The Christmas Switch (2026) Movie Script

[cheerful instrumental version
of "Joy to the World" playing]
[woman 1] My mother always says
Christmas is the time to go back home.
I've never really understood
what she means by that.
I'm already home.
I've gotta admit, though,
sometimes I'd rather be somewhere else.
I mean, how bad could Christmas be
in Italy, for example?
Maybe she's just talking about my sister.
That would make more sense.
Freddie never comes back home.
- [woman 2] Freddie! Your lunch meeting!
- Oh, yeah!
Is that pitch ready for later?
[woman 1] All she ever does
is work and work.
She says she thrives on pressure,
but I think she's starting to burn out.
- [bleeping]
- She's gonna work herself to death.
I bet she'll wanna be buried
with her laptop and earbuds.
[woman 3] Hello? Hey, what's going on?
We're on the air.
- [Freddie] Right.
- You okay?
- [woman 4] Hi, Mathilda.
- Hi, Margot.
[Mathilda] My mother also says Christmas
is the perfect time to start over.
To make new choices.
But lately, I've been feeling
like it's the same old game playing
over and over again.
King Jonas! You're the GOAT!
See that? You saw that?
- I saw it.
- [Jonas] Mmm!
- You're the best.
- Oh, hell yeah.
Two to one. It's fantastic. It's amazing!
[Mathilda] But don't get me wrong.
I'm happy.
- I love my life!
- [whistle blows]
I guess
I mean, I know life isn't always
about doing what you want
whenever you feel like it. [Chuckles]
Imagine what would happen
if I acted as selfish as Freddie
and let Mom and Dad and Jonas
handle the store on their own?
[woman] Hey, what are you doing there?
- God! You scared me.
- [woman] Mmm.
Look at what I just ordered from China.
- For the market.
- [Mathilda] A wheel of fortune?
Yes, pulling winners out of a tin isn't
festive enough, you know?
- Good call. It looks nice.
- [chuckles] Yeah.
It already left the warehouse in Shenzen.
I'm tracking it.
"Shenz-hen." Is that how it's pronounced?
[door opens]
[sports commentary playing on TV]
[Mathilda] Hi!
- [Jonas] Mmm. Hi, sweetheart.
- Hey.
So I had a talk
with that real-estate agent finally.
- [Mathilda] Yeah? What'd she say?
- She said Jonsson's asking for a million.
But I said there's no way we're paying
that much. We won't go over 600K.
We've gotta have enough to do
the electrical work, get running water,
and there's also the minor detail
that's building the actual house.
And the cost of materials is
through the roof since the pandemic.
It's just, pyeooww!
- That's right.
- [Jonas] Mmm.
- [Mathilda sighs]
- Mmm.
[slurping]
[Mathilda] Well,
maybe we should just wait a little.
Wait for what? Retirement? Babe,
we're the only ones without our own home.
What's the matter?
You PMSing or something?
- [Mathilda] Ugh. No.
- [chuckles] Huh?
It's gonna be amazing.
Right by the water, facing due south.
- We'd have space to build a little jetty.
- Yeah.
- A sauna. Don't you want that?
- No, it's great. Yeah. It's lovely.
[horn honks]
[siren wailing]
I'm leaving now.
I'll set the alarm. No worries.
[snoring]
[snoring continues]
- [phone ringing]
- Uh, hang on.
[techno music playing]
- Hey, sis. Everything all right?
- Hey, do you have a minute to talk?
- What are you saying?
- I just had a really weird idea.
Mattie, sweetie, I can't hear anything.
Let me get out of this noise.
- I saw they're looking for a new florist
- [Jonas] Whoa, you're still awake?
Mmm. I've gotta pee.
[sighs] All right,
I can hear you now. Go ahead.
- What were you saying?
- Um
I just wanted to know
when you're coming home.
- When am I coming home?
- For my birthday.
- I'm on the phone with Freddie.
- Uh
- All right, have fun.
- I don't know.
I'm going to Paris for work this weekend,
and I can't get out of it, you know?
It's it's way too important.
Hey, I wanna go to Paris too.
I'm so sorry I won't be there
for your birthday.
- [Jonas urinating]
- No, it's fine.
- [Jonas farts]
- You're working.
You're gonna be here for Christmas, right?
[sighs]
Um, yeah, I don't know.
Come on,
you're gonna miss Christmas again?
I won't miss Christmas.
It'll happen no matter where I am.
- You come to me?
- [Jonas] Coming?
- Be right in. Just a sec.
- Hey, I'm out with colleagues.
- What'd you say?
- I love you so much.
But I gotta go back inside.
- Sorry.
- I love you too.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Jonas] Bobble, why are you taking
so long? What are you doing?
[techno music playing in bar]
[woman 1] All right, let's do this.
Here, take one.
- Shots! Come on!
- No, I have a really early start tomorrow.
- [woman 2] Just one! Come on.
- [woman 1] Please, take it!
- Merry Christmas!
- [woman 1] Merry Christmas!
- [techno music continues]
- [snoring]
- [woman] These people are dinosaurs.
- [bleeping]
They wanna reach start ups
and female entrepreneurs.
Use that angle. I'm waiting for you.
[techno music continues]
- [man] Watch it!
- Sorry.
[woman] Freddie! Freddie! Over here, come!
- [music fades]
- You're late. What the fuck?
- I know, I'm sorry.
- This account is really important.
Loosen up. It's a bunch of boring men.
- [high-pitched ringing]
- That's juice. Focus, please, come on!
- [Freddie sighs]
- Go basic.
But not too basic, got it?
Be tough, and work it.
- Use that body.
- [man] Ladies! We're ready to start.
[woman laughs] Yes, wonderful. Coming!
You'll make partner after this.
[high-pitched ringing continues]
[sighs] All right, um
I think [clears throat]
All right. So, big corporations,
by now, you you have that covered.
What we should focus on is
women who run start-ups. Right?
- To reach them, you need influencers.
- Exactly.
And content creators. Because they should
should explain their story.
- About their difficulties and failures
- [eerie rumbling]
[tense, distorted music playing]
[Freddie, echoing] going to Paris
- [woman in bar] Take one!
- Freddie.
- [Freddie] Uh
- I have an early start
- Yeah. [Clears throat]
- [woman in bar] Come on!
[Freddie] Uh, uh ju just a sec.
[sighs, clears throat]
- [coughs]
- Freddie!
- [can opens, echoing]
- [clattering]
[creaking and crashing]
- [bleeping]
- [Freddie gasps]
- [man, echoing] You all right?
- [burst of techno music]
- [echoing] I'm fine.
- [heartbeat pounding]
- Where am I?
- [whooshing]
Oh, my God! Freddie! Freddie!
- [heartbeat continues]
- [woman] Hello?
Hello? Come on, move or something!
Freddie, wake up!
[Jonas clears throat]
[instrumental version
of "Jingle Bells" playing in shop]
[Jonas] Janne and Lilian wanna talk to us.
- What's going on?
- No idea. I think it's serious.
[Mathilda] What's going on?
Pop?
[Janne] I'll let Mom tell you.
How long have you been together?
Us? Uh um, 14 and a half years.
- [Mathilda] Oh.
- Yeah, it's been a while.
[chuckles]
Now I know that
we said we weren't in a big rush,
but your dad was just scheduled
for knee surgery,
and I never have time to play golf.
Point is, you two need to take over.
The store's all yours!
[Mathilda] What?
[Lilian] We'll still be around, of course.
We're staying put.
But how?
- God, like, when is this all gonna ha...
- [Lilian] There's no rush.
But let's say
after Christmas?
- This one?
- [Lilian] Mmm.
This this Christmas?
[Lilian] Yeah, right after Christmas.
What do you say?
[Jonas and Mathilda gasp]
- [gasps]
- [Mathilda] Wow. Um
I'm sorry, I'm just a little stunned.
I don't know, uh what to say.
Yeah
Wow! [Chuckles]
- That's right, wow!
- [Mathilda] I mean
My God, I think it's fascinating.
Fascinating?
Yeah
- Well, it is.
- [Lilian laughs]
- Good one, Jonas.
- [Jonas laughs]
- [somber music playing]
- Oh, my God, thanks, Pop, thanks.
Lilian, I'm really touched.
I'm feeling really deeply seen.
It's always been my dream
to run the store.
- With Mathilda, of course.
- [Lilian] Mmm. That's wonderful!
[man] Considering your insomnia,
those frequent heart palpitations,
and, um, your difficulty concentrating
and remembering things,
I'm convinced of my diagnosis.
You're suffering from
a pretty severe case of stress.
- You need to see a psychologist.
- [phone chimes]
You'd also benefit
from a change of environment.
- You know, it's like a forest fire.
- [heartbeat pounding]
It's easier to fight the flames
when you aren't in them.
So I'm putting you on sick leave,
starting now.
[music fades]
- [phone ringing]
- [Jonas] I'm thinking about share capital.
Ooh, honey, could you put it on speaker?
- My hands are dirty.
- Yeah.
Thanks. Hi, this is Mathilda Stjrne.
Hi, I'm Patric Adams,
the manager at NK Flowers.
I read your application.
Are you still available
to start immediately, like you wrote?
Oh.
I think there must've been
some kind of misunderstanding.
A misunderstanding?
Yes, that's right. Looks like
you've called the wrong Mathilda.
I'm not following you. Did you
or did you not apply for the job, ma'am?
I didn't, no. I hope you find
the right person. Have a great day!
- You applied to work at NK?
- I didn't.
No, of course, I didn't.
I guess someone decided to recommend me.
It's news to me also.
It's flattering if someone
put in a good word for me.
- You could have gotten hacked.
- [Mathilda] Mmm.
[Lilian] It happens a lot these days.
Hacked?
Yeah.
[wistful music playing]
[phone chimes]
[Janne] Happy birthday, my sweet Mathilda!
- Hip, hip, hooray!
- [all] Hooray! Hooray!
Hooray, hooray!
[Janne] How quickly
you've grown up, sweetheart. Mwah!
- [Mathilda] Oh, thanks.
- Go ahead and blow out the candles.
Okay. Okay.
[all cheer and applaud]
Ho, ho, ho!
- [dog barking]
- What? For real?
- No way! [Laughs]
- [Freddie squeals]
- [Mathilda] Oh!
- [both laughing]
- [Lilian] Freddie! Sweetheart!
- [Janne] Hi! I can't believe you're here!
- [Mathilda] Oh! This is amazing!
- [Freddie] Hey, Mom.
[Janne] I know, she's here!
- [Lilian] I've missed you so much.
- Me too. Hey, Jonas!
- Hey, hey!
- [Freddie laughs]
Nice to Oh, careful. How are ya?
- [Freddie laughs]
- [Mathilda] Oh, my God!
[Lilian] Oh, angel!
[Mathilda laughs] Why aren't you in Paris?
- Know how I got out of it?
- How?
I simply said, "Screw this work trip.
It's my sister's birthday."
- What?
- Yeah!
- Janne, do you know about this?
- Of course not. No one tells me anything.
- [Freddie] Come on, we tell you stuff.
- [Mathilda laughs] You're amazing!
- [music fades]
- [Jonas burps softly]
Wow, great birthday party, Mattie.
What, you've got no friends?
- [Jonas] What's that mean?
- [Freddie] I'm just kidding.
[Lilian] Take a look at this, Fredrika.
- Stop!
- I know she's interested.
The wheel of fortune's traveled
all the way from China.
Shenz-hen.
Well, if that's the excitement going on
around here, nothing's changed at all.
- A really wild thing went down today.
- [Freddie] Huh?
NK randomly called your sister
to offer her a job as a florist. [Scoffs]
It was just a misunderstanding. Mmm?
Yeah, it was really weird.
You said yes, though, right?
[Lilian] Don't be silly.
Mathilda and Jonas have big plans here.
- We're gonna run the store.
- [Mathilda] Mmm.
- [Lilian] We just decided.
- True.
- It just happened.
- [Lilian] Also that property.
- [Jonas] Mmm.
- [Mathilda] Yeah.
- [Lilian] Right, Janne?
- I put in a word for you with Mr. Nilsson.
- [both] Mm-hmm.
- Wait, Jonsson.
The lot belongs to Jonsson.
- What? I talked to the wrong guy?
- [Freddie] Mattie.
- [chuckles] Hmm?
- You agreed to it?
- Quit it. That's enough. Let's drop it.
- But you don't want to run it.
Stop. You have no idea what I want.
- [Jonas] True.
- [Mathilda] You don't.
- Stop.
- [Jonas] Yeah, stop.
[Mathilda sighs]
I really want some more cake.
Freddie, how about you?
You want another piece?
I'm gonna go out for a little fresh air.
[door opens]
- She's not going out for fresh air.
- [door slams]
- She's smoking, for sure.
- What? You serious?
Mm-hmm.
You're a funny character, Jonas,
but I like you.
Feeling's mutual.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Bet you sent out your own rsum.
I wasn't serious about it.
Anyway, I turned it down,
so you can quit talking about it.
- Why are you such a coward?
- I'm not a coward.
- Yeah, you are.
- You don't know that.
Come on, you applied for the job, right?
Could I see what you sent?
[Mathilda sighs] Here.
[Freddie] You've done all this?
- Yeah.
- This is great.
[Mathilda] Thanks.
- Freddie, whoa! What are you doing?
- No, it's fine.
Hey, Patric. This is Mathilda Stjrne.
Uh, so it looks like
we misunderstood each other earlier on.
Could you hang on a sec?
Mattie, I know it's what you want.
- But I can't.
- Why not?
For starters, who'll do my job?
[Patric] Hello? Are you there?
- I'll do it.
- Hello?
I'll do your job for you and I'll have
your back. You're going to Stockholm.
- You'll do my job for me?
- Sure!
- What about your job?
- I'll figure it out.
You sure of that?
- Yes.
- What's going on? I'm about to hang up.
- Promise?
- Swear to God.
- Hello?
- So sorry!
We got cut off there for a minute.
I couldn't hear you,
but, uh, I wanted to say
I'd love the job,
if the offer, you know, still stands.
[tender music playing]
Oh, okay. Uh, can I start on Monday?
Mm-hmm. Sure.
- [Freddie] You're going!
- Yeah, sure, that sounds really lovely.
See you soon. Yeah. Take care.
[Freddie] Sweet! [Laughs]
- [Mathilda laughs]
- Congrats!
[Mathilda] Oh, my God!
[Freddie] I guess I have to manage
two jobs now. No biggie.
[kisses]
I'll go all in.
- I'd do anything for you.
- [both laugh]
[Jonas] Are you saying
you want to move to Stockholm?
- I I don't get it.
- [Mathilda] No, I wanna go for training.
I'm sorry.
[Jonas] In that case,
I think you should go for it, honey.
- [Mathilda] No, what's the point?
- No, do it, I mean it.
Anyway, Karim wants me in next weekend's
tournament, so it's pretty good timing.
No, honey, listen.
Let's do something after Christmas.
Just us, okay?
- We need to reconnect.
- Mm-hmm.
You know, get outta here awhile.
[gasps] I've got an idea!
Let's go to Florence!
Huh? Us two in Florence.
We'll get to sit at outdoor cafs,
enjoying lattes and espressos,
looking at all the people in the streets.
Not bad, right?
- It's pretty sweet.
- Uh
- [sighs] Forget I said anything.
- [Jonas] No, wait. Love
- Come on, love.
- It's fine, it's not what you want.
[Jonas sighs]
Bobble, stop, will you? Please.
I just don't understand why you always
want to leave home. What's the deal?
First, it's Stockholm, then Florence.
What's so bad about this place?
It's like you're searching for a prize.
But we live in paradise!
Tourists from everywhere come to see it.
[sighs]
Wanna know what makes me tick
in this world?
- Cheese?
- No.
- Hockey, maybe?
- No.
- [sighs]
- It's waking up at home on Sundays.
You walking around in your panties
and my Winnerbck T-shirt.
It's like,
"Bro, what else could you ask for?"
That's better than going
to Florence for me. Get it?
[kisses]
Let's go, Bobble. Game's gonna start.
- [wistful music playing]
- [door opens]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[Freddie] Mattie!
- [panting]
- [Mathilda] Why are you here?
[sighs] I can't be here.
[chuckles] I'll go with you, all right?
Mom and Dad will be fine.
They've got Jonas.
I'm so excited
you'll be staying with me! [Chuckles]
Listen, I can't go anymore.
You wanna know why?
Why? [Sighs]
I was all packed and good to go,
but now you ruined it for me.
Do you get that?
I was gonna get to go to Stockholm,
and you'd take over here. You swore to it.
[woman] Ma'am, last chance
to get on board.
- Oh, come on.
- No way!
I've always got all the responsibility.
It's your turn now.
[boat horn blares]
[uplifting Christmas music playing]
[bicycle bell rings]
[music fades]
["Underneath the Tree"
by Kelly Clarkson playing]
You're here, where you should be
Snow is falling as the carolers sing
It just wasn't the same
Alone on Christmas Day
Presents, what a beautiful sight
Don't mean a thing
- If you ain't holding me tight
- Mmm!
You're all that I need
Underneath the tree tonight
- When did I move to Stockholm? Oh!
- I'm gonna hold you close
I've been here forever.
- Do I work at NK Flowers? Yeah, I do.
- Make sure that you know
- I was lost before you
- [knocking at door]
- Christmas was cold and gray
- [knocking persists]
Just a sec!
- Another holiday
- [shrieks]
- [groaning] Ow, ow, ow!
- Alone to celebrate
- But then, one day
- [man] You okay? Are you hurt?
Uh
Everything changed, you're all I
- [music stops]
[Mathilda groans]
- [sighs]
- [man] Are you sure you're all right?
I live just below, and the music
was so loud, I couldn't work.
Do you live here?
My sister does.
Of course. I don't recall
a pig living here, that's for sure.
Oh. [Groans softly]
[intriguing music playing]
There's your face. Hmm.
Um
You sure you aren't hurt?
- Mm-hmm.
- That's good. Great.
Uh
I live right underneath here, so
I know, you told me.
It looks like I'm repeating myself,
and, uh, wow!
I'm still standing in your hallway.
I'd better go home now.
Good thing you aren't hurt.
That's what matters.
Health first, right?
Go, Bajens.
Go, Bajens.
[woman] Wow, you're back home?
- Cool!
- [Christmas carol playing in shop]
So I heard from Lilian
you're working with Bianca.
- Bianca?
- Ingrosso!
- Bianca Ingrosso?
- Oh, yeah.
I saw you two follow each other
on the 'gram.
I'd love to buy her Advent calendar,
but I'm finding it a little pricey.
- [chuckles]
- Hook me up?
Hm.
You gone back to BBQ?
Emma works there still. At BBQ.
You haven't dropped in to say hi?
No. 249 kronas.
Just tap to pay.
Mmm! Yes.
- Thank you so much.
- Yes.
- Jonas!
- [Jonas] Yeah?
- Catch ya next game, okay?
- You bet.
- [woman] Great, bye!
- Buh-bye!
- [woman] See ya!
- See ya!
We're supposed to always be friendly
with customers.
- Where are you off to?
- [Freddie] For a bite.
Our rush is over. It's fine.
Our rush? We had, like,
three clients instead of just one!
[Lilian laughs]
Look at this. The wheel of fortune's
at the Suez Canal.
- [Jonas] Oh yeah!
- See?
- [Jonas] So narrow.
- Oh! Look at this feature.
- [laughs]
- [Jonas] You can zoom in, that's so cool.
[dog barking in distance]
[buzz of conversation]
[Freddie] Oh, hi, excuse me.
Uh, there's there's not much
I can eat here.
Everything once had a pulse.
It's all meat, blood, and intestines.
- You're a vegetarian?
- [Freddie] Yes, obviously. [Chuckles]
- Oh no.
- Um, is the chef here?
Where's where's the chef?
Um, the chef's really busy in the kitchen.
Right, okay then. Do you think you could
pass on a message to the chef?
"Stockholm vegetarians also have a right
to food options when they eat out."
[woman] Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Oh, God.
Okay.
[Freddie] Thanks!
[server] So, uh,
the chef asked me to tell you
Wow, this is so awkward.
The chef told me to tell you
that no one's forcing you to eat here,
and as a Stockholm vegetarian
You can, um
Can't wait to hear the rest.
You can go fuck yourself.
- Sorry.
- [Freddie] She said that? [Chuckles]
Right.
You're gonna have
to send that back to the kitchen.
Oh dear.
[Freddie] Thanks so much.
[woman] Hey.
[poignant music playing]
Hey.
You said you were never coming back.
You said you were gonna quit.
[chuckles]
[Emma chuckles awkwardly]
When do you finish?
Tonight?
Um bear with me a while.
- Ten minutes should do.
- Okay.
- [Freddie] How about
- What are
[both laugh]
Sorry. Go ahead.
What are you doing here?
Why'd you come back?
Uh, just helping out at the shop a little.
Mattie's in Stockholm,
and I can keep up with work remotely.
- [Emma] No, thanks. I quit.
- [laughs]
- You're the one who taught me.
- [chuckles]
I hope that's not
the only thing I taught you.
[laughs]
Yeah, snuff, you taught me all about that.
- Oh. I did.
- Yeah, you did!
[both laughing]
Yeah, it got you all nauseous,
and you threw up.
[Freddie] Oh, that's disgusting!
So when do you go back to Stockholm?
Well, not too sure about that.
You think we could hang out one night?
Like, grab a drink
Or dinner at your place?
You're on my mind still.
[sighs]
Freddie, that's a bad idea.
Look, I'm finally
in a good place right now,
but it was very nice seeing you again.
I'd better head back.
Say hi to Janne and Lilian for me, okay?
- [soft piano music playing]
- [Mathilda] Ouch.
I fell down earlier today.
[Jonas] Oh, Bobble, you're so clumsy.
You've got to come for a visit.
It's so nice here in the evening.
- So many restaurants and bars and people.
- That sounds really great. Fantastic.
- What are you listening to?
- Nothing.
Oh, never mind, the neighbor plays piano.
But, look, I don't know
if there's a neighbor.
Because I just got here today.
How could I know who lives where?
I haven't seen anyone yet, actually.
But, hang on, he's playing piano
in the middle of the night?
That's not right.
It's rude. People are sleeping.
You should tell him to stop.
- It's fine, I don't need to do that.
- That guy's a moron.
You know what? To be honest,
I'm a little stressed out about tomorrow.
I totally get that, honey,
but the game's about to start,
Bobble.
Love you, talk tomorrow, g'night.
[phone line beeps]
- [muffled dramatic piano music playing]
- [sighs]
[piano playing loudly]
[music stops]
Can I help you with something?
I have to go to work in the morning.
Okay. Well, nice.
So so you're against loud music
in the daytime, right?
But playing piano really loud
in the middle of the night is fine by you?
I actually think you're right.
It's not okay. Sorry.
- Great.
- All right.
[Mathilda] Yeah.
So, uh, where do you work?
- [Mathilda] What?
- You said you have work tomorrow.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm a florist.
Over at NK.
Oh, wow! Cool!
Yeah, but it's not a real job.
It's just temporary.
Yeah, well, that's still awesome.
Good luck.
Thanks, same to you.
Thanks.
Uh
- [shakily] It is a real job, of course.
- Well, according to you, it's not legit.
- [chuckles]
- Yeah.
[gentle music playing]
You can clearly play the piano.
You're really good. Well, at least,
what I heard sounded amazing.
- [chuckles]
- Truly great.
Thanks. Good to hear as a musician.
- You are?
- Yeah.
Okay. So, what,
are you famous or something?
I'm clearly not.
- [chuckles]
- What?
Oh, right.
God, I just didn't recognize you, is all.
Sorry about that. I'm out of it.
Well, I'm playing tomorrow night.
You should drop by. We'll grab a beer.
- The two of us?
- Yeah.
- Yeah. Uh
- Hmm?
- Well, no.
- No?
- No.
- Uh
- That won't work. No.
- What?
- Good night.
- Night.
- [man] Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas!
[joyful music swells]
[Patric] Li-Fen should have gotten here
half an hour ago.
Apologies on her behalf.
But it's good
that you're here on time. Right?
Mmm.
It is, right?
- Yeah.
- Oh!
Barbie knows how to talk. Thank the Lord.
Ah, the subway must have been late again.
[Li-Fen] Oh, fuck this.
I'd like to remind you,
you're no longer a teenager.
- Yeah, I know.
- You can't just show up half an hour late.
This is a workplace, and I'm trying
to run things properly here.
You were supposed to be here
this morning to greet her.
Greetings. What the hell is your problem?
I do so much for you. I work overtime.
I only take half-hour lunch breaks.
I go to the freakin' dentist with you
for emotional support.
I don't know what else I can do. Feed you?
You want formula, you big baby?
Baby?
How dare you?
You know I love you.
I'm sorry, okay?
- [scoffs]
- I love you too, Paddy.
Don't patronize me, please.
[Li-Fen] You'll be the best man
at my wedding.
Yeah, right. Who would marry you?
- You.
- [scoffs] I'd rather be fed to the wolves.
[Li-Fen] So you ready for a crash course?
[lively music playing]
[Li-Fen] All cut flowers are kept
in the cold room.
We make bouquets in the morning,
and then we do more as needed.
All the tools and stuff we need are here.
But our Christmas arrangement station is
in the back.
Please be careful.
No fingers in the eyes after.
I nearly destroyed my cornea once.
The till is a standard till.
You worked in a shop before, right?
So the garbage room is downstairs.
Same key, different code. It's 4892.
Need my help? Just scream.
I'll come running. I'm really quick.
- Okay.
- You ever tried one of these escalators?
- Yeah.
- Oh, and crucial info, toilets are there.
But you've gotta psh-psh after.
It's so great to have you here!
Please, my darling, darling girl.
Just hold it this way.
Go, go, go, go!
Quick, quick, quick, quick!
No, no, no. Wait, try this instead.
Yes, yes, thanks.
Wow, we've got
quite a specimen with us. [Chuckles]
- Excuse me.
- [Li-Fen]Uh
Don't worry, he'll warm up.
How about we have
a little debrief after work?
Talk over a few drinks?
- Oh, sounds great!
- [Li-Fen chuckles]
[Mathilda] Oh, my boyfriend's calling.
I've gotta listen! You need
to put him on speaker! Come on!
Okay. Hello?
Um, I'm with a colleague right now.
- I'm working.
- [Jonas] God, finally!
I've tried calling you three times
and texted you five times.
- Why didn't you answer?
- Oh, because I I have to focus on work.
So what are you doing?
Freddie is totally useless as usual,
and I couldn't sleep at all
because of that stupid cheese supplier
who keeps selling us crap.
His Gorgonzola's really done
a number on me. I'm all backed up.
- Nothing's come out all day.
- Mm!
- Wow. Um
- [Li-Fen chuckles]
- Hey, Jonas, you're on speaker.
- Keep him on speaker!
- My colleague can hear everything.
- You should do it!
Just so you know.
- You could a started with that.
- [shop bell rings]
Sorry, some customers just came in.
I've got to go. I'll talk to you later,
Bobble. Bye, love you, you're the best.
I love you too. We'll speak later on.
- All right, later, love.
- Okay, bye.
Yeah, bye. Please come home soon, Bobble.
- Will do.
- [Li-Fen] Aww.
"Bobble?" [chuckles]
Yeah, no, it's
it's short for "Bobblehead of Love."
- Right.
- I know, it's weird, but he's great.
He's wonderful.
- Usually.
- [Li-Fen] Oh.
So am I, you know. Usually.
[Patric] And I'm also wonderful.
All the time.
[soft piano music playing]
[chuckles awkwardly]
[woman] Hey, babe. How are you feeling?
Pretty good. I'd love to go back to work
sooner rather than later.
No, hon.
Not until after Christmas, all right?
Well, how am I gonna
survive here until then?
- Katja, you've got to let me come back.
- No, sweets.
You need to rest up.
No work for you. Talk soon.
I hear the talk of Christmas rain
Hitting against my window pane
Oh!
Fucking hell!
- [dog barking]
- [Lilian] What did you do now, Janne?
- [dog barking]
- [Lilian] What's going on?
[Janne] Nothing, just fixing something!
[Lilian] Turn on the lights!
- But as the right bell
- [Lilian] For God's sake, what's going on?
- [Janne] Be patient.
- My heart starts racing
- [Janne] You wanted lights!
- [Lilian] I'm tired of this!
Because nothing really feels
Like home
- [Lilian] Turn the lights on!
- Like talking to you does
[Lilian] Do it now! I've had enough!
- [Lilian] Lights on, now, hear me?
- [Janne] Loud and clear!
- [Lilian] Every year, the same!
- [Janne] Quit yapping!
But a broken bell never talks
In the end
- You think we can go somewhere else?
- Huh? What for?
Nothing. It's just that there are
so many nice spots here in Stockholm.
- Come on! We're here now! Let's enjoy!
- No, I'd like to try another place.
Here's great! We'll have fun.
[sighs]
[band playing slow jazz]
[Li-Fen] What is up
with you being so weird?
[Mathilda] What? No, I'm not being weird.
[Li-Fen] Uh, yeah, you are.
All right, what are we drinking?
Um, whatever you're having'll be great.
- Perfect, Hey, two Negronis, please.
- [bartender] Hi.
- Absolutely.
- [man] Negroni?
May as well have penicillin and vodka.
It's poison, not a drink.
Is it? What do you suggest, then?
- [man] Just a regular lager.
- Yeah, I kinda saw that one coming.
- Thanks.
- [neighbor] You came!
Yeah, I didn't know you were playing here.
I didn't either.
- How did you not know that?
- What are you having?
- [Mathilda] Uh
- [Li-Fen] Ooh, thanks!
- [neighbor] What is that?
- [Mathilda and bartender] Negronis.
- I'd love one of those.
- [bartender] Coming right up.
Hey, brother!
Uh, excuse me,
could we have four negronis?
Hey, this guy looks like a demigod!
Then again, so do you.
- You should go for it.
- Please. No, stop.
- I can't do this, I have a boyfriend.
- [scoffs, tuts]
"Usually."
- Hey. [Chuckles]
- Hey!
You play so well. You're incredible.
You said it yesterday.
- Oh God. Yeah, I told you yesterday.
- You play anything?
[chuckles] What?
- The guitar? The flute or anything?
- Oh! No, no, no, no.
Not for me. At all. Nope. You know, I'm
No, I don't.
How do you say it? What's the word?
- For when you hear the notes all wrong?
- Tone deaf.
- Okay. No, you're not. Anyone can sing.
- No, I promise you.
You'd wanna die if you heard me sing.
Like, people cringe.
- They drop dead when I start singing.
- Oh, it's lethal? Okay.
[both chuckle]
- So, uh, what's your phone number?
- [applause]
This is all going
a little too quickly for me.
God, no, I wasn't going to
I just want to send you some money
for the cocktail you just bought us.
Ah.
Stop, no, I don't want you to think
that I'm See, I'm not like that.
So what are you like?
[singer] Should old acquaintance
Be forgot
- I don't know, um, concerning what?
- [chuckles]
[neighbor] All right, let's drink. Here.
Per Hagman says going home
should be like a song. Bottoms up.
Ooh!
[Mathilda out of tune and neighbor
in tune] It started with a love affair
[Mathilda] Affair
You showed me how to
[both] Really care
You really can't sing for shit.
[scoffs] What?!
You're so harsh!
I'm just saying don't quit your day job.
You better be careful, or I'll get onstage
and sing with your band.
For the love of God, don't!
You'll kill my career.
Yeah? What career?
- Ouch!
- [chuckles]
- What were you singing?
- Jerry Williams.
Jerry Williams? Whoa.
Why would you sing Jerry Williams?
Ugh, 'cause it was the only CD
my dad had in the car.
- I know every song on the album by heart.
- [laughs]
[neighbor] Oh.
Mm.
- So, uh
- [sighs]
Oh, wow, how beautiful!
Thanks. What about the view?
[scoffs]
[chuckles]
How long will you be in Stockholm?
Just until Christmas.
Oh.
Yeah, I know.
You shouldn't look at me like that.
Look at you like what?
- [gentle music playing]
- You know the look I'm talking about.
No, I don't. Do it.
- You want me to do it?
- Show me.
You were doing this.
Huh? [Chuckles]
[musical flourish]
[Mathilda] I, uh
[neighbor] What?
[sighs]
[music fades]
Hey, Gunilla. 11 minutes till we open.
I just want to pick up some milk.
Well, not yet. You gotta wait 11 minutes.
Our business hours are on the website.
You know what they are.
Thanks and see you soon.
I just came for milk.
You don't have to be so gruff.
[Jonas] God, what's wrong with people?
Mattie, this won't work out.
We have to switch back.
- Jonas is so annoying.
- [tearfully] I was stupid.
- Okay
- [sighs]
I went out last night
with someone from work.
But I kind of kissed Oliver.
Or maybe he kissed me.
I mean, it wasn't really a kiss.
We sort of kissed.
- Who's Oliver?
- Your neighbor.
- The guy downstairs?
- Yeah.
Are you serious? You made out,
or something? Uh, was it good?
No, stop, we didn't.
[gasps] I
[sighs] I was wasted. Ugh, this is
the stupidest thing I've done, like, ever!
Who cares? How was it, by the way?
We didn't really kiss,
but whatever it was, it felt amazing.
- Should I tell Jonas?
- No, don't.
Don't tell him.
You've got nothing to feel bad about.
Come on, he's, like,
the only guy you've been with.
- A lady has needs.
- What? What lady?
[chuckles] You, you nitwit.
- Oh.
- [Jonas] There you are.
[Freddie] Hey, Jonas.
- [Jonas] Is that Mathilda?
- No, it's my other sister.
- You don't have another sister.
- [sighs]
- I've gotta get going.
- Oh, but say hi to Jonas.
That's weird, actually. Forget it.
Wait, you're already at work?
[lively jazz music playing]
- Oh, no, what time is it?
- [Freddie] I gotta go. Talk later.
Fuck!
You know,
the Emmental won't unpack itself.
It doesn't jump out of the box and
walk onto the cheese counter by itself.
[choir singing in Swedish]
Oh, excuse me.
I just need to
Excuse me. I need to get through.
- What happened with the hunk? [Chuckles]
- [sighs]
He's my neighbor.
We just walked home, that's all.
I got to discover dirty talk
in Fenno-Swedish.
- Mmph!
- It was totally new and powerful!
He was like, "Giddy-up, ride that horsey!"
- You need to hush. Stop!
- "Saddle up and ride it hard, baby!"
- "Give it to me!"
- I hope that isn't mine.
I'm Louise Nordenhake, and I specified
I don't want any pine cones in the order.
- [Mathilde] Um
- [Louise sighs]
- Oh, that's right, it says "without."
- [Louise] Mmm.
Yeah. So sorry.
I can make you a new one. Would you...
[Louise] No, I don't have
the time to wait.
I'll just go somewhere else. Jesus.
[Oliver] Wow, what a nice wreath.
I've been running around the store
trying to find a a nice one like that.
Pine cones and all. Her loss. I win.
Uh-huh.
So, what's so special about this one?
Uh, it's beautiful. You did this?
- I wanna buy it.
- [Li-Fen] Mm-hmm.
That'll be 1,495 kroner, please.
Huh?
Wow, what a deal. So affordable.
[card device bleeps]
Uh, you forgot this.
Right. Thanks.
I did. Thanks.
[chuckles] Thanks.
So, I also wanted to ask you
if you'd want to go for lunch with me.
Huh?
Wanna have lunch?
- [chuckles]
- Huh, um
- Not really. Yeah, no, I can't.
- What?
- I don't think I
- [Li-Fen] Go to lunch. I'll hold the fort.
Mmm?
- Yeah? Uh
- [lively Christmas music playing]
Okay.
- [Oliver] Lewis Miller?
- [Mathilda] Yeah, look him up.
- He's great.
- [Oliver] I will. I love the wreath!
- [Mathilda] Yeah?
- I think it's lovely.
I'm glad you were lucky enough to find it.
- You ran around the city looking for it.
- [Oliver] Indeed I did.
[Mathilda] I'm curious.
How did you know
you wanted to be a musician?
- Uh, I was never really good at sports.
- Okay.
Never signed up for soccer,
and my father was a jazz pianist.
We had a grand piano at home.
Playing came naturally. I got sucked in.
[chuckles] Now I get it.
My family has
absolutely no talent for music.
Well, my father has a clarinet.
He thinks he's got talent,
but my mother's forbidden him to play.
- It's tragic when you think of it.
- I took clarinet lessons.
In Florence last fall.
You know, it's quite a tricky instrument.
You should go easy on your father.
Did you say Florence?
[Oliver] Yeah. We've got an apartment
in the outskirts of Florence.
I tend to just say it's in Florence.
[upbeat jazzy Christmas music playing]
[inaudible]
[choir singing in Swedish]
- Some good singers in this group.
- [both chuckle]
That's my daughter, Iris.
She's at this preschool.
- [applause]
- You're a father?
[Oliver] Oh! Lovely! You're so talented!
Who are you?
- Oh, she's my friend, Mathilda.
- Yeah.
[Oliver] She also thought
you were amazing.
Oh, yeah, you were brilliant! Truly!
- [chuckles]
- Do you think Mom would think so too?
Know what? Sweetheart,
she'd be super proud of you.
She'd be beyond proud if she were here.
- I'm sure of it.
- [choir singing in Swedish]
Go on back to your class now.
[Oliver] I just wanted
to stop by to say hi to Iris.
She's been staying
at her grandma's for a few nights
'cause I'm really busy
with gigs around Christmas.
[poignant music playing]
[Mathilda] So, what about Iris's mom?
[Oliver] Uh, let's just say [sighs]
To be honest, I can't bear to talk
about it right now. Is that okay?
- [Mathilda] Sure.
- Yeah?
[Mathilda] We don't need to talk about it
at all if you don't want to.
- [Oliver] Thanks.
- Of course.
But I would love
to take you out for a nice dinner.
[Mathilda] Oh.
What do you think?
Uh you don't feel it?
There's a spark.
I liked having lunch with you.
I had a lovely time.
But I've got to get back to work.
I'm gonna be late. Sorry.
[instrumental version of
"While Shepherds Watched" playing in shop]
Have a nice lunch?
Yeah, pretty nice.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
Just lunch. I'll call my boyfriend now.
Mmm. Okay. [Chuckles]
- [woman] Hi.
- [Li-Fen] Hi, can I help you?
- [man] Yes, hi. Have any amaryllis?
- [Li-Fen] Mm. Does Santa have a beard?
[chuckles]
- [Emma] Oh!
- [Freddie chuckles]
Oh, God, you startled me.
[both chuckle]
I've sent you a bunch of texts,
but you never answered.
[Emma] Yeah.
I think it's because I'm having a little
trouble with seeing you again. It's hard.
[Freddie] It doesn't have to be.
[gentle music playing]
So what do you want?
I just wanna go out.
I can't stand playing Scrabble
with my mom and dad anymore.
How about you play ludo?
[Freddie] Or cards. [Chuckles]
Yahtzee's a lot of fun.
[both chuckle]
[Freddie] Listen.
You think we can just go for a beer?
Okay. Just one, though.
[Freddie] Art school? I I didn't
want to go after the awful parties.
Art students are too much.
They're all so [scoffs]
you know, politically correct
and pretentious.
It's unbearable.
They're all the same, like clones.
No, I decided to do my own thing,
without being corrupted by some school.
But whatever. I quit painting anyway.
- [rock music playing in bar]
- [Emma sighs]
- Hey, Conny!
- Hi, Emma.
What can I get you? An IPA, a lager?
- How about two lagers?
- [Conny] Mmm.
And a couple of Jgermeister shots
on the house.
[both chuckle]
[Freddie] Is that a new tattoo?
[Emma] It's pretty recent.
My mom got the same one.
How's Carina?
She's doing well. She often mentions you.
For real? And what does she say?
The usual. Like, you're a no-good pig.
That you can go to hell.
- 'Cause you shattered my heart.
- God.
[chuckles] No, I'm just kidding.
Listen, we gave it a shot.
It just didn't work out,
but it's all good.
It's in the past now.
Let's leave it there.
Come on, let's dance!
Goodbye to lovin' me
Goodbye to love
Goodbye to love, goodbye
[piano playing downstairs]
[Jonas] Sorry, hon,
but Freddie's hopeless.
[grunts] She just makes
a mess of everything.
I've got to clean it all up,
but I'm already super busy.
It's a 60-hour work week, and you're away.
When are you coming home?
Oh, fuck me! Frjestad scored
three to one in box play.
- [commentary on TV]
- Fucking Linus Johansson.
My day's totally ruined.
Hey, I got a delivery
for the Christmas fair.
It's a new cheese. It's super smelly.
[laughs] I'll send you a pic.
[soft piano music continues]
[Jonas] Hello?
What? Yeah.
Go ahead, send a pic.
Let's watch the hockey game together.
No, thanks.
- Oh, why not?
- I'm just not in the mod right now.
So you don't wanna watch hockey,
and you've been pretty damn bitchy
with me lately.
Are you at all happy
that we're gonna run the store together?
Sure.
Sorry?
- Sure.
- Wha
What kind of an answer is "sure"?
- That doesn't mean anything. Get a grip!
- Just drop it, all right?
Jonas, come on, just lay off!
Lay off? That's all I've been doing!
You took off to pursue your little hobby.
- I'm killing myself at work.
- A hobby?
- It's a job!
- Nope, it's a hobby.
You're tying pretty flowers together.
In my book, that's a hobby.
- Unless I misunderstood.
- You can't say it's tying flowers.
It's a career, not a hobby, Jonas.
You're being offensive.
What are you talking about, I'm offensive?
How should I react? We're to take over
the store. Have you forgotten?
I haven't forgotten,
because you never shut up about it.
You're obsessed with it,
and it's maddening.
All right, that's enough.
Don't give me that tone.
- What's with all this anger?
- Give me a break.
There's no anger.
I'm exhausted. I need some sleep.
- You know, a lady has needs, Jonas.
- Okay.
Listen, you know what?
You go live out your fantasy in Stockholm.
Don't come back unless you lose the
attitude and get back to being yourself.
Okay.
I'll live it out.
Bye.
[piano music continues]
[sighs]
[knocking at door]
[stops playing]
[knocking continues]
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the pack
All swaddled in their coats
With scarves of red
Tied round their throats
To keep their little heads
From falling in the snow
And I turned round and there you go
And, Michael, you would fall
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime
I just don't like closed doors.
It's way too grown up for us.
Well, we're grown-ups now.
Yeah, I guess we are.
I was following the pack
All swaddled in their coats
With scarves of red
Tied round their throats
To keep their little heads
From falling in the snow
And I turned round and there you go
And, Michael, you would fall
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime
[shower running]
[music slows to a stop]
[phone buzzing]
[Mathilda] I cheated on Jonas with Oliver!
Are you serious?
- It's because of you! It's all your fault!
- How is this my fault?
Because you convinced me
to come try it out here!
[scoffs] Mattie.
It's not like you murdered anyone.
- Calm down. Chill.
- It's worse than that!
Jonas is gonna kill himself.
And me. And you too!
He's for sure going to wanna do all that.
But was it as good as the kiss?
Yes! It was amazing,
but that's beside the point.
It was a one-night thing.
I'm done messing around.
I want my life back.
Yeah, sure, you do that,
but this was healthy.
- You needed to spice things up.
- You're whispering.
- Is Jonas around?
- Jonas? [Scoffs]
No. Yeah, no, it's it's Emma.
She's out like a light.
You're with Emma?
Freddie, seriously, you guys were a mess!
It feels different this time.
I'm happy to be home.
Promise me you won't hurt her again.
Mattie.
You've got nothing to feel guilty about.
Jonas will never find out.
You know, things happen for a reason,
and you just have
to allow yourself new experiences.
You owe it to yourself to explore this.
- Jonas may not be the one for you.
- [door opens]
- Why else would you cheat on him?
- No, uh
[door closes]
I I gotta hang up now.
- Yeah, but, uh
- [phone line beeps]
[wistful music playing]
[sighs]
Thanks for last night.
- Hey. [Chuckles]
- Hey.
I have to go.
Where?
I've gotta go brush my teeth.
No problem. I've got plenty of toothpaste.
Just use mine.
[sighs]
[music swells]
[Mathilde laughs] You grew up alone,
without parents?
[Oliver] No, they were just away a lot.
A few weeks in Prague here,
a European tour there.
I stayed with my grandma a lot.
- I love my grandma. She's the sweetest.
- Mmm. [Chuckles]
Now, Iris stays with my mom
when I have to play nights.
Be right back.
[Mathilda] Hey,
I've got a question for you.
What happened to Oliver's ex?
Oliver's ex?
I, uh, I have no idea.
I never saw him with a woman.
I see him with a little kid.
Huh. Do you think he's a widower?
Maybe. Think he is?
- It's so sad.
- Yeah.
[Freddie] God, that's awful.
I've always been pretty rude with him.
[Mathilda laughing]
I thought we said six.
[Oliver] Yeah.
I, uh, thought we said seven.
Um Hi, Santa.
I'm not Santa! Daddy, look!
[Oliver] Oh, I would've never known!
Hey, sweetie.
Uh, yes. This is, uh
- This is my neighbor.
- [woman] Your neighbor?
[Oliver] Yes.
- Hi.
- [Oliver] Yeah. Mathilda.
She lives, uh, upstairs,
and this is my Heather.
[chuckles]
Okay, well, I've made a table reservation,
so I think we should make a move.
[Mathilda] Oh. Oh, sorry. God. Bye.
- [Oliver] Hey.
- Hey.
Let's get going.
Go, sweetie.
[dog barking]
[poignant music playing]
- [Freddie] It's very slippery.
- [Emma] Just remember to breathe.
[Freddie] Oh, I'm breathing.
You know this is completely nuts.
You do realize that, right?
I can't believe we're doing this.
Why is this so trendy all of a sudden?
Come on! [Shrieks]
- It's so cold!
- Emma. Oh, God, it's freezing.
[shivers]
- [Emma shrieks]
- [Freddie chuckles]
[poignant music continues]
[music fades]
[Freddie] This place is so soothing.
- I feel so relaxed and calm.
- [Emma] Good.
- [rustling]
- What is that?
[gentle music playing]
You hung onto it.
Of course.
It's beautiful.
Look at this.
[Freddie laughs]
You're hiding it here
'cause it's horrible.
No, it's not.
I have it hung in my bedroom.
I took it down when I saw you again,
'cause I well
I didn't want to look
like a fan girl, you know?
[both chuckle]
But I hope I'm not as hard on the eyes.
I love having you as a fan girl.
You should really start painting again.
Nah, I don't have the time.
I've got a life and job.
A job you can't stand.
You should you should just quit.
I won't. I'm on the partner track.
The partner track
to a whole career you're gonna hate.
I won't be miserable.
You're one to talk, you hate your job.
I've got a thing to show you.
This is so nice.
How long has it been empty?
[Emma] Almost ten years.
The owner says she wants me to
repurpose it. She'll pay for everything.
[Freddie] That's great!
Yeah, but it's way too much
for me to tackle on my own.
- [Freddie] What do you wanna do with it?
- I'm thinking a few hotel rooms upstairs.
A restaurant downstairs serving my menu.
Locally sourced ingredients.
Maybe a caf with a nice patio
for the summer.
I also want a fun bar.
You know,
a hangout that attracts everyone.
I don't know,
you're the first one I've shown it to.
- [Freddie] Really?
- Uh-huh.
- [Freddie chuckles]
- You could do your first showing here.
I'm serious!
We could turn this into our project.
Hang on, like, run this place together?
If you're into it.
I don't, well
That sounds fantastic.
It's an amazing idea.
Your vision is brilliant.
I think you should go for it, Emma.
Really, do it.
But
[melancholy music playing]
I, um, should get going now.
I mean it, though.
Your idea's wonderful.
I think you should do it.
You're amazing.
Where do you think you're going?
We need your help here.
You're always running off.
Dad's on his way
with the wheel of fortune. Mmm?
Our small-town Christmas
isn't exciting enough for you?
- Hmm?
- [Lilian] Oh, he's here.
- Can you give him a hand, Jonas?
- Yeah.
[Janne] I think I can manage.
[rattling]
- Where's the wheel, though?
- That's all I got.
That's ridiculous!
What is this?
[scoffs]
[gentle music playing]
Hmm, it's kind of small.
- Uh Oh
- The measurements weren't mentioned?
It looked gigantic in the picture.
You didn't check the measurements?
You just clicked on it?
[Jonas] That's too bad.
They always specify that stuff.
- Width, height, and weight.
- [Janne] The Christmas fair is tomorrow.
- I'm aware of that!
- There's no time to order a new one.
- Always check fine print before clicking.
- It's irresponsible!
Enough, enough, enough!
What do we do now? What?
You're the know-it-alls here!
Someone has to fix the wheel of fortune,
or the whole Christmas fair
will go to hell!
[door slams]
That woman's stressed out.
Hey, this could work.
You think so?
[buzzing]
No, no, no. Enough, dear.
You've done great today.
Now go rest, okay?
Take a nice bath.
Eye patches. Go. Chop-chop!
[Oliver] I'm a professional hockey player.
- I know these things.
- [Iris] No, you're not!
[Oliver] Mathilda!
Mathilda, please wait!
I'm sorry. That was absolutely awful.
I really handled that all wrong.
What did you handle all wrong.
Oliver, you said she was dead.
- Who's dead?
- Heather.
What? I didn't.
You asked me about Iris's mother,
and I said
I couldn't bear to talk about it
'cause I don't like to.
But I never said she died.
Then maybe it just sounded that way.
Let's go. Come on, Dad.
Huh? Sure. Yeah. We're going skating.
What do you say? Why don't you come along?
- No, sorry, I can't.
- [Iris] Daddy!
I want Mathilda to come with us.
Iris'll be colossally disappointed
if you don't come.
She used that word, "colossally."
- Come on.
- [chuckles]
Okay.
The truth is, Heather left me
for her CEO in London.
I won't lie.
I was
Pretty devastated.
[soft Christmas music playing in rink]
I did everything I could to get her back.
I had no idea what would happen
if she moved there.
Where would Iris live?
Yeah.
But then
life just went on.
I got used to our new normal.
But Heather's had a change of heart now.
It's over with that guy,
and she wants to give us another shot.
[Iris] Daddy!
You're doing great, sweetie!
- But where's Mommy?
- [Oliver] Mom won't be with us tonight.
Go around again.
That's Iris's only wish.
For, uh
Us to be a family again.
And what do you want?
What's your wish?
I don't know.
I don't know. That's not what matters.
She's what counts.
And then there's you.
You're amazing.
I gotta admit,
I'm feeling a little lost right now.
[dog barking]
[Emma] There you are.
Uh, so sorry
I haven't answered your texts.
It's fine. You don't owe it to me.
I I've been super swamped
with the Christmas fair and all that.
[Emma] Mmm. Mmm.
- [Freddie] Guess what I've done.
- What?
I got sucked into committing
to make the wheel of fortune.
What? The wheel of fortune?
[Freddie] Any idea how I can do that?
No, that sounds way too hard.
- You think?
- I'll give you a hand if you want.
[Freddie] Yeah, I'd like that.
- [Emma] Mmm.
- Um
Aren't your rates high?
[Emma] Mmm.
They're through the roof. [Chuckles]
[upbeat Christmas music playing]
Maybe, this Christmas
Will mean something more
Maybe this year
Hang on a minute.
- Love will appear
- [Freddie] What?
- There.
- Deeper than ever before
And maybe forgiveness will
I've given your restaurant idea
a lot of thought.
- Oh, forget it, it was just a stupid idea.
- No.
Not at all. It's brilliant.
Just don't wear yourself too thin.
The restaurant and your food are
what you've gotta focus on.
It's the heart and soul of it all.
Oh!
[Emma] Thanks for believing in me.
[Freddie] And my stupid art can
hang on the walls, if it makes you happy.
I would love that.
My mom's coming over tomorrow, by the way.
I know it's kind of silly,
but she wants to have coffee with us.
[Freddie] I'd love
to have coffee with her.
You would?
Mmm. Totally.
[choir singing in Swedish]
[Margot] I don't like it.
It's slippery and dangerous.
And no one offered me any coffee
since this morning.
[Lilian] My goodness, it looks beautiful!
You made it, sweetie?
- I had the best helper.
- [Lilian] Oh!
- Time for your speech now, dear.
- Right. Okay.
So
Welcome, everyone, to the 14th edition
of our little Christmas fair.
What a delight
to see so many friendly faces.
Please lean in a little into the mic.
Oh, right, the mic.
[gasps shakily, clears throat]
Christmas is the time for going home.
We're thrilled Fredrika has finally
come home this year.
What an absolute joy.
Please don't disappear again, munchkin.
You go back home.
You start over, make new choices,
and I know you're probably thinking,
"Easy for you to say, you've never left,
and you've been with Janne forever."
[laughter]
The thing is,
I choose Janne year after year.
Thanks.
He's the most handsome man in the world,
and he's quite a kisser.
Could you please speak into the mic?
Sweetheart, that's what I'm doing!
- Christmas is special for our family.
- [phone buzzing]
Janne and I love it.
Our traditions started with my mother.
Lips need to be up against the mic.
The mic?
- Hello?
- [Katja] Hey, babe! Hi! How's it going?
- All good here, how are you?
- I'm great! No, I'm not.
Honey, could you come back now?
Will you shut up! I'm on the phone!
- [Freddie] Sure, after Christmas.
- Who's he anyway?
Katja?
Babe, how soon can you come back?
- [Lilian] My mother
- The doctor said not now.
Who cares what the doctor said?
I'll get you a great shrink.
Beach vacations.
Whatever it takes!
Honey, the point is not to stress you out.
But you fucking must come back now
'cause it's fucking chaos.
Everyone's got their head up their ass.
Call Hampus!
- When are you coming back? I'm sinking!
- But, Katja, we said after Christmas.
Oh, come on, you can handle it.
You're a knockout hot professional
with a C cup, for fuck's sake.
Get your butt over here.
We're about to lose
our most important account,
and you don't seem to give a shit.
- You don't wanna make partner?
- [Lilian] I know she's watching over us.
- Of course I do.
- Oh, yes, that's my girl! I love you, hon.
We'll get you everything you need.
Botox, therapy, you name it.
- When will you be back?
- As soon as I can.
- Keep me in the loop by email, or call.
- I fucking love you!
Hello! Hampus!
- I tried.
- [Katja] Call Hampus!
- [woman] No answer.
- [Katja] That was your mom!
- Even she didn't wanna deal with you.
- [Lilian] Drink up, eat gingerbread
- Was it work?
- [Lilian] merry old time!
[Freddie] Yeah.
- [Emma] What's going on?
- [Lilian] Freddie!
Emma. Come, come, come, come.
[Freddie] Excuse me.
So what are you gonna do?
What do you think I should do?
[Emma] You should say no.
[Freddie] The thing is,
I'm on the partner track.
If I say no, I'll lose everything.
- Whoa! Oh, no!
- [all gasping]
- [man] What happened?
- [woman] Terrifying!
[man] Did it break?
[Freddie] Emma! Wait up!
Emma, please wait.
- [choir singing]
- What did you think I would do?
Move back here
and open a goddamn caf with you?
You just showed up and came to find me.
I never asked you to.
You insisted on us hanging out.
I said no at first,
but you just wouldn't drop it.
[distant laughter]
What is it you want?
You want validation from me, is that it?
[sighs] You want the confirmation
I love you still?
[poignant music playing]
Okay, you have it.
But loving you is painful.
It's too much. You're ruining my life.
I just can't forgive you one more time.
[sniffles]
I just wanted to thank you
for your honesty.
I appreciate it.
The honesty. You deserve
the same honesty from me.
- 'Cause I haven't told you everything.
- [wistful song playing]
Can we talk?
- [Iris] Daddy!
- Uh we were just making dinner.
- It can wait.
- No, it's fine. Come in.
- We'll talk once she's asleep.
- Okay.
- [Oliver] Come on in.
- Sure.
- Hey there, Iris.
- Hey.
- It's where she likes to sleep.
- [chuckles]
That's her spot. Right in the kitchen.
- I can see that.
- She loves it. I do too.
Are you eating with us?
- Oh, I don't know.
- Sure you are.
- Uh, if you want to.
- Yeah.
What's your name again? I forgot.
Mathilda.
My name's Iris.
I know.
I think it's lovely.
- You know what iris means?
- No.
It means hope and wisdom.
How do you know?
Because I love flowers,
and it's always been my favorite.
- Do you have a favorite?
- [Iris] Yes, dahlias.
- [Mathilda] Dahlias?
- [Iris] Mm-hmm.
They're so pretty, aren't they?
- [Oliver] Oh, no, I'm out of oregano.
- You like any others?
I can just go upstairs and grab some.
- You sure?
- Yeah, of course.
Yeah?
- Thanks.
- [Mathilda] You're welcome.
[Iris] Daddy?
Are you in love with Mathilda?
What do you think? Does it look like I am?
[Iris] Yeah.
I'm not 'cause you're my only love.
Uh, on the other hand, I am falling
for her, but don't tell her that.
[compact clicks]
[man clears his throat]
Ta-da! [Chuckles]
Hey, hon.
The door was unlocked.
I thought I'd surprise you.
You should see the look
on your face, Bobble. [Chuckles]
Wanna have a glass?
- Uh
- Where were you?
- Um
- Okay, okay, okay.
I get it. [Exhales]
- Hey. Hey!
- Hey.
- [chuckles]
- Hey.
I missed you so much.
God.
I couldn't help but feel
we've drifted apart since you got here.
That's why I've been so damn moody lately.
I know I've been a whiny grouch.
- It's okay.
- No, it's not. Period.
It's just that I love you so much,
and I've been a mess.
You've been drinking?
Uh Yeah.
- Yeah?
- I had a glass of wine with a neighbor.
But you're here now!
Mm-hmm.
Ooh. Wow!
Yup, it is wow! It's inspiring.
I was sure you were enjoying
the Christmas fair tonight.
I was supposed to,
but I got pretty worried.
You haven't been answering my calls,
and I don't want to lose you.
[sighs]
God, I gotta admit,
I'm a bit nervous. [Chuckles]
- Nervous?
- Uh
- Yeah.
- What's making you nervous?
Here's the thing
[Mathilda] No. No, no, no, no.
- No, no, no, no, no.
- Yes.
You, Mathilda Stjrne
Jonas, please. Please, no.
are the first and only woman I've loved.
- We need to talk.
- I love you.
- Hey, I found some oregano.
- [door slams]
What? What's going on here?
- [Jonas] Who the hell is he?
- Who's this guy?
[Jonas] I'm her boyfriend.
[laughs]
Uh Nah.
Wait, you have a boyfriend?
[Mathilda] That's what
I went down to talk to you about.
[Jonas] Hang on a sec. Are you
Oh fuck.
Oh fuck. Are you two
- Oh fuck!
- [Oliver] For fuck's sake!
- For fuck's sake!
- Oh, Jesus.
I mean, my God, Mathilda! What the hell?
What exactly have you done with her?
You know, this and that.
Most of it, I guess.
[Jonas] Huh. Most of it?
We've spent 14 years together.
- We haven't done most of it in 14 years.
- We don't have to fight.
- We don't have to.
- You're a dead man!
- Back off!
- You're gonna die.
["Here Goes" by Frank Sinatra playing]
- [Jonas grunts]
- Calm down, man! Calm down!
- Here goes, baby
- [Mathilda] Jonas! Please stop!
- He can't breathe! You can't do this!
- Every worry
- [Oliver yells]
- [Mathilda] Take your hands off him!
- Please. Jonas, stop.
- [Jonas] Ouch! He bit me!
Fall in love
[roars]
- [Oliver] Ooh.
- Here goes
- [Oliver] Cool it! Stop this shit now!
- [Jonas screams]
[Oliver grunts]
Every sigh that's insincere goes
- [Jonas] Get back here.
- [Mathilda] Jonas, stop! Please!
It's you I'm dreamin' of
Looks like I've been sold out
Can't fight off the charms
- [Mathilda] Jonas!
- I just couldn't hold out
- [Oliver] Calm down!
- Stop, Jonas! That's enough!
- Here goes, get the
- [song fades]
- [Mathilda] Hey!
- What's going on here, Dad?
- [Oliver gasps] Uh
- [Mathilda] They're just playing horses!
- [Jonas] Yeah. It's a lot of fun.
- [Oliver] Hey, sweetie.
[both neighing and snorting]
- Mind if I play?
- [Jonas neighs]
[sighs] Know what?
It's more fun at your house.
Yeah, it is. I'll be
I'll be right down, princess.
[Mathilda] Your dad'll be right down,
promise.
Jonas! Cut it out!
- [song resumes]
- In love
- [Oliver] Just calm down, man. Come on!
- [Jonas] All right!
- [Oliver] You gonna stop?
- [Jonas] Yes, I'll stop.
[Oliver] Okay?
- Watch it.
- [song ends]
[Jonas grunts]
- What?
- [Oliver] Relax.
We're good? Huh?
[Mathilda] Wait, please.
Let me explain.
- Jonas, please wait.
- Don't touch me.
[door slams]
- Sorry.
- [sighs]
[Mathilda] I wanted
to tell you everything.
["It Started with a Love Affair"
by Jerry Williams playing]
[Oliver] Merry Christmas.
In July of '62
The moment we met
When I think of the time
Feeling lonely and blue
Didn't know what to do
Oh
It started with a love affair
You showed me how to really care
Oh
With you, I travel everywhere
If you feel the same
Only call my name
I'll be there
- Heads up.
- [song ends]
- Patric wants to have a word with you.
- Why?
He looks kinda
I don't know, a bit off.
- Good luck, sweets.
- [sighs]
[over speakers] this Christmas
You wanted to talk to me?
Ah. Yeah, that's right.
How do you think things are going
for you here?
- Um
- How?
- I I don't know.
- You don't?
How about I tell you?
I think you're a star.
What?
I'm aware your life is all over the place.
Your private life, that is.
Li-Fen told me everything.
- Or I may have listened in a little.
- [chuckles]
But your talent is incredible.
We'd love to have you stay with us.
- Were you expecting that?
- [squeals] Yay, we tricked you!
- Thanks.
- [Li-Fen] Mmm.
- Thank you so much for this. I just
- Oh, sure, sure.
Yeah, I know you've gotta go home
and to see to a lot of stuff.
Plus, it's Christmas.
Give it some thought, okay?
What Patric means is that you're forbidden
to work anywhere else, like forever.
- You have to say yes to the job!
- Yes, precisely.
[Li-Fen] Oh, get in here!
[all laughing]
[somber music playing]
[Mathilda] But what?
Yes, you can split the invoices,
that's fine, but it'll still be 25%.
Uh, I'll call you back in five.
Hey, you're home.
You're allowed to work?
- What?
- I thought you were on sick leave.
You said you were taking some time off
for me. That's bullshit.
You've ruined my life, just so you know.
My God,
I wish people would just stop saying
that I'm responsible for their misery!
I think I should just leave
this sorry fucking place.
- You all think I'm a monster!
- That's your solution!
Go on, leave! I'm sure
that Emma's gonna love that!
Right?
Oh, you've already dumped her?
You run away
the second someone cares for you.
I think that's really pathetic.
You're the most self-obsessed
person ever. I feel sorry for you.
Go for it, give up on everyone.
The only person you're punishing
is yourself. You'll die by yourself.
Why would you care, Mattie?
You're gonna get rid of me soon enough.
I won't ever bother you again!
You'll go on living this fantastic life
you're so attached to.
You can get married
and build a loving home
and take over the family store!
You can have a perfect little family
with two adorable kids
and have popcorn and cheese puffs
on Friday nights!
- While you all snuggle up to watch hockey!
- You better shut the hell up!
- Sounds like a threat.
- Yeah, it is.
- Hah! What if I don't?
- I'll kill you.
Ah! How would you do it?
Easy. I'll just throw a chair
at your face.
You'll fall over and boom, you're dead.
I don't think so,
'cause all I'll have to do is duck.
You won't stand a chance.
I'll take a scalpel, I'll shove it
right into your tummy and kill you!
Yeah, no, I don't think so
'cause when you try,
I'll duck, and I'll do a karate kick
right in your face and kill you!
- Oh yeah?
- Yeah!
- Do it. Try the kick, Mattie.
- What? I don't want to.
I'm sure you don't
'cause you don't know any martial arts!
- Go fuck yourself!
- You go fuck yourself!
- No, fuck you, you bitch!
- You're the fucking bitch!
- Fuck you!
- Fuck you!
- [Lilian] What are they fighting about?
- You're a fucking moron, you know that?
[poignant music playing]
[hockey commentary on TV]
[Mathilda] Hello? Jonas?
[sighs]
We got the lot. We agreed on 700,000.
Jonsson says there's no backing out
on a handshake, so
I guess the only thing to do now is
start building the house. That's the news.
Guess it's good.
So you still want us to stay together?
And what, get married,
build the house, have a couple kids,
take over the family store,
have grandchildren,
and not even let death do us part
'cause we'll get buried together?
Bro, what else can you ask for, I guess?
I really thought I wanted all that, but I
I want other things from life.
You wanna break up?
Mmm?
[mournful music playing]
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry
our relationship ended like this.
- [grunts]
- [puck crashes]
[sighs]
What about the store?
I think you should take over.
I can't, though. I'm not family.
Jonas, you are family.
Mom and Pop see you
like the son they always wanted.
It's all yours.
Oh fuck.
[sighs]
[pensive music playing]
[puck crashes]
[puck crashes]
[Oliver] Hey, you've reached Oliver.
Leave a message after the beep.
[beep]
[Mathilda] Hey, it's me.
Again.
[sniffles] You're gonna file
for a restraining order soon,
and I'm sure answering my calls is
out of the question for you.
But could you please call me back?
Because I
I have to see you again, Oliver.
[sighs]
[Janne] What are you going to do
on Christmas Eve? You'll be all alone?
[Freddie] Bah humbug. Who cares?
- [Janne chuckles]
- [Mathilda] Wait!
I'm going with you.
- You too, sweetheart?
- Yeah.
- I have to. I'll explain later.
- What's happening?
- Janne, do something.
- Well, what do you expect me to do?
Tie them up to a birch tree?
They wanna go.
- [Freddie] Mom!
- [Mathilda] But
No, no, no. Let her run off.
- I don't wanna hurt her feelings.
- [sighs]
Don't worry about her. She'll get over it.
Do what you have to do.
[optimistic music playing]
[Janne] Your mother and I
will be just fine.
[phone rings]
[Freddie] No, she has no say on that.
She's an influencer.
Yeah, well, you know what?
Why don't you just ask Katja?
I know she'll agree with me.
Sounds good now? All right.
Moron.
Friday
What?
- What?
- Nothing.
- [phone ringing]
- No, fuck.
Katja, give me a sec, okay?
My cholesterol's going up
just watching you right now.
Finally! Hey,
how can we get it done end of day
if we got the brief the morning of?
Wait. You got a charger in your stuff?
- Hmm?
- A charger?
- Oh.
- [Freddie] I wasn't talking to you.
- [bleeping]
- Perfect Hang on. Um
Oh! Great. Okay, bye.
[sighs]
[wistful music playing]
You're throwing away something beautiful.
You tell me I'm the coward,
but you've got it all wrong.
You're clearly the coward.
That's horseshit.
Oh, come on, you're obviously in love
with Emma. Why are you running away?
I love you more
than anyone else in this world.
I know. I love you too.
It's a shame you're a coward.
- [scoffs] Mattie, that's not it.
- Okay.
- It's not true!
- Okay.
Quit saying okay.
Okay.
What?
You're only happy when you're around her.
This is your last chance.
What are you waiting for?
[Freddie sighs shakily]
[music swells]
Driver, stop the bus!
[driver] I can only stop
at the bus stop, sorry.
I don't care. Stop here.
I have to go back!
Good luck with Oliver!
[music swells joyfully]
Uh, excuse me?
I think this is outstanding.
Can you ask the chef to come out
so I can tell her in person, please?
Oh no.
[sighs]
Fu
Sorry. So sorry.
There's been a mistake.
It was supposed to be, uh, a joke, but
I was a coward, and now,
Emma won't answer my calls.
Look, I I should've told her
how I was feeling.
I was an idiot.
But I don't want to play dumb anymore.
I don't wanna avoid her
'cause I'm in love with her.
She needs to know that.
Even though she's done giving me chances.
Mmm.
She doesn't understand English.
[breathing shakily] Hey.
- [gasps softly]
- You're here.
Yeah. Uh, I gave it some thought.
[sighs]
How do I know you won't just leave again?
You can't know that.
[chuckles]
[joyful music playing]
["Underneath the Tree"
by Kelly Clarkson playing]
- Knocked me right off my feet
- Ooh
And this year, I will fall
With no worries at all
- 'Cause you
- 'Cause you
- Are near
- Are near
- [knocking at door]
- And everything's clear
You're all I need
Underneath the tree
- I've just managed to get Iris to sleep.
- You're here
- Turn the music down.
- Snow is falling as the carolers
- [turns volume down]
- Jesus.
[gasps]
Sorry.
[sighs] So you're back?
Presents, what a beautiful sight
[Heather] Mathilda, I don't know you
or what's going on between you and Oliver.
I hate to say it, but you seem like a
Somewhat lovely girl.
And I've never seen him like this before.
He's completely broken.
[sighs]
He's playing at the Skybar.
Do you mind if I give you a little advice?
- Yes.
- Get your shit together. Run.
Yes!
- Are you going like that?
- Yes!
- No.
- No.
Coat.
Underneath the tree
- You're here where you should be
- Oh, yeah
Snow is falling as the carolers sing
- Oh, yeah, yeah
- It just wasn't the same
- Oh, yeah, yeah
- Alone on Christmas Day
[song fades]
[playing slow jazz]
[sighs]
Hey.
Oliver, I know you don't want
anything to do with me,
but please listen to me a minute.
[feedback squeals]
[band stops playing]
I'm sorry.
Forgive me for not telling you the truth,
but I was scared to.
I've never had feelings like this before.
For anyone.
I like you
so much.
Honestly,
it's way more than that.
I love you.
[customers] Aww.
You feel it too, right?
That spark between us?
[sighs]
[out of tune]
It started with a love affair
- Give me an A.
- [double bass plays A]
You showed me how to really care
- Ooh, ooh
- [band starts playing]
With you, I could travel everywhere
If you feel the same
- Just call my name
- [feedback squeals]
- I'll be there
- [music fades]
[scattered applause]
[cheering and whistling]
There.
[hopeful music playing]
You're a really awful singer.
[customers laughing]
You're gonna kill my career.
What career?
- [both laugh]
- [customers cheering]
Hey, get it over with and kiss each other.
- [chuckles]
- [man] Go on!
[cheering]
[celebratory music playing]
[Lilian] Hi there, Ragnar.
Is that you, Ragnar? Come by our house
and we'll have some drinks.
[music fades]
[carolers singing in Swedish]
[gentle music playing]
Janne!
- [Janne] What?
- Janne, come here.
[dog panting]
[Lilian] Did you do this?
How could I? We've been together all day.
- [Lilian] Oh, right.
- Wow.
No, no, no, no! Be careful!
Could be poisonous.
- Poisonous? How? It's Christmas food.
- Right.
- [clattering]
- Sh!
[music fades]
[clicking]
- [Freddie and Emma] Surprise!
- [Lilian screams]
- [both laughing]
- [Lilian gasping] Oh!
- We got 'em good!
- [Emma] Hi, Lilian!
- Hi!
- [Janne] Hey, sweetheart.
- [Emma] It's great seeing you again!
- [Lilian] Oh! Merry Christmas!
- [Freddie] You eating already?
- No!
[Emma] Janne!
- Emma!
- Mom!
I thought you'd gone to Stockholm.
- But here you are. I think I'm gonna cry!
- [Freddie] Mmm.
You haven't been home
for Christmas in years, angel.
- [Janne] Did you cook all this?
- Here I am.
We did all this together.
- You're always so humble.
- Lovely!
- [sighs]
- [Emma] But it's true.
Wait, let's all gather round
and take a pic for Mattie.
- Yeah, let's do it.
- [Emma] Okay.
Go ahead.
- Ready? Beautiful.
- [chuckles] Ah!
- [all] Love you!
- [click]
- [warm music playing]
- [phone chimes]
[people chatting in Italian]
Oh, wow! How beautiful.
Thanks.
What about Florence?
[both laughing]
[Mathilda chuckles]
[Oliver] Merry Christmas.
[Mathilda] Merry Christmas.
[joyful Christmas music swells]
[Mathilda] My mother always says,
"Christmas is the time to go back home."
"A good time to start over."
Sounds perfect to me.
Only I'm definitely not going home.
I'm in Italy!
["Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
by Darlene Love playing]
- Christmas
- Snow's comin' down
- Christmas
- I'm watchin' it fall
- Christmas
- Lots of people around
- Christmas
- Baby, please come home
- Christmas
- The church bells in town
- Christmas
- All ringing in song
- Christmas
- What a happy sound
- Christmas
- Baby, please come home
They're singing "Deck the Halls"
But it's not like Christmas at all
'Cause I remember when you were here
- And all the fun we had last year
- Hey! No!
- [Oliver] No! That's ours!
- Wait!
- Christmas
- Pretty lights on the tree
- Christmas
- I'm watchin' them shine
- Christmas
- You should be here with me
- Christmas
- Baby, please come home
They're singing "Deck the Halls"
But it's not like Christmas at all
'Cause I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year
- Christmas
- If there was a way
- Christmas
- I'd hold back this tear
- Christmas
- But it's Christmas Day
- Please
- Please
- Please
- Please
- Please, please
- Please, please
- Please, please, please
- Please, please, please
- Baby, please come home
- This Christmas
Baby, please come home
Christmas
- Baby, please come home
- Christmas
Baby, please come home
- Christmas
- Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Christmas
- I need you, I need you
- Christmas
- Please come home
- Christmas
Christmas
[song fades]
[elegant jazz music playing]
[music fades]
[celebratory Christmas music playing]
[music fades]