The Sea Ahead (2021) Movie Script
1
A famous pop star is going
to have an accident,
and stay in a coma for three days.
Her career will be revived.
We must follow this story closely.
Can you tell us who she is?
Honestly no, but I can tell you
about another star.
Fine. And what about the country?
Even if it feels like a dead end,
the government will find solutions.
How?
Who will make concessions?
I don't know.
Let's hope they get along, for our sake.
Can you give us details?
People need to know what to expect.
I don't know.
Everything will be fine.
Seriously?
There are some who fear a tsunami.
What can you tell them?
There will certainly be storms,
and things of the sort.
But to be honest...
No, I don't think so.
You know, inspiration just comes to me.
I don't know how or why...
But the economy will flourish again,
in time for summer and tourist season.
I don't know anything
about a tsunami, though.
I don't think so.
Fine. And then...
You're right, it's possible.
I'll tell you when...
Did she say anything?
No. But she seems fine.
She said nothing at all?
We didn't speak much.
She was tired.
She went back to sleep.
I think she left Paris for good.
What do you mean?
She quit her job, her university.
She left.
But she can't just quit
and leave everything like that.
What's the problem?
What matters is she's here now, with us.
Of course.
You're right.
Did you eat?
Shall I heat it up for you?
It tasted better earlier,
but I didn't want to wake you.
No, it's good.
What is it?
Nothing.
I missed you.
You lost a lot of weight.
We could have picked you
up from the airport, Jana.
It wasn't necessary,
I arrived late anyway.
- So what?
- Let her eat.
We could have picked her up,
even if it was late.
At the crack of dawn, even.
What's the difference?
Malek is still in Dubai?
Yes, your brother's very happy there.
He's been there for two years now.
You can't see the boats anymore.
What boats?
From the other side, on the balcony.
They passed between the buildings.
I never noticed.
But there's still
a bit of sea view left.
There's nothing blue.
Yes, there is.
Next to the hotel.
I didn't notice.
Jana?
Are you going out today?
No.
You don't need the car, then.
It's fine, I'll give her mine,
I don't need it.
I'm going to pay my dad a visit.
Say hello.
Don't you want to see your friends?
No.
Take off your sweater,
I'll wash it.
Take off your clothes,
they're disgusting. I'll wash them.
Jana, what are you doing?
You can't take off your clothes
in front of everyone!
Who's everyone?
Did you see Malek's new pictures?
Yes, I saw them.
I spoke to him this morning.
Look.
These are his colleagues from work.
They're going on a trip.
How do they call it? A safari.
My darling!
Tomorrow we can go see
your grandparents, if you like.
What for?
What for?
They miss you,
and want to see you.
Can you not tell everyone
that I'm here?
Of course I'll tell them.
They'd be upset.
They want to see you.
I'm going to the supermarket,
if you'd like to come along.
I tried calling you last month,
to wish you a happy birthday.
Jana.
Jana!
The car behind us is too close.
No.
It's not that close.
It's fine, it's just
how people drive here. It's normal.
Look, there's still
a bit of sea view over there.
I believe you.
Come look.
Where?
Over there.
Next to the sign.
Over there on the right.
Ah. Not really.
Not really?
You can barely see it, it doesn't count.
Have it your way.
Thank God Janas here,
youve opened the curtains!
You don't have to work today?
What work?
Is there work, anyway?
There's nothing.
Why bother to plant, then?
What's the problem?
What if something happens?
What if a tsunami hits?
What tsunami?
We're on the fifth floor.
Take it easy, I was just joking.
- Maybe you're right.
- What are you talking about?
What if a meteor hits,
or another war breaks out?
So what?
We sit and wait?
What's going to happen will happen,
whether we like it or not.
You're helping in the kitchen now?
I even wash the dishes sometimes.
Oh really?
It's your mother who doesn't let me.
Of course not,
because I'll have to wash them again!
Fine, I don't know how to wash dishes,
and your balila is disgusting.
Just open the door, please.
She doesn't boil the chickpeas enough.
Patience, it needs patience.
Who is it?
- We started eating.
- Sorry I'm late.
Come in!
I told him you were busy,
but I can't stop my brother
from visiting.
Hello!
I've been standing at the door for ages!
We didn't hear.
They were busy making fun of my cooking!
Your cooking, well...
Oh really?
No food for you either, then.
Here, eat your brother-in-law's balila.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Hey Jana!
We missed you.
- How's everything?
- Fine.
I'm late because of a card game
that went on forever.
This guy was losing,
and he just wouldn't give up.
He kept losing more money.
We should play a game here one day.
I already told you, I don't like poker.
Suit yourself.
You're happy to be back?
What were you doing in Paris?
I was living there.
I meant work.
What were you doing?
Your parents couldn't explain it.
I did many things.
I mean, what kind of work,
who did you work with?
I changed jobs several times,
worked with different companies.
I attended university
at the same time.
But it was going really well.
Okay.
Well, I just met with him,
and told him about Jana.
Who?
This is his number.
You know him. Ghassan.
Remember him?
my friend who owned a shop,
down by the highway.
He needs help,
if you can spare the time.
You can work there,
keep yourself busy.
He said he wanted
to redo his window display.
He'd be lucky to have you.
A graduate from the best
art school in Paris,
or something like that.
Something like that.
Yes, it's been a year.
Were you making any money?
I was making enough,
but it wasn't just about the money.
What, then?
Why would one bother to travel
and receive the best education,
if not to make shitloads
of money afterwards?
To not waste away here, maybe?
Really?
What?
You mean we're all
worthless and rotten?
That's not what I meant.
If you're happy...
You're right. I am happy,
very happy with my mediocre life.
That's not what she meant, Walid.
What brought you back, then?
Did you miss your parents?
What?
We'll pass by his shop soon.
Does anyone want fruit, something sweet?
I've had enough.
Anyway it doesn't matter,
she can work a little
and make some money.
You might even meet someone,
get lucky.
Good morning.
Slept well?
Can I come with you?
Of course.
You can't go so long,
without speaking to us.
We did speak.
Over the last two years,
we spoke once or twice a month.
It's not enough!
I was far,
busy with a million things.
What does it matter?
She used to sit around,
waiting for you to answer or call back!
Your mother worried about you a lot.
Found something?
What are we looking for exactly?
Anything to shoot at.
Found it.
- Will you see Ghassan about the job?
- No.
I knew it.
Stubborn like your mother.
Careful!
So what?
It's okay to be stubborn
and not listen to anyone.
What do you care?
You never shot a rifle before?
You never brought me along.
Come on, let's try.
This one goes here,
that one goes there,
your shoulder against the wood.
See the target,
aim at it with the marker,
and shoot.
The bullets expand on impact,
it's easy to hit the target.
Which eye are you closing?
- I don't know.
- Close the left and aim with the right.
Good.
Come try again,
show us how good you are.
Quick! quick!
Give it here!
You can't shoot this one,
because you don't know,
how to shoot
at a moving target.
- Did she say anything?
- About what?
About what's going on with her.
No.
But I think it would be better
if she saw some people.
Your mother told me
that you left for Paris.
I had to squeeze it out of her.
Fuck Jana, why didn't you tell me?
Answer me.
I passed next to your house.
I don't know what to do.
Call me back.
Do you help them with their homework,
or they do it on their own?
I help them.
The children give her a hard time,
so she takes it out on me.
Don't listen to him, he's a grump.
- I'm the grump?
- Yes, who else?
- Really?
- What's the matter with you two?
He's like that,
always pushing my buttons.
You refused to listen to me.
If I could go back,
I'd never be married.
You see how he is?
If we'd only listened,
none of us would've gotten married.
- Cheers!
- To your happiness!
We never go to weddings anymore.
Fuck, it's good
these two are getting married!
You want to know why
they're getting married now?
She's pregnant,
otherwise why get married in winter?
We got married in winter.
They come and go,
ignorant of the value of anything.
We fought and sacrificed.
What are you talking about?
I left for 20 years and came back.
Don't talk like that, man.
Oh, really?
Who's got bigger balls now?
Marwan, you're embarrassing us.
Talk to me when your kid
is done with school.
Many people were ruined.
Look at what's his name,
her brother,
the whole family went to America,
they don't have a single penny left.
Either way we're all in the shit.
Right.
Did you hear
about this girl in Mkalles?
Marwan, please!
- What girl?
- You didn't hear about it?
They caught her high,
running in the street.
Poor thing.
- Please don't embarrass us.
- I'm going to the bathroom.
I'm not embarrassing anyone.
- Are you sleepy?
- No.
Here she is!
That girl they were talking about.
"Municipality officers rushed to capture
a woman wandering naked in the street.
She was handed over
to the relevant authorities."
She's crazy.
Naked?
That's what they're saying.
Hold on. There's a video.
We'll watch it at home.
Did you have fun?
It was such a great evening!
Everything is nice
when you're a bit drunk.
I'm a happy person.
When I see happy people,
I'm happy.
I don't need to drink.
But you did drink.
What does that have
to do with anything?
I barely had a couple of drinks.
A couple?
All this with a couple of drinks.
It's good we left before
you embarrassed us.
Embarrassed you?
I'm joking.
It was fun.
Sure, we had fun.
Why should we be stressed
all the time?
I am really very happy.
A happy person.
And I'm happy
Jana has returned to live with us.
Who said she's going to stay?
Nonsense. Of course she's staying.
Where will she go?
Ask her yourself.
You think she'll vanish again?
Are you going to leave us again?
Where would you go?
Can we not talk about this now?
I don't know what we did
to deserve this.
What did I do?
I'm trying.
I came to the shitty wedding.
I'm here,
I'm smiling, and...
What more do you want?
I don't get it.
Adam?
Open up.
How did you know I was here?
This is how you welcome me?
I knew the moment you returned.
I was waiting for you to call me.
I missed you.
Me too.
Let's leave together.
How are you, Jana?
We missed you.
Hi.
More coffee?
Where's Dad?
Sleeping.
- Why is he always sleeping?
- What's wrong, Jana?
Why didn't you greet
the lady properly?
- Are you angry with me?
- What?
I don't know, I'm just trying
to understand what's going on.
You know you can talk to me
about anything.
Has someone hurt you?
Why?
I don't know.
You were all alone in France.
Maybe we should've helped you more.
- It's fine.
- No, it's not fine.
I managed,
I had everything I needed.
Even so.
You think it was easy for me,
you being so far?
Come on.
You were happy.
And now you're very happy
that I'm back.
You knew I wouldn't be able
to achieve anything.
What are you talking about?
What about your university forms,
your visa?
I did what I could.
You never called me.
Did you ever ask
yourself how I was doing?
Answer me right now, Jana.
What's going on with you?
What do you want to understand?
You feel guilty,
so you throw your shit at me?
Nada's still inside.
Your tests show you're healthy.
There's nothing wrong with you.
I don't understand, Doctor.
I left my husband two weeks ago
because of the guilt.
I was sure I cheated on him
with his friend last month.
But a few days ago, I ran into
this friend on the street,
and I realized I hadn't seen him
in two years.
Fine, but there's nothing
to be worried about.
But Doctor, I remember the hotel,
I remember his smell,
I remember us flirting.
Could it have been a dream?
But the feeling was so real,
I felt him inside.
I'm worried about her.
I need more money.
If you find some,
you're welcome to it.
Can you spend less this month?
I need money to buy food.
Here you go.
Have you spoken to her?
Of course.
I'm trying.
I don't know what to do with her.
You're too hard on her.
Hard?
She can't stay like this.
What more do you want me to do?
I don't know.
Check this out.
- Come on.
- What?
What are you doing?
The water is amazing!
- It's too cold, I'm going back.
- Where?
I can't feel my feet.
It's freezing!
I haven't been to the sea in so long.
Shall we go dry ourselves?
My place.
Where?
Up there, on the 7th.
For real?
The city changed so much.
People used to rush
from all over to come here.
Now it's all empty.
God knows why they're still building.
As if someone came into your house
for five minutes,
and changed all the furniture.
I like driving around at night here.
No traffic, no people.
Everyone is sleeping,
the city reveals its true self.
City of ghosts.
Everyone's numb and indifferent.
Everyone stays quiet
while they rob us.
And you're not quiet?
I do what I can.
I want to show you something.
It's still empty here?
Yes, and they keep making landfills.
They destroyed the city
and buried the sea with it.
And now they're filling the sea
with trash.
Smell the trash and the sewers.
It's so appetizing.
And from the trash
a new city will sprout.
In the sea.
On the sea.
You want to go for a walk?
No, let's not.
We'd get arrested here.
Did you see anyone from the group
since you got back?
I'm not talking to anyone.
Me neither.
They all scattered anyway.
After you left, everyone got busy
with their own worries.
I don't know what they're doing.
I was sure you hated me when I left.
Who said I didn't?
It's good that you feel a bit of guilt.
Fuck you.
Jana.
Why did you leave, by the way?
A million reasons.
I wanted to leave for a long time.
Remember when I was
at your place in Sanayeh?
You walked me to the car,
and barely a minute after that,
the fighting started in Hamra.
There was so much shooting.
I couldn't reach you.
I didn't know what was going on.
I was worried about you.
But I was fine.
I know, it's not about that.
I felt there was nothing I could do.
I wanted to go find you.
But there was so much shooting
that I stayed in the car.
The next day, I woke up and started
looking for universities abroad.
So you just fled, then.
Hold this for a second.
- What are you doing?
- You'll see.
- You can keep it here?
- Yes, it's safer than a bank.
Look at what I found.
I remember this day.
- Why are you laughing at me?
- Tell me.
It's not really a story.
I just want to tell you about the people
who would come into the shop,
and ask for a vegetarian falafel.
Like it's some kind of kebbe
or meat or kafta, you know.
So what I would do,
since the shift was long and boring,
I made it a point to explain to them
that falafel doesn't contain meat.
That's how I spent my time.
To be honest, I don't know
what falafel is made of either.
- But you know it's not meat.
- Yes, I do know that.
You didn't miss falafel then.
I only worked there
for two months, then I left.
It was an Algerian place,
the food was good, really good,
but the falafel wasn't that great.
The first thing I bought with my own
money was a falafel sandwich.
Oh yeah?
Cool.
Adam, where's the coffee?
Adam!
Adam.
Come on, have some coffee.
Adam.
Come on, get up.
Adam. Adam!
Get up! Adam!
The coffee is in the fridge.
Fuck off.
What is it?
What is it?!
- Slept well?
- Yes, and you?
Help me out a little.
The water is warm.
What?
How can you be such a sweetheart
and a jerk at the same time?
- A lifetime's experience.
- A real idiot.
You scared me today.
You won't leave me.
Why would I leave you?
I'm just letting you know,
I won't let you go.
Anyway, I don't want to leave.
Good.
You haven't told me yet.
What haven't I told you?
Why you came back.
I know you.
It's not because of me,
or your family, or anyone.
I'll tell you why.
You went to Paris,
because you thought
you're better than us.
A bunch of losers.
You got accepted
in some fancy school.
And then?
You found them all stupid?
Yeah, they were unbearable.
You worked someplace shitty,
some restaurant or coffeeshop.
From one job to the other,
each one worse than the one before.
And for some reason nothing was working,
not even at university.
Then what?
You met someone?
You must have met a painter,
an artist...
A musician?
- Adam, that's enough.
- A musician like me, of course.
And he amused you for a while.
He pampered you, took care of you.
Where was his piercing?
Here?
Or here?
He was handsome, like me.
And a jerk, you like jerks.
All alone abroad,
without a job,
no money,
no home to go back to,
dropped out of university...
Did you do something bad?
Steal from someone?
You must have done something.
I get it.
It felt like the world was ending.
You failed and had to come back.
Is that it?
It's fine, Jana, I'm not judging.
I'm just a mechanic.
Come on, let's go.
But the cool thing now is
that you can't show off anymore!
Why don't we go have a beer?
A beer? We'll have a beer.
- Hey, what's up?
- All good?
Jana, meet everyone.
Everyone, this is Jana.
How are you, sweetie? Good?
- You want a bite?
- No, thanks.
Where were you?
What's that?
Just take it.
Let's dance.
Hey. Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, I'm coming.
I just need five minutes!
Adam?
I was thinking of going back to uni
and graduate.
What do you think?
What for?
It's a waste of time.
What else am I going to do?
Come on, get up.
You need to eat something.
Where is she?
She's not getting up.
She has to.
How many did you take today?
This is the second one.
We agreed you'd take less.
You want me to take a third one?
I'm stressed enough as it is.
What are we going to do with Jana?
What do you want me to do?
Just let her sleep some more.
Or you go try, then!
Jana. Come on baby, get up.
Come on, try to get up.
I'll help you.
Slowly, take it easy.
I don't know what I'm doing.
It's all right, sweetie.
We're all lost.
Here, juice this.
It's fine, I'll do it.
I'm trying.
I'm trying!
It's okay baby.
Jana, did you pack your stuff?
Why aren't you answering me?
I was watching you.
Where are we going?
To the South.
Okay, but where?
What do you care?
Just get up.
The big wave is coming.
What?
I'll shower quickly and we'll leave.
Come on, finish packing.
Where did you go?
Give me the keys to the gate.
I'm not joking, Adam. Give me the keys,
or open the door for me.
Why? Where do you want to go?
- I don't want to go with you.
- Yes, you do.
- You want to leave me again?
- Adam, move!
Don't be stupid.
I'll take care of you.
Why are you busting my balls?
Fine, go back to Mommy and Daddy.
Come back inside.
Fine, fuck off!
What do you want?
Do you mind if I smoke?
No, not at all.
Do you have a lighter?
Here you go.
Keep it.
I thought you were a foreigner at first.
I don't look like a foreigner.
I didn't mean anything by it.
Alone, at the crack of dawn.
I'm tired.
It's my last week of driving.
My back can't take the hours
of sitting anymore.
I've been driving for 27 years.
My younger son is taking over.
He printed a business card.
I don't want him to be stuck
in this car for the rest of his life.
It was supposed to be temporary,
and here I am.
I always thought
I'd be doing something else.
Like what?
I don't know.
Just something else.
Different.
Maybe that's why I never did.
A famous pop star is going
to have an accident,
and stay in a coma for three days.
Her career will be revived.
We must follow this story closely.
Can you tell us who she is?
Honestly no, but I can tell you
about another star.
Fine. And what about the country?
Even if it feels like a dead end,
the government will find solutions.
How?
Who will make concessions?
I don't know.
Let's hope they get along, for our sake.
Can you give us details?
People need to know what to expect.
I don't know.
Everything will be fine.
Seriously?
There are some who fear a tsunami.
What can you tell them?
There will certainly be storms,
and things of the sort.
But to be honest...
No, I don't think so.
You know, inspiration just comes to me.
I don't know how or why...
But the economy will flourish again,
in time for summer and tourist season.
I don't know anything
about a tsunami, though.
I don't think so.
Fine. And then...
You're right, it's possible.
I'll tell you when...
Did she say anything?
No. But she seems fine.
She said nothing at all?
We didn't speak much.
She was tired.
She went back to sleep.
I think she left Paris for good.
What do you mean?
She quit her job, her university.
She left.
But she can't just quit
and leave everything like that.
What's the problem?
What matters is she's here now, with us.
Of course.
You're right.
Did you eat?
Shall I heat it up for you?
It tasted better earlier,
but I didn't want to wake you.
No, it's good.
What is it?
Nothing.
I missed you.
You lost a lot of weight.
We could have picked you
up from the airport, Jana.
It wasn't necessary,
I arrived late anyway.
- So what?
- Let her eat.
We could have picked her up,
even if it was late.
At the crack of dawn, even.
What's the difference?
Malek is still in Dubai?
Yes, your brother's very happy there.
He's been there for two years now.
You can't see the boats anymore.
What boats?
From the other side, on the balcony.
They passed between the buildings.
I never noticed.
But there's still
a bit of sea view left.
There's nothing blue.
Yes, there is.
Next to the hotel.
I didn't notice.
Jana?
Are you going out today?
No.
You don't need the car, then.
It's fine, I'll give her mine,
I don't need it.
I'm going to pay my dad a visit.
Say hello.
Don't you want to see your friends?
No.
Take off your sweater,
I'll wash it.
Take off your clothes,
they're disgusting. I'll wash them.
Jana, what are you doing?
You can't take off your clothes
in front of everyone!
Who's everyone?
Did you see Malek's new pictures?
Yes, I saw them.
I spoke to him this morning.
Look.
These are his colleagues from work.
They're going on a trip.
How do they call it? A safari.
My darling!
Tomorrow we can go see
your grandparents, if you like.
What for?
What for?
They miss you,
and want to see you.
Can you not tell everyone
that I'm here?
Of course I'll tell them.
They'd be upset.
They want to see you.
I'm going to the supermarket,
if you'd like to come along.
I tried calling you last month,
to wish you a happy birthday.
Jana.
Jana!
The car behind us is too close.
No.
It's not that close.
It's fine, it's just
how people drive here. It's normal.
Look, there's still
a bit of sea view over there.
I believe you.
Come look.
Where?
Over there.
Next to the sign.
Over there on the right.
Ah. Not really.
Not really?
You can barely see it, it doesn't count.
Have it your way.
Thank God Janas here,
youve opened the curtains!
You don't have to work today?
What work?
Is there work, anyway?
There's nothing.
Why bother to plant, then?
What's the problem?
What if something happens?
What if a tsunami hits?
What tsunami?
We're on the fifth floor.
Take it easy, I was just joking.
- Maybe you're right.
- What are you talking about?
What if a meteor hits,
or another war breaks out?
So what?
We sit and wait?
What's going to happen will happen,
whether we like it or not.
You're helping in the kitchen now?
I even wash the dishes sometimes.
Oh really?
It's your mother who doesn't let me.
Of course not,
because I'll have to wash them again!
Fine, I don't know how to wash dishes,
and your balila is disgusting.
Just open the door, please.
She doesn't boil the chickpeas enough.
Patience, it needs patience.
Who is it?
- We started eating.
- Sorry I'm late.
Come in!
I told him you were busy,
but I can't stop my brother
from visiting.
Hello!
I've been standing at the door for ages!
We didn't hear.
They were busy making fun of my cooking!
Your cooking, well...
Oh really?
No food for you either, then.
Here, eat your brother-in-law's balila.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Hey Jana!
We missed you.
- How's everything?
- Fine.
I'm late because of a card game
that went on forever.
This guy was losing,
and he just wouldn't give up.
He kept losing more money.
We should play a game here one day.
I already told you, I don't like poker.
Suit yourself.
You're happy to be back?
What were you doing in Paris?
I was living there.
I meant work.
What were you doing?
Your parents couldn't explain it.
I did many things.
I mean, what kind of work,
who did you work with?
I changed jobs several times,
worked with different companies.
I attended university
at the same time.
But it was going really well.
Okay.
Well, I just met with him,
and told him about Jana.
Who?
This is his number.
You know him. Ghassan.
Remember him?
my friend who owned a shop,
down by the highway.
He needs help,
if you can spare the time.
You can work there,
keep yourself busy.
He said he wanted
to redo his window display.
He'd be lucky to have you.
A graduate from the best
art school in Paris,
or something like that.
Something like that.
Yes, it's been a year.
Were you making any money?
I was making enough,
but it wasn't just about the money.
What, then?
Why would one bother to travel
and receive the best education,
if not to make shitloads
of money afterwards?
To not waste away here, maybe?
Really?
What?
You mean we're all
worthless and rotten?
That's not what I meant.
If you're happy...
You're right. I am happy,
very happy with my mediocre life.
That's not what she meant, Walid.
What brought you back, then?
Did you miss your parents?
What?
We'll pass by his shop soon.
Does anyone want fruit, something sweet?
I've had enough.
Anyway it doesn't matter,
she can work a little
and make some money.
You might even meet someone,
get lucky.
Good morning.
Slept well?
Can I come with you?
Of course.
You can't go so long,
without speaking to us.
We did speak.
Over the last two years,
we spoke once or twice a month.
It's not enough!
I was far,
busy with a million things.
What does it matter?
She used to sit around,
waiting for you to answer or call back!
Your mother worried about you a lot.
Found something?
What are we looking for exactly?
Anything to shoot at.
Found it.
- Will you see Ghassan about the job?
- No.
I knew it.
Stubborn like your mother.
Careful!
So what?
It's okay to be stubborn
and not listen to anyone.
What do you care?
You never shot a rifle before?
You never brought me along.
Come on, let's try.
This one goes here,
that one goes there,
your shoulder against the wood.
See the target,
aim at it with the marker,
and shoot.
The bullets expand on impact,
it's easy to hit the target.
Which eye are you closing?
- I don't know.
- Close the left and aim with the right.
Good.
Come try again,
show us how good you are.
Quick! quick!
Give it here!
You can't shoot this one,
because you don't know,
how to shoot
at a moving target.
- Did she say anything?
- About what?
About what's going on with her.
No.
But I think it would be better
if she saw some people.
Your mother told me
that you left for Paris.
I had to squeeze it out of her.
Fuck Jana, why didn't you tell me?
Answer me.
I passed next to your house.
I don't know what to do.
Call me back.
Do you help them with their homework,
or they do it on their own?
I help them.
The children give her a hard time,
so she takes it out on me.
Don't listen to him, he's a grump.
- I'm the grump?
- Yes, who else?
- Really?
- What's the matter with you two?
He's like that,
always pushing my buttons.
You refused to listen to me.
If I could go back,
I'd never be married.
You see how he is?
If we'd only listened,
none of us would've gotten married.
- Cheers!
- To your happiness!
We never go to weddings anymore.
Fuck, it's good
these two are getting married!
You want to know why
they're getting married now?
She's pregnant,
otherwise why get married in winter?
We got married in winter.
They come and go,
ignorant of the value of anything.
We fought and sacrificed.
What are you talking about?
I left for 20 years and came back.
Don't talk like that, man.
Oh, really?
Who's got bigger balls now?
Marwan, you're embarrassing us.
Talk to me when your kid
is done with school.
Many people were ruined.
Look at what's his name,
her brother,
the whole family went to America,
they don't have a single penny left.
Either way we're all in the shit.
Right.
Did you hear
about this girl in Mkalles?
Marwan, please!
- What girl?
- You didn't hear about it?
They caught her high,
running in the street.
Poor thing.
- Please don't embarrass us.
- I'm going to the bathroom.
I'm not embarrassing anyone.
- Are you sleepy?
- No.
Here she is!
That girl they were talking about.
"Municipality officers rushed to capture
a woman wandering naked in the street.
She was handed over
to the relevant authorities."
She's crazy.
Naked?
That's what they're saying.
Hold on. There's a video.
We'll watch it at home.
Did you have fun?
It was such a great evening!
Everything is nice
when you're a bit drunk.
I'm a happy person.
When I see happy people,
I'm happy.
I don't need to drink.
But you did drink.
What does that have
to do with anything?
I barely had a couple of drinks.
A couple?
All this with a couple of drinks.
It's good we left before
you embarrassed us.
Embarrassed you?
I'm joking.
It was fun.
Sure, we had fun.
Why should we be stressed
all the time?
I am really very happy.
A happy person.
And I'm happy
Jana has returned to live with us.
Who said she's going to stay?
Nonsense. Of course she's staying.
Where will she go?
Ask her yourself.
You think she'll vanish again?
Are you going to leave us again?
Where would you go?
Can we not talk about this now?
I don't know what we did
to deserve this.
What did I do?
I'm trying.
I came to the shitty wedding.
I'm here,
I'm smiling, and...
What more do you want?
I don't get it.
Adam?
Open up.
How did you know I was here?
This is how you welcome me?
I knew the moment you returned.
I was waiting for you to call me.
I missed you.
Me too.
Let's leave together.
How are you, Jana?
We missed you.
Hi.
More coffee?
Where's Dad?
Sleeping.
- Why is he always sleeping?
- What's wrong, Jana?
Why didn't you greet
the lady properly?
- Are you angry with me?
- What?
I don't know, I'm just trying
to understand what's going on.
You know you can talk to me
about anything.
Has someone hurt you?
Why?
I don't know.
You were all alone in France.
Maybe we should've helped you more.
- It's fine.
- No, it's not fine.
I managed,
I had everything I needed.
Even so.
You think it was easy for me,
you being so far?
Come on.
You were happy.
And now you're very happy
that I'm back.
You knew I wouldn't be able
to achieve anything.
What are you talking about?
What about your university forms,
your visa?
I did what I could.
You never called me.
Did you ever ask
yourself how I was doing?
Answer me right now, Jana.
What's going on with you?
What do you want to understand?
You feel guilty,
so you throw your shit at me?
Nada's still inside.
Your tests show you're healthy.
There's nothing wrong with you.
I don't understand, Doctor.
I left my husband two weeks ago
because of the guilt.
I was sure I cheated on him
with his friend last month.
But a few days ago, I ran into
this friend on the street,
and I realized I hadn't seen him
in two years.
Fine, but there's nothing
to be worried about.
But Doctor, I remember the hotel,
I remember his smell,
I remember us flirting.
Could it have been a dream?
But the feeling was so real,
I felt him inside.
I'm worried about her.
I need more money.
If you find some,
you're welcome to it.
Can you spend less this month?
I need money to buy food.
Here you go.
Have you spoken to her?
Of course.
I'm trying.
I don't know what to do with her.
You're too hard on her.
Hard?
She can't stay like this.
What more do you want me to do?
I don't know.
Check this out.
- Come on.
- What?
What are you doing?
The water is amazing!
- It's too cold, I'm going back.
- Where?
I can't feel my feet.
It's freezing!
I haven't been to the sea in so long.
Shall we go dry ourselves?
My place.
Where?
Up there, on the 7th.
For real?
The city changed so much.
People used to rush
from all over to come here.
Now it's all empty.
God knows why they're still building.
As if someone came into your house
for five minutes,
and changed all the furniture.
I like driving around at night here.
No traffic, no people.
Everyone is sleeping,
the city reveals its true self.
City of ghosts.
Everyone's numb and indifferent.
Everyone stays quiet
while they rob us.
And you're not quiet?
I do what I can.
I want to show you something.
It's still empty here?
Yes, and they keep making landfills.
They destroyed the city
and buried the sea with it.
And now they're filling the sea
with trash.
Smell the trash and the sewers.
It's so appetizing.
And from the trash
a new city will sprout.
In the sea.
On the sea.
You want to go for a walk?
No, let's not.
We'd get arrested here.
Did you see anyone from the group
since you got back?
I'm not talking to anyone.
Me neither.
They all scattered anyway.
After you left, everyone got busy
with their own worries.
I don't know what they're doing.
I was sure you hated me when I left.
Who said I didn't?
It's good that you feel a bit of guilt.
Fuck you.
Jana.
Why did you leave, by the way?
A million reasons.
I wanted to leave for a long time.
Remember when I was
at your place in Sanayeh?
You walked me to the car,
and barely a minute after that,
the fighting started in Hamra.
There was so much shooting.
I couldn't reach you.
I didn't know what was going on.
I was worried about you.
But I was fine.
I know, it's not about that.
I felt there was nothing I could do.
I wanted to go find you.
But there was so much shooting
that I stayed in the car.
The next day, I woke up and started
looking for universities abroad.
So you just fled, then.
Hold this for a second.
- What are you doing?
- You'll see.
- You can keep it here?
- Yes, it's safer than a bank.
Look at what I found.
I remember this day.
- Why are you laughing at me?
- Tell me.
It's not really a story.
I just want to tell you about the people
who would come into the shop,
and ask for a vegetarian falafel.
Like it's some kind of kebbe
or meat or kafta, you know.
So what I would do,
since the shift was long and boring,
I made it a point to explain to them
that falafel doesn't contain meat.
That's how I spent my time.
To be honest, I don't know
what falafel is made of either.
- But you know it's not meat.
- Yes, I do know that.
You didn't miss falafel then.
I only worked there
for two months, then I left.
It was an Algerian place,
the food was good, really good,
but the falafel wasn't that great.
The first thing I bought with my own
money was a falafel sandwich.
Oh yeah?
Cool.
Adam, where's the coffee?
Adam!
Adam.
Come on, have some coffee.
Adam.
Come on, get up.
Adam. Adam!
Get up! Adam!
The coffee is in the fridge.
Fuck off.
What is it?
What is it?!
- Slept well?
- Yes, and you?
Help me out a little.
The water is warm.
What?
How can you be such a sweetheart
and a jerk at the same time?
- A lifetime's experience.
- A real idiot.
You scared me today.
You won't leave me.
Why would I leave you?
I'm just letting you know,
I won't let you go.
Anyway, I don't want to leave.
Good.
You haven't told me yet.
What haven't I told you?
Why you came back.
I know you.
It's not because of me,
or your family, or anyone.
I'll tell you why.
You went to Paris,
because you thought
you're better than us.
A bunch of losers.
You got accepted
in some fancy school.
And then?
You found them all stupid?
Yeah, they were unbearable.
You worked someplace shitty,
some restaurant or coffeeshop.
From one job to the other,
each one worse than the one before.
And for some reason nothing was working,
not even at university.
Then what?
You met someone?
You must have met a painter,
an artist...
A musician?
- Adam, that's enough.
- A musician like me, of course.
And he amused you for a while.
He pampered you, took care of you.
Where was his piercing?
Here?
Or here?
He was handsome, like me.
And a jerk, you like jerks.
All alone abroad,
without a job,
no money,
no home to go back to,
dropped out of university...
Did you do something bad?
Steal from someone?
You must have done something.
I get it.
It felt like the world was ending.
You failed and had to come back.
Is that it?
It's fine, Jana, I'm not judging.
I'm just a mechanic.
Come on, let's go.
But the cool thing now is
that you can't show off anymore!
Why don't we go have a beer?
A beer? We'll have a beer.
- Hey, what's up?
- All good?
Jana, meet everyone.
Everyone, this is Jana.
How are you, sweetie? Good?
- You want a bite?
- No, thanks.
Where were you?
What's that?
Just take it.
Let's dance.
Hey. Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, I'm coming.
I just need five minutes!
Adam?
I was thinking of going back to uni
and graduate.
What do you think?
What for?
It's a waste of time.
What else am I going to do?
Come on, get up.
You need to eat something.
Where is she?
She's not getting up.
She has to.
How many did you take today?
This is the second one.
We agreed you'd take less.
You want me to take a third one?
I'm stressed enough as it is.
What are we going to do with Jana?
What do you want me to do?
Just let her sleep some more.
Or you go try, then!
Jana. Come on baby, get up.
Come on, try to get up.
I'll help you.
Slowly, take it easy.
I don't know what I'm doing.
It's all right, sweetie.
We're all lost.
Here, juice this.
It's fine, I'll do it.
I'm trying.
I'm trying!
It's okay baby.
Jana, did you pack your stuff?
Why aren't you answering me?
I was watching you.
Where are we going?
To the South.
Okay, but where?
What do you care?
Just get up.
The big wave is coming.
What?
I'll shower quickly and we'll leave.
Come on, finish packing.
Where did you go?
Give me the keys to the gate.
I'm not joking, Adam. Give me the keys,
or open the door for me.
Why? Where do you want to go?
- I don't want to go with you.
- Yes, you do.
- You want to leave me again?
- Adam, move!
Don't be stupid.
I'll take care of you.
Why are you busting my balls?
Fine, go back to Mommy and Daddy.
Come back inside.
Fine, fuck off!
What do you want?
Do you mind if I smoke?
No, not at all.
Do you have a lighter?
Here you go.
Keep it.
I thought you were a foreigner at first.
I don't look like a foreigner.
I didn't mean anything by it.
Alone, at the crack of dawn.
I'm tired.
It's my last week of driving.
My back can't take the hours
of sitting anymore.
I've been driving for 27 years.
My younger son is taking over.
He printed a business card.
I don't want him to be stuck
in this car for the rest of his life.
It was supposed to be temporary,
and here I am.
I always thought
I'd be doing something else.
Like what?
I don't know.
Just something else.
Different.
Maybe that's why I never did.