SHE HATES CATS
[intriguing music plays]
Get her a cat.
Zeina and I are going to the cinema.
Want to come?
Oh! Honestly, I would've loved
to join you guys.
But unfortunately,
I'm going out with my friends.
Hmm. So I won't be able to come.
But there's a great horror movie
that just came out. Take her to see it.
Take her to a football game.
Believe me, you'll have so much fun.
Like, why don't you take her
on, um, a trip on a boat in the sea?
I'll tell you what. Take her to dinner
at one of those food trucks
in the restaurants district.
-Look at the beauty of the sushi!
-Yes!
#IHATESTREETFOOD
I don't know how people
can eat street food.
-Yes, Cuba! [laughs]
-[grunts]
[sighs happily]
[laughs]
[Zeina on video] Hi, guys!
Today, I'm going on a boat trip!
I'm so excited to show you all.
Stay tuned.
[commenter 1] "Zeina's actually enjoying
street food with her"
-[woman] Who's your new sweetheart?
-[man] How cute you look together!
[Zeina] "Help me name this cat.
Can I call him Love?"
[woman 2] Cute!
[Zeina] "Since someone
very special gave him to me."
"My first horror movie. And I loved it!"
[phone chimes]
[Jawad] Haya, thanks a lot.
Thank you for everything you've done.
Zeina is so happy. Thank you, bro!
[Cuba grunts]
[intriguing music plays]
[scoffs]
He said "bro"?
[scoffs] No, no.
No, something is not right.
[Jawad] Thank you, bro!
Thank you, bro!
[scoffs] "Bro"!
[Jawad] Thank you, bro!
He said "bro."
He called me "bro." [chuckles]
Bro.
Hey, which is prettier? This or this?
No, no. I really can't get my head
around that relationship.
Jawad and Zeina.
I mean, is he for real or what?
He wants to drive me crazy!
Yeah, I think this one too.
I just thought I'd ask for your opinion.
She doesn't even know
anything about him. [scoffs]
Chamomile! Can you imagine?
She still thinks that he likes chamomile.
He doesn't like chamomile!
It makes him bloated.
I'm the one who knows
everything about him.
Eventually, he'll try chamomile,
it will make him bloated,
and she'll find out.
What's worse, do you know
what he told me the other day?
"I like a girl
who expresses her feelings."
For God's sake, how does
this Zeina express her feelings?
Like, maybe, her face needs
an extra filter on Instagram?
Are those her feelings?
Aha! That's what's killing you, for sure.
She's pretty, and everyone loves her.
Listen to me. She knows nothing about him.
I mean, like For example,
if he's sitting and he's quiet, okay?
She doesn't know, for example,
that if he had a bad day,
he'll be in a mood.
She doesn't know that he doesn't like
to swim in the sea, and--
Before, whenever he was upset,
the first person he would call was you.
Now, she's the one he calls, not you.
That's what's killing you! Hmm!
There, take this!
That's what's killing you.
-Wait, I'm not--
-Don't argue with a pregnant woman!
[wistful music plays]
Tell me, does this color look good on me,
or is something off with the
Please, go tell him.
What do you want me to tell him, Dalal?
Tell him that I'm lost? That I don't know
what I'm feeling, or what I want?
You want me to tell him,
"Leave Zeina," and that's it?
Dalal, I don't know what I'm feeling.
I don't know
if what I'm feeling is true or not.
I feel like I'm so confused,
and-- and I'm
You know what? Just forget it.
I don't want to talk about it anymore.
You will go with him to Mourad's,
and you will tell him.
No, I'm not going.
Yes, you are!
I said I'm not!
[Mourad] I'm coming!
I'm getting you some chips.
[Zeina] Come on,
because we're winning by a landslide!
-Oh, yeah?
-You want a selfie before you lose?
-Shoot me!
-[Jawad] Now is not the time for this.
[all laugh]
-Come on!
-[Mourad] Ah! A film!
-[woman] No, wrong.
-Two words!
-Wrong!
-[men] Tarzan?
-No-- Wrong.
-His leg hurts!
Tarzan needs to use the bathroom!
-No, no, no! What? Who? What?
-[Zeina] Three
[Mourad] I know this movie!
What is it? Um
-Two
-Top Gun! Top Gun!
-Stop!
-Top Gun! I don't know.
-[Jawad] Mission Impossible!
-What?
Mission Impossible, Mourad!
-You never get it right.
-Unbelievable. You want me to walk away?
[guests continue to laugh and chat]
[romantic music plays]
[breathing heavily]
[moody pop music plays]
-[music stops]
-What?
No one argues with a pregnant woman.
[lively music plays]
-[Zeina] Ah?
-[Mourad] An hour?
-[man] Don't help.
-[Jawad] Oppenheimer! Oppenheimer!
-[both exclaim]
-[woman] Here we go again.
-[man] Really?
-[woman] Every time.
-[man] Such show-offs.
-[woman] How did--
We're the winners of charades!
Come on, it's your turn!
-[Haya] Okay. Go again.
-[Mourad] Black?
[Haya] A film. It's a film, right?
-Yeah.
-[guests chatter]
Yes? "Falling"?
My Father Above the Tree!
-[Jawad yells] Yeah!
-[man] Not again!
-[Mourad] No, no. Let's switch teams.
-[Haya and Jawad cheer]
[Zeina] No, no, no! This is unbelievable!
[Mourad] Shame on you! Shame on you!
A team of two is beating us! Shame on you!
El Basha Telmiz!
[Haya and Jawad cheer]
[man] Very good, very good, very good.
[both exclaim and taunt]
-[laughs]
-You can't beat us!
-[Zeina] We're losing by five points.
-Are you cheating?
[taunting] Losers! Losers!
[man] They read each other's minds.
How is this possible?
[Mourad] You're cheating, too!
You're helping them.
-[Zeina] What are you talking about?
-[Mourad] You're helping them out!
[Haya] I wish I brought Cuba with me.
He would've loved it here.
[both chuckle]
Now you see why you had to come?
You know that I don't like to lose.
Between you and me
[chuckles] Zeina's friends
are so annoying.
I sat with them once before.
But today, I'm sure that they suck.
That's why I insisted that you come.
The minute you showed up, I felt relieved.
I was lost without you.
-I want to tell you something.
-What?
Um
I mean, for a while now,
I've been feeling, um
I feel, uh, okay that, um
I-- I mean, I feel that I want
I mean, this is the first time
I've felt that I want to, uh
want to, uh
Uh, I'm sure you understand.
You understand what I mean, right?
Well, I'm trying to, but I don't.
Okay. Okay, okay, fine.
I'm just going to say it as it is.
-Jawad, I--
-[Zeina] Jawad? Hey! Come on!
-I'll be right there! I'm coming.
-All right.
Day by day, I'm sure
I chose the right person.
[light comic music plays]
Want to hear a crazy thing? Are you ready?
What?
I decided to go public
about my relationship with--
No, you can't!
Jawad, do you realize what you're saying?
Of course, you can't!
You know what they're going to say?
What will they say?
They'll say-- They'll say
that, uh, uh, your female fans
you'll lose them.
You think I really will?
Of course, you will! And that's not all.
Do you know what else?
Your film won't succeed. Why?
As soon as they find out
there's a relationship
between you and a fellow actress,
everything will be ruined.
Your acting career will be gone,
all the dreams you had.
I'm saying this because I care about you.
Believe me,
if a photo of you and her gets out there
Okay.
-Okay, but--
-No!
-Mmm.
-Don't announce it.
[Zeina laughs in distance]
Haya? Haya.
-Haya.
-Hey-o!
-Haya.
-Haya, get up!
-[screams]
-[aunt screams]
[Dalal] In the name of God, you scared us!
What-- What are you doing here?
Look. Zeina posted this video
this morning, and then deleted it.
-[squeals] I am taken!
-What's the point? It went viral already.
Jawad and I are going
to announce our engagement soon!
So, girls, I'm a jealous person.
No more DMs, private messages,
"Jawad, sign for me," meet-and-greet, no!
I'm going to be managing
his accounts on social media.
No more fans!
Jawad is mine, and mine alone.
Weren't you supposed to go and tell him?
What happened?
-Cramps! Cramps! Cramps!
-She did it on purpose for sure!
I know her!
She's an expert at these tricks.
-Oh, God! Careful!
-[Haya exhales] Jawad!
God, what an unsettling creature.
I never felt right about her.
-I never liked her at all.
-Pick up!
-Me too. Can't stand her!
-Damn her.
-[line rings]
-[Haya breathes heavily]
-[groans]
-[line beeps]
Jawad, as soon as you hear
this voice note, call me right away.
Don't do anything
without talking to me first. [sighs]
-I never liked her. I never did.
-Me neither.
[Haya] And that's the priority
I need you guys to focus on.
How the buyer can have privacy,
and at the same time, have a unit
that overlooks the entire view.
[phone ringing]
Also, the activities--
No, I can't continue like this!
How many times did I say
to put your phones on silent? Please!
[clicks tongue]
-That's your phone.
-[continues ringing]
[mysterious music plays]
Uh, no, this-- this is
a very urgent phone call.
Excuse me. Sorry, sorry.
Jawad, where have you been?
Where are you? Why aren't you answering?
[Jawad] I'm home.
Don't worry about me. I'm fine.
Okay, listen to me carefully, huh?
Listen. Listen to me carefully.
I don't want you to stress out at all.
This is really nothing. It's just a trend.
So, it's going to take
a couple of days max,
then it will go away. Okay?
[Jawad] I told Zeina that everything
is over between us,
that we're just fellow crew members
in this film.
And when the film's over, I don't know her
and I don't want to see her again.
Um, but why? Why, Jawad? That's a shame.
I mean, maybe she, uh, um, posted
this video unintentionally or by mistake.
No, she did it on purpose!
She lied and said I proposed to her.
How can I trust her anymore?
She's ruining my relationship
with my fans!
So, that's it then? It's really over?
I mean, there's no way you might want
to give her another chance, talk to her,
anything at all?
[Jawad] It's over. It's over between us!
No way I'm going to talk to her
or even give her a chance.
Okay. Okay, just let me finish
with my meetings,
and I'll get back to you.
We'll talk,
we'll discuss it together, okay?
Okay. Bye-bye. Bye.
[squeals] Yes, yes, yes,
yes, yes, yes, yes!
[chuckles awkwardly]
Uh, uh Make me some coffee
for my next meeting, please.
I need to focus a bit. Okay?
[Zeina sobbing] He's been treating me
very differently the past few days.
I feel he
I feel he's lost interest.
He doesn't love me anymore.
All kinds of thoughts
are spiralling through my mind.
[sniffles] I deleted the video
after posting, right away.
I deleted it!
Well, okay, okay. Calm down.
Have some chamomile, try to relax.
Chamomile?
My sweet Juju, he loves chamomile.
Zeina, I have a question.
You posted that video intentionally?
I mean, you didn't post it by mistake,
or without paying attention, right?
I was trying to trap him
so he wouldn't leave me.
-Mmm.
-I don't deserve Juju!
Okay, so, what did you tell him?
I mean, did you tell him the truth?
Did you lie to him? Explain yourself?
I don't even know how to lie!
I told him that I did post it,
I regretted it, and then deleted it.
-Ah.
-But he won't forgive me!
That's it, it's over, Haya.
I won't let him come back to me.
Haya, I'm toxic and crazy.
When I get upset,
I don't know what I'm doing.
Juju and I were never meant
for each other.
There must be someone
who deserves him more than me.
He'll never come back to me! [sniffles]
[melancholic music plays]
Do you still find comfort
when we meet here?
Because it all started here.
True.
This is where I applauded you
for the first time.
The first time I saw
in you an ambitious person,
chasing his dreams.
Here, for the first time,
someone supported me.
[chuckles softly]
When I'm here, I return to the Jawad
who was just kind and simple.
All of my problems
become small in my eyes.
Well, maybe, um
she needs a second chance.
Does your heart still
beat a million times a minute
thinking of her?
Can I be alone for a while?
Okay.
Okay.
Just before you make
any decision, I mean
try to listen to her.
I mean, let her at least explain herself.
[gasps] You helped them reconcile?
[Haya] I didn't help them reconcile, okay?
I brought them together.
Besides, if he didn't love her,
well, they wouldn't have made up.
You-- What is it that you want?
What do you want?
We still can't figure you out!
We thought you'd confess to him,
then we'd be done with this game!
Now, we're back to where we started!
What game? You're calling this a game?
[wails]
If I give birth prematurely,
you'll be the reason!
Enough already! What's wrong
with you both? You're overreacting!
I did the right thing.
Don't make it into a big deal.
A big deal! We're making it a big deal?
Of course! You realize what you did?
You threw your love story
with Jawad in the trash.
You even wrapped him up as a gift,
"Honey, he's all yours!"
You think she's going
to let him talk to you?
No, he'll press
control, alt, delete all at once!
Stop, okay? Stop, stop, enough.
Um, uh, by the way,
Zeina is not evil like you think she is.
I mean, she's Zeina.
And my relationship with Jawad,
mmm, no one, no one can ruin it.
Not Zeina, or anyone.
One day, you'll wish you had listened,
when she makes him cut you off.
-And never hear from him again!
-You're overreacting, okay?
Sweetheart, I'm not finished yet!
One day, their kids'll be running around,
and you'll be running around after Cuba,
getting his approval.
You'll be staring at the walls
after hitting 40,
having no one to talk to,
crying over your lost love.
-You'll regret not listening to me.
-To me as well.
Mmm.
Okay. Are you both finished?
Mmm.
Mmm!
So what?
[melancholic music plays]
[breath trembles]
Okay.
I helped them get back together.
And advised them.
I told him to fight for her
and he did.
[chuckles sadly]
Now, they are
[sniffles] happy together.
But what I never said
is how
[sobs]
how much pain I'm in right now.
Because
I wish he had chosen me.
He had fought for me.
But that didn't happen.
It's okay.
I think that it's time for me
to step away.
For my own sake.
I shouldn't wait for a story
in which I'm not the lead.
The time has come.
[melancholic music continues]
HAYA
[line rings]
[line beeps]
Imagine the movie poster
with my picture and yours.
It's going to be amazing.
We will become a trend everywhere.
[distantly] I think you and I are going
to make an amazing couple.
But I need you to help me,
'cause I want us to go all out
in our performance.
And I know many accounts will promote
the film even before its release.
We still have a lot of work
[Jawad] "Haya, are you okay?"
[Zeina] all that stuff.
But this needs
just a little bit of dedication.
I mean, I need your undivided attention
so we can create something impressive.
I'm so excited because honestly
this is my first experience.
That's right, today I'm just going
to give you the injection.
And within the next 24 hours,
you'll come back,
and we'll retrieve the egg.
But remember.
You need to be fasting eight hours prior.
Okay, uh
Doctor, is it a long procedure?
Does it take time?
No, not at all. But after,
you'll need someone with you.
Because on the day of the procedure,
you might be unable to drive,
you might feel dizzy.
You know, just in case.
Hmm.
[sighs gently]
[phone beeps]
Jawad, I just want to remind you
of my appointment
[phone chimes]
[melancholic music continues playing]
[chuckles softly]
You didn't forget.
Of course, I didn't!
Why aren't you answering my calls?
Do you realize what you've done to me?
Do you realize
that I was scared? Terrified?
I was scared of losing you. I went crazy!
Do you realize what you are to me?
Do you realize what we are?
When you didn't answer,
it was the most horrible feeling!
I felt like I was dying.
Jawad, please, leave and go.
I don't want to cause you any problems.
Right now, you should be with Zeina.
What problems?
Not Zeina or anyone will make me lose you.
I must stay with you.
When the doctor told me
that I needed someone to be with me
after the procedure,
you were the first person
that came to my mind.
[sniffles] You know very well
that I haven't told anyone about this.
Not Rajaa, not Dalal,
no one knows about this.
I was trying all the time
to call you, then changing my mind.
I would write you a message,
or make you a voice note,
but I would never send it.
I'll tell them to take off this drip.
You'll have the most beautiful baby--
Jawad!
Jawad, it's just an insurance policy.
Of course, I wish for everything
you're saying to happen.
But
I don't want to grow old and
find myself all alone.
I'm tired of this idea.
You know better than anyone else
how tired I am.
You're not alone.
Not now, not ever.
I'm tired, too.
-I'm tired of this whole game.
-What game?
This game where I'm pretending
to be happy!
Haya.
I
You what?
You, what?
I
-I
-[knocking at door]
Haya? Are you ready for the procedure?
Haya? You seem to be on edge.
Believe me, Haya. We can't do
the procedure while you're in this state.
How about we reschedule
the procedure for another day,
when you're more comfortable?
So that we can get better results.
What do you think?
Okay. Excuse me.
Thank you for coming.
I would never leave you, not for a second.
-[sighs]
-Wipe your tears.
-I can't bear to see you like this.
-[laughs fondly]
I'd rather die.
God forbid.
[chuckles]
-[upbeat music plays on speaker]
-Ay. [exhales]
[cell phone rings]
[exclaims repeatedly]
Hey, Haya!
[Haya] I love him. I love him!
-Oh, I love him, I love him, I love him!
-Oh, my God! But who?
I love him!
I love him, and I want no one else.
[lively music plays]
Yes! Yes!
I'm going to tell him!
I'm going to tell him!
[camera chimes]
[camera chimes]
-[bomb explodes]
-[Jawad] Nuha!
-[guns firing]
-Nuha!
[people yell and scream]
Nuha!
-[woman sobs]
-Nuha!
Nuha!
Nuha!
Nuha! Nuha, please, Nuha, no!
Nuha! Nuha! Help me!
No!
[Mourad] Cut!
-Ow, ow! My tummy! My tummy!
-[Jawad grunts]
-Was it good? Was it good?
-[Mourad] Jawad, you're a true master!
[Zeina] Guys, where's my matcha?
-[Mourad] Good, good. Good job, great!
-[Zeina] Thank you.
Come on. Go get some rest.
Since 2004, I've been shouting out "Nuha!"
Okay, go. Prepare the set
for the next shot. Uh, playback! Playback!
[lively music plays]
-Sorry, where's the filming?
-Over there.
Thank you.
Stay a bit. You will come in
with the camera from the outside.
The boy is climbing the stairs.
He's happy, he's ecstatic, okay?
As he reaches the top,
as he reaches the top,
we can see his joy, then he sees
Jawad crying on the crying on the
[crew member] Okay.
[sighs] It looks
like we'll be the ones crying.
It's okay, Mustafa. Leave the mic.
I'm shooting the next scene.
Thank you.
That's it.
I can't keep pretending anymore.
I'm going to tell her everything.
Whoa! Are you insane?
Are you serious?
You want to ruin everything you've done?
I agree with Dalal, to be honest.
If I were Haya,
and you pulled this charade on me,
I would never, ever forgive you.
[Dalal] Crazy, he's crazy! After all this,
he wants to expose us all.
[Rajaa] Haya would kill us all, I swear!
-Haya! [laughs nervously] Hi!
-Hi!
-Hi! How are you? Good?
-Yeah. Me?
[laughs] Yeah.
-Wow!
-[laughs] Uh
Where's Jawad?
You should've seen the scene
that Jawad just did!
-[gasps] Oscar! Oscar! A standing ova
-Really?
-Yeah.
-I'll go say hi then.
No, no, no! Uh he's getting changed.
-Just, uh
-I won't be long. I mean--
No, no! Is the sun bothering you?
Do you want to sit inside?
-It's okay?
-Yeah? Uh
You want to watch? Come, come.
Come with me. I'll let you watch, come.
It's your first time on a movie set?
-Yes, to be honest.
-My luck! [laughs]
I'm just really lucky! Stay here.
You're going to see
something amazing, um, okay?
I'll tell them--
I'll tell them to get you a tent.
Would you like
something to drink? Catering!
-Ah.
-[nervously] Okay.
Okay. Okay!
-Thank you. [chuckles]
-Okay!
Since we started this plan,
we've had one objective. What was it?
That Haya gets jealous
and confesses her love to you.
-And that's what happened.
-Yes.
So, now we need a smart plan,
to have you and Zeina break up
in front of her. How?
What if, one day, she finds out the truth?
How am I going to face her?
How will she find out?! How?!
-What's wrong with you?
-Well, look, Jawad.
We need to find a good excuse,
a smart way to make her believe
that you broke up with each other,
and that's it!
[forceful knocking at door]
[door opens]
You, uh [breathing heavily]
[Jawad] What is it?
Haya's here, mister!
-Haya's here?
-Yeah!
-Where?
-Hey, wait!
[laughs]
Is your mic on?
[Mourad] What were you guys
saying just now?
Did you talk about the plan?
You exposed us all?
Jawad, do you realize
that Haya just heard everything?
[melancholic music plays]
Have some shame
and wait for me! I can't run!
[Mourad] So why are you running then?
You could stay seated!
[breath catches]
[sobs gently]
Jawad! Jawad!
Hey, Jawad!
[Mourad] Jawad!
Haya?
Haya!
Haya!
[footsteps receding]
Haya!
Haya, sweetheart, open the door, please.
I'm worried.
Haya, open the door!
Or I swear to God, I'll break the door
right now! I'm a pregnant woman!
-Uh
-We were worried about you. Are you okay?
Uh, Haya, sweetie.
-Our intention--
-Without excuses!
I don't understand. How could you do that?
-Me and--
-How could you do that? Tell me!
-We were just trying--
-No lying!
Okay, okay, okay. Fine, fine, okay.
I'll tell you everything.
[intriguing music plays]
[Haya] I didn't feel jealous
when I introduced him to Hind.
[Dalal] I accidentally found out
that you film your diaries.
I was curious. I wanted to know
what you were filming,
and I did that behind your back,
without you knowing.
And what I heard made me realize
how much you love Jawad.
You just were unable to admit it,
not even to yourself.
Jawad, you and I cannot be together.
I told you a thousand times.
-Why not?
-[Haya] Because!
[Dalal] Then, Auntie and I started
thinking how we could make you admit it.
What are you guys saying?
You want me to get
into a serious relationship
with someone other than Haya
in front of Haya?!
One hundred percent!
Because Haya always thinks
of one question.
If Jawad was in a serious relationship
with another girl,
how would it make her feel?
That's how she'll realize she loves you
as much as you love her!
-What? What?
-What's wrong with you?
[Dalal] So, we all sat together
to plan everything
that was going to happen,
starting from your birthday.
Then Zeina came to your birthday,
and you know the rest.
The plan was for you to think
that Zeina was using Jawad.
To be honest, I don't have
a good feeling about Zeina.
Don't get me started.
You weren't with us in the Maldives.
Even if she had him under a spell,
he'd never let her treat him this way.
And when Zeina came over
to your house, it was, uh
it was for you to believe
that she was with Jawad to use him.
So that you'd think
that he broke up with her
because of the viral video she made.
All kinds of weird thoughts
were racing in my head.
I posted that video,
I deleted it right away.
I swear I deleted it right away!
But then, you really surprised us all,
and and you brought them back together.
[gasps] You helped them reconcile?
Our intention was we wanted you to see
your relationship with Jawad differently,
the way we all do.
That you love him and he loves you.
Through lying?
All this lying and you think
you can justify, that you meant well?
So you didn't care about my feelings?
My own emotions?
You didn't care about the fact
that you were all fooling me,
and I believed you!
No, no, I swear.
All we did was to-- to help you.
Because we love you.
We want what's in your best interest.
What do you mean, because you love me?
How? Explain it to me!
You did this because you love me?
What would you have done if you hated me?
You really think I hate you,
and want to upset you?
Well, I have no other explanation
for what you did other than that!
-[shrieks]
-[mock exclaims]
Yeah, do all those
pregnant-woman shenanigans.
-As if I'm going to believe you!
-Are you okay, dear? What's wrong?
No, dear! Don't think
that if you start screaming and groaning,
I will forgive you! I won't forgive you!
-[wails]
-Both of you, leave me alone and get out.
-I'm not in the mood for--
-Take me to the hospital!
-Take me to the hospital!
-[water splashing]
-Just breathe, yeah?
-[Dalal groans]
-Bravo, bravo, bravo!
-I swear, I was trying to help you!
Oh, dear God. Forget about that now.
-Just breathe deeply, you'll be all right.
-Yeah, that's it.
-[groans]
-Oh, God! Oh, God!
I want you to forgive me!
Shh! Just deliver your baby,
and we'll talk about everything later.
-Forgive me!
-Don't worry.
[growling] Forgive me!
I'm not going unless you forgive me!
[exclaims]
[shivers] Forgive me!
Okay, okay, okay, okay. I forgive you.
[breath trembles happily]
[groans]
[wails]
[crying]
[babies cry and coo]
[tender music plays]
I know you're mad at me.
And I know that you hate me
and you can't stand seeing me.
But I did this all because of you.
I tried not once, but a thousand times.
And every time, you'd dismiss me
with excuses that I never believed.
I had to try, Haya, because I love you.
And I'm sure that you love me, too.
Forgive me.
[Jawad sighs]
Bravo.
Really, bravo.
Your performance this time was excellent.
But unfortunately
there are no cameras to film you.
Did I upset you?
Did you know that on my birthday
[breath catches]
I was going to tell you
that you and I should be together?
And the day I came to see you on set,
I stood in the exact same spot
you're in right now,
to tell you that I love you, and only you.
Haya,
when I think about you,
my heart beats a million times.
You are my dream. You are my future.
You are the one I dream of having
as a wife and a mother to my children.
I love you. I love you!
I swear to God, I love you!
Jawad, you chose Zeina,
for the film's propaganda to succeed?
And you thought to yourself,
"Let's make Haya jealous to love me?"
Right?
Wasn't that your intention?
[scoffs]
["Aloum" by Bessan Ismail plays]
[inaudible]
[indistinct]
[inaudible]
[baby coos happily]
[Mourad] When you come down the stairs,
you'll find the boy sitting in the corner.
This is the scene that's going
to define your relationship with the boy.
For him to help you later,
we must develop an emotional connection.
-Okay? Done?
-[Zeina] Right, okay. Right, right.
Mourad, I can't focus.
I'll take 15 minutes,
I'll be back with you.
-Wait, wait! Stay with me--
-I can't.
What's up with him?
Let me talk to him.
Give me a minute and I'll be--
Tell him to hurry, please.
I'm losing the sunlight here.
-[Zeina] I'll be back.
-[Mourad] Come on now!
["Aloum" continues playing]
-Haya, is--
-Leave it for tomorrow, please.
-Thank you.
-Haya? Haya!
-Hi!
-What are you doing here in the company?
-I don't get it.
-I just want a moment to talk.
There's nothing for us
to talk about, Zeina.
Haya, please.
I swear, I know you hate me.
But we really need to talk.
[sighs] Zeina, Zeina, please.
I'm not upset,
I don't hate you, or anything else.
I just don't want to talk. Please.
-[elevator powers down]
-My God! What are you doing?
I've listened to you a lot.
Now, you listen to me.
-Haya.
-[Haya groans]
I agreed to Jawad's plan for one reason.
I knew how much he loves you,
and I wanted you to be together.
It's true that I saw it
as a good opportunity,
and for the film too,
but I swear, Haya, Jawad loves you.
And when I met you,
I saw you love him too!
Please!
[woman hyperventilating]
Okay.
[woman wheezes]
I'll just ask you one question.
If someone had done this to you,
would you come to accept it?
Haya, the guy loves you,
and you love him. Have some mercy!
You're asking for mercy?
Don't you always say,
"Listen to your heart?"
So, please listen to your heart now.
[woman gasps]
[tender music plays]
[woman groans weakly]
-[switch clicks]
-[elevator powers on]
[woman sighs happily]
[laughs]
-[elevator bell rings]
-[gasps excitedly]
I don't want to see your face again.
Haya!
The date of the film premiere
will be on June 19.
It will mean so much to Jawad
if you're there.
The film premiere can't be
on June the 19th!
The date has been set,
and the invitations already sent.
What's your problem?
That-- That day is
actually Haya's birthday!
You made up?
No.
[chuckles]
Jawad, come on, it's over.
It's already too late.
This film will change your life.
So, you're going to start focusing
on your future, or not?
[wistful music plays]
[cell phone rings]
Hello?
-[Mourad] So, where's our hero?
-Leaving the house now.
Try not to be late please, okay?
Don't leave me alone. I get overwhelmed.
All right.
-Welcome, everybody.
-Happy birthday!
-Thank you.
-Happy birthday.
Thank you. Hi, thank you so much.
-Enjoy. Hi.
-Happy birthday.
-Hello!
-[Haya] Thank you so much.
[upbeat music plays]
-My sweetheart.
-Ah!
-[exclaims happily]
-[Haya] Hi.
-Dear Lord, protect her.
-You look great!
-Thank you. Thank you, Dalal.
- Show me!
-[Rajaa] Smile, please. Smile.
-Your makeup looks wonderful.
-I'm fine.
-Are you having fun?
[melancholic music plays]
[dramatic music plays]
LOVE IN THE MALDIVES
[filmgoers chatter excitedly]
[paparazzi] Zeina! Zeina!
Hello!
[laughs]
[man] Zeina, look over here!
Hi!
[paparazzi continues on video]
[wistful music plays]
[Dalal] You know I had
a baby girl recently?
-[woman] Nice!
-I lost weight, didn't I?
-I look so good, my stomach--
-Come here!
Ow! You startled me!
Where is she?
-Who?
-Haya.
Oh! Haya. Um
-Do you see her?
-Hayouna?
[engine starts]
-Zeina! Hey!
-Hi! How are you?
-Good to see you, Zeina!
-Welcome, welcome!
-How are you?
-Thank you for coming!
-God bless you! Thank you!
-Thank you. How was the experience?
Oh, my God! I'm so excited!
And working with Mourad was fantastic.
-Amazing.
-Oh, my God!
[wistful music continues playing]
[line ringing]
[line beeps]
[phone beeps]
Jawad, where are you, man?
[phone beeps]
[paparazzi and filmgoers chatter]
[sweeping romantic music plays]
Sorry. Sorry.
Oh, my God! Haya? Thank you for coming!
-Where is he?
-Who?
Jawad. Where is he?
He's not here. I don't know.
The shooting was great.
We had a lot of fun.
Uh, the actors were amazing.
They gave a lot of--
Mourad.
-Where's Jawad?
-He's not answering my calls.
I don't know where he is.
If you see him, tell him I'll kill him.
[Jawad] Haya!
What are you doing here?
Shouldn't you be at the premiere?
I didn't go.
And I won't.
Why not?
Because the whole day,
as I was getting ready
for the most important day in my life,
I felt that I was missing something.
I didn't need to wonder too much.
Because I was sure
that you're what I was missing.
You, Haya.
[romantic music plays]
Because there can't be an important day
in my life without you.
There's no way your birthday can happen
without me being there with you.
I've never missed it.
And I will never in my life.
I love you.
[sniffles]
You, Haya.
-I love you. [sniffles]
-[breath trembles]
[guests cheer]
Happy birthday! I love you!
[laughs]
Let's go.
Go where?
-What?
-The movie premiere.
-The film's probably finished by now.
-Oh, don't argue! Let's go!
[lively music plays]
Come on!
At this pace, we're going to be late.
There's no time. Come on.
[audience applauds]
-I told you we wouldn't make it.
-[Haya] Jawad.
Isn't that the lead actor in the film?
Yes, that's the lead actor!
-Everyone, it's the star of the film!
-[cheering]
The star of the film!
[reporter] We thought he's not coming,
and then we saw him
[man] Jawad! Wow!
Just amazing.
A brilliant film!
Really, bravo! Bravo!
Jawad! Wow!
[laughs]
You did it.
-I did it with you.
-[chuckles softly]
[camera chimes]
Pay attention and listen carefully.
A man who loves you
will do the impossible for you.
And don't you dare listen
to anyone who tells you,
"You've missed the train!"
Or, "You should get married quickly!"
Just ignore these people.
Sweetie, don't marry anyone
other than the man you lo--
[softly] other than the man you love,
and who loves you.
Okay, so when will I get
to see these videos?
No, no, no, no! In your dreams, dear.
These videos are absolutely not for you.
Who are they for, then?
They're for her.
[tender music plays]
My sweetheart!
I want her to watch them all
when she grows up.
So she knows.
So she knows how much I love her father.
I've always loved you.
[camera chimes]
[lively music plays]
-Hey, Cuba, buddy.
-Cuba, my friend, yes.
-[Jawad] Cuba! Cuba, my friend!
-Yes!
-[Haya laughs]
-I love you, I love you, I love you!
[lively music continues]
[sweeping classical music plays]