Ruby's Choice (2022) Movie Script

1
(film reel clicking)
(dramatic music)
(debris clattering)
(soft piano music)
(birds chirping)
(ducks quacking)
(soft piano music continues)
- [Tash] This is my dad.
(Doug sighs)
And you guessed it, that's Mom.
- Should've been your promotion.
You've been there twice
as long as he has.
- Yeah, I know, but what
could I do about it?
It's just the way
it goes sometimes.
- Here's me.
If I had a dollar for every time
I heard my parents
argue about money,
I could build them a castle.
- Just, we were
relying on that money.
I can barely cover
costs as it is.
- Yeah, well, maybe
we can scrape together
enough for a deposit.
We wouldn't be
wasting it on rent.
- Wasting?
(Sharon chuckles)
Maybe we can afford a deposit
if someone didn't have
such an expensive hobby.
- Huh! Hobby?
Ah, give it a rest.
(phone rings)
- Hi, Mom.
How are you?
Oh, what?
Oh, okay.
Um, how much?
No, no. It's okay.
I can make it work.
I'll drop it by later, okay?
All right, bye.
- Yeah, so it's not
just me then, is it?
(soft piano music)
- Don't be so insensitive.
- [Tash] It was a
super tense time.
And it wasn't only the money.
Everything seemed to
go to hell all at once.
(Doug sighs)
(cat meows)
By the end of the week, there'd
be two deaths in the family.
And the house would be...
Actually, hang around and
you'll see for yourself.
(cat meows)
- Get out of it!
That damn cat's done it again!
- [Sharon] Well, just
spray it with the hose!
- Oh, I'll kick its flamin'
backside if I get hold of it.
Oh...
Jesus.
(soft music)
- Hungry, Ollie?
Some school days fizzle
like a dud firework,
soon to be forgotten.
Others, like today,
make you think.
- As we have learned from
the examples on the board,
journals are a superb
way to record history.
Occasionally they can be
used as the source material
for biographies, TV
series, even films.
How many of you have
tried keeping one?
It's gonna be a long day.
(soft music)
- [Tash] See that lady?
That's my grandma.
She moved here with
her parents in the 60s,
all the way from London.
She was about to change my life.
- Excuse me.
- I think you might
like that one.
- Yeah, that looks nice.
I'll have one, please.
- Perfect.
Thank you, and
there's your ticket.
Enjoy the film.
- Thank you.
Hm.
(soft music continues)
- [Tash] Grandpa died years ago.
And ever since,
Grandma's lived alone,
with only her TV to
keep her company.
(phone beeps)
- Oh, hello.
Yes.
Yes, I would like to
buy one of your mops.
- But don't worry.
Even though she was on her
own, she got heaps of calls.
- Hello?
- [Kapil] Yes, ma'am.
- Oh, yes.
Is this the phone
call I requested?
- You reported you were having
problem with your internet.
- Oh, dreadful.
Dreadful!
- Not a problem. I
can help you fix it.
I just need you to log
onto your computer,
so I can talk you
through the steps.
- Okay, good.
Let's have a look.
Ah...
Computer.
(soft music continues)
Uh...
Oh.
Just hold on, one moment.
- Now you just need to press
the home button
on your computer,
and open your browser.
(microwave beeps)
Have you it opened yet, ma'am?
- Um, I'm still having issues
with this blasted thing.
- What do you see on the screen?
- Nothing. Just numbers.
- Numbers?
And what do they say?
- Zero.
- Zero?
Can you press the
escape or home key?
- Oh, no, no.
No, I don't see
anything like that here.
But ooh, I do see one
here that says "reheat".
Ooh, and this big one here
that says "open the door".
(soft music continues)
Hello?
(dial tone beeps)
What a pity.
Oh, he was such
a nice young man.
- [Tash] That's my cousin, Ned.
His family was going
through a hard time too.
- How about...
That one?
- I haven't seen
this one before.
- Any recommendations?
- Have you seen "A
Love of My Life"?
It's beyond gore-iffic.
Wait till you see
what they do to-
- What?
I thought she'd wanna
see something new.
Not the same slosh
everyone else is-
- [Attendant] And you
thought a horror movie
was the way to go?
- "A Love of My
Life" is amazeballs.
- Sorry about her.
She's...
New.
What about "Red Dog"?
- Ooh! (chuckles)
I like dogs.
(soft music)
- Thank you.
There's your ticket.
- That lady's loco.
- Hey, for her, it is new.
(dog barks)
(birds chirping)
(soft music)
- Hm.
Yeah.
(soft music continues)
(Ruby chuckles)
- Hey.
(scanner beeps)
Oh, I'm afraid you have
some overdue books?
- No, I-
- I won't be able
to loan you these
until you return the other ones.
- Oh.
(soft music continues)
(knocking)
- Mom, it's only me.
Hi, Mom.
Where's your car?
- What?
It must have been stolen!
Well...
- God.
I'm gonna call the place.
(door thuds)
- Did you go anywhere today?
- Well, I did go to the library.
But I took the bus.
- Right, okay.
- You know what?
I'm just gonna give
this to Dougie to fix,
'cause I have no idea.
- What if they come
and rob me again?
- Well, you'll be
absolutely safe,
as long as you keep
the screen door locked.
Okay?
- Um, aren't you
soon for dinner?
- Oh, I can't.
I've got an early start.
Maybe tomorrow?
I'll let myself out.
Love you!
- Love you!
(soft music)
(pan sizzles)
I am having a dreadful
time with this thing.
Really?
Well, I just keep
pressing the buttons,
but nothing seems to happen.
(TV reporter speaking)
(soft dramatic ambient music)
(flames whooshing)
- Oh!
Are you okay, Mom?
What happened?
- Oh, she's lucky to be alive.
If I hadn't noticed the flames
and pulled her out, she'd be-
- My house!
The paintings and
the photographs...
- What caused it?
- I don't know.
- Perhaps it was those hoodlums,
the ones who stole my car.
- Oh, geez.
I'm gonna punch the piss
outta them if I catch 'em.
- With my strong words.
You know, until the
police arrive, obviously.
- Thank you so much, George.
- You're welcome.
She was quite distressed.
- Don't worry. At
least you're okay.
(doorknob rattles)
We're home.
Well, looks like Nana might
be staying for a while, so.
- Are you okay?
- Could you make
up the spare bed?
- Oh, no, no.
Don't be bothered
on my account. N
No, Frank will be by to
pick me up in a minute.
- Well, why don't you
help Tash in the meantime?
Just in case you wanna stay.
- Oh.
Oh.
- She keeps talking
about your father
like he's still alive.
- It's just a coping mechanism.
(Doug chuckles)
- Yeah, but he died years ago.
I don't know.
Could be a sign
she's starting to-
- It's not.
I know my mom.
She's getting older, but
she can still do things.
You know?
She's not losing it, but
I might if you don't stop.
- Yeah, righto.
Anyway, I guess our grand
plan to shift in with her
and save rent went up
in flames, didn't it?
I'm just trying to
lighten the mood.
- You know what you should do?
You should go back and
ask your boss for a raise.
- Yeah, okay, I
told you I would.
I'll ask him next
time I see him.
- No, she has an
insurance policy.
She has a home insurance policy,
and has had it with your
company for over 20 years.
- [Worker] I'm sorry, but
our records show her policy
lapsed several years ago.
Maybe your mother switched
to a different insurance.
- That's impossible.
Listen, Mom changes nothing.
- [Worker] I'll refer
it to my manager.
- Yes, you do that.
Thank you. We'll be in touch.
- [Tash] Mom!
The police are here?
- Did you find her car?
- No, Sharon.
But I did wanna
give you an update.
I did some check in.
And it turns out your mom's car
hasn't been registered
in the last five years.
- No, she always pays
her bills on time.
- And something else.
I spoke to the fireys.
They don't think the
fire at your mom's house
was arson after all.
It started in the kitchen.
Sorry.
- Thanks.
- I'll keep a look
out for the car.
- Listen, Shaz, I'm
worried about Ruth.
If she hasn't paid
the insurance, then-
- I must say, your
shower head is brilliant.
(Ruth chuckles)
I'm gonna get your father
to install one for us.
- So, Mom, the house insurance.
You haven't skipped
any payments, have you?
- Oh, you know!
I'll get your father
to do all those things.
- Shit.
- What's the matter with him?
- Nothing. Just
thought of something.
- Pity you didn't marry
that young Rodney.
At least he didn't
have a potty mouth.
- Yes.
Tash, do you wanna show
Nana how to feed Ollie?
- Yeah.
Come on, Grandma.
- Did you hear that?
She thinks your dad's
paying the bills.
If she hasn't paid
the house insurance,
then it's probably
the same for the car,
and who knows what else?
- I just...
I think there's
been some mistake.
Look, just, I'm late for work.
Can we just talk
about this tonight?
- Well, you're just gonna
go and leave her here?
What, so she can burn
this place down as well?
- Nobody said that she
burnt the place down.
There are plenty of other
ways fires can start.
There's electrical
faults and, you know?
I'm pleased she's here.
- Yeah, well, at least
we keep an eye on her.
- No, for company.
(soft music)
- Wanna see what I taught Petie?
- Ooh, yes.
(Petie chirps)
Aw!
- Mom, could you do us a favor?
Could you help out around the
house while we're at work?
- Oh, yes.
Yeah, I could do that.
(soft music continues)
(Sharon chuckles)
Oh.
Aw.
- Mom, I've written
a little list.
You're okay, aren't you?
- Mm. Tip-top!
(Sharon chuckles)
- Bye, Grandma.
- Let's take a
look at this here.
Feed Ollie...
Iron Doug's shirt...
And then vacuum.
Ooh, well, first things first.
Feed Ollie.
Feed Ollie.
(Ruby whispers)
(door clatters)
(soft music continues)
- So, why don't we try
telling her the truth?
- We've been
through that before.
- Yeah, but I feel bad.
Like, lying to her.
- Yes, but tell her the
truth, and then what?
She just starts
grieving all over again.
I think it's better
that she thinks
Grandpa's away on
a business trip.
There's no harm in it, is there?
- It's a pretty
long business trip.
- Yeah, well, you
know, it's complicated.
Sometimes you have
to tell white lies
to protect people's feelings.
Here we go.
- Don't forget you're on
the bus tonight, okay?
- [Doug] See ya.
- [Sharon] Have a good one.
(calming music)
- I'll miss you guys.
- Really?
- White lie, Dad.
(Doug chuckles)
- [Sharon] Who's she talking to?
Oh, no, yep, that's Petra's son.
(calming music continues)
- Oh.
I suppose you want
to go fly around
for a little bit, don't you?
There you go.
(calming music continues)
(ironing board squeaks)
(Ruby grunts)
(cat meows)
Scram!
Scram!
Feed Ollie, feed Ollie.
- Today, we are talking careers.
Hands up, who already
knows what they want to do
after graduation?
(calming music continues)
- There you go.
There.
(ironing board sizzles)
(Ruby gasps)
God.
Oh!
Oh, lucky I was here.
(calming music continues)
(vacuum stutters)
(vacuum clattering)
(phone rings)
- Hello?
- Well, how's it going?
- Oh...
I think your vacuum's had it.
- Oh. Huh.
Oh, well, I'll get
Doug to fix it later.
- Yeah, that's a
good idea, dear.
You think he's up to it?
Or is he gonna end
up on the lawn...
(Ruby chuckles)
Like the rest of his repairs?
- Well, I hope not.
Listen...
I gotta go.
Don't forget to feed Ollie.
- Oh, yeah.
Feed Ollie, right.
Ollie.
Yeah, I can do that.
Oh.
Hello, Ollie.
There you go.
There you go.
Yeah.
- Hey, Ollie.
(soft dramatic music)
Oh my God, Ollie!
Grandma, what the hell?
Where's Petie?
- Oh, he must be here somewhere.
Petie?
(dramatic music)
He's here somewhere.
(Tash hyperventilating)
(Tash sobs)
- It's like she doesn't
even think it's her fault.
- Grandma...
She said she was distracted.
- Distracted?
How does anyone get
that distracted?
- I know she didn't mean to.
(Tash sobs)
It's her age.
(melancholic piano music)
She's forgetting things.
(Tash sobs)
- Sweetheart.
(doorbell rings)
(Doug sighs)
(Doug sighs)
- Oh, I wish you would've
called first, mate.
It's not a great time.
- I normally would've.
It's not just me.
Things aren't good with Dagmar,
and we need somewhere to crash.
- What happened to your hand?
- He's all right.
He just burnt it.
- Well, come in, come in.
You can stay as
long as you need to.
- Of course.
- I got those, I got those.
Just...
- More people's suitcases?
You've gotta be kidding me.
What happened to your hand?
- Get lost.
- Well, we're gonna have to do
a little bit of a reshuffle.
Doug, can you get-
- [Doug] Trundle bed.
- Put it in Tash's-
- [Doug] Tash's room, yeah.
- [Tash] My room?
- Yes.
Ken, Ned, you can take the
spare room and the double bed,
Grandma can sleep in your bed,
and you can take the trundle.
- Mom, I'm not sharing my room.
- Well, you wanna take the
double bed with Grandma?
- But that's not
fair, it's my bed!
She can sleep in
the living room.
- She's older, and has earned
some comfort and respect.
Please don't answer
back, darling-
- Ugh! You're the worst!
You never listen to
me! It's my room!
(door slams)
- I'm sorry, Tash.
Don't worry, mate.
It'll get better.
- Whatever you say.
- God, what a day.
If it doesn't rain-
- It pisses hailstones
the size of rocks.
(Sharon grunts)
- Oh, Ken.
I really feel for him.
(light switch clicks)
(soft piano music)
- [Doug] What about
the insurance?
- I called them again.
It's bad.
(soft piano music continues)
- [Ruby] Best not go
to sleep just yet.
Frank will be by in a
minute to pick me up.
- Frank's not coming.
He's dead.
Just like Petie and Ollie.
- What?
- He died five years ago.
- No, I'd remember that!
- We've told you so many times.
- Oh.
Oh, how could, how could
I forget my husband?
Oh...
Was there a funeral?
Oh...
They're gonna put
me into a home.
- What do you mean?
- I don't wanna be shut away
in an old people's home!
(Ruby sobs)
- It's okay.
- He's gone! I'm all alone.
- You're not alone.
(Tash sobs)
I'm sorry.
You have me.
- I need my Frank!
I need my Frank!
- Yeah, well, you
know, it's complicated.
Sometimes you have
to tell white lies
to protect people's feelings.
(Ruby sobs)
- Grandma, hey.
Grandpa's fine.
He told me he'll be here soon.
(Ruby grunts)
- You spoke to him?
I thought-
- Grandpa's okay.
That was a totally different
Frank I was talking about.
Frank Fasano.
- Frank Fasano.
- Yeah, he used
to work with Dad.
- Oh.
- Yeah, so...
Grandpa's just
running a little late.
I'm sorry I got you all
confused and whatnot.
- So my Frank's still with us?
Oh.
Oh...
(Ruby chuckles)
Silly me.
For a moment there I thought...
- Do you think we
can get some sleep?
- Silly me.
- Love you.
- Oh...
Oh, I love you too, sweetie.
(Ruby laughs)
(Ruby sighs)
(soft piano music fades)
- We've got an appointment this
morning, your father and I,
so you're gonna have to
bus it to school, okay?
- Sure.
- Oh, I could drive them.
If that's all right
with you guys.
It's Ned's first
day of school, so...
We've gotta go see
the principal anyway.
- You're moving to my school?
- Yeah, they'll be staying
with us for a while, so.
- [Tash] Oh, cool.
I really like it.
The teachers are great-
- But it's boring.
- Would you like me to
help you out today, dear?
- Oh...
No.
No, Mom. Not today.
Um...
Why don't you go to the library?
- Yeah, or stay here.
Maybe watch a bit of
telly, or something.
Pretty good.
Ah.
Yeah, all righty.
- So, the Vice Principal's
classroom is just up there.
- Okay.
- Do you want me to
wait for you guys?
- No, no, we'll be fine.
Thanks.
- Um, if you wanted, we
could sit together at recess.
- Don't talk to me.
- Ned.
(tense music)
- What?
She's a loser.
- And you're a shithead!
(tense music continues)
(knocking)
- Good morning.
Take a seat.
Principal Hudson's on leave.
I'll be filling in.
Who do we have here?
(object rattles)
- [Lisa] And once I've
completed the home visit,
I can determine whether
your mother's eligible
for home-help.
- Eligible how?
- Not everyone
qualifies for a carer.
If you've got too
many assets, or this-
- Oh, that won't be a problem.
- So, what are our next steps?
- I can give you these
forms to fill out,
and start the process rolling.
- More red tape?
- And then I can book
you in for an assessment
in a few weeks time.
- A few weeks?
- Unfortunately, there's
a long waiting list.
- Bloody government bureaucracy
- Being eligible
doesn't even guarantee
we can provide a service.
Here, take this home.
This might help.
Is there anything else
I can help you with?
- No, that's all. Thanks.
- Have a good day.
- Gosh, it shouldn't
be that hard.
I mean, what is all this stuff?
- I really can't...
I can't see it with
my glasses off,
but it looks like you
gotta be practically dead
before you get any assistance.
- Oh, God. You take it.
- Give it to me.
Hey, that reminds me
of my maths homework.
- All right, class.
Today we have a
new student, Ned.
Ned, you can sit right
there next to Darren.
Just at the back.
Darren, I want you to be
Ned's buddy for today.
Show him our famous
school spirit.
(soft music)
- Oh, hello.
- Hello.
(Ruby chuckles)
Ready?
- Yeah.
Ooh, there it is.
Thank you.
- Hey, um, soz about before.
How's your first day going?
(Darren chuckles)
- Do you know this nerd?
(tense music)
- Nah, I don't.
- Are you serious?
- Yeah.
Bye. Get lost.
- Who is that?
- He's my cousin.
- Bye.
Go make out with your book.
(tense music continues)
(Darren laughs)
What happened?
- Oh, I burnt it.
- Doing what? Making muffins?
(Darren chuckles)
- No.
I was...
Using my dad's welder
without gloves.
- Welding?
Cool.
Badass, bro.
("Never Said A Word" by Amela)
Maybe I've fallen
too fast, too far
Now I've forgotten how to
walk myself in a straight line
All is I know is
when I'm with you
I feel alive
- Get a friend.
Alive
Maybe, it's complicated, but
to me you're a loaded gun
Waiting for the spring
where we'll always become
- Stop looking at me.
- Ow!
- Hey, new guy!
Leave her alone.
- Shut up.
And all this time,
I'm wondering
(Darren chuckles)
- [Bus Driver] Quit it!
Unless you wanna walk.
You kept me close
But you never said why
No, you never said a word
- You don't have
to be such a d-bag.
- Back off.
Can't you take a hint?
- You're the worst.
I'm not talking to you anymore.
- Finally.
- Grandma!
Hello?
I wonder where she is.
- I don't know.
- Hope she's all right.
- She's not a baby.
She can look after herself.
Besides, I thought you
weren't talking to me.
- [Reporter] Information
technology professionals.
- [Commentator] The fans
are appreciating that.
Avery's just-
- Can you turn it down?
- Nah.
- I'm trying to study.
- And I want to chill out.
- Can't wait to tell
your dad about this one.
- Say anything, and I'll
wreck your life worse
than it already is.
- I hate you!
- [Commentator] But no!
She moved out of the way.
Kelly-Anne, out of the way...
(door slams)
One more dropkick.
All three with a major...
Oh!
Did you just see
that big boot...
(dramatic music)
- Ruby!
Ruby!
Ruby.
It's George!
(dramatic music continues)
- Hi.
How's your day?
- Meh.
- Mr. Scott wants us
to brainstorm three
dream job options,
but I don't have any.
- Oh, I'm sure you'll
come up with something.
Where's your grandma?
- She must've went out.
Wasn't here when we got home.
- Ugh.
Okay, we'll have
to look for her.
(Doug sighs)
Tash, you stay here in
case she comes back.
Call us if she shows up.
- [Ken] Where's the fire?
- Mom's gone.
Will you help us look?
- [Ken] Yeah, of course.
- We'll go back to her house,
if you can check the shops.
- Okay.
Ned, let's go.
Come on.
- Coming.
Hang on.
Why does she get to stay?
- Just don't go too fast.
Okay?
Well, she could be anywhere.
(soft piano music)
- When are we going home?
- I'm sorry, mate.
Your mom and I, we've got
a ton to work through.
I mean, we're trying, but
it could take a while.
(soft piano music continues)
- Just go slowly, darling.
Slow.
- I am.
- Follow the bus route 35.
- Yeah, I am.
(phone rings)
Thanks for the call, mate.
- No problem.
Besides, we've been
having a great catch up,
talking about old times.
Didn't we, Ruby?
- Where were you, Mom?
You scared us.
- I...
- Just tell us later,
we'll take you home first.
Okay?
- No, no.
I have to tell your father,
because the house and
the paintings, they...
- No, no, he's not coming,
because he called and
his flight was delayed.
- That's always
the way, isn't it?
And I keep telling
him to fly Qantas.
They're far more
reliable than Ansett,
but will he listen to me?
No-
- No.
Well, his receptionist
booked the tickets, so...
- Oh, for Pete's sake.
I mean, she should know by now.
- Yeah.
Well, let's go, and
we'll talk about it.
- Thank you.
(bird chirping)
- [Ruby] And you are...
- Lisa.
I'm an assessment officer.
So nice to finally meet you.
I love your accent.
(Ruby laughs)
- Yeah, that's the
Londoner in me.
(Ruby chuckles)
It's always the
last thing to go.
I was...
Yeah, I was a teenager when
I immigrated to Australia.
- Wow. Pretty big move.
Ever thought of going back?
- No, ever since my
sister Elaine died.
- Oh, um...
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'd like to do a few
tests with you today,
if you're on board.
- Oh.
- Yeah, good.
- Great.
I'm gonna tell you three things,
and I want you to concentrate.
Because later on,
I'm going to ask you
what those three things are.
Understand?
- Memory test?
- Mm.
- Oh, no, that's silly.
Nothing wrong with my memory.
(everyone chuckling)
- [Lisa] Well, that's good.
But I have to test you,
or I'll get in
trouble with my boss.
- Oh, well, I wouldn't want
you to get into any trouble.
(Ruby chuckles)
- Thank you.
- I'm gonna tell
you three words.
Okay, so ball, flag and tree.
Can you repeat
those for me please?
- Ball, flag...
Oh, what was the other one?
- Tree.
So it's ball, flag and tree.
- Ball, flag, tree.
- Very good.
(Sharon chuckles)
I'm gonna ask you a
couple of questions now.
What's the name of the
current US president?
- Oh...
Oh, you know, he's that...
The guy is on TV, he's
always getting into trouble.
(Doug chuckles)
That'd be the lot of them.
(Sharon and Doug chuckling)
- Can you tell me
his name, Ruby?
- Bill Clinton.
Bill Clinton.
- Thank you.
Now...
With this pen and paper,
can you draw me a clock face
for the time twenty past five?
- Hm.
(soft music)
(pen scribbles)
Thank you.
And do you remember the words
that I asked you to remember?
- What words are those, dear?
- Mhm. Thank you.
- Doug.
I think Mom would
like to go and see
that project you're working on.
- What project?
The project that
you're working on.
- Oh, yeah! The project, yeah.
(Doug clears throat)
Yeah.
Come on, Rube. I'll show you
my project out in the shed.
- So good to meet you.
(Ruby chuckles)
- [Doug] Yeah, come on.
(soft music)
(birds chirping)
- That's not much
of a garden, is it?
It's just a load of junk.
You should get rid of it.
- Well, you know...
A lot of demand for
all this kind of stuff.
Oh, that's one of
my little projects.
It's dad's old car, I'm
about to fix that one up.
Oh, this '76 SLR Torana.
- It's got all
these bits missing.
- Yeah, oh, this is gonna
be worth a stack though,
once I finish doing it up.
Yeah.
That's a beauty, that one.
- Does she have any hobbies?
- Oh, um...
Years ago she used to paint.
- Hm.
Some research suggests
that art therapy
can slow the impact of dementia.
- Oh, okay.
- It's worth a try.
- Just watch your step
through here, Rube.
I dropped a jar of
nails the other day.
Well, here it is.
All its glory.
Yeah.
I mean, that comes in a set
of 10, it's got six of those.
Oh, that over there, that was...
What's that famous
golfer's name?
Anyway, that was his brother's.
Yeah, and I got a whole stack
of racing stuff floating around.
A lot of it's signed.
Oh, that, that's probably
doubled or tripled in price
since he died.
Yeah, gotta be worth close
to a grand by now, I reckon.
(Ruby sighs)
- The trouble with you,
is you're a hoarder.
I mean, you're just too
attached to all these things.
You have to learn to let go.
You know what?
If you...
If you sold all this junk,
you might even have
enough for a deposit.
Huh?
- She only scored 21 out of
30 on the Mini-Mental test,
so I'll write a referral
for a gerontologist.
- What we need right now is...
Someone to come and look
after her while I'm at work.
- Unfortunately,
there's a waiting list
of six weeks for carers.
- Oh, for six weeks?
What are we supposed
to do in the meantime?
- You could try
respite services, get
her assessed by ACAT,
or see if you can get
her a CAPS package.
- Gosh.
I'm sorry.
(Sharon chuckles)
Why does everything
have to be an acronym?
I just need things to be a
little bit simpler for me.
I'm sorry.
Can you tell me what
those things were again?
- Yeah, yeah.
- ACAP?
- Sorry, um...
A CAPS package is short for
community age care package.
They fund up to four
hours care a week.
- Well, we're gonna
need more than that.
I work full-time.
So we need someone to look
after her 24/7 when I'm at work.
Do you-
- You could hire
a carer directly.
The cheaper ones usually
charge about $30 an hour.
(Sharon sighs)
- $30 an hour?
How can we afford that?
That's more than I make.
- Maybe you could
reduce your hours,
or consider putting her in
residential accommodation.
- Oh, God. Oh, God...
I'm a good person,
I pay my taxes.
Are you really
telling me that that's
the only option I
have for my mom?
To put her in one
of those homes?
Have you seen her?
I'm not putting her in there.
I don't wanna do that.
I want to look after my mom.
I'm not...
No, you can...
I'm so sorry.
You've got obviously got
other meetings and...
- A number of residential
complexes are quite good.
- She's not old enough.
- They'll be able to
cater to her needs and-
- Yeah, I'm sorry, thank you.
I'll just manage.
Thank you, Lisa.
(Sharon sighs)
(dramatic piano music)
- [Lisa] Thank you.
(clipboard thuds)
- Shame Sharon didn't
marry that lovely Elroy.
I mean, he's making a killing
selling deceased estate.
(dramatic piano music continues)
(door creaks)
- Oh, God.
Well, it's gotta be
in here somewhere.
- What?
- Take that.
Excuse me, Mom.
(junk clatters)
Oh, God.
(Sharon chuckles)
Oh, darling, where is it?
(junk squeaking)
(Sharon gasps)
Yes!
(dramatic piano music continues)
Why don't you paint me
something happy, Mom?
Here, Mom.
Oh.
Oh, they're perfect.
- How's this?
(Sharon chuckles)
- Here we are.
(dramatic piano music continues)
Here we are, darling.
It's okay, nobody's
expecting a masterpiece.
Just...
Just give it a try.
(dog faintly barks)
(soft music)
Okay, so, it's $30
an hour times eight.
- Okay, just take
a breath, okay?
- It's more than you
and I earn together.
We have got rent on top of it.
- There's a solution in
here somewhere, okay?
We just have to find it.
- You see, I've taken all...
When I took the new job,
I left all my leave.
It's up to you.
You've gotta do it.
Not me.
- It's not a good
time at the moment.
- But it's never a
good time, is it?
- Look, I wasn't
gonna say anything,
because I know you're
under a lot of pressure,
but they're talking
about cutbacks at work.
- What? No.
You've been there forever.
Your job's safe, isn't it?
- Yeah, look, it'll be fine.
It's just not the
right time to ask.
- Well, what are we going to do?
We can't leave her on her own.
I've just got no plans,
I've got no solutions.
I should be able
to look after her,
but I don't know how.
I should've noticed that she
got as bad as she's got, but...
God, she took care
of me my entire life.
Now it's my turn
to look after her.
And I don't how to do it.
I'm failing. I don't have a fix.
- Look, what about Tash?
We could take her out of school.
- What?
No, ridiculous.
- No, just think about it.
Just for a month, until
you can take some leave,
or we can find a
long-term solution.
See, Ruby just needs to
have someone with her.
It's not like she needs
anyone to, you know...
Toileting and all
that kind of thing.
And Tash is responsible.
It could be good for her.
- What about her education?
- She's smart enough.
That's not gonna slow her down.
Besides, she could
always repeat a year.
- What?
- Kidding.
- Oh...
- It'll be fine.
- It's often
difficult for students
to manage their studies
at home and stay motivated
when they get pulled
outta school at this time.
- Tash can handle it.
- Very well.
I'll arrange to email her
classwork and assignments.
- Thank you.
- Are you crazy?
Are you actually
like totally insane?
- It's only for four weeks.
- Yeah, then you can do it.
- I'll do it.
- I have to work.
- And I have to learn.
Do you have any idea how
much this affects me?
Know what I think?
(cutlery clatters)
I think you want me to drop out,
so that I have to stay
home, here, with you,
and live your
crappy life forever.
You'll such-
- Do not finish that sentence.
(tense music)
It is for one month.
I've already spoken
to your teachers,
and they said that you can do
all your schoolwork online.
I know that schoolwork
is important,
but I really need you
to do this for me.
All right?
- You didn't even ask me first.
(tense music continues)
- Quit your whining.
Do you want her going into
a nursing home or not?
- Don't forget to study.
- Yeah, mhm.
- Have a great day, Tash.
(soft piano music)
- No school today, sweetie?
- No, I have to stay home today.
- Oh, are you sick?
- No, I'm not sick, I just-
- Well, if you're not sick...
Why don't we have some fun?
Come on.
(soft piano music continues)
Ooh.
Ooh!
(Ruby laughs)
You can clean that off.
How lovely.
I've been missing that.
- Missing what?
- Your smile.
(Tash and Ruby chuckling)
Any good?
- It's really good.
- Right. Let's see.
Oh, they look delicious.
- Mhm.
- No, let's eat them
when we get back.
- But back from where?
Mom said we have to stay here.
- Oh, whatever for?
- Because I have homework.
- Oh, you can do that
when we get back.
I always go out on a Tuesday.
- Go where?
(soft music)
- Hello!
So, what would you
like to see today?
- Wow, um...
Hm.
So many to choose from.
- Well, what about
that one there?
Just behind you.
- Oh.
Two tickets, please.
- And who is this?
- Oh, it's my granddaughter.
Natasha.
- Adorable.
Okay, so there are your tickets.
And because you are
my favorite customer,
this is on the house.
And I think you might
want this as well.
- Free ice cream?
- Shh.
(worker chuckles)
Okay, you guys enjoy the movie.
(soft music continues)
(Ruby and Tash chuckling)
(audience claps)
- That was...
Surprisingly good.
So I guess we're going home now?
- Oh, no, no. Not yet.
If I'm gonna paint...
I'm gonna need some inspiration.
(soft music continues)
- Grandma, how'd you
know about this place?
- Let's explore.
Oh...
What do you think, Tash?
- I really like this one.
- I like that one too.
(Ruby gasps)
I love the colors here.
- That looks like your poncho.
- Ooh!
(Ruby chuckles)
(Ruby gasps)
- Oh, I like that one.
It reminds me of England.
- [Tash] How come?
- Well, it's the
Cotswolds, isn't it?
(soft music continues)
Oh, visiting old friends.
(bus rumbles)
(soft music continues)
(birds chirping)
Oh, it's fine.
Oh...
(Ruby sighs)
- Elaine?
- My sister.
And when we were younger,
I was the sickly one.
She was the picture of health.
(Ruby chuckles)
Now look at us.
She had a heart defect.
She went very quick,
just like that.
(Ruby sighs)
Yeah, when you get older...
More and more of your
loved ones end up here.
- That's so sad.
I'm sorry.
- Hm?
Oh, no.
No, no, no. That's all right.
You know...
I mean, when you
come to visit them,
at least they're
all in one place.
(Ruby and Tash chuckling)
My parents buried over there.
Can we?
- I'll be one minute.
- Oh, don't be long.
(soft somber music)
(Tash sniffles)
- Miss you, Grandpa.
(Tash sniffles)
- Oh, are you crying, sweetie?
- No, I'm fine.
- Oh.
- [Tash] Is this them?
- Yeah.
- What were they like?
- Hardworking...
Strict, but fair.
(Ruby chuckles)
They'd do anything for us.
Oh, I remember
when I was little,
and we were still
living in London,
I stole some sweeties
from the corner shop.
Wow, my mom found out, and
ooh, she gave me a spanking...
I couldn't sit for a week.
(Tash and Ruby chuckling)
- Sounds like Mom.
- Mhm.
Do you miss them?
- Every day.
Oh, but I still
have my memories.
No one can ever take
those away from me.
You know, I visit them and
talk to them all the time,
and, oh, it feels like
they're still here.
- They got a good spot, huh?
- Oh, your grandfather and
I will be here one day.
Oh, but not for a while.
Frank and I are
still fighting fit.
(Ruby chuckles)
- We should go home now.
- Hm?
Oh, okay.
Oh.
- [Actor] Well, I keep
on bumping me head.
(Tash and Ruby chuckling)
(object clatters)
See?
- [Actor] Move it in
front of the window
where you can stand up.
(Ruby and Tash laughing)
- Mm, these are good.
- Mm.
- Mm!
(Ruby chuckles)
- Tash?
- [Tash] Yeah?
- Come and help your
father unpack the car!
- You grab those.
- Yup.
- Oh, can you just
gimme a hand with this?
It's very precious.
Can you just check and make sure
nothing's fallen over in there?
(Tash gasps)
- Aw!
What a cutie!
- [Sharon] We thought
you could use a friend.
- Aw!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
(Doug chuckles)
Hi, baby!
(guinea pig squeaks)
Hi!
I'm gonna name him Nibbles.
- Okay.
(Doug chuckles)
That went well.
- You all right there, boys?
Geez, tough life, innit?
- [Sharon] How's your
school work today?
- Um, I didn't
really do any of it.
- What? None of it?
What were you doing all day?
- Well, I was with
Grandma and we just-
- Yes, but you've
still gotta study.
I mean, you've got tests
and assignments due.
- Yeah, I know, but I
just thought that I...
- No, look, I know
that it's a lot to ask
to look after Nan, but
I still expect progress.
Okay?
- Your father will be here
in a minute to pick me up,
so I'll say my goodnights now.
I'll wait in the front.
- Oh, don't go yet, Mom.
Just wait a sec.
- Oh, no!
You know what he's like.
He's such a stickler for time.
- Yes, okay, but he called to
say that he was gonna be late.
- Oh...
- So why don't you wait
in the lounge room,
and we'll make you
a little cup of tea?
- Oh...
All right.
(Sharon sighs)
- God, if I get
like that, shoot me.
- You can't say that, Mom!
- A cracker of an idea
getting the guinea pig.
- It was, wasn't it?
(Doug chuckles)
Did you see her face?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
And you know...
If he gets over fed,
he's only gonna get fat,
not end up floating on his back.
Just hope the stray
cat doesn't get him.
- Don't go getting any ideas.
You are not getting a dog.
(Sharon chuckles)
- Woof.
(tense music)
- Frank...
I went to the
doctor today and...
- What?
- Promise me, you still love me?
- Okay.
What's wrong?
- Frank, promise me that
you'll always love me.
- Grandma.
It's me, Tash.
- He said we could
keep trying, but...
It'll probably never happen.
- It's okay.
You're okay, I'm here.
I'm...
Frank.
(Ruby sobs)
(dramatic piano music)
- I know we wanted
to have a family.
That's why we got
married, isn't it?
Oh, Frank.
Frank, I love you more...
I love you more than
you'll ever know.
I'm so sorry, I...
Can you ever forgive me?
(tense music fades)
(birds chirping)
- Mom, can I talk to you?
- Yes, darling. What is it?
- Like, privately?
(tense music continues)
- [Sharon] You sure
she wasn't joking?
No, like, she was up, kind of.
Like her eyes were open.
But you know, she was
acting as if she was asleep.
- Oh my God.
- Yeah, and then she
started calling me Frank.
(Sharon sighs)
(phone beeps)
(Sharon sighs)
- It could be sundowners.
Some people with
dementia suffer from it.
- Well, that doesn't sound good.
- Some sufferers
become agitated.
I recommend you
consult a doctor,
and see if medication
could help.
I know you don't
want to hear this,
but if it gets worse,
you may have to consider
finding her a nursing home.
(soft unnerving music)
- Done.
You're so good at
painting, Grandma.
- Oh.
- I wish I could
paint like that.
- Oh, I'm sure you
will one day, dear.
- What's this one gonna be?
- Um...
Um...
I'll be right back.
(soft tense music)
- [Reporters] 5 million
hectares would...
(TV reporter speaking)
In bringing these
incidents to a conclusion.
Working with other
state, national,
and international agencies.
(tense music continues)
(Ruby grunts)
(tense music continues)
(Ruby grunts)
(Ruby cries)
- Oh my God.
- I couldn't find it!
- It's okay!
Hey, hey, Grandma, Grandma.
(Ruby cries)
Hey, it's no worries.
It's...
(Ruby cries)
Do you want me to come
to the bathroom with you,
and we can get you
all cleaned up?
(Ruby cries)
Okay, come on.
(Ruby cries)
- So you're telling me we
either have to go bankrupt
paying full-time home care,
or have to shove my mother
in some nursing home?
They're the only two crappy
options available to us?
Is that what you're saying?
- [Button Voiceover] NO! N-o.
No!
(button clacking)
(phone slams)
- We're looking...
I'm looking?
- Um, I think it's that way.
I'll be one sec.
(tense unnerving music)
(machines faintly beeping)
- Excuse me...
- Are you okay?
- Uh...
Oh.
(tense unnerving
music continues)
Pardon me, I'm...
I'm...
I'm...
(tense unnerving
music continues)
Excuse me, I'm...
I'm...
(protein wrapper crunches)
- Grandma?
Where are you?
What are you doing?
- Oh, oh...
(Ruby mumbles)
Are you okay?
Hey, hey.
It's okay, come on.
Grandma, hey.
It's me, Tash.
Hey, come on.
Come on.
(Ruby mumbles)
It's okay.
(dog faintly barks)
- [Ken] How was school, mate?
- Sucked.
- [Ken] Can you give
me any more detail?
- Considerably.
(Doug chuckles)
- Dougie?
- [Doug] Yeah?
- How was your day?
- Oh, hilarious.
Get this.
Bloke came in today,
wanted to know if he could
put a V8 into a mini.
- Was he for real?
- [Doug] Yeah, I know.
No idea.
- She was always
the town gossip.
I mean, if she didn't say such
daft and and dreadful things,
they would never
have kept her out
of the church
fundraising committee.
It's all her own fault.
(tense unnerving music)
- She said that she'd just
get more and more distressed.
So what if it becomes
more than we can handle?
- Yeah, well, we're
not there yet, okay?
- I just can't believe
that we've gotta consider
putting her into a home.
- Yeah, 'cause those
places are the worst.
- Oh. I best be going now.
- Oh.
Why don't you have a paint?
Or watch some tally
with the boys?
'Cause they love spending
time with you, Mom.
- Oh, all right.
- What if it's hereditary?
What if I get like that?
I can't do that to Tash.
- [Doug] You're
stressing over something
that might not even happen.
You'll be fine.
- I just feel like...
I feel like I'm losing
control of everything.
Lunch is in the fridge.
Don't forget, I expect
you to study today.
- I know.
- Why do I have to go to school?
- Because some people
are mature enough
to have a super fun day
watching "The Office",
which is what I'll be doing
while you're in maths,
struggling to find
the value of X.
- X-cuse this.
- Gross.
(Hannah faintly chatters)
- [Reporter] Thanks, Hannah.
In breaking news today,
a woman was assaulted in
what can only be described
as a vicious attack.
- Would you know how
to defend yourself?
Oh, come on.
Come on.
Okay.
Groin and throat.
'Cause those are the weak parts.
Then you...
You hit really hard, and
you scream really loud,
and you run!
- What are you, some
sort of secret ninja?
- Before your
grandfather was in sales,
he used to be in the Army,
and he would make sure that
I knew how to defend myself,
you know, when he was away.
- Groin and throat
- And then yell.
- Groin and throat, go away.
- Oh, no.
Much louder!
- Back off.
- Come on.
- Back off!
- Oh, yeah!
(lighthearted music)
- I'm gonna go feed Nibbles.
(Ruby chuckles)
- Hey, get out.
Get out!
(cat meows)
Good kitty.
(Nibbles squeaks)
(lighthearted music continues)
(Nibbles squeaks)
(tense music)
(water splashes)
Grandma!
(Ruby shrieks)
Oh, come on, come on.
It's fine, it's fine.
Come on, get up.
(Ruby crying)
It's okay.
Used to be so simple
I wonder how we lost it all
We don't have to be together
But boy, you kept
me hangin' on
I swear it never happened
I swear you never
mentioned it once
I know you didn't mean it
Oh, I don't know
how to move on
Yeah
Whoa
Oh, yeah
Oh, no
Oh, yeah
Oh, no
- That's you, when
you were a baby.
Ooh.
Ooh!
Sharon's wedding.
Oh, wow.
Oh, I love that one.
Wait...
(Ruby chuckles)
This was me when I was little.
(dog faintly barks)
(soft music)
(Ruby chuckles)
- What's so funny?
- They have one.
- What?
- A baby!
- Huh?
- An unmarried mother just
gave birth to a little girl.
A little girl!
Oh, what do you say?
Well, I mean, she can't afford
to take care of the
baby on her own, and oh,
her father's a no
good scoundrel.
I'll be doing her a favor.
We'll be giving the
baby a good home,
and they'll be loving,
and take care of it and...
And then we could
have the family.
The family we've
always wanted to have.
What do you say?
Please?
Please?
Oh, please.
Oh, please, please,
please, please, please,
please, please, please,
please, please, please,
please, please.
- Yep.
(Ruby shrieks)
- Oh, yes!
Oh! Oh!
(Ruby laughs)
Oh...
Oh.
What should we call her?
(soft music fades)
- Mom...
Can I have your birth
certificate for an assignment?
- Oh, no.
You'll have to make
do with your father's,
'cause mine was destroyed
in a flood when I was a kid.
- So you don't have one?
- No.
I mean, I thought of
getting a replacement,
so I could get a passport.
but your father's
terrified of flying,
so what's the point?
- See ya.
- Bye.
- Bye.
- Have a good day.
(door slams)
Hi.
Um, do you guys have like a
record of births and stuff?
- Yeah, sure.
The computer's over there.
They've got a whole
database of like
births, deaths, and marriages.
- Okay, thanks so much.
- It can be hereditary,
but there aren't any
tests for it yet.
And at this stage,
there's no cure.
(tense unnerving music)
(brush thwacks)
- If you divorce and
she applies for it,
she will be granted
shared custody.
Unless you can come up with
extremely compelling reasons
as to why she should
not have access.
(machinery rumbles)
- Doug.
- Hey, mate. How are you?
- The other wreckers
are killing us.
(Doug chuckles)
Sorry, mate.
We're gonna have to let you go.
- What?
(tense music)
- Grandma?
(dramatic piano music)
Grandma!
Grandma!
You okay?
What's wrong?
(tense music continues)
What's going on?
- I don't know, I don't know...
(Ruby cries)
(birds chirping)
(old-time music playing)
- Care to dance, my lady?
(old-time music continues)
(old-time music continues)
- Hey, I was here first.
- Who cares?
Get over it.
- [Victor] I need your help.
- Hey, can you watch
Grandma for me?
- Yeah, will do.
- I remember my mother's
friend, Margie Witherspoon.
She went through
a dreadful time.
Now back then it wasn't
as easy to get a divorce
as it is today, and well,
she didn't know what
she was going to do.
And once she got
over the shame of it,
she spoke to me and...
She told me it was the best
decision she had ever made.
She was very brave.
Very brave.
(tense music)
- Is that them?
- Yeah, that's them.
(Darren and Ned chattering)
- Hey, Dickweed.
Yeah, you been messing
with my step-bro?
- I didn't know he was your...
- Go near him again,
and I'll break it.
Understand?
Same goes for you.
- Who were they?
- Players from the
Pirates footy team.
They're top of the
ladder, and they know it.
- I hate effin' Pirates.
- Back again?
- Yeah.
Do you guys have any
like, old newspapers?
- Looking for something?
- Um, yeah, the birth notices
from the year my mom was born.
I wanna make her a present,
with like headlines from
the year she was born.
You know, the dodo
going extinct,
Lincoln getting shot,
that sort of thing.
- Yeah, sure. This way.
(Doug knocks)
- Hello?
Sorry. Not interrupting?
- No, come in.
- Oh.
Yeah, I'm just wondering...
If I wanted to sell this
online, how would I go about it?
- Uh, why do you wanna sell it?
- Just decluttering.
A bit of cash, you know?
- Well, you'd wanna
make an eBay account.
Or maybe Gumtree.
- Uh huh.
- Do you want me to show you?
- Do you mind?
- Yeah.
- And we don't have to tell
mom about this just now.
It could be our little secret.
- Secret or white lie?
(Doug chuckles)
- Yeah.
- So you open a new tab.
- Uh huh.
- Ebay.com.au.
And you click up there,
create a new account.
Put in your email...
And we'll make your
password "TASHISAWESOME".
Obviously.
- (chuckles) Obviously.
- I have something
that I wanna say.
We're all a family,
so I think I should say
this all at the same time,
'cause you guys
all need to know.
I've decided to
file for a divorce.
- You said you'd
sought your shit out.
- Yeah, I know, mate.
But it's not gonna work out.
Your mom and I love you so much,
but we can't live
together anymore.
And I know that this
will make us all happier.
- Where am I gonna live?
- I don't know yet.
Okay?
Your mom and I, we're gonna
work out the custody stuff.
Your mom might have to take
you for a little bit...
- Maybe you guys wanna go
inside and talk about it there?
- No, no need.
We'll get loads of time to catch
up at Easter and Christmas.
Australia Day, if we're lucky.
But not New Year's, 'cause
New Year's is Mom's favorite.
(tense music)
- That was very brave.
- As brave as
Margie Witherspoon?
- Mm.
(tense music continues)
(knocking)
- What's up?
(soft piano music)
(Sharon chuckles)
- It's bad news.
I didn't want to say
in front of everyone
that I've been retrenched.
(soft piano music continues)
- I'm so sorry.
Are you okay?
- Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
It's a bit of a
shock, obviously.
But at least now I can stay
home and look after Ruby,
while I'm scouting
for a new job.
- That's true.
- Yeah, that's not
gonna be easy is it?
Who's gonna wanna
hire a bloke my age?
- Someone will.
You're amazing.
Do you know that?
You're smart, you're
funny, you're kind.
Sexy, you're like some
kind of triple threat.
- That's four things.
(Sharon chuckles)
(soft piano music continues)
(baby cries)
- Isn't she beautiful?
She's our little girl, Frank.
What do you think
we should call her
now that I'm holding
her in my arms?
It doesn't matter that we're
adopting at all, does it?
- Huh?
- She's ours.
And she was always
meant to be ours.
(Ruby chuckles)
I love you.
I'll go tell the nurse.
Oh...
(Ruby laughs)
Oh my God, we could
take her home tonight.
Tonight!
Oh, I don't believe it.
Do you want to know what I
think we should call her?
Well...
I've always loved
the name Sharon.
Sharon.
(tense music fades)
- You better hurry up.
You'll be late for
your first day back.
- For school?
- Yeah.
Doug, didn't you tell her?
- Uh...
You're going back
to school today.
- BUt what about Grandma?
- Oh, I'm perfectly
fine on my own, sweetie.
You know that.
- Yeah.
I've been wanting to pull
my weight and contribute,
so I'll stay home and
hang out with Ruby.
- Oh, nice try!
No.
Your dad's taking some time out
so that he can look after...
Well, just spend
time with you, Mom.
- Oh, I don't want him around.
There's nothing wrong with me.
- Okay, let's go.
- [Ken] Have a great day, guys.
- [Tash] Bye.
- [Ned] Bye.
- [Ken] See you, buddy.
(car doors slamming)
- Don't you dare tell
anyone about last night.
'Cause I don't want
anyone up in my shit,
and that includes you.
- I wasn't gonna say anything.
- You better not.
(soft mysterious music)
- Planning a little
light reading?
- Not really, but yeah.
Thanks.
- [Ruby] Are you two okay?
- Me and Shaz?
Eh, we're getting there.
- You both seem
rather tense lately.
- Well, you know, it has been...
(Doug chuckles)
- Do you think he's cheating?
- Who?
- Frank?
With his receptionist.
I mean, all those interstate
trips, late nights.
I mean, he's almost never home.
You would tell me if he was
having an affair, wouldn't you?
- Look...
Believe me when
I say this, Rube,
but Frank would sooner
die than cheat on you.
(soft music)
(Ruby chuckles)
I told you, you don't need it.
It's not gonna rain.
- Oh, you never know.
- We're indoors.
God, it's been over an hour.
Geez, this place is slower
than a moped on the motorway.
Oh, hi.
- Hi. How can I help?
- Oh, have you got a loo?
- Yeah, the toilet's
just right over there.
- Oh, great.
- And can I assist
you with anything?
- Uh, yeah.
I'm being made redundant.
So, well, I need a job,
or some help to pay the bills.
- Sure.
Well, our computers
are down at the moment,
but if you'd like
to come this way,
I can help get you all sorted.
- Yeah, I just need to
wait for my mother-in-law.
- Oh, it's all right.
I'll keep an eye out for her
while you fill out the forms.
- Uh, yeah, okay.
Yup.
- Okay.
Right there.
Oh, great.
(tense mysterious music)
- Has she come out yet?
- No, I haven't seen her leave,
and I've been watching
the whole time.
- Okay.
(Doug chuckles)
(car honks)
(tense mysterious
music continues)
(cars honking)
Oh, shit.
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(Doug breathes heavily)
Whoa!
Geez. Sorry there, mate.
Hey, sorry, have you seen an
older lady with gray hair?
Long silver hair?
You there?
Hi. Hang on a sec.
Sorry, have you
seen an older lady?
She's got like a
crazy, frilly umbrella?
No?
Ruby!
Rube!
Hey.
I've lost her.
- How? How could you lose her?
- I know.
(tense music)
(car honks)
Ruby!
Ruby!
Excuse me, have you
seen an old lady?
No?
(car honks)
Ruby!
(soft acoustic music)
- Stop the bus!
- Next stop's three
blocks! Sit down!
- Oh! I'm gonna be sick!
Coming back
Into your sleep
Come in close
Get in close to me
- Wait!
I'm gonna be sick too!
Move in slowly
- Thank you.
- What are they feeding
you guys at school?
I swear and take her time
Take it over me
And we'll let it in
- Mom?
And will you take all of me
- Mom?
Mama?
And we'll do it softly
- Mom?
Mom?
I feel
That we have more than love
- Ned!
Dig deep
- Stop it! Stop it!
(Pirates chattering)
- Leave him alone!
- Shut up, hag!
- Grandma!
Brolly.
(Ruby shrieks)
Back off!
- Oh!
(Pirates grunting)
- Run!
And we'll let it in,
and we'll breathe it in
Can you take all of me
(car honks)
- Ruby!
And we'll do it softly
I feel
And we'll fall
I'll fall, I'll fall,
I'll fall, I'll fall
- "Grandma confirmed
it last night.
Mom's definitely adopted."
What on earth?
(soft music fades)
- Who were they?
- Pirates.
I hate effin' Pirates.
- I hate effing Pirates too.
- Grandma!
- That was close.
- You know what? I felt like
someone was watching over me.
- Where'd you learn to do that?
- Grandma.
She wanted me to be able
to stand up for myself.
- You were marvelous, sweetie.
Oh. I mean, I mean...
You both were, you...
Oh, you were very brave.
You're a good boy, Ned.
A good boy.
- Oh, Mom!
You're all right.
We'd been worried
sick about you.
Where were you?
- She met us at the bus
stop to walk home with us.
- Um, yeah. She was
missing her best bud.
- Well, you might've told Doug.
He's been out there
searching for you.
God...
Will you call him? I've
gotta have a lie down.
I've just got a migraine.
(soft dramatic piano music)
(soft dramatic piano
music continues)
- You wanna play?
- Why'd you help me?
- You look like you needed it.
- Even though I was
a massive douche?
- Yep.
You were a real d-bag.
But that doesn't mean
I want you to like,
get your head smashed in.
- How can you be so not angry?
- I am, but...
You know, I guess
you can be angry
and still care at the same time.
Like you.
- [Ned] Like me?
How?
- I think that you're
because you care so much
about your parents' divorce,
and that's why you're so mean.
And I'm not saying
that that's an excuse,
because it's totally not,
and you owe me an apology.
- You know, when my
parents moved us here,
I didn't like it at all.
I was angry, I was upset.
I just didn't feel
like I fit in.
- Well, what did you do?
- Well, I mean, at
first I just wanted
to run away from home.
But then I found another
way to express my anger.
Oh, I took up art, I
went to the movies,
and I started dancing.
- And that's where
you met grandpa?
- Yeah.
And then my anger just
softened, and I adjusted,
and I felt a kind
of inner calmness.
- Forgive me?
- No.
No way, not yet.
How do I know that
you've actually changed?
- You won't.
Until I prove that I'm
worthy of your friendship.
(soft music)
(tool clatters)
- Hey.
(Doug and Sharon sighing)
You know, we can't leave her
for even a couple of minutes,
otherwise she's just
gonna wander off.
I spent half the day
looking for her today.
Worried outta my mind.
I don't wanna go
through that again.
- I know.
- Might be time we
have the talk, I think.
- I agree.
- And at least
she's gonna be safe.
Who knows what
could happen today.
Wait. You do?
(Sharon sighs)
- I thought we could
take care of her.
I really did.
But I just don't see how it's...
How we can anymore.
(soft piano music)
(Ruby wails)
- What's wrong?
(Ruby sobs)
- Nothing.
Forget it, forget it.
- Something's up.
- I'm gonna be fine in a minute.
I'll be fine.
- You know you can tell me.
So?
(tense soft music)
- It's your grandfather.
You're gonna think I'm being
silly and sentimental, but...
It seems like it's been years
and years since we last spoke.
(soft tense music continues)
- It's not silly.
- Oh.
- Will it help if I
tell you I love you?
(tense soft music continues)
- Oh...
(Ruby grunts)
- It's okay.
- So she has dementia,
and her GP said that she
would be a high falls risk.
- Your daughter tells me
that you need an eye check.
- Oh...
I keep explaining.
There's nothing
wrong with my eyes,
but she'll never listen to me.
- Yes, well...
Sometimes people think
they have perfect vision.
- Now that's true.
- And then they get tested,
and then they learn that
they barely saw anything.
You know?
Their whole life's been a lie.
- Oh, don't be daft.
- Why don't you come over here,
and I can do a quick check.
Here, sit down.
(Ruby sighs)
And hold this card
over your right eye.
(Ruby sighs)
- I always thought I
got my eyes from you,
because they're such
a similar shape.
Where do you think
I got them from?
- Oh, from me, of course.
- Now look over here,
and tell me what you see.
- Effin' Pirates!
- So, look.
Tomorrow, I'm going to
take some time off work,
so that, well, we can just
take a look at some places.
- Oh, how lovely.
We're gonna go to an
art gallery, the movies?
- Not those kind of places, Mom.
- Oh...
- You can't do this.
You can't just put her in a
nursing home, she hates them!
Plus, everyone
knows they're yuck.
Why can't she just stay here?
- Yeah.
- No.
Because it's not safe.
It's for her own good.
This is my decision.
- Yeah, but didn't I do a good
enough job looking after her?
- Yes, darling.
Of course you did.
It's not-
- But she needs more care
than what we can offer.
- Well, I can help too.
- Yeah.
- Excuse me!
Can I be part of
this conversation?
- Yes, of course.
Look, I'm sorry, Rube.
- I don't need anyone
to look after me,
and I don't need them to tell me
that I've outstayed my welcome!
So I am going to go,
and I'm gonna wait for
your father outside,
and he's gonna pick me
up, and when he arrives...
You're never gonna
have to worry about me
visiting here again.
(dramatic music)
- I've got an idea.
Oh, another hour
or so's light left.
- Better have some fun then!
- (chuckles) Well, there you go.
- Oh, God!
(Ruby laughs)
- It's beautiful, huh?
- Yeah. Just a little
change of perspective, eh?
(Doug laughs)
(Ruby laughs)
(unnerving music)
- Oh...
(seagulls chirping)
- [Sharon] Mom?
- Oh...
- Mom?
(Ruby grunts)
(unnerving music continues)
What's wrong, Mama?
- Oh...
Oh!
- It's okay.
- No, no, no.
- What?
No, that's just Tash.
- This is all really weird.
(Doug shushes)
- [Ruby] Why are we here again?
- Well, we're
looking at options,
in case you don't wanna
stay with us anymore.
You wanna try something else.
- Oh, but I have my own
house, on Ney's Road.
Don't I?
- Well, there was a fire, Mom.
- What?
When? I...
No, I should know.
Is that why you're all here?
- Yes.
Well, I mean, we love
having you at home with us,
but we thought you might
be happier in a place
with people more
your own age and...
- Dying people?
- No!
(Sharon shushes)
(chuckles) No, I
didn't mean that.
- Ah.
This is a lot better than
the last place we looked at.
- It's beautiful.
But what are we doing here?
It's well out of
our price range.
- What do you think, Rube?
Nice garden, bit of a fountain.
(turkey squawking)
Oh, peacocks. Everyone
loves peacocks.
- It's a turkey.
- Is it?
(Sharon chuckles)
- Ruby!
Ruby!
I thought it was you!
- It's me, Margie.
- Margie?
Margie Witherspoon?
Oh!
Oh, it's been ever
such a long time.
How are you?
- I'm wonderful!
This your Sharon?
- Yeah. Yes.
And her husband, Dog.
- That's Doug, with a U.
- Have you got time for a cuppa?
- [Ruby] Well,
nothing else to do.
- Is this "the"
Margie Witherspoon?
- Yes.
(Ruby chuckles)
- Do you mind if I join you?
- Oh, of course.
(soft pensive piano music)
- Are you visiting?
- No, I live here.
- Oh.
- It's absolutely wonderful.
The staff are wonderful,
the food is wonderful,
and the room is, ugh...
- Wonderful?
- Spacious.
But you know what
I like the most?
When my family come to
visit, they're so relaxed.
There's no fussing
like they used to.
They know I'm in good hands.
And I enjoy spending my day
catching up with old
friends like you.
(Ruby chuckles)
And making new ones like you.
(turkeys squawking)
- So, I need to
tell you something,
but I don't know if I should.
Like I know you need to know,
but I don't know if I'm
the one who should be...
- Is this...
Is this that I'm adopted?
- You knew?
- I overheard your
grandma talking and...
Actually, that is
not what happened.
Oh...
I don't wanna lie anymore.
Even if the truth is hard,
being lied to is just so awful.
Darling, I bumped your
diary onto the ground,
and it fell open at that page.
- You what?
You read it?
Mom, how could you!
What else did you see?
- Nothing, just the
stuff about Grandma.
I'm so sorry, I shouldn't
have, but it just...
It was just there and...
(Sharon sighs)
- Wow.
I'm sorry.
- No, don't be sorry.
You should never have
been put in that position.
- Aren't you angry
you weren't told?
- No.
I'm just so proud of you.
You've had to deal
with so much more
than I ever wanted you to.
And you've done it
with such grace.
I love you so much.
- I know.
I love you too.
But I meant...
Aren't you angry at Grandma?
- Well, I'm trying not to be.
- She wanted you
more than anything.
- She lied to me.
- Yeah, but she also loved you.
And I don't know...
I kinda think that's what
makes a family, don't you?
- I don't know who I am anymore.
- I do.
You're my mom.
The best I could've asked for.
- Oh...
- (chuckles) Look at these.
Beautiful.
You know how to weld?
- No.
- What's going on here?
- Can you teach me?
- Yeah, you name
the time and place.
Just pass me that little...
Yeah, that one right there.
Beautiful.
Small size.
And there we go.
So, you've talked
to your old man yet?
- Nah.
He doesn't care where I end up.
I bet he'll fight harder
for the house than me.
(Doug chuckles)
- You know, when you're
old man and I were kids,
we used to scrap
together all the time.
- Really?
- Oh, yeah. He's got
some fight in him.
And he will fight for you.
He just knows the best
way isn't with his fists.
It's up here, with your head.
- And we'd have to get dressed
up to come and visit, Dougie.
Or should I say, Doggie?
(Sharon chuckles)
I don't know.
But you do like it here, Margie?
- It's wonderful.
- There, you see?
Settled then, isn't it?
Where do I fill in
the application?
- There's a lot to consider
before we can make
any decisions, Mom.
- Well, if it's about
the money, don't worry.
Work's paying me out.
I got the call this morning.
Three week severance
for every year,
which adds up to a
year's worth of cash.
- You'd do that for Mom?
- Of course I would.
Anything for Rube.
- All right, so we can't
rush into anything.
We need to shop around.
- Oh, no, no, no.
I like it here.
And I have friends, and
Margie says it's wonderful.
- Yes, but Margie says
everything's freakin' wonderful.
- Oh, don't be so rude.
- Well, I'm not
sure that this is
the right place for you, Mom.
And I wanna make sure that
you have the best place.
- No!
No, you listen to me.
Shouldn't I be
the one to decide?
I mean, you make this sound
like this is your decision,
but it's not.
This is my decision.
It's mine.
Mine.
- Yep.
It's her life.
- Okay, okay.
I'm listening, Mom.
- It's Ruby's choice.
- Yeah, it's Ruby's choice.
(soft tense music)
- Sorry about the other night.
- Don't worry about it, mate.
I'd feel pretty upset
if I was in your
situation as well.
- Do you think the
lawyers will sort it?
- Mate, your mom's got rights.
- Whatever.
I do too.
- You wanna live with me?
Yeah, if you want me to.
- Of course I do, mate.
(soft tense music continues)
- Oh...
And I got a book on
law out of the library.
Because I wanna help
out with the case.
- We'll work it out together.
All right?
(dog barks)
- Cheers mate, I'll
bring it back later.
- No worries, Dougie.
- Come on, boy.
- Hello, Sharon.
Sergeant Riley here.
I've got some good news.
I've located your
mother's vehicle.
- Great!
(Doug laughs)
What are you doing?
- Taking care of
that bloody cat.
(cat meows)
Away you go.
(Doug laughs)
(dog barks)
(cat meows)
(soft music)
- You're a good one, Tash.
Oh...
Could you help me sit up?
- Yeah, of course.
Let me just grab a pillow.
(soft music continues)
All right.
There you go.
- Can I give you
a piece of advice?
Don't ever grow old.
- Well, it's better
than the alternative.
(soft music continues)
- She'd love that.
- Yeah.
Grandma enjoyed her last few
years at the nursing home.
And I don't know if
there's a heaven,
or a good place, or
anything like that.
But when I think of her,
I always imagine her
in her happy place.
Waltzing with grandpa.
(soft melancholic music)
- [Ned] Sorry we're late.
- I didn't think you'd make it.
- No, I wouldn't miss this.
- I know there's
sometimes an assumption
that people with dementia
are more of a burden
than anything,
but that hasn't
been my experience.
Sometimes it takes a person
who's lived their life
to show you the
way through yours.
If it wasn't for Grandma,
Mom might've grown up
alone in an orphanage,
and never met Dad.
Dad would've never started his
memorabilia resale business.
Uncle Ken wouldn't have found
the courage he
needed to move on.
Ned would've never grown up
to be the promising
young lawyer he is now.
And without spending all
that time with Grandma,
I doubt I'd be making the
difference I do every day,
working as an aged care nurse.
Grandma wasn't any less
because she had dementia,
and her moving in
didn't tear us apart.
It made us closer, stronger.
Quick photo?
- Yeah.
- All right.
- Okay.
(Sharon chuckles)
- And she taught us about love.
(camera shutter snaps)
(soft piano music)
("When We Were Young"
by The Black Halo)
(upbeat rock music continues)
Lights shine bright
with a victory
Across the crowded room
The disappointment
left in me
Will leave my body soon
I am so sorry for the
words I cannot say
I am so sorry, may
the feelings go away
Did you ever believe that
we would reach the end
We pushed the feeling
down, now we can't pretend
Oh, when we were young
Oh, when we were young
In the world, we were young
Remember when we were young
Some got everything
that's wrong
She thrives on all the games
Your love's a distant memory
It's all gone up in flames
I am so sorry for the
words I cannot say
I am so sorry, make
the feelings go away
Did you ever believe that
we would reach the end
We pushed the feeling
down, now we can't pretend
Remember when we were young
Remember when we were young
Remember when we were young
Remember when we were young
Back to the start
We got to the end, now
we're back to the start