Tea on the Beach (2025) Movie Script
[music playing]
Dr. Bruce, telephone, please.
Dr. Bruce, telephone please...
[cell phone vibrates]
New message.
Mi amor, I miss you.
Maybe we can leave Mija with my parents
and have a night to ourselves.
Call me when you have a minute, Te amo.
[cell phone dings]
[lullaby playing]
[cell phone vibrates]
Hey.
I can't talk.
I have a showing.
Listen...
My clients are arriving any minute.
Eleanor, Mum passed.
What?
[doorbell ringing]
[music playing]
[music playing]
Bye, guys.
See you.
Hey.
I thought Papi was picking me up.
Oh, sorry to disappoint.
How was school?
Are you still working on
that family tree project?
Mm-hmm.
Do you need my help?
Dad already told me everything.
Hmm.
Where's the new jacket I got you?
This is vintage.
Please, it's coming apart.
Can you just fix this?
I can't sew.
My mom could sew.
No.
Seriously?
Where did you get that?
Dad's secret stash.
What secret stash?
[gasps] How long have these been here?
Abuela gives one to Papi
every time we come over.
She says you won't buy
us snacks because you
eat like a [Spanish].
A what?
A bird.
Eat celery and peanut
butter if you're hungry.
It'll actually fill you up.
Unlike this.
[Spanish] Buenas noches seoritas!
Hola pap. Qu tal?
[Spanish] Ha sido un dia largo.
Estoy feliz de
estar en casa.
Cmo te fue hoy?
No mucho.
Hola, amor.
Celery and peanut butter?
Interesting choice.
Right?
Knife and plate, please.
This is looking good, mija.
Thanks.
I need more from mama's
side, but I'll get there.
Oh, don't forget Lena's.
Dinner's almost ready.
I found your secret stash.
So have you thought any more
about that commentator position?
Hmm, no need.
No need for?
Look, I'm flattered that producers want me,
but it's not what I want.
Besides, I don't want to
move across the country,
pull Dahlia out of her school
and away from her friends.
Oh, she would make
new friends before we even
unpacked our boxes.
It's just so far away from our families.
OK, if you're not going to finish that,
do you want to take it to
the fridge and wrap it up?
And I don't want her to
be far from Lucia's family
as she gets older, in case
she has any questions.
What does she care?
Abuela is not her family.
Mija.
That is not true.
I never said that.
How about you head upstairs, OK?
But first, please apologize to Mom.
I'm sorry.
But you're not my mom.
[Spanish] Hey, that was not OK.
[door slams]
I think this family tree thing is just
bringing a lot to the surface.
I don't think she really...
It's fine.
Don't worry.
No, it's not fine.
I said it's fine.
Sorry, I... it's been a long day.
I'm tired.
Did the showing go badly?
No, but they still want to
see some other houses.
And I don't have any other options.
They can't get everything
that they want with their budget.
And I'm not a magician.
I've seen you do some magic, hmm?
Not now.
Seriously, who died?
My mum.
Wait, really?
Lena, I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
So sorry, amor.
Thank you.
[music playing]
[Spanish]
Andy.
Andrew.
Sure.
Didn't know you were
bringing the whole family.
What is this?
The yard.
Seriously?
Let me tell our geriatric
father whose wife just died...
Oh, I'm sorry.
Am I not allowed to make observations?
It looks like Grey Gardens around here.
Hey, Esther.
How are you?
Hey, I'm OK.
How are you?
Good, good.
Let me help you with that.
Oh, thanks.
How was the ride?
Not too bad.
I like your dress.
Unbelievable.
Planning on moving in?
Right.
Well, on that note, I
think it'd be best if you all
go to hotels for dad's sake.
He's easily confused on a good day.
Having a house full of
people would be a disaster.
Is there at least a Hilton around?
Sadly, the Four Seasons
down the street just closed.
Maybe we could relieve you of your post.
Watch over Ronald for a night or two.
Or at least for the evening,
so you can stop at home.
I've got everything I need.
And Jen and the kids are out of town.
Oh.
Margaret?
Oh, no, that's not Margaret.
I'm Esther.
Your daughter.
And I'm Eleanor.
You may remember me.
This is my husband, Rafael,
and our daughter, Dahlia.
Ow.
Thank you, Eleanor.
He's got memory loss.
He's not deaf.
OK, now that he's
sufficiently lost his bearings,
everyone please go, OK?
Come on, Dad.
Let's go in.
Go.
I like your sunglasses.
Thanks.
I like your jacket.
Did you know it had gotten this bad?
I think Andrew's right.
It would be a full house.
So I was kind of planning
on staying at the house,
and I hadn't really factored
a hotel into my budget.
I'm in between jobs right
now, so money's a bit tight.
Don't you have an emergency
fund for things like this?
Not at the moment.
I'm working on building that up.
But...
Don't sweat it.
We've got it covered.
We look out for family.
Thank you.
I'll pay you back.
No worries.
Where's Dahlia?
Who's that?
My mum.
You look more like her,
like a model or a movie star.
And is that your dad?
Mm-hmm.
Hello?
You're inside.
Why are you inside?
I want to stay here.
Certainly not.
You're staying at a hotel.
You'd have more fun there.
There's a pool.
I didn't pack a swimsuit.
Well, that's a shame.
Please?
Please?
Fine.
One night.
What's up there?
No, no, no, no, no.
Do not go up there.
Come on.
Dahlia, you can stay with me.
[cell phone vibrates]
Oh, I have to take this.
Wait...
Did you draw this?
Yeah, it's a project I
worked on a long time
ago for design school.
And that one too?
No, your Grandma Barnes did that one.
Yeah, but I loved it so much, I hung it up.
Wow, she was a good drawer.
You think that's good?
I have something to show you later.
So what happened?
She had a pulmonary embolism.
What does that mean?
A blood...
There was a blood clot in her
leg that we didn't know about.
And over time, it traveled
up her leg and up to her lungs
and cut off her blood flow.
She went into cardiac arrest.
Started out as little aches and pains
that she chalked up to old age.
By the time she said
anything, it was too late.
You know her, she's stubborn.
Refused to see a doctor.
Nothing short of all out war
is worth batting an eye about.
Why wouldn't she reach out to us?
I'm close by.
I come around now and
then when she needs help.
Was she in any pain when it happened?
I don't think so.
I don't know.
Was she alone?
Yes.
How is Ronald taking it?
He can't remember what
happened this morning,
let alone process this.
Is anyone hungry?
How about I run to the store?
I'll make a nice meal.
You can all have more time to talk.
Great.
What a colorful meal.
Sadly, they were out of tripe.
What's tripe?
Dahlia, it's rude to
talk with your mouth full.
You know that.
What's tripe?
[Spanish] Animal stomach linings.
It's your uncle Andrew's favorite.
That's disgusting.
It didn't matter whether
you liked it or not.
It was cheap.
It was what you had to eat,
especially during the war.
I never experienced anything like it.
The Egyptian desert.
What are you talking about?
We were constantly attacked at the Suez.
The heat was brutal, and we were under fire
from the nationalists left and right.
I was but your age when Hitler
started bombing us in London.
And I joined the armed
forces shortly thereafter.
There simply wasn't enough room
in the underground for everyone.
OK.
[smoke alarm]
Cut the lights.
Cover the windows before they see us.
They're coming.
Can't you hear the sirens?
They're on top of us.
No one's coming.
Please sit down.
[screams]
I'm so sorry.
I must have left the oven on.
It's OK.
He's OK.
OK, Ronald, you've
fallen and hurt your ankle,
so I'm going to help you up.
OK, we're going to...
I got it.
I'm going to help you up.
This is An... this is Andrew, your son, OK?
I'm going to help you up.
Hold onto my arm.
There you go.
OK?
Sit right here.
I'm going to get ice for your ankle.
I'll be right back.
Welcome home.
Clearly, your presence is a problem
is upsetting him.
So can you please just get out.
Just please make your exits
as soon as you possibly can.
Hey, James.
Hey, Dad.
Abe, come on.
Dad's on.
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
Hey, you.
To what do I owe the pleasure
of this unexpected call?
You're free?
Yeah, of course.
Cool.
How's your day going?
It's good.
It's full.
What's new with you guys?
Nothing much.
And...
James got a girlfriend.
No, I didn't.
Just a date to the dance.
Same thing.
Shut up.
Date to the dance, huh?
Well, I know this may come as a surprise,
but you're doing better with the ladies
than your old man did at your age.
Well, tell me about her.
Complete gut and remodel of
the kitchen with new appliances.
Upgrade the bathroom with a double vanity.
Landscaping in the front and back.
Plus, we'll add a small
deck in the backyard.
And then, of course, we're going
to need fresh paint everywhere,
inside and out, and new
furniture just for staging
and photos.
I know it sounds like
a lot of work, and it is,
but I know the greatest contractor,
and he owes me a favor.
So, we'll at least break even,
if not take home a little extra.
And obviously, I'll handle the sale.
Well, if you want to pay
for a remodel, be my guest.
But I'm not selling.
You're not selling?
Who gave you the authority
to make that decision?
What gives you the authority to sell?
Eleanor, go along and fetch me a brandy.
OK, great.
So, are you moving your family in here?
Because our father clearly
can't live here on his own.
And I certainly am not taking up residency.
What if we hire a caregiver?
A nurse to be here at the
house with him and help him.
And then we don't have to sell the house,
but he won't be alone.
If I'm spending that much money, I
would just prefer that he is in a facility.
So you can drop him off
at daycare, forget about him
and go about your life.
How could I forget about
him when half my paycheck
goes missing immediately.
Assuming Raf and I
will be paying for all this.
I do well for myself.
Mm-hmm.
Regardless, the house is in dad's name,
so he's the one who
has the right to sell it
and that will be full of red tape.
Mum would have known
that, that would be a problem.
Which is why she was working
on becoming power of attorney.
But since nothing became official...
It all goes to Ronald.
So we can't sell the house?
Have I not made that abundantly clear?
Just checking.
There has to be something I can do.
Appeal for some sort of custody
in lieu of our insane father.
He's not insane.
He's sick.
And I'm handling it.
What does that mean?
Have you seen my glasses, Ronnie?
I haven't a clue as to
where I had them last.
This has been a really
productive family meeting.
Who's Ronnie?
Want to go outside?
[music playing]
I... I know this is a big ask,
but if the house isn't getting
sold, I was hoping that I
might be able to stay here...
Temporarily.
I have a little bit of a rooming issue.
There's not space anymore
where I'm currently at so...
No, I don't think that
would be a good idea.
It would just be until I
could get my own place.
And I could help you
with the house and Dad.
With his memory loss, he
needs to live by a strict schedule
to keep functioning.
Having you all here is
making things difficult as is.
I'm...
No, no.
The answer is no.
You're going to have to
make other arrangements.
Andrew is definitely
rough around the edges.
Sharp actually.
But I think he has good intentions.
Please, he's never
once had good intentions.
Ever.
He was intolerable as a
kid, and he's intolerable now.
Sorry, but you have no idea what it was
like growing up in this house.
Mm.
Mm-hmm.
He'll do what he does best.
He'll bulldoze over everyone.
And he'll try to control
everything, our father
especially.
And let's be real, he
doesn't know what he's doing.
Mum was the caretaker.
What?
Is something funny?
What's funny about taking
Michael Myers to bed?
Not funny at all.
Not funny?
Oh my gosh, look at you.
Are you scared?
Terrified.
Ah, get that thing off me.
Let's see.
Da, da, da, da.
You like this?
You like scary people?
Mm-hmm.
Ugh.
See?
Raf, I have something.
What?
What is it?
No, nothing.
No, no, wait.
Are you sure?
Yeah.
I can see why he would
have been the first to act.
He lives close by, and he's the oldest.
You're taking his side.
I'm not taking any side...
Except yours.
Are you going to take it off?
The mask.
Ooh.
I need that for my beauty sleep.
Mm-mm.
You're beautiful as is.
I like your pajamas.
Do you want to borrow something?
Yeah?
OK, I'll get you something cool.
I don't know how to braid.
Really?
Your mom never taught you?
She didn't have a chance.
And Lena?
No, she doesn't have the time.
I don't even think she knows how.
She does.
She's the one who taught me.
Oh.
Could you teach me?
I would love to.
Were you and your
sister best friends as kids?
No, she's a lot older than me, so yeah.
Do you have any kids?
No.
No, I'm not ready for that.
You'd be a good mom, though.
Thanks.
OK, here we go.
You are all set.
Does it look good?
It looks very good.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Of course.
[a lawn mower runs outside]
She certainly wastes no time.
And neither do you.
I'm sorry I wasn't up in time to help.
Oh.
Dahlia is usually my taste tester.
But since she's sleeping on
the job, the honor is all yours.
Hmm?
Oh my gosh.
Mm.
It's incredible.
Where did you learn to cook?
Mostly from watching my abuela and mama.
Making lunch yesterday for everyone
brought back a lot of good memories.
Did your mom teach you to cook?
No.
Mum taught me to sew.
Hmm.
Lena finally gotten you
that Easy Bake Oven?
Yeah, I think I'm starting
to get the hang of it.
All right.
Hmm?
I'll pass.
I'll take it.
Sure you don't want one?
I'm good.
Thanks.
Hmm.
I made plenty, if you change your mind.
You'll excuse me.
I'm going to see if Lena needs any help.
Make sure everything goes
back exactly where you found it.
Hmm.
So good.
What?
Are you pregnant?
What?
It's a joke.
There's no way those
are actually that good.
OK.
Here.
Trade you.
No, I've got this.
I know you got this, but I'd like to help.
You've been out here all morning.
Hmm?
Fine.
What's wrong with this thing?
Oh, I didn't know that
Margaret taught Esther to sew.
Yeah.
It's clearly taking her far.
I wouldn't exactly say far.
OK, it's given her a livelihood.
I wouldn't exactly say a livelihood.
Did she teach you to sew too?
No.
She wasn't really the
maternal type with me.
That explains a lot.
What was that supposed to mean?
Oh, no.
I didn't mean any offense.
Just that you're not necessarily
a traditionally maternal type
either.
Less of the nurturer.
More of the disciplinarian, you know?
What?
There's nothing wrong with it.
My abuela was the same.
Did I ever tell you that she used
to chase me around the
house with her chancla?
Like a flip-flop.
Lena.
I know.
OK.
OK, I love...
Is that Jen?
Yes.
Great.
Is she and the boys coming
home now given the circumstances?
I'm afraid you'll just miss them.
Her mother isn't feeling well.
Oh, you didn't tell me that.
I just found out.
I think I heard dad before you came in,
so I'm going to go check on him.
[music playing]
Can I try one?
Where'd your mom get her inspiration from?
I don't know.
I always felt like it came
out of nowhere, you know?
Mum always had the best clothes.
She was always in style.
Well, did she make this one?
She made all of them.
Yeah, she didn't even buy patterns.
She just created patterns of her own.
She was a seamstress through and through.
She sounds amazing.
Yeah, she was a real force of nature.
She definitely had a hard
life from beginning to end.
But she tried to be the
best mum that she could.
Is this the dress from
the drawing on your wall?
I was wondering when you'd notice.
Take that off.
Right now.
Those are not costumes.
They're one of a kinds.
Are you wearing lipstick?
Do not get any of it on that dress.
Go take that lipstick off.
Come on.
We weren't doing anything wrong.
She's practically a teenager, Lena.
It doesn't matter.
If you ever have a kid of your
own, you can make that call.
But you do not get to make decisions
about my children... my child.
What time is it?
Almost noon.
Goodness, I almost missed the race.
I've been waiting all year for this.
Yes.
What time did you say it was?
Almost noon.
That's right.
Lovely weather too, for a race.
What race?
It's Cowes Week.
The biggest regatta of the year.
Oh.
Yeah, 1,000 sailboats on the Solent.
And the spinnakers will
take your breath away.
Spinnakers?
The sails designed to
help boats sail off the wind.
Don't all boats sail off wind?
It's a marvelous sight.
What time is it?
The race should be starting soon.
It's noon.
Hurry then.
You're in for a treat.
Ooh, jolly good.
It's only just started.
[chatter on tv]
I'm sorry I got you in
trouble with your mom.
I didn't mean for you to
get caught in the crosshairs.
It's whatever.
She's like that.
She even gets embarrassed
of me wearing a jacket
with a tiny rip in it.
She bought me a new one
because she can't fix mine.
But this one's my mama's, so...
I could take a look at it.
Yeah?
Sure.
I'll see what I can do.
[knock on door]
Hey, can you help Mom with lunch?
Don't get in any more
trouble on account of me.
Thank you.
You two have become fast friends.
She's very sweet.
So Margaret taught you all this?
It's how... It was how we connected.
Still is?
She's why I studied fashion design.
I'm sure she was honored.
Well, my style was a
bit eccentric for her taste,
but I think she was proud.
You, eccentric?
Hmm, shocking.
She turned my old room
into her sewing room.
Mm.
I found this at her sewing machine.
She'd only just started.
Ugh.
Oh, no.
No, stop, stop, stop.
You grip it like this.
Good.
Now, use your other hand
to hold the tomato in place,
but you pull your fingers
back here, away from the knife.
Now, you run the blade back
and forth, not up and down.
Otherwise, it'll just get squished.
That's it.
Good job.
I'm so happy for you.
Thank you.
And clearly, Margaret was too.
Does Lena know?
Only Mum knew.
You can't keep this a secret.
Well, this family specializes in secrets.
Just imagine what Lena and Andrew
are going to think when
they find out that I am single,
broke, homeless, and pregnant.
Hey, I can't speak for Andrew.
And I know that Lena can
be rough around the edges,
but underneath all that, she cares deeply.
She loves kids.
And she'll love yours too.
But not me.
Hey, she does love you.
You and Dahlia are similar people.
Carefree, expressive.
Lena's more brass tacks.
It takes a little longer for
her to come around in matters
of the heart, but she will.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
No parent knows what they're doing.
You learn on the job.
Baptism by fire.
Thank you.
That's so comforting.
Please, will you promise
not to say anything?
I'm just not ready.
Your secret's safe with me.
But you have to tell them sometime.
I know.
Please set the table.
We need to start
thinking about the funeral.
She wanted to be cremated.
OK.
So we can have a service
and then do the cremation.
She's already been cremated.
What did you do?
I didn't do anything.
They did the autopsy, and
she made written instructions
to have her body cremated upon her death.
So she was cremated.
OK, can you stop saying the word cremated?
Done.
Glasses, tableware.
I shouldn't have to spell this out.
Stop.
You want to be mad at
someone, be mad at Mum.
There's no reason to leave
her body sitting around.
This was her wish, and I simply honored it.
I didn't get to say goodbye.
You said goodbye when you never came home.
[cell phone vibrates]
Hey, James.
Hey, Dad.
I miss you guys.
Can't wait till you're back in town.
Yeah.
Mom got a job.
A job?
Here by Grandma Jay's.
It's a long drive from the house.
She says the house is
too big to take care of...
I'll take care of the house.
Yeah, I know.
I'll take care of the house.
I've got go.
Can I call you back?
No, absolutely.
We can talk...
[call disconnects]
Just where might you be going?
Tea on the beach.
OK.
Hey, can you remind me where
you keep your documents, your birth
certificates, the insurance, the deed.
I thought they were in the
secretary, but I can't see them.
I have no idea.
Sure you do.
Think.
Ask Margaret.
She handles these things.
Well, I can't.
For heaven's sake, why not?
Because I can't.
Where have I put my thermos?
Please, you must have some
idea where Mum keeps the records.
Are they in a safe
somewhere or a filing cabinet?
Come on.
Blast it, Margaret.
I've told you, I don't know
what you're talking about.
Now, stop this.
What did you do?
Oh, Ronnie, please tell her that
I don't have the bloody papers.
What papers?
Dad, Dad, why don't you go to your office.
As long as she's not coming along.
What office?
Where is he going?
He's got a workbench on the porch.
Well, should he be going there alone?
I'm obviously going to monitor him,
but he's not entirely incapable.
Just incapable of recognizing who I am.
What papers?
Pardon?
Don't play dumb.
I was simply trying to find
Mum's legal documents.
The wills, certificates, et cetera.
I'm handling it.
Oh, on top of everything else?
As a matter of fact, yes.
So you don't go and
try to sell the house out
from under our father.
So if you need to know anything, ask me.
In the meantime, stop snooping,
and mind your own business.
It is my business.
[groans]
[music playing]
Why are you hovering, boy?
Just making sure you're OK.
I've been using these tools my whole life.
I'm a soldier and a doctor,
thank you very much.
I know.
Now, kindly bugger off, Ronnie.
I'm more than capable.
Bingo.
Dad?
You good?
Have you seen...
Lena?
I think she's in Ronald's room.
What are you doing here?
I didn't realize I needed your permission.
What's your deal?
Have you seen Dad?
You lost him?
I was tending to all the
unwelcome house guests.
And in the 10 seconds I take for
myself, nobody was watching him.
You've made it clear
that you're the only person
capable of taking care of him.
I never said that.
Now you're blaming me
for not doing your job?
You could have kept an eye on him.
This is exactly why he
needs to be in a nursing home.
Now is not the time, Lena.
Now is not the time?
I could not imagine a better time.
Andrew lost our father.
Stop saying that.
Lena, you get Esther and Dahlia.
I'll drive around.
Come on.
Ronald's missing.
Grab Dahlia.
I haven't seen Dahlia
since I fixed her jacket.
You go that way.
[music playing]
My daughter, Dahlia Cortez.
She's 12 years old.
Long, black hair.
About 5 feet.
I have reason to believe
she's with my elderly father who
has memory loss.
Lena.
Oh my gosh.
Just a minute.
Where were you?
With grandpa.
Where is he?
What are you doing in here?
Oh, Ronnie.
I was just thinking...
I'm not Ronnie.
I'm not your perfect son.
He killed himself, Dad.
No.
No, he didn't.
You don't know that.
I do.
I do.
What are you... what are you saying?
No.
Ronnie?
My boy.
Why don't you go downstairs?
My boy.
My boy.
Ronnie will be back shortly.
Hey, it's OK.
I got this.
Ronald, it's OK, I got you.
Come.
[music playing]
Who's Ronnie?
Ronnie is my older brother.
He died before I was born.
Oh.
Have you ever had a pet?
Yeah, I had a puppy, but he got sick,
and Mom and Dad said
the vet couldn't save him.
So did you get a new puppy?
Yeah, but it wasn't the same.
That is what happened to me.
You got a new puppy?
I was the new puppy.
[crying] Get out.
You're living here.
Did she leave you?
Or did she kick you out?
Get out.
Hey, why didn't you ever tell
me that you had another brother?
Our father never acknowledged his death,
so nobody talked about it.
It's easier just to leave it alone.
Is it easier?
I've noticed that you never call him "Dad."
Always "our father" or "Ronald."
Have you noticed that?
What is this?
An interrogation?
No, I'm only trying to understand.
What am I supposed to tell you?
He was an All-American dad?
No.
He kept us at a distance.
They both did after Ronnie died.
Keep calm.
Carry on.
Not how you are with our children.
Our children?
Nena, slow down.
Talk to me.
Talk to me.
Listen to me.
Are you...
No, listen to me.
Yes, I am.
You're pregnant?
I am, but it's still too early, OK.
I can't say anything until everything...
Oh, this is amazing.
You're not listening to me.
Do not get your hopes up.
We can't tell anybody.
I do hear you.
I do.
But Lena, this is good.
This is going to be so good for our family.
Maybe.
It will be.
It will be.
[soft whirring]
Oh, Esther, do you want
to watch the game with us?
Barcelona versus Madrid.
El Clasico.
[Spanish]
Tempting, but I need some supplies.
Ah.
Oh, since you're going out, would you
mind picking up a few snacks for the game?
Ronald doesn't keep a lot of anything here.
Ah...
Oh, and you're welcome to
just put everything on here.
Thank you.
You might need this, too.
Thanks.
Oh, you should really talk to Lena about...
No.
I don't think it will fall on deaf ears.
You're being weird.
Well, this can't be good.
What's going on?
I was just talking to
Rafael about having tea
on the beach for Mum.
Dad's practically attempting prison break
to have it on his own.
So I was just going to run
out and get some supplies,
and I'll be back in a little while.
You don't have a car.
Raf said that I could borrow yours.
She's family.
Don't do anything stupid.
You're not on our insurance.
Yeah, you think everything I do is stupid.
[music playing]
Boat race should be starting soon.
Don't want to be missing that.
I always loved that dress.
Mum made it for me.
I remember.
I could never understand how she could just
dream up something so
beautiful and make it a reality.
Well, she spent years
messing up stitches in order
to sew without mistakes.
I see her all over this house.
Yeah.
Oh, what's all this?
Oh, I picked up some
supplies for my project
while I was getting stuff for tea.
How did you pay for all that?
Raf spotted me.
He gave you his card
to get supplies for tea
on the beach, not your project.
He told me that I could
use it for everything, so I did.
Oh, my... we're not an ATM.
You realize that.
Can I see what you're working on?
Lena, Lena, stop.
Why?
I just want to see
what it is that I paid for.
What's that?
Lena.
What is this?
Give it back.
What?
Is this...
Stop, please.
You're pregnant?
Lena.
You're pregnant?
Lena.
How could you let this happen?
I wasn't planning it, but...
Oh, well, no, I know
you weren't planning on it.
You never plan anything.
Everything OK in here?
Do you even know who the father is?
Of course, I know who the father is.
His name is Wolf.
Wolf?
Oh.
Well, OK.
Well, now I feel better.
Are you kidding me?
All right, that's enough, Lena.
Hey, guys, keep it down.
I just got Dad to sleep.
Esther's pregnant.
What?
Esther's pregnant.
Oh my god.
Yeah, so what are your plans?
I'm still figuring that out.
If I may, I think
everything will be just fine.
Esther is already trying
to find a place to stay,
and she's going to be OK.
You knew?
I... yes, I did, but not for long.
And I told her she needed to
talk to you about it because...
I think I'm going to be sick.
Seriously?
What?
Are you bleeding?
Uh-oh.
Lena?
No.
No.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
No.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
[music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
We can try again.
Three.
I've lost three.
I never got this far before.
I thought... [sobbing] I thought...
It's OK.
It's OK.
[music playing]
[door opens]
Sorry.
Didn't mean to startle you.
I didn't know if you guys
would be back tonight.
Hey, man.
Sorry, for not giving you a heads up.
No, it's fine.
Where is Esther?
She's with Dahlia.
She didn't leave her
side after you guys left.
I'm going to see if Dahlia's awake.
Do you need anything?
What can I do?
I'll be in in a minute.
OK.
You must be tired.
Why are you here?
Pardon?
Why are you here in this house
where nothing good ever happens?
I'm taking care of dad.
Please.
Why are you really here?
Why is that so hard for you to believe?
Because.
He wasn't always so cold you know.
Before Ronnie... I'm sorry.
I'm going to brush my teeth.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
What's going on?
He's gone.
I lost my boy.
And I've made so many mistakes.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I lost mine too.
You had a boy?
I don't know.
I never got to find out.
Where's Margaret?
I need to see her.
She's not here right now.
But I really wish she was.
You bring her to me as
soon as she's returned.
OK.
Here.
Lie down.
Jeez.
I've spent so many years thinking I
hated you because I
thought that you hated me.
I had to be a better
parent than you ever were.
I don't know why I thought
parenting would come naturally.
It is the hardest thing
that I have ever done.
Raf left the pros to take care
of Dahlia after his wife died.
Dahlia was only six.
He's such a good dad.
He makes everything look so easy.
Those two are thick as thieves.
But Dad, I haven't been
able to truly connect with her.
And then, to lose all...
Well, I guess we have,
finally, something in common.
Hey, bud.
Sorry for calling so late.
Is Abe there too?
So recently, Grandma Barnes got sick.
Very sick.
And she passed away.
She loved you so much.
Are you going to be OK?
Yeah, I'll be OK.
What's this?
Where did you get this?
Grandpa gave it to me.
Grandpa had this?
In his wallet.
I didn't know he had this.
Do you remember him?
Ronnie.
Yeah.
What was he like?
Oh, it was such a long time ago.
He was soft spoken, but wicked smart.
He was in the Navy.
He wanted to serve as a doctor like my dad.
They were really, really close.
Is that why he keeps asking for him?
Because he misses him?
When I was really little,
younger than you, Ronnie
would flip me upside down
and put me above his head
so that my feet could walk on the ceiling.
That's kind of weird.
[laughter]
Yeah, I guess.
I don't remember much about my mama.
Only the stories that Papi's told me.
I'm so sorry that she's not here.
It's hard to lose someone you love.
You should talk more about Uncle Ronnie.
Because if you remember him, then maybe
everyone else can too.
I think you're right.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Good night, Mum.
Good night, sweetheart.
[music playing]
I miss my Mum.
No, I'm good.
Thank you.
I made beans on toast.
It's no pan Dulce,
but it's a family recipe.
Hmm.
You use my Easy-Bake Oven?
Yes, I did.
I know how I come across.
I actually... I respect you, Rafael.
Imagine it must have been
hard to be a single dad.
It was.
Hey.
[Spanish]
[Spanish] Buenos das, mi amor.
Can I get you anything?
A cup of tea.
OK.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Thank you.
There you go.
Good morning.
Morning.
[Spanish]
Lovely weather out, isn't it?
Absolutely clear skies for miles.
Oh, splendid.
Has Margaret made beans on toast, then?
Oh, well.
Ironically, the sicker he becomes,
the more I recognize who
he was before Ronnie died.
It's like his mind is trying to
tell him it never happened.
What a terrible silver lining.
[laughter]
[music playing]
You're going to be a really good mum.
Thanks, Lena.
Now, Margaret and I came to America.
For better lives for
ourselves and our children.
But we were terribly, terribly homesick.
Then she found this spot.
And it reminded her of her childhood home
in the Lake District.
As if anything could quite compare to that.
It's been quite some time
since we paid a visit here.
I'll have to bring her along next time.
She'll be very sorry to have missed it.
A toast to tea on the beach,
the Lake District and to Mum.
To Mum.
To Mum.
To Grandma.
To Margaret.
[music playing]
[music playing]
[humming]
(SINGING) Joy finds hope in little things.
She carries in her pockets beauty.
Joy dances even in her pain.
She sings her songs proudly.
She don't think too hard.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Keep holding your head high.
Did you hear that winter's over?
Can't you feel the sunlight on your skin?
There's brightness up ahead.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Keep holding your head.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Keep holding your head high.
Big eyes filled with ocean blue.
Looking for big things to do.
Heart filled up with birds in flight.
Headed for the sunlight.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh
Dr. Bruce, telephone, please.
Dr. Bruce, telephone please...
[cell phone vibrates]
New message.
Mi amor, I miss you.
Maybe we can leave Mija with my parents
and have a night to ourselves.
Call me when you have a minute, Te amo.
[cell phone dings]
[lullaby playing]
[cell phone vibrates]
Hey.
I can't talk.
I have a showing.
Listen...
My clients are arriving any minute.
Eleanor, Mum passed.
What?
[doorbell ringing]
[music playing]
[music playing]
Bye, guys.
See you.
Hey.
I thought Papi was picking me up.
Oh, sorry to disappoint.
How was school?
Are you still working on
that family tree project?
Mm-hmm.
Do you need my help?
Dad already told me everything.
Hmm.
Where's the new jacket I got you?
This is vintage.
Please, it's coming apart.
Can you just fix this?
I can't sew.
My mom could sew.
No.
Seriously?
Where did you get that?
Dad's secret stash.
What secret stash?
[gasps] How long have these been here?
Abuela gives one to Papi
every time we come over.
She says you won't buy
us snacks because you
eat like a [Spanish].
A what?
A bird.
Eat celery and peanut
butter if you're hungry.
It'll actually fill you up.
Unlike this.
[Spanish] Buenas noches seoritas!
Hola pap. Qu tal?
[Spanish] Ha sido un dia largo.
Estoy feliz de
estar en casa.
Cmo te fue hoy?
No mucho.
Hola, amor.
Celery and peanut butter?
Interesting choice.
Right?
Knife and plate, please.
This is looking good, mija.
Thanks.
I need more from mama's
side, but I'll get there.
Oh, don't forget Lena's.
Dinner's almost ready.
I found your secret stash.
So have you thought any more
about that commentator position?
Hmm, no need.
No need for?
Look, I'm flattered that producers want me,
but it's not what I want.
Besides, I don't want to
move across the country,
pull Dahlia out of her school
and away from her friends.
Oh, she would make
new friends before we even
unpacked our boxes.
It's just so far away from our families.
OK, if you're not going to finish that,
do you want to take it to
the fridge and wrap it up?
And I don't want her to
be far from Lucia's family
as she gets older, in case
she has any questions.
What does she care?
Abuela is not her family.
Mija.
That is not true.
I never said that.
How about you head upstairs, OK?
But first, please apologize to Mom.
I'm sorry.
But you're not my mom.
[Spanish] Hey, that was not OK.
[door slams]
I think this family tree thing is just
bringing a lot to the surface.
I don't think she really...
It's fine.
Don't worry.
No, it's not fine.
I said it's fine.
Sorry, I... it's been a long day.
I'm tired.
Did the showing go badly?
No, but they still want to
see some other houses.
And I don't have any other options.
They can't get everything
that they want with their budget.
And I'm not a magician.
I've seen you do some magic, hmm?
Not now.
Seriously, who died?
My mum.
Wait, really?
Lena, I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
So sorry, amor.
Thank you.
[music playing]
[Spanish]
Andy.
Andrew.
Sure.
Didn't know you were
bringing the whole family.
What is this?
The yard.
Seriously?
Let me tell our geriatric
father whose wife just died...
Oh, I'm sorry.
Am I not allowed to make observations?
It looks like Grey Gardens around here.
Hey, Esther.
How are you?
Hey, I'm OK.
How are you?
Good, good.
Let me help you with that.
Oh, thanks.
How was the ride?
Not too bad.
I like your dress.
Unbelievable.
Planning on moving in?
Right.
Well, on that note, I
think it'd be best if you all
go to hotels for dad's sake.
He's easily confused on a good day.
Having a house full of
people would be a disaster.
Is there at least a Hilton around?
Sadly, the Four Seasons
down the street just closed.
Maybe we could relieve you of your post.
Watch over Ronald for a night or two.
Or at least for the evening,
so you can stop at home.
I've got everything I need.
And Jen and the kids are out of town.
Oh.
Margaret?
Oh, no, that's not Margaret.
I'm Esther.
Your daughter.
And I'm Eleanor.
You may remember me.
This is my husband, Rafael,
and our daughter, Dahlia.
Ow.
Thank you, Eleanor.
He's got memory loss.
He's not deaf.
OK, now that he's
sufficiently lost his bearings,
everyone please go, OK?
Come on, Dad.
Let's go in.
Go.
I like your sunglasses.
Thanks.
I like your jacket.
Did you know it had gotten this bad?
I think Andrew's right.
It would be a full house.
So I was kind of planning
on staying at the house,
and I hadn't really factored
a hotel into my budget.
I'm in between jobs right
now, so money's a bit tight.
Don't you have an emergency
fund for things like this?
Not at the moment.
I'm working on building that up.
But...
Don't sweat it.
We've got it covered.
We look out for family.
Thank you.
I'll pay you back.
No worries.
Where's Dahlia?
Who's that?
My mum.
You look more like her,
like a model or a movie star.
And is that your dad?
Mm-hmm.
Hello?
You're inside.
Why are you inside?
I want to stay here.
Certainly not.
You're staying at a hotel.
You'd have more fun there.
There's a pool.
I didn't pack a swimsuit.
Well, that's a shame.
Please?
Please?
Fine.
One night.
What's up there?
No, no, no, no, no.
Do not go up there.
Come on.
Dahlia, you can stay with me.
[cell phone vibrates]
Oh, I have to take this.
Wait...
Did you draw this?
Yeah, it's a project I
worked on a long time
ago for design school.
And that one too?
No, your Grandma Barnes did that one.
Yeah, but I loved it so much, I hung it up.
Wow, she was a good drawer.
You think that's good?
I have something to show you later.
So what happened?
She had a pulmonary embolism.
What does that mean?
A blood...
There was a blood clot in her
leg that we didn't know about.
And over time, it traveled
up her leg and up to her lungs
and cut off her blood flow.
She went into cardiac arrest.
Started out as little aches and pains
that she chalked up to old age.
By the time she said
anything, it was too late.
You know her, she's stubborn.
Refused to see a doctor.
Nothing short of all out war
is worth batting an eye about.
Why wouldn't she reach out to us?
I'm close by.
I come around now and
then when she needs help.
Was she in any pain when it happened?
I don't think so.
I don't know.
Was she alone?
Yes.
How is Ronald taking it?
He can't remember what
happened this morning,
let alone process this.
Is anyone hungry?
How about I run to the store?
I'll make a nice meal.
You can all have more time to talk.
Great.
What a colorful meal.
Sadly, they were out of tripe.
What's tripe?
Dahlia, it's rude to
talk with your mouth full.
You know that.
What's tripe?
[Spanish] Animal stomach linings.
It's your uncle Andrew's favorite.
That's disgusting.
It didn't matter whether
you liked it or not.
It was cheap.
It was what you had to eat,
especially during the war.
I never experienced anything like it.
The Egyptian desert.
What are you talking about?
We were constantly attacked at the Suez.
The heat was brutal, and we were under fire
from the nationalists left and right.
I was but your age when Hitler
started bombing us in London.
And I joined the armed
forces shortly thereafter.
There simply wasn't enough room
in the underground for everyone.
OK.
[smoke alarm]
Cut the lights.
Cover the windows before they see us.
They're coming.
Can't you hear the sirens?
They're on top of us.
No one's coming.
Please sit down.
[screams]
I'm so sorry.
I must have left the oven on.
It's OK.
He's OK.
OK, Ronald, you've
fallen and hurt your ankle,
so I'm going to help you up.
OK, we're going to...
I got it.
I'm going to help you up.
This is An... this is Andrew, your son, OK?
I'm going to help you up.
Hold onto my arm.
There you go.
OK?
Sit right here.
I'm going to get ice for your ankle.
I'll be right back.
Welcome home.
Clearly, your presence is a problem
is upsetting him.
So can you please just get out.
Just please make your exits
as soon as you possibly can.
Hey, James.
Hey, Dad.
Abe, come on.
Dad's on.
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
Hey, you.
To what do I owe the pleasure
of this unexpected call?
You're free?
Yeah, of course.
Cool.
How's your day going?
It's good.
It's full.
What's new with you guys?
Nothing much.
And...
James got a girlfriend.
No, I didn't.
Just a date to the dance.
Same thing.
Shut up.
Date to the dance, huh?
Well, I know this may come as a surprise,
but you're doing better with the ladies
than your old man did at your age.
Well, tell me about her.
Complete gut and remodel of
the kitchen with new appliances.
Upgrade the bathroom with a double vanity.
Landscaping in the front and back.
Plus, we'll add a small
deck in the backyard.
And then, of course, we're going
to need fresh paint everywhere,
inside and out, and new
furniture just for staging
and photos.
I know it sounds like
a lot of work, and it is,
but I know the greatest contractor,
and he owes me a favor.
So, we'll at least break even,
if not take home a little extra.
And obviously, I'll handle the sale.
Well, if you want to pay
for a remodel, be my guest.
But I'm not selling.
You're not selling?
Who gave you the authority
to make that decision?
What gives you the authority to sell?
Eleanor, go along and fetch me a brandy.
OK, great.
So, are you moving your family in here?
Because our father clearly
can't live here on his own.
And I certainly am not taking up residency.
What if we hire a caregiver?
A nurse to be here at the
house with him and help him.
And then we don't have to sell the house,
but he won't be alone.
If I'm spending that much money, I
would just prefer that he is in a facility.
So you can drop him off
at daycare, forget about him
and go about your life.
How could I forget about
him when half my paycheck
goes missing immediately.
Assuming Raf and I
will be paying for all this.
I do well for myself.
Mm-hmm.
Regardless, the house is in dad's name,
so he's the one who
has the right to sell it
and that will be full of red tape.
Mum would have known
that, that would be a problem.
Which is why she was working
on becoming power of attorney.
But since nothing became official...
It all goes to Ronald.
So we can't sell the house?
Have I not made that abundantly clear?
Just checking.
There has to be something I can do.
Appeal for some sort of custody
in lieu of our insane father.
He's not insane.
He's sick.
And I'm handling it.
What does that mean?
Have you seen my glasses, Ronnie?
I haven't a clue as to
where I had them last.
This has been a really
productive family meeting.
Who's Ronnie?
Want to go outside?
[music playing]
I... I know this is a big ask,
but if the house isn't getting
sold, I was hoping that I
might be able to stay here...
Temporarily.
I have a little bit of a rooming issue.
There's not space anymore
where I'm currently at so...
No, I don't think that
would be a good idea.
It would just be until I
could get my own place.
And I could help you
with the house and Dad.
With his memory loss, he
needs to live by a strict schedule
to keep functioning.
Having you all here is
making things difficult as is.
I'm...
No, no.
The answer is no.
You're going to have to
make other arrangements.
Andrew is definitely
rough around the edges.
Sharp actually.
But I think he has good intentions.
Please, he's never
once had good intentions.
Ever.
He was intolerable as a
kid, and he's intolerable now.
Sorry, but you have no idea what it was
like growing up in this house.
Mm.
Mm-hmm.
He'll do what he does best.
He'll bulldoze over everyone.
And he'll try to control
everything, our father
especially.
And let's be real, he
doesn't know what he's doing.
Mum was the caretaker.
What?
Is something funny?
What's funny about taking
Michael Myers to bed?
Not funny at all.
Not funny?
Oh my gosh, look at you.
Are you scared?
Terrified.
Ah, get that thing off me.
Let's see.
Da, da, da, da.
You like this?
You like scary people?
Mm-hmm.
Ugh.
See?
Raf, I have something.
What?
What is it?
No, nothing.
No, no, wait.
Are you sure?
Yeah.
I can see why he would
have been the first to act.
He lives close by, and he's the oldest.
You're taking his side.
I'm not taking any side...
Except yours.
Are you going to take it off?
The mask.
Ooh.
I need that for my beauty sleep.
Mm-mm.
You're beautiful as is.
I like your pajamas.
Do you want to borrow something?
Yeah?
OK, I'll get you something cool.
I don't know how to braid.
Really?
Your mom never taught you?
She didn't have a chance.
And Lena?
No, she doesn't have the time.
I don't even think she knows how.
She does.
She's the one who taught me.
Oh.
Could you teach me?
I would love to.
Were you and your
sister best friends as kids?
No, she's a lot older than me, so yeah.
Do you have any kids?
No.
No, I'm not ready for that.
You'd be a good mom, though.
Thanks.
OK, here we go.
You are all set.
Does it look good?
It looks very good.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Of course.
[a lawn mower runs outside]
She certainly wastes no time.
And neither do you.
I'm sorry I wasn't up in time to help.
Oh.
Dahlia is usually my taste tester.
But since she's sleeping on
the job, the honor is all yours.
Hmm?
Oh my gosh.
Mm.
It's incredible.
Where did you learn to cook?
Mostly from watching my abuela and mama.
Making lunch yesterday for everyone
brought back a lot of good memories.
Did your mom teach you to cook?
No.
Mum taught me to sew.
Hmm.
Lena finally gotten you
that Easy Bake Oven?
Yeah, I think I'm starting
to get the hang of it.
All right.
Hmm?
I'll pass.
I'll take it.
Sure you don't want one?
I'm good.
Thanks.
Hmm.
I made plenty, if you change your mind.
You'll excuse me.
I'm going to see if Lena needs any help.
Make sure everything goes
back exactly where you found it.
Hmm.
So good.
What?
Are you pregnant?
What?
It's a joke.
There's no way those
are actually that good.
OK.
Here.
Trade you.
No, I've got this.
I know you got this, but I'd like to help.
You've been out here all morning.
Hmm?
Fine.
What's wrong with this thing?
Oh, I didn't know that
Margaret taught Esther to sew.
Yeah.
It's clearly taking her far.
I wouldn't exactly say far.
OK, it's given her a livelihood.
I wouldn't exactly say a livelihood.
Did she teach you to sew too?
No.
She wasn't really the
maternal type with me.
That explains a lot.
What was that supposed to mean?
Oh, no.
I didn't mean any offense.
Just that you're not necessarily
a traditionally maternal type
either.
Less of the nurturer.
More of the disciplinarian, you know?
What?
There's nothing wrong with it.
My abuela was the same.
Did I ever tell you that she used
to chase me around the
house with her chancla?
Like a flip-flop.
Lena.
I know.
OK.
OK, I love...
Is that Jen?
Yes.
Great.
Is she and the boys coming
home now given the circumstances?
I'm afraid you'll just miss them.
Her mother isn't feeling well.
Oh, you didn't tell me that.
I just found out.
I think I heard dad before you came in,
so I'm going to go check on him.
[music playing]
Can I try one?
Where'd your mom get her inspiration from?
I don't know.
I always felt like it came
out of nowhere, you know?
Mum always had the best clothes.
She was always in style.
Well, did she make this one?
She made all of them.
Yeah, she didn't even buy patterns.
She just created patterns of her own.
She was a seamstress through and through.
She sounds amazing.
Yeah, she was a real force of nature.
She definitely had a hard
life from beginning to end.
But she tried to be the
best mum that she could.
Is this the dress from
the drawing on your wall?
I was wondering when you'd notice.
Take that off.
Right now.
Those are not costumes.
They're one of a kinds.
Are you wearing lipstick?
Do not get any of it on that dress.
Go take that lipstick off.
Come on.
We weren't doing anything wrong.
She's practically a teenager, Lena.
It doesn't matter.
If you ever have a kid of your
own, you can make that call.
But you do not get to make decisions
about my children... my child.
What time is it?
Almost noon.
Goodness, I almost missed the race.
I've been waiting all year for this.
Yes.
What time did you say it was?
Almost noon.
That's right.
Lovely weather too, for a race.
What race?
It's Cowes Week.
The biggest regatta of the year.
Oh.
Yeah, 1,000 sailboats on the Solent.
And the spinnakers will
take your breath away.
Spinnakers?
The sails designed to
help boats sail off the wind.
Don't all boats sail off wind?
It's a marvelous sight.
What time is it?
The race should be starting soon.
It's noon.
Hurry then.
You're in for a treat.
Ooh, jolly good.
It's only just started.
[chatter on tv]
I'm sorry I got you in
trouble with your mom.
I didn't mean for you to
get caught in the crosshairs.
It's whatever.
She's like that.
She even gets embarrassed
of me wearing a jacket
with a tiny rip in it.
She bought me a new one
because she can't fix mine.
But this one's my mama's, so...
I could take a look at it.
Yeah?
Sure.
I'll see what I can do.
[knock on door]
Hey, can you help Mom with lunch?
Don't get in any more
trouble on account of me.
Thank you.
You two have become fast friends.
She's very sweet.
So Margaret taught you all this?
It's how... It was how we connected.
Still is?
She's why I studied fashion design.
I'm sure she was honored.
Well, my style was a
bit eccentric for her taste,
but I think she was proud.
You, eccentric?
Hmm, shocking.
She turned my old room
into her sewing room.
Mm.
I found this at her sewing machine.
She'd only just started.
Ugh.
Oh, no.
No, stop, stop, stop.
You grip it like this.
Good.
Now, use your other hand
to hold the tomato in place,
but you pull your fingers
back here, away from the knife.
Now, you run the blade back
and forth, not up and down.
Otherwise, it'll just get squished.
That's it.
Good job.
I'm so happy for you.
Thank you.
And clearly, Margaret was too.
Does Lena know?
Only Mum knew.
You can't keep this a secret.
Well, this family specializes in secrets.
Just imagine what Lena and Andrew
are going to think when
they find out that I am single,
broke, homeless, and pregnant.
Hey, I can't speak for Andrew.
And I know that Lena can
be rough around the edges,
but underneath all that, she cares deeply.
She loves kids.
And she'll love yours too.
But not me.
Hey, she does love you.
You and Dahlia are similar people.
Carefree, expressive.
Lena's more brass tacks.
It takes a little longer for
her to come around in matters
of the heart, but she will.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
No parent knows what they're doing.
You learn on the job.
Baptism by fire.
Thank you.
That's so comforting.
Please, will you promise
not to say anything?
I'm just not ready.
Your secret's safe with me.
But you have to tell them sometime.
I know.
Please set the table.
We need to start
thinking about the funeral.
She wanted to be cremated.
OK.
So we can have a service
and then do the cremation.
She's already been cremated.
What did you do?
I didn't do anything.
They did the autopsy, and
she made written instructions
to have her body cremated upon her death.
So she was cremated.
OK, can you stop saying the word cremated?
Done.
Glasses, tableware.
I shouldn't have to spell this out.
Stop.
You want to be mad at
someone, be mad at Mum.
There's no reason to leave
her body sitting around.
This was her wish, and I simply honored it.
I didn't get to say goodbye.
You said goodbye when you never came home.
[cell phone vibrates]
Hey, James.
Hey, Dad.
I miss you guys.
Can't wait till you're back in town.
Yeah.
Mom got a job.
A job?
Here by Grandma Jay's.
It's a long drive from the house.
She says the house is
too big to take care of...
I'll take care of the house.
Yeah, I know.
I'll take care of the house.
I've got go.
Can I call you back?
No, absolutely.
We can talk...
[call disconnects]
Just where might you be going?
Tea on the beach.
OK.
Hey, can you remind me where
you keep your documents, your birth
certificates, the insurance, the deed.
I thought they were in the
secretary, but I can't see them.
I have no idea.
Sure you do.
Think.
Ask Margaret.
She handles these things.
Well, I can't.
For heaven's sake, why not?
Because I can't.
Where have I put my thermos?
Please, you must have some
idea where Mum keeps the records.
Are they in a safe
somewhere or a filing cabinet?
Come on.
Blast it, Margaret.
I've told you, I don't know
what you're talking about.
Now, stop this.
What did you do?
Oh, Ronnie, please tell her that
I don't have the bloody papers.
What papers?
Dad, Dad, why don't you go to your office.
As long as she's not coming along.
What office?
Where is he going?
He's got a workbench on the porch.
Well, should he be going there alone?
I'm obviously going to monitor him,
but he's not entirely incapable.
Just incapable of recognizing who I am.
What papers?
Pardon?
Don't play dumb.
I was simply trying to find
Mum's legal documents.
The wills, certificates, et cetera.
I'm handling it.
Oh, on top of everything else?
As a matter of fact, yes.
So you don't go and
try to sell the house out
from under our father.
So if you need to know anything, ask me.
In the meantime, stop snooping,
and mind your own business.
It is my business.
[groans]
[music playing]
Why are you hovering, boy?
Just making sure you're OK.
I've been using these tools my whole life.
I'm a soldier and a doctor,
thank you very much.
I know.
Now, kindly bugger off, Ronnie.
I'm more than capable.
Bingo.
Dad?
You good?
Have you seen...
Lena?
I think she's in Ronald's room.
What are you doing here?
I didn't realize I needed your permission.
What's your deal?
Have you seen Dad?
You lost him?
I was tending to all the
unwelcome house guests.
And in the 10 seconds I take for
myself, nobody was watching him.
You've made it clear
that you're the only person
capable of taking care of him.
I never said that.
Now you're blaming me
for not doing your job?
You could have kept an eye on him.
This is exactly why he
needs to be in a nursing home.
Now is not the time, Lena.
Now is not the time?
I could not imagine a better time.
Andrew lost our father.
Stop saying that.
Lena, you get Esther and Dahlia.
I'll drive around.
Come on.
Ronald's missing.
Grab Dahlia.
I haven't seen Dahlia
since I fixed her jacket.
You go that way.
[music playing]
My daughter, Dahlia Cortez.
She's 12 years old.
Long, black hair.
About 5 feet.
I have reason to believe
she's with my elderly father who
has memory loss.
Lena.
Oh my gosh.
Just a minute.
Where were you?
With grandpa.
Where is he?
What are you doing in here?
Oh, Ronnie.
I was just thinking...
I'm not Ronnie.
I'm not your perfect son.
He killed himself, Dad.
No.
No, he didn't.
You don't know that.
I do.
I do.
What are you... what are you saying?
No.
Ronnie?
My boy.
Why don't you go downstairs?
My boy.
My boy.
Ronnie will be back shortly.
Hey, it's OK.
I got this.
Ronald, it's OK, I got you.
Come.
[music playing]
Who's Ronnie?
Ronnie is my older brother.
He died before I was born.
Oh.
Have you ever had a pet?
Yeah, I had a puppy, but he got sick,
and Mom and Dad said
the vet couldn't save him.
So did you get a new puppy?
Yeah, but it wasn't the same.
That is what happened to me.
You got a new puppy?
I was the new puppy.
[crying] Get out.
You're living here.
Did she leave you?
Or did she kick you out?
Get out.
Hey, why didn't you ever tell
me that you had another brother?
Our father never acknowledged his death,
so nobody talked about it.
It's easier just to leave it alone.
Is it easier?
I've noticed that you never call him "Dad."
Always "our father" or "Ronald."
Have you noticed that?
What is this?
An interrogation?
No, I'm only trying to understand.
What am I supposed to tell you?
He was an All-American dad?
No.
He kept us at a distance.
They both did after Ronnie died.
Keep calm.
Carry on.
Not how you are with our children.
Our children?
Nena, slow down.
Talk to me.
Talk to me.
Listen to me.
Are you...
No, listen to me.
Yes, I am.
You're pregnant?
I am, but it's still too early, OK.
I can't say anything until everything...
Oh, this is amazing.
You're not listening to me.
Do not get your hopes up.
We can't tell anybody.
I do hear you.
I do.
But Lena, this is good.
This is going to be so good for our family.
Maybe.
It will be.
It will be.
[soft whirring]
Oh, Esther, do you want
to watch the game with us?
Barcelona versus Madrid.
El Clasico.
[Spanish]
Tempting, but I need some supplies.
Ah.
Oh, since you're going out, would you
mind picking up a few snacks for the game?
Ronald doesn't keep a lot of anything here.
Ah...
Oh, and you're welcome to
just put everything on here.
Thank you.
You might need this, too.
Thanks.
Oh, you should really talk to Lena about...
No.
I don't think it will fall on deaf ears.
You're being weird.
Well, this can't be good.
What's going on?
I was just talking to
Rafael about having tea
on the beach for Mum.
Dad's practically attempting prison break
to have it on his own.
So I was just going to run
out and get some supplies,
and I'll be back in a little while.
You don't have a car.
Raf said that I could borrow yours.
She's family.
Don't do anything stupid.
You're not on our insurance.
Yeah, you think everything I do is stupid.
[music playing]
Boat race should be starting soon.
Don't want to be missing that.
I always loved that dress.
Mum made it for me.
I remember.
I could never understand how she could just
dream up something so
beautiful and make it a reality.
Well, she spent years
messing up stitches in order
to sew without mistakes.
I see her all over this house.
Yeah.
Oh, what's all this?
Oh, I picked up some
supplies for my project
while I was getting stuff for tea.
How did you pay for all that?
Raf spotted me.
He gave you his card
to get supplies for tea
on the beach, not your project.
He told me that I could
use it for everything, so I did.
Oh, my... we're not an ATM.
You realize that.
Can I see what you're working on?
Lena, Lena, stop.
Why?
I just want to see
what it is that I paid for.
What's that?
Lena.
What is this?
Give it back.
What?
Is this...
Stop, please.
You're pregnant?
Lena.
You're pregnant?
Lena.
How could you let this happen?
I wasn't planning it, but...
Oh, well, no, I know
you weren't planning on it.
You never plan anything.
Everything OK in here?
Do you even know who the father is?
Of course, I know who the father is.
His name is Wolf.
Wolf?
Oh.
Well, OK.
Well, now I feel better.
Are you kidding me?
All right, that's enough, Lena.
Hey, guys, keep it down.
I just got Dad to sleep.
Esther's pregnant.
What?
Esther's pregnant.
Oh my god.
Yeah, so what are your plans?
I'm still figuring that out.
If I may, I think
everything will be just fine.
Esther is already trying
to find a place to stay,
and she's going to be OK.
You knew?
I... yes, I did, but not for long.
And I told her she needed to
talk to you about it because...
I think I'm going to be sick.
Seriously?
What?
Are you bleeding?
Uh-oh.
Lena?
No.
No.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
No.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
[music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
We can try again.
Three.
I've lost three.
I never got this far before.
I thought... [sobbing] I thought...
It's OK.
It's OK.
[music playing]
[door opens]
Sorry.
Didn't mean to startle you.
I didn't know if you guys
would be back tonight.
Hey, man.
Sorry, for not giving you a heads up.
No, it's fine.
Where is Esther?
She's with Dahlia.
She didn't leave her
side after you guys left.
I'm going to see if Dahlia's awake.
Do you need anything?
What can I do?
I'll be in in a minute.
OK.
You must be tired.
Why are you here?
Pardon?
Why are you here in this house
where nothing good ever happens?
I'm taking care of dad.
Please.
Why are you really here?
Why is that so hard for you to believe?
Because.
He wasn't always so cold you know.
Before Ronnie... I'm sorry.
I'm going to brush my teeth.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
What's going on?
He's gone.
I lost my boy.
And I've made so many mistakes.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I lost mine too.
You had a boy?
I don't know.
I never got to find out.
Where's Margaret?
I need to see her.
She's not here right now.
But I really wish she was.
You bring her to me as
soon as she's returned.
OK.
Here.
Lie down.
Jeez.
I've spent so many years thinking I
hated you because I
thought that you hated me.
I had to be a better
parent than you ever were.
I don't know why I thought
parenting would come naturally.
It is the hardest thing
that I have ever done.
Raf left the pros to take care
of Dahlia after his wife died.
Dahlia was only six.
He's such a good dad.
He makes everything look so easy.
Those two are thick as thieves.
But Dad, I haven't been
able to truly connect with her.
And then, to lose all...
Well, I guess we have,
finally, something in common.
Hey, bud.
Sorry for calling so late.
Is Abe there too?
So recently, Grandma Barnes got sick.
Very sick.
And she passed away.
She loved you so much.
Are you going to be OK?
Yeah, I'll be OK.
What's this?
Where did you get this?
Grandpa gave it to me.
Grandpa had this?
In his wallet.
I didn't know he had this.
Do you remember him?
Ronnie.
Yeah.
What was he like?
Oh, it was such a long time ago.
He was soft spoken, but wicked smart.
He was in the Navy.
He wanted to serve as a doctor like my dad.
They were really, really close.
Is that why he keeps asking for him?
Because he misses him?
When I was really little,
younger than you, Ronnie
would flip me upside down
and put me above his head
so that my feet could walk on the ceiling.
That's kind of weird.
[laughter]
Yeah, I guess.
I don't remember much about my mama.
Only the stories that Papi's told me.
I'm so sorry that she's not here.
It's hard to lose someone you love.
You should talk more about Uncle Ronnie.
Because if you remember him, then maybe
everyone else can too.
I think you're right.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Good night, Mum.
Good night, sweetheart.
[music playing]
I miss my Mum.
No, I'm good.
Thank you.
I made beans on toast.
It's no pan Dulce,
but it's a family recipe.
Hmm.
You use my Easy-Bake Oven?
Yes, I did.
I know how I come across.
I actually... I respect you, Rafael.
Imagine it must have been
hard to be a single dad.
It was.
Hey.
[Spanish]
[Spanish] Buenos das, mi amor.
Can I get you anything?
A cup of tea.
OK.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Thank you.
There you go.
Good morning.
Morning.
[Spanish]
Lovely weather out, isn't it?
Absolutely clear skies for miles.
Oh, splendid.
Has Margaret made beans on toast, then?
Oh, well.
Ironically, the sicker he becomes,
the more I recognize who
he was before Ronnie died.
It's like his mind is trying to
tell him it never happened.
What a terrible silver lining.
[laughter]
[music playing]
You're going to be a really good mum.
Thanks, Lena.
Now, Margaret and I came to America.
For better lives for
ourselves and our children.
But we were terribly, terribly homesick.
Then she found this spot.
And it reminded her of her childhood home
in the Lake District.
As if anything could quite compare to that.
It's been quite some time
since we paid a visit here.
I'll have to bring her along next time.
She'll be very sorry to have missed it.
A toast to tea on the beach,
the Lake District and to Mum.
To Mum.
To Mum.
To Grandma.
To Margaret.
[music playing]
[music playing]
[humming]
(SINGING) Joy finds hope in little things.
She carries in her pockets beauty.
Joy dances even in her pain.
She sings her songs proudly.
She don't think too hard.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Keep holding your head high.
Did you hear that winter's over?
Can't you feel the sunlight on your skin?
There's brightness up ahead.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Keep holding your head.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Keep holding your head high.
Big eyes filled with ocean blue.
Looking for big things to do.
Heart filled up with birds in flight.
Headed for the sunlight.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Hold on, hold on, darling.
Hold on, hold on, my darling.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh.
Ooh, woo-ooh-ooh-ooh