Vacances (2022) Movie Script
1
TO TONIE
It's a story as old as the Earth,
the story of a lost woman.
I'll look for she who was lost,
I'll return she who is injured,
and I'll strengthen she who is sick.
VACATION
You're lucky, we're going to
a real lost hole.
We'll have the answer soon.
I brought The Seagull.
I'll miss you, Chlo.
Enough of the cellphones, we're late.
You'll call on the train.
OK, it's not as if it was our fault.
This call is important, Mom,
it's vital for me.
Quick, quick, quick.
Mom. My glasses!
Sorry, honey.
Don't worry, you have other ones.
I only have two left.
Only two left? We'll repair
these ones, OK?
We'll ask your sisters
to help us, OK, honey?
Quick, quick, quick.
Stop the cellphone, quick.
Come on, Anna.
It's too heavy.
Come on, let's run.
Let's run, honey, let's run.
There, that's good.
That's it, great. Let's run.
Wait, wait...
Yes, Marcel. Where are you?
Are you meeting us?
Are you sure?
Well, you could've warned us.
It's not...
That's not it, Marcel,
I don't know it there.
Yes, but it was a long time ago...
Mom, keep walking.
Wait!
OK, no, don't... it's OK.
Don't worry, I...
I'll figure it out, OK?
Do what you have to...
Yes, I promise, I'll figure it out.
So when will you come?
When?
Anna? Your father wants to speak
to you.
OK, we'll miss you.
Kisses. Do you think
they've aired out?
They're...
Can I speak to him?
We have to hurry. Come on.
Kisses.
Thanks.
Hello?
Well, you said you were coming...
Yes, but you could have told us.
We wouldn't have taken
your suitcase. It's heavy.
OK.
Can I have a banana, Mom,
or a cookie?
Stop eating all the time,
you're annoying.
OK.
Mom.
I'm hungry, Mom, I want
the chicken sandwich.
Yes, on the train.
I already explained,
it's a long trip.
It's the train and then the bus.
No way, there's no reception.
Can you help me put
the tablecloth on, please?
They're the shells that dad gave me.
Anna chose her bed again.
I'm older.
Help me instead of complaining.
Marie, Christine is doing nothing.
Oh, I'm allowed to be on my cell
a bit.
You're always on it.
Enough of your cell.
Careful, honey,
the well is dangerous.
What is it?
It's stupid. Come on, honey.
Come on.
"I'm a seagull.
No. No, it's not that..."
You smell good.
"I knew that..."
Goodnight, honey.
"I played with no idea..."
"I love him, I love him
more than ever...
"I love him passionately.
I love him desperately.
"Do you remember
when you killed this seagull?"
It's very, very beautiful.
I heard noises in the attic before.
They're bats, coming for you.
No...
How will I know if I get accepted?
Dad will tell you.
There's no reception.
We'll find some.
I'll do it! Oh, you've used
a lot of detergent!
Do you want a jumper?
- No, I'm not cold.
- Yes.
I said I'm not cold. Leave me alone.
It's already hard not having
reception,
but in addition,
if you start speaking like a child,
this won't work, Marie. I won't last.
Let me remind you that we're here
because of your father.
It's an old house full of stories,
a family house.
We're lucky, Anna.
I'll be back.
A house, right, a gross dump,
you mean.
Hello. You've reached the Gautiers.
We're not here, or busy,
so leave us a message
and we'll call back. Thank you.
Hi, Marcel, it's me.
Well, we're here.
Lon hasn't mowed but that's OK,
it's beautiful here,
it smells like the sea.
You'll see how starry
the night is, tomorrow will be nice.
We found two dead little
black cats near the well...
and Christine is stressed
for her college,
the whole train trip
reciting theater...
Apparently, you told Anna
I should call
late at night or early
in the morning.
But it's a bit hard
because there's no reception here,
so... I have to go down
to the telephone box.
So, I just wanted
to know if you'll buy
a cellphone so that it's easier.
And... also know
if you're still angry at me.
Even from far...
It's sad, I'd like to go back
to before.
So, kisses and...
we're waiting impatiently for you.
We're hoping impatiently for you.
Let's do laughing Jean, crying Jean.
Yeah. I'll start.
Oh yes.
Mom, did Dad really say
that he would come?
Yes, he said that.
He gives you lots of kisses.
Kiss...
Do it again.
Look...
I haven't changed.
- Hi.
- Ah, Lon, how are you?
Is that her?
Yes, her name is Julie.
She's so pretty! She's pretty!
Thank you.
She was wonderful eyes.
She's Marcel's fourth.
Oh, the poor thing, he must be tired?
So, where are these kittens?
Next to the well.
There are two little black cats,
I didn't dare touch them.
It must be Jeanne's son.
Yes, you know,
he's cruel with animals.
Martin, a big boy.
I don't know him.
- You don't remember?
- No.
Because you haven't been much.
She smokes all the time.
And he on his bike.
- You don't know who it is?
- No.
Well...
Don't worry about it, I'll fix it.
It's my job, right?
Thanks.
Ah, I wanted to tell you,
the children mustn't play
near the water cellar.
I've left dangerous things there.
Not that many, but...
It's for the animals' cadavers.
OK.
For the kittens...
We just throw them in.
OK.
When I'm big,
I want to live in luxury.
Live in luxury hotels,
by Lake Geneva.
Right. We never have what we want.
My mom wants to stay at home
and look after me,
and when I was small,
she dreamed of becoming
a lawyer and living in New York.
But now, she works in the markets
in Perpignan.
Your mother had a nice job.
Yes,
but being a nurse is too hard,
with the hours and that.
And you know, her dream is Dad.
What will we do with her?
She can't even swim.
It's not her fault.
A bit...
Why? What did Dad say?
He's not coming?
He doesn't know.
In any case, I have to survey,
he doesn't want her
to breastfeed Julie.
He says it will pass on her stress.
Ridiculous.
That's not true.
In any case,
she has basically no more milk.
What's the point?
He should just leave her
if he doesn't love her.
He's not bothered with her.
He'll never leave her.
Shit, there are mosquitoes.
Come on, let's go in.
She'll be suspicious.
Do you think she doesn't know?
She pretends so you smoke less.
Careful, it softens your skin
and stains your fingers and teeth.
Stay by yourself, I'm going in.
I'd be surprised if she knows.
Can I change?
I don't want...
You can't let me listen to just one?
It's OK, I asked, that's all,
calm down.
You're not calling Dad?
No, I'm not, it's too early.
Yesterday, he wasn't back yet.
Close the door,
you'll let mosquitoes in.
Marie? Julie is crying.
Yes, let her cry. She'll calm down.
And I don't want to see you
in those shorts you wore all day.
I've had enough of you
wearing clothes not suited
to the weather.
Are you going to the telephone box?
No, of course not.
OK. Want to watch a film?
Let's watch a film.
So, give me a back rub.
- You do them very well.
- Pay me then.
- Pay you?
- Yes, pay me, it's not free.
Mom? Will Dad come?
I hope so.
Remember, Mom,
when Dad went to Poland
with his friends,
they didn't shower for a week.
When he returned,
the bath water was black.
And he yells
when I don't want to wash.
He yells all the time now.
Not all the time.
Only when he has "mecanloly."
Me-lan-cho-ly.
OK, 10:30, off to bed. Come on!
- Is teddy here?
- Wait.
Oh la la! My koala, my koala.
Can we not brush our teeth?
If you want, yes.
I love you, Mom.
I love you too, honey.
I want you to come and join me,
quickly.
Please, I think of you all the time,
I want you to come.
We don't care, let it all go.
I can't stay all alone in this house.
I don't like this place,
it's so isolated.
I'll be so happy to see you,
Gabrielle.
So happy...
I bought a yellow dress
above the knees,
a light material like silk
that floats on my thighs.
If you don't come, I think I'll die.
Sometimes, I walk, I think about you
and I think I'll faint.
Come on!
Wait, there's a weird person.
Weird...
OK, hurry up...
Quickly...
Why don't you know?
Please, you're everything...
That's enough. Come.
I want to hear you say yes.
Is it a girl?
Gabrielle? Hello? Gabrielle?
She hung up.
She... she said:
"I promise, I'm coming.
"I promise, I'm coming." Thanks.
Please, leave me.
Hello. You've reached the Gautiers.
We're not here, or busy,
so leave us a message
and we'll call you back. Thank you.
Marcel, I've had enough
of you avoiding me. Sorry.
I haven't abandoned the kids.
You can't say untrue things...
All I'm doing is apologizing...
to you,
the kids, what more can I do?
And I'm all alone here, please.
Look, you can call the Coubrons
if you have any news
about Christine's school.
Hello.
What's your name? I'm Martin.
You're alone, ma'am.
No, I'm not alone.
I'm Marie.
That's pretty. I feel like
we know each other.
We saw each other before.
Yes, but from before.
No, absolutely not.
Yet, I feel like...
Or I dreamed.
Tomorrow, we'll see each other
at the beach,
I have to speak to you.
Will that be OK?
OK, good luck, Jeanne.
Oh, she won't hurt, don't be afraid,
I'll give her my bread and brioche
from the day before, we help.
They live in a real dump.
Apparently,
she doesn't speak to her son.
They eat with their hands
on the floor like animals.
They're weird.
And every night,
the son is on his boat,
surely looking for his father
who drowned at sea.
Can I have a baguette, please?
Who's his father?
Auguste, the gardener
at the holiday camp.
A beautiful man, he was sweet,
he looked like a poet
with his flowers, he spoke to them.
A very beautiful man.
And what happened to her?
Her?
We'll say that she was unlucky,
the poor thing.
She's a bit strange,
but she's not nasty.
- A bit crazy?
- Suzanne.
I have to go.
My husband's stomach
is demanding. See you.
I'll have four little brioches
like that, please.
Marie.
Did you kill the kittens?
Which kittens?
You hurt animals, it's horrible.
That's untrue, I love animals.
I'm not crazy. You know...
You shouldn't believe everything.
Apparently, you eat with your hands.
With my mouth too,
my tongue.
Tonight, instead of calling,
join me on my boat.
No, I can't.
At ten o'clock, tonight,
at the telephone box, like last time.
Marie. I'll wait for you.
Ah, don't wait for me.
These crepes are weird.
You don't like them?
It's a new recipe.
They're OK, I don't know.
You're still here?
You're beautiful!
Are you coming?
No, I've come to make a call.
I can't go on your boat.
The sea is dangerous.
No... at night, the waves are calm,
they're sleeping.
OK, not on the boat,
just on the beach then.
Don't stay long, I'll take you back
on my bike.
I can't. It's the full moon.
Exactly, it's beautiful, it's light.
You're with me,
there's nothing to fear.
Just a moment.
You know, I'm better with you
than anyone else.
Not you?
I can't.
Not for long.
Promise.
You have nice shoes.
And a nice dress too.
People think I'm crazy.
I thought I was crazy too.
When I was pregnant with Julie.
I heard voices.
Well, not voices, but a chant.
It went: "A... a..."
I was cooking, and I heard:
"A... a...".
I was speaking and I heard:
"A... a..."
But not in my head.
I heard it everywhere,
as if it was the street.
I just had to prick up my ears.
It was obsessive.
And I couldn't tell anyone.
I thought it was
because I needed air.
I often need air.
Martin. You don't know me.
I'm not easy.
You know, one day,
I left for four hours
because Julie cried too much.
I was in a square, I sat on a bench
and fell asleep, for four hours.
I got home,
the neighbor had called the police.
Marcel was there.
Because Pascal was on the balcony
with his sister in his arms
and they were both crying.
Since then,
everyone thinks I'm crazy.
Marcel, you know,
I spend my time waiting for him.
He avoids me. He doesn't forgive me.
If you saw our life...
He's never there,
when he is, he's in a bad mood.
Quiet.
I speak too much.
Marcel says that too,
he always says I speak too much.
But you know,
I think that it's because,
to not feel my emotions.
Maybe to hide my emotions.
Extraordinary.
Extraordinary emotions,
that's maybe it, really.
Quiet.
Come here.
You don't want to stay with me?
Mom...
The waves are big.
No, they're not big.
Give me your hand.
It's hot.
We fell a bit.
It's OK. Are you OK?
That's the idea of the sea.
Careful, there's a big wave.
Anna, Anna, Anna.
Anna, bring Julie.
Bring Julie back, bring Julie back.
What's wrong with you?
Nothing...
Hold his hand. Hold Pascal's hand,
Christine.
Shit, I told you we shouldn't
come here.
Go by the beach, ridiculous!
Mom, are we still far away?
I don't know. How should I know?
Stop groaning! Are we complaining?
Here...
It's over there,
I recognize the corn field.
I don't recognize anything.
Marie?
Come here.
Are you lost?
I can drive you if you want.
We live near the Coubrons' farm.
Do you know it?
Give me your bags.
Get on my bike?
Go on.
It's over there.
Thanks a lot. Because I don't have
a sense of direction.
I'm from Normandy,
we had no vacation home,
but my husband's family
have the little house here
and they always came on vacation.
It's a nice area.
A very nice area.
But the weather changes a lot.
You don't know how to dress.
And the sea is dangerous.
I've read terrible things.
You can't see the danger coming.
You have to put glasses on.
Ah wow, nice ambiance.
Wait!
Thanks a lot.
Come and see the moon.
Who's that, a drowned person?
I'd like to be a shepherd.
I like goats.
You're a sensitive artist.
Even my mother never comes here,
you're the only one.
Have you ever loved a woman here?
No one has ever been here,
I'm telling you.
Only you. Come on my boat.
I'm afraid of the water.
Please, Marie.
For the first time ever,
someone will join me,
I'm always alone on this sea.
Come and see what I see.
Please, it's not long.
A quarter-hour.
- Please.
- You're crazy.
I can't do the boat, really.
Please.
At least just by the water.
I don't understand,
I don't understand what's happening.
It's as if you can't help yourself,
putting me in a state.
I'll come to the boat,
but not in the water.
Wait, I think I forgot my shoes.
You don't need them on the sand.
"What more boring
that this charming country boredom?
"It's warm, everything's calm,
we're doing nothing,
"everyone reasons...
"We're good with you, friends,
"it's nice to listen to you...
"But staying in a hotel room
and studying a role
"is so much better."
Mum left, she didn't
take the clothes down.
No.
What's that noise?
As soon as I saw you,
I saw a future in you.
A future? You have more
of a future than me.
I don't feel it that way,
I have no more time.
You seem immense and me so small.
I feel dirty,
nearly all the time,
even when I've just washed.
I saw that you don't mind
that I'm dirty.
It must be beautiful, at the bottom.
I'd like to feel
the water on me, like you all.
I love you.
Calm down, Martin.
You know, I'm old and I'm not free.
I'm always tired.
I don't think I remember myself
not being tired.
By the sun, sleep,
the wind.
By the sea, you see.
Do you think he's cheating on me?
Do you think I'm dirty?
No.
You know, Marcel and Anna
are always watching me.
What do they think?
That I'm not a real mother?
I love you.
You can't let yourself go.
I can't, I'm not allowed.
I want to go back, can you take me?
Have you seen my mother's?
How dirty it is!
Martin is a nice name.
Did your father choose it?
The winter must be long here, right?
What are you doing?
Why do that?
I'm afraid of the water, I said.
Wait, I'm afraid of the water...
Stop, you're crazy!
I love you, say it!
No, that's ridiculous.
You don't love me.
- Stop.
- What?
I said I have no time.
Stop, you have to take me back.
My kids are alone.
- Stop.
- Stop talking.
- Stop.
- You'll see the bottom.
No, no.
Gabrielle.
Gabrielle, where are you?
Gabrielle!
No, I don't want to go to the sea.
Come.
I don't want to.
It's dark. It's cold.
I have a bad feeling.
Don't leave me alone, please.
It's not easy.
Where were you?
Anna, are you in the dark?
No, I have a candle.
Pascal woke up,
he was looking for you.
He broke his glasses,
then had an asthma attack.
No, seriously, this glasses story
has to stop,
it's ridiculous,
he doesn't even need them.
And Julie's hungry.
- She's hungry?
- Yes,
I gave her water.
Marie, there were strange noises
outside, what's happening?
I heard a bike come in the back door.
I didn't hear or see anything.
I'll buy milk powder.
Mix it with water.
But I'll give him cow's milk?
Don't worry.
Wait, I don't understand.
Why do you call Dad?
He doesn't answer.
Shh!
And you leave for hours,
it's ridiculous.
Marie, what's going on? Tell me.
I talked to him.
He's not coming.
Move, move...
He's not coming?
No. He's not coming.
Did you come by bike?
Where would I find a bike?
I don't know, I heard noises.
Listen! Look.
- Stop.
- Listen!
I can't hear.
I can't hear anything.
You're tired, go to bed.
Marie, you know the guy
who took us back?
I saw him at the beach,
watching me while I was
getting undressed.
I had the towel and I think
he could see a bit.
You let yourself be seen?
He seemed happy.
I don't want anything more.
I'm afraid the bike was him.
I'm afraid he'll come back.
He won't come back.
You know what you did
with Martin was...
How do you know his name?
You're a flirt!
Go to bed. That's enough,
leave us alone!
Your mom seems fine.
Your father on the phone
the other night was worried,
about the house.
I didn't tell your mother,
it's not worth her thinking
he doesn't trust her.
As he says she's fragile.
I can't see that she's unwell
when he said she doesn't
feed you? Huh?
No, that's OK, thanks.
And you, Anna? How do you find Marie?
I don't want to be the police
but I can't see
what your father says,
so I'd like to understand.
No... it's just that Dad,
he worries too much.
Your father said that you were
gifted in theater and poetry?
And you were going to a school?
Yeah, and singing too.
Isn't it a bit expensive?
No, no, it's free,
and the schedule is flexible.
Really? Well, everything exists,
right?
No. Don't touch!
Why are you such a pain?
I understand why your mother
is fed up with you.
Mom.
It's nearly noon.
What?
There's no milk. Remember?
Ah, give her to me.
Give her to me.
Oh, sweetie. Are you hungry?
You're hungry. Here, here.
Look, it's here.
Look, come here...
Ah yes, that's right.
We'll buy you some milk.
We'll buy you some milk.
Can you buy some powdered milk?
What are we eating for lunch? Meat?
Meat. Yes.
You promised you'd make apple crepes.
Yes. I'll make crepes tonight.
You go for a walk,
and in two hours, you come back?
Careful...
Your hairstyle is pretty, Anna,
your hair attached, very pretty.
Lime?
I'm nearly out.
Lucky we can't buy it like that,
there's none at the cooperative.
We use it to bury animals,
it dissolves them with no smell.
But you need a farmer's card.
Really? OK.
I love your garden.
Especially the vegetable garden.
It makes me happy.
We'd like to have plantations
in the garden.
Flowers, vegetables...
No, not flowers, actually.
I love vegetables.
Lettuces, onions...
It would be nice if you let us
borrow your cooperative card.
That way, we could buy fertilizer,
soil, seeds...
Please, Lon.
I'll go next week.
If you want, I'll take you with me.
Next week is far off.
Yes, but wait...
Vegetable gardens are hard, right?
It demands a lot of work,
you have to be here every day.
Exactly. It will bring us back
before the spring.
And on Google, they say
it's not that hard.
Google? Ridiculous.
We'll look after it, Lon.
I feel good here,
and the sea air is great
for the kids.
We'll come back more often.
Marcel thinks it's a great idea.
Where is your daughter?
Did you leave her alone?
No. Well, I... I left her
in her bed, I...
She's unwell,
she's as red as a tomato,
I think she has a fever.
I have to buy medication,
it's urgent.
It's not easy here without a car.
No, it's not easy.
Because I have no car.
And you, honey, who would you
prefer to live with if they split up?
Dad.
Really? We'd be together then.
In any case, they'll never split up.
- Mom?
- Ah, no, shit.
What's she doing?
Mom, what's going on?
Go get Lon, he's on the viper track,
his car doesn't work, I've got Julie.
I'm sick of this.
I brought you some pumpkin.
I have onions too, if you want.
Oh, sandwiches?
Oh, how women are clumsy.
You don't know how to drive.
Sorry about the car.
This deserves a good swig of hooch.
And lucky you didn't go on the road,
the police are out there.
Maybe it's for Martin.
I saw Jeanne, she was
looking for him. He didn't come home.
He said he was around yours
because of Anna.
Well, he has good taste.
But for Auguste,
the father, when he disappeared,
they looked everywhere
for him, interrogated everyone,
they never found him.
Even the sea didn't return him.
Sometimes the sea keeps,
sometimes it returns.
I've had enough of being alone,
I love you like crazy.
Of course your Marcel is cheating
on you.
You tire him out,
he's had enough of you.
Stop being so innocent,
I'll drown you in the water.
You're screwed, you followed me,
I'll tell everyone.
What are you doing?
Sorry!
It's OK, Mom.
OK. We have to go back.
This is making me hungry.
Will we wash our hair today?
Thomas's parents say that
you should wash your hair.
She was dirty, she said she'd fallen.
But no, she's lying.
Shit, it's murky here.
It's better if you come.
Thanks, Dad, you're the best.
- See you soon.
- Wait!
What? Wait, wait...
I'll put Pascal on.
I found the shell you gave me
and I broke my glasses.
Christine and Anna say that
Mom is strange,
I think she has "mecanloly."
You too, Dad, a lot.
Is that OK? Thanks.
He's coming, in fact.
She never spoke to him.
I can't stand secretive people.
Look! The other crazy one.
Have you seen my son?
No, ma'am.
He found you beautiful.
You don't know where he is?
No, why would I know where he is?
I don't know him.
Your mother is the big woman
who came years ago.
Hlne, right?
I have an elephant's memory.
I never forget a face.
I remember.
What happened to her?
I don't live with her.
Yeah, because I prefer Paris.
It's for her beautician school.
Your mother drinks a lot.
Poor thing, it mustn't be easy.
Well, I have to go.
I have to find him.
Careful, children,
there are bad people everywhere.
I'll be back, OK? Are you playing?
It's OK.
Julie will play.
Look, you know what we'll do?
We'll have fun, play here.
Look! Look, look!
Look what mom brought.
They're Julie's toys.
The teddy...
Here.
Play with your teddy!
It's Julie's teddy...
Come on, honey,
honey, it's the teddy...
Come on.
Ah, shit.
We'll find a solution.
Mom will find a solution. Yes.
Can I help you, ma'am?
Am I bothering you?
No, she spilled the crepe batter,
it's dirty,
and I have no more milk.
So I don't have time, sorry.
Use beer instead of milk.
Have you seen my son?
Martin. He didn't come back.
He often hung around here.
He'd seen your daughter,
through the window here
and on the beach.
He told me everything.
Anna?
She's 17. He's a lot older, isn't he?
Twenty-four, but that way,
an older man, it works?
Maybe you worry too soon?
Come here. Come here, honey.
It's OK...
He doesn't usually come home late?
No, never. But well, you know,
men are like that.
Just because they come home,
doesn't mean they don't play around?
I knew the house
with all the kids here.
The seven children slept there,
in the room, the parents there.
It was wonderful!
Your husband was the fifth.
Ah, you know him?
Of course.
His parents were communists
so they invited us to have a drink.
The rednecks sat down and we spoke...
But we saw that they got by.
Sorry, ma'am, but I can't invite you
for a drink, I'm busy,
it's not the moment.
When the troop came,
we were happy in the village,
it was lively.
We said: "There are the Parisians."
They responded: "We're from Gagny,
we're not from Paris."
The wife didn't work.
She wore colored scarves in her hair
and she wore lipstick.
The black and white dress,
floating in the well, is that yours?
Not at all.
Marcel says that you're depressed.
Are you?
No, not at all.
Please, the cigarette.
There are children here.
Leave.
Your husband is unfaithful, I know.
And careful with Martin.
I don't care, leave.
Flame the crepes.
When I think that Chlo
is in a club in Greece.
She must be having fun.
I'm worried about the situation
with Mom.
Me too.
Ah, look at the car.
What was she doing
with Lon's car, you think?
Do you realize?
She took his car but she can't drive.
She's going completely crazy.
Well then. Between your
alcoholic mother and Mom,
dad has done well.
Well, my mom didn't have
three children.
Do you still love her?
Yes, of course.
And do you love Marie?
I don't know.
I'm afraid.
I'm afraid for Mom.
She won't manage if dad leaves her.
He'll never leave her.
Pascal and Julie are too small.
Don't worry.
Maybe they love each other too.
We have to tell him that she lied,
that she never spoke to Dad
on the phone.
You can tell him.
Thanks.
Mom?
What?
We spoke to Dad, we didn't tell you.
What?
You didn't speak to him.
He works late.
And when he gets home,
he's tired, so he goes to bed.
He says he's busy.
But he's coming on Friday.
Move! Move!
OK, I've had enough,
let's go. That's it.
My name's Anna. And you?
Hi, Anna. I'm Elie.
I have a headache, Mom.
Can you buy me a waffle?
There's no waffle, no sugar,
it's bad. Come on!
You're too worried, Mom.
Waffles don't have sugar.
Tell me, Lon,
this woman is quite strange,
with her garden story.
Marcel didn't know.
She lied.
She's going out again.
The kids are alone.
She must have taken the trash out.
Well, there she is.
Leave her alone, I told you.
She's normal.
It makes no sense.
Mom.
Can you come back inside, please?
There are mice in the cupboards,
and strange noises outside.
What are you saying?
You're big girls.
But, Mom, you're abandoning us.
And Julie's sick, she needs you.
No, she's teething.
I have to get the clothes.
- Can I help?
- No. Go back.
Why not?
Because. I'll see you inside.
Come on, be brave, shit.
You're joking.
Do you know what I'm going through?
This waiting is horrible.
Horrible!
I don't want to miss it,
and you do the housekeeping.
We're worried about you.
I'm fine.
Kids, go to bed, I'll call Dad.
When I'm back, lights out.
We know you're not calling him.
Where are you going?
Go to bed.
You're not my mom.
You don't give me orders.
So stop the lies
and tell us
where you're going.
We're allowed to know.
Stop that, I'm not lying.
Your father is never at home. Never.
I keep calling.
Your father. How can I say?
He has his own life, I think,
and I have to adapt, accept.
He's selfish!
Why doesn't he have a cellphone?
We're just part of his little plan.
I'm tired, I'm tired of this.
"Rest... I'm so tired...
"I feel the forces of my soul
growing."
Stop your theater.
"I guessed their thoughts
and was dying of humiliation."
Shut up!
You know what, I'm tired too.
I'm exhausted.
I'm always afraid for you,
when you leave, when...
How you'll get home.
I want to be out of your shitty life.
Don't be afraid for me, I'm fine, OK?
I don't want to die, I'm fine,
and you can live your life
peacefully.
You know what?
We'll start now by leaving me alone.
So when I decide to go out,
I go out without explanation.
I don't want to be with you
all the time, OK?
No, you're always complaining
or being a victim,
but you're the selfish one.
You're the selfish one.
Having Julie at your age?
With all your baggage?
My baggage? What baggage?
What baggage?
You think we can't see?
You're always lost.
What?
Don't speak to me
like that, judge me,
with all I do for you.
No, Dad's had enough of you.
You can't see it? He's had enough.
How can we open your eyes?
It's not your problem.
You're solid, right?
Instead of worrying about
your father and I, worry about boys.
You're the flirt.
And you're right, I don't need
to answer to you,
you're not my daughter.
And you, genius,
you must annoy your classmates.
Apart from Chlo.
You think I don't know you smoke?
You're better off
worrying about your life
rather than your books and dreams.
You're nasty.
Yes, I'm nasty,
so, I'm not allowed? I'm allowed
to be nasty, I'm allowed,
because you tire me.
I'm always with you,
I feel imprisoned,
I always have to be here.
You're a nice mom.
Stop that, stop that.
Stop with these glasses,
that's enough with the glasses.
Your sisters are right,
they're right.
These glasses are pointless,
just so you can hide.
Can't you see that people
are mocking you?
Permanently? Open your eyes.
I know, I know I embarrass you.
Yeah, I'm not Thomas's mom.
She works, she...
She looks after her children.
It's OK, Mom.
I love my mom how she is.
A good mom is a free mom.
So I'm leaving now,
and I don't know when I'll be back.
Ah! And if Julie cries,
if she cries before I'm back,
it's OK,
take the bottle I prepared,
there's medication inside,
I think she's teething.
And you, the glasses, it's over.
Maybe I'll go to the nightclub.
Where you should be, Anna.
And remember one thing:
if something serious happens,
you'll be surprised
how brave and strong you are.
I can't, I can't, I can't...
Mom?
Ah, honey. I'm hiding the bottles
because they're dangerous.
Mr. Coubron told me
but I completely forgot.
Where are you going? Are you OK?
Come here, come here...
We'll buy some glasses
when we get home, OK? OK?
But you said I'm ridiculous
with them.
No, we'll buy some
that aren't ridiculous.
Don't worry, honey, OK? Bed?
Come to bed, honey, come!
My koala...
Don't laugh too much,
you'll wake your sisters up.
...that was spilled
after an attempted suicide.
He's currently in hospital
between life and death.
We'll try and see a bit clearer.
Your mother is taking a while, right?
I can't do anything.
Thanks.
I...
The store was closed.
Lon opened a bottle.
- Bon apptit!
- Thanks.
It's orange.
Yes, they work well, the darlings.
Anna, soldier?
Yes, please.
You take a soldier too.
Pascal.
You're joking!
Ah, sorry. Sorry, I'll help you.
No, it's OK, I'll go.
I don't like people coming into
my kitchen.
That child is stupid!
He can't eat a boiled egg.
Did you watch the film?
It was boring.
What did you do? Why did you do that?
It's OK. It's OK.
It's OK.
Here!
Jeanne is hanging around yours.
Move!
Ah, I can't breathe.
I can't... breathe.
Yes, Marcel.
I don't feel well.
She's here, yes, of course,
I'll put her on.
Yes, Marcel.
I need to speak to ma'am.
I have something important
to tell you.
Wait. I... I... I have to...
Marcel, I'll put her on.
Christi... Christine, it's your dad.
Go for it.
No, I'd prefer outside.
Yes, of course.
Mom, you hung up. Does he have
the answer for the school?
No, you weren't selected.
What? No.
And was Chlo selected?
Chlo was selected.
Call him back, OK?
- What?
- No.
No. No. No. I wasn't selected
for the school?
I wasn't selected? No.
No. No. No.
At first, we loved each other,
Auguste and I were crazy in love.
He was beautiful,
he had hands like paws.
And we weren't able to have children.
So he started drinking a lot.
And he brought me with him.
Why are you telling me this?
You'll understand.
I have to explain everything.
We were always spaced out.
I put nettles under my mattress
to get pregnant
and it worked.
So, I stopped drinking
and I saw the light.
Auguste was angry.
He took to the kid,
Martin, as a kid, wasn't easy.
He hit us with his big hands,
it damaged the boy.
Unless it was in the genes,
I don't know.
Me, in any case, I couldn't stand it,
so I killed him.
I put him in the well in your garden.
Do you want another one? I'll pay.
At the time, the house was empty,
there was no one.
At first, they looked,
but no one cared.
Ladies.
It's Marcel's wife.
Ah, Marcel. I call him Tony,
I found he had an Italian face.
Is he coming?
We'll make his apple pudding.
Is he coming?
Does he eat pudding?
He loves pudding.
They found him poetic
with his flowers. Auguste!
Poetic, my God! He was beautiful,
that's it.
And no one cared,
so they said that he drowned,
and that was it.
Martin, as a baby, was an angel.
And he didn't go to school,
and very quickly,
he became like his father,
cruel, crazy.
First with animals.
He broke birds' wings.
And bit by bit,
he started torturing me.
What do you want?
I think she needs to "suck a duck".
You put sugar in the hooch
and let it melt in your mouth.
Oh, what I put up with!
My son hit me,
he closed me in the dark,
like in a coffin.
At night, he tied me up,
he woke me up and insulted me.
Sometimes, when he hurt me
too much, he cried,
and he made me flaming crepes.
It was nice.
You have to help me.
What do you mean?
Just so we understand:
if I was there when you killed him,
I'd have defended him.
I didn't want to kill him.
But your son isn't normal.
He did that by himself,
well, it was self-defense.
I'm sorry, but...
Stop crying.
Yes, I'm sorry.
His father showed his penis
to young girls on this dune,
I'm sure Martin did too.
Really? No.
I was cursed.
No, don't say that.
A bad life is better than no life.
I say that, but I don't know.
We'll finish what you started my way,
because what you did was butchery.
We'll put him in the water,
he loved the sea so much,
like his father.
We'll have a ceremony.
I need a ceremony.
It's the soul that counts, right?
Of course. We'll do it as you want.
I didn't know how to do it.
When I saw you, I saw you were weak.
He saw your step-daughter
but I told him to look at you.
No one ever followed him.
You had to be crazy.
You knew what he was going to do?
I didn't want him to die,
I just wanted him in prison.
But I'd be dead.
Yes.
You're a whore.
Get in, balance it.
No.
Yes, come in.
No, I'm afraid of the water.
You have no choice.
We have to finish this together.
Get in!
Martin, my boy, is going in peace.
The body, eaten by disease,
by worms, burned or in pieces,
is nothing, it's the spirit
that counts.
And his was too tormented.
Say you forgive me.
I forgive you, Marie.
Marcel always hurts me.
I'm afraid he won't see me right,
that he'll cheat on me, leave me,
I'm always afraid.
I have to leave.
Come on, help me.
One last effort and it's over.
Help! Help! Help me, help me!
I can't, I can't...
- I'm going to die.
- Calm down! Calm down,
take the oar, hold on.
I can't.
Yes, you can. You all can.
It's too far.
There, see!
I'm floating... I'm floating!
Look...
I'm floating!
I'll keep going this way.
What will you do all alone?
I don't know. I'll have the time
to think about it.
Go and see your children,
they'll be worried.
We'll see each other again, I know.
Oh! Mom.
My children, my children...
My children...
My loves. What would I do
without you?
There was a night,
there was a morning:
it was the first day.
TO MY PARENTS
A FILM BY
BEATRICE DE STAEL AND LEO WOLFENSTEIN
Pat Anderson
TO TONIE
It's a story as old as the Earth,
the story of a lost woman.
I'll look for she who was lost,
I'll return she who is injured,
and I'll strengthen she who is sick.
VACATION
You're lucky, we're going to
a real lost hole.
We'll have the answer soon.
I brought The Seagull.
I'll miss you, Chlo.
Enough of the cellphones, we're late.
You'll call on the train.
OK, it's not as if it was our fault.
This call is important, Mom,
it's vital for me.
Quick, quick, quick.
Mom. My glasses!
Sorry, honey.
Don't worry, you have other ones.
I only have two left.
Only two left? We'll repair
these ones, OK?
We'll ask your sisters
to help us, OK, honey?
Quick, quick, quick.
Stop the cellphone, quick.
Come on, Anna.
It's too heavy.
Come on, let's run.
Let's run, honey, let's run.
There, that's good.
That's it, great. Let's run.
Wait, wait...
Yes, Marcel. Where are you?
Are you meeting us?
Are you sure?
Well, you could've warned us.
It's not...
That's not it, Marcel,
I don't know it there.
Yes, but it was a long time ago...
Mom, keep walking.
Wait!
OK, no, don't... it's OK.
Don't worry, I...
I'll figure it out, OK?
Do what you have to...
Yes, I promise, I'll figure it out.
So when will you come?
When?
Anna? Your father wants to speak
to you.
OK, we'll miss you.
Kisses. Do you think
they've aired out?
They're...
Can I speak to him?
We have to hurry. Come on.
Kisses.
Thanks.
Hello?
Well, you said you were coming...
Yes, but you could have told us.
We wouldn't have taken
your suitcase. It's heavy.
OK.
Can I have a banana, Mom,
or a cookie?
Stop eating all the time,
you're annoying.
OK.
Mom.
I'm hungry, Mom, I want
the chicken sandwich.
Yes, on the train.
I already explained,
it's a long trip.
It's the train and then the bus.
No way, there's no reception.
Can you help me put
the tablecloth on, please?
They're the shells that dad gave me.
Anna chose her bed again.
I'm older.
Help me instead of complaining.
Marie, Christine is doing nothing.
Oh, I'm allowed to be on my cell
a bit.
You're always on it.
Enough of your cell.
Careful, honey,
the well is dangerous.
What is it?
It's stupid. Come on, honey.
Come on.
"I'm a seagull.
No. No, it's not that..."
You smell good.
"I knew that..."
Goodnight, honey.
"I played with no idea..."
"I love him, I love him
more than ever...
"I love him passionately.
I love him desperately.
"Do you remember
when you killed this seagull?"
It's very, very beautiful.
I heard noises in the attic before.
They're bats, coming for you.
No...
How will I know if I get accepted?
Dad will tell you.
There's no reception.
We'll find some.
I'll do it! Oh, you've used
a lot of detergent!
Do you want a jumper?
- No, I'm not cold.
- Yes.
I said I'm not cold. Leave me alone.
It's already hard not having
reception,
but in addition,
if you start speaking like a child,
this won't work, Marie. I won't last.
Let me remind you that we're here
because of your father.
It's an old house full of stories,
a family house.
We're lucky, Anna.
I'll be back.
A house, right, a gross dump,
you mean.
Hello. You've reached the Gautiers.
We're not here, or busy,
so leave us a message
and we'll call back. Thank you.
Hi, Marcel, it's me.
Well, we're here.
Lon hasn't mowed but that's OK,
it's beautiful here,
it smells like the sea.
You'll see how starry
the night is, tomorrow will be nice.
We found two dead little
black cats near the well...
and Christine is stressed
for her college,
the whole train trip
reciting theater...
Apparently, you told Anna
I should call
late at night or early
in the morning.
But it's a bit hard
because there's no reception here,
so... I have to go down
to the telephone box.
So, I just wanted
to know if you'll buy
a cellphone so that it's easier.
And... also know
if you're still angry at me.
Even from far...
It's sad, I'd like to go back
to before.
So, kisses and...
we're waiting impatiently for you.
We're hoping impatiently for you.
Let's do laughing Jean, crying Jean.
Yeah. I'll start.
Oh yes.
Mom, did Dad really say
that he would come?
Yes, he said that.
He gives you lots of kisses.
Kiss...
Do it again.
Look...
I haven't changed.
- Hi.
- Ah, Lon, how are you?
Is that her?
Yes, her name is Julie.
She's so pretty! She's pretty!
Thank you.
She was wonderful eyes.
She's Marcel's fourth.
Oh, the poor thing, he must be tired?
So, where are these kittens?
Next to the well.
There are two little black cats,
I didn't dare touch them.
It must be Jeanne's son.
Yes, you know,
he's cruel with animals.
Martin, a big boy.
I don't know him.
- You don't remember?
- No.
Because you haven't been much.
She smokes all the time.
And he on his bike.
- You don't know who it is?
- No.
Well...
Don't worry about it, I'll fix it.
It's my job, right?
Thanks.
Ah, I wanted to tell you,
the children mustn't play
near the water cellar.
I've left dangerous things there.
Not that many, but...
It's for the animals' cadavers.
OK.
For the kittens...
We just throw them in.
OK.
When I'm big,
I want to live in luxury.
Live in luxury hotels,
by Lake Geneva.
Right. We never have what we want.
My mom wants to stay at home
and look after me,
and when I was small,
she dreamed of becoming
a lawyer and living in New York.
But now, she works in the markets
in Perpignan.
Your mother had a nice job.
Yes,
but being a nurse is too hard,
with the hours and that.
And you know, her dream is Dad.
What will we do with her?
She can't even swim.
It's not her fault.
A bit...
Why? What did Dad say?
He's not coming?
He doesn't know.
In any case, I have to survey,
he doesn't want her
to breastfeed Julie.
He says it will pass on her stress.
Ridiculous.
That's not true.
In any case,
she has basically no more milk.
What's the point?
He should just leave her
if he doesn't love her.
He's not bothered with her.
He'll never leave her.
Shit, there are mosquitoes.
Come on, let's go in.
She'll be suspicious.
Do you think she doesn't know?
She pretends so you smoke less.
Careful, it softens your skin
and stains your fingers and teeth.
Stay by yourself, I'm going in.
I'd be surprised if she knows.
Can I change?
I don't want...
You can't let me listen to just one?
It's OK, I asked, that's all,
calm down.
You're not calling Dad?
No, I'm not, it's too early.
Yesterday, he wasn't back yet.
Close the door,
you'll let mosquitoes in.
Marie? Julie is crying.
Yes, let her cry. She'll calm down.
And I don't want to see you
in those shorts you wore all day.
I've had enough of you
wearing clothes not suited
to the weather.
Are you going to the telephone box?
No, of course not.
OK. Want to watch a film?
Let's watch a film.
So, give me a back rub.
- You do them very well.
- Pay me then.
- Pay you?
- Yes, pay me, it's not free.
Mom? Will Dad come?
I hope so.
Remember, Mom,
when Dad went to Poland
with his friends,
they didn't shower for a week.
When he returned,
the bath water was black.
And he yells
when I don't want to wash.
He yells all the time now.
Not all the time.
Only when he has "mecanloly."
Me-lan-cho-ly.
OK, 10:30, off to bed. Come on!
- Is teddy here?
- Wait.
Oh la la! My koala, my koala.
Can we not brush our teeth?
If you want, yes.
I love you, Mom.
I love you too, honey.
I want you to come and join me,
quickly.
Please, I think of you all the time,
I want you to come.
We don't care, let it all go.
I can't stay all alone in this house.
I don't like this place,
it's so isolated.
I'll be so happy to see you,
Gabrielle.
So happy...
I bought a yellow dress
above the knees,
a light material like silk
that floats on my thighs.
If you don't come, I think I'll die.
Sometimes, I walk, I think about you
and I think I'll faint.
Come on!
Wait, there's a weird person.
Weird...
OK, hurry up...
Quickly...
Why don't you know?
Please, you're everything...
That's enough. Come.
I want to hear you say yes.
Is it a girl?
Gabrielle? Hello? Gabrielle?
She hung up.
She... she said:
"I promise, I'm coming.
"I promise, I'm coming." Thanks.
Please, leave me.
Hello. You've reached the Gautiers.
We're not here, or busy,
so leave us a message
and we'll call you back. Thank you.
Marcel, I've had enough
of you avoiding me. Sorry.
I haven't abandoned the kids.
You can't say untrue things...
All I'm doing is apologizing...
to you,
the kids, what more can I do?
And I'm all alone here, please.
Look, you can call the Coubrons
if you have any news
about Christine's school.
Hello.
What's your name? I'm Martin.
You're alone, ma'am.
No, I'm not alone.
I'm Marie.
That's pretty. I feel like
we know each other.
We saw each other before.
Yes, but from before.
No, absolutely not.
Yet, I feel like...
Or I dreamed.
Tomorrow, we'll see each other
at the beach,
I have to speak to you.
Will that be OK?
OK, good luck, Jeanne.
Oh, she won't hurt, don't be afraid,
I'll give her my bread and brioche
from the day before, we help.
They live in a real dump.
Apparently,
she doesn't speak to her son.
They eat with their hands
on the floor like animals.
They're weird.
And every night,
the son is on his boat,
surely looking for his father
who drowned at sea.
Can I have a baguette, please?
Who's his father?
Auguste, the gardener
at the holiday camp.
A beautiful man, he was sweet,
he looked like a poet
with his flowers, he spoke to them.
A very beautiful man.
And what happened to her?
Her?
We'll say that she was unlucky,
the poor thing.
She's a bit strange,
but she's not nasty.
- A bit crazy?
- Suzanne.
I have to go.
My husband's stomach
is demanding. See you.
I'll have four little brioches
like that, please.
Marie.
Did you kill the kittens?
Which kittens?
You hurt animals, it's horrible.
That's untrue, I love animals.
I'm not crazy. You know...
You shouldn't believe everything.
Apparently, you eat with your hands.
With my mouth too,
my tongue.
Tonight, instead of calling,
join me on my boat.
No, I can't.
At ten o'clock, tonight,
at the telephone box, like last time.
Marie. I'll wait for you.
Ah, don't wait for me.
These crepes are weird.
You don't like them?
It's a new recipe.
They're OK, I don't know.
You're still here?
You're beautiful!
Are you coming?
No, I've come to make a call.
I can't go on your boat.
The sea is dangerous.
No... at night, the waves are calm,
they're sleeping.
OK, not on the boat,
just on the beach then.
Don't stay long, I'll take you back
on my bike.
I can't. It's the full moon.
Exactly, it's beautiful, it's light.
You're with me,
there's nothing to fear.
Just a moment.
You know, I'm better with you
than anyone else.
Not you?
I can't.
Not for long.
Promise.
You have nice shoes.
And a nice dress too.
People think I'm crazy.
I thought I was crazy too.
When I was pregnant with Julie.
I heard voices.
Well, not voices, but a chant.
It went: "A... a..."
I was cooking, and I heard:
"A... a...".
I was speaking and I heard:
"A... a..."
But not in my head.
I heard it everywhere,
as if it was the street.
I just had to prick up my ears.
It was obsessive.
And I couldn't tell anyone.
I thought it was
because I needed air.
I often need air.
Martin. You don't know me.
I'm not easy.
You know, one day,
I left for four hours
because Julie cried too much.
I was in a square, I sat on a bench
and fell asleep, for four hours.
I got home,
the neighbor had called the police.
Marcel was there.
Because Pascal was on the balcony
with his sister in his arms
and they were both crying.
Since then,
everyone thinks I'm crazy.
Marcel, you know,
I spend my time waiting for him.
He avoids me. He doesn't forgive me.
If you saw our life...
He's never there,
when he is, he's in a bad mood.
Quiet.
I speak too much.
Marcel says that too,
he always says I speak too much.
But you know,
I think that it's because,
to not feel my emotions.
Maybe to hide my emotions.
Extraordinary.
Extraordinary emotions,
that's maybe it, really.
Quiet.
Come here.
You don't want to stay with me?
Mom...
The waves are big.
No, they're not big.
Give me your hand.
It's hot.
We fell a bit.
It's OK. Are you OK?
That's the idea of the sea.
Careful, there's a big wave.
Anna, Anna, Anna.
Anna, bring Julie.
Bring Julie back, bring Julie back.
What's wrong with you?
Nothing...
Hold his hand. Hold Pascal's hand,
Christine.
Shit, I told you we shouldn't
come here.
Go by the beach, ridiculous!
Mom, are we still far away?
I don't know. How should I know?
Stop groaning! Are we complaining?
Here...
It's over there,
I recognize the corn field.
I don't recognize anything.
Marie?
Come here.
Are you lost?
I can drive you if you want.
We live near the Coubrons' farm.
Do you know it?
Give me your bags.
Get on my bike?
Go on.
It's over there.
Thanks a lot. Because I don't have
a sense of direction.
I'm from Normandy,
we had no vacation home,
but my husband's family
have the little house here
and they always came on vacation.
It's a nice area.
A very nice area.
But the weather changes a lot.
You don't know how to dress.
And the sea is dangerous.
I've read terrible things.
You can't see the danger coming.
You have to put glasses on.
Ah wow, nice ambiance.
Wait!
Thanks a lot.
Come and see the moon.
Who's that, a drowned person?
I'd like to be a shepherd.
I like goats.
You're a sensitive artist.
Even my mother never comes here,
you're the only one.
Have you ever loved a woman here?
No one has ever been here,
I'm telling you.
Only you. Come on my boat.
I'm afraid of the water.
Please, Marie.
For the first time ever,
someone will join me,
I'm always alone on this sea.
Come and see what I see.
Please, it's not long.
A quarter-hour.
- Please.
- You're crazy.
I can't do the boat, really.
Please.
At least just by the water.
I don't understand,
I don't understand what's happening.
It's as if you can't help yourself,
putting me in a state.
I'll come to the boat,
but not in the water.
Wait, I think I forgot my shoes.
You don't need them on the sand.
"What more boring
that this charming country boredom?
"It's warm, everything's calm,
we're doing nothing,
"everyone reasons...
"We're good with you, friends,
"it's nice to listen to you...
"But staying in a hotel room
and studying a role
"is so much better."
Mum left, she didn't
take the clothes down.
No.
What's that noise?
As soon as I saw you,
I saw a future in you.
A future? You have more
of a future than me.
I don't feel it that way,
I have no more time.
You seem immense and me so small.
I feel dirty,
nearly all the time,
even when I've just washed.
I saw that you don't mind
that I'm dirty.
It must be beautiful, at the bottom.
I'd like to feel
the water on me, like you all.
I love you.
Calm down, Martin.
You know, I'm old and I'm not free.
I'm always tired.
I don't think I remember myself
not being tired.
By the sun, sleep,
the wind.
By the sea, you see.
Do you think he's cheating on me?
Do you think I'm dirty?
No.
You know, Marcel and Anna
are always watching me.
What do they think?
That I'm not a real mother?
I love you.
You can't let yourself go.
I can't, I'm not allowed.
I want to go back, can you take me?
Have you seen my mother's?
How dirty it is!
Martin is a nice name.
Did your father choose it?
The winter must be long here, right?
What are you doing?
Why do that?
I'm afraid of the water, I said.
Wait, I'm afraid of the water...
Stop, you're crazy!
I love you, say it!
No, that's ridiculous.
You don't love me.
- Stop.
- What?
I said I have no time.
Stop, you have to take me back.
My kids are alone.
- Stop.
- Stop talking.
- Stop.
- You'll see the bottom.
No, no.
Gabrielle.
Gabrielle, where are you?
Gabrielle!
No, I don't want to go to the sea.
Come.
I don't want to.
It's dark. It's cold.
I have a bad feeling.
Don't leave me alone, please.
It's not easy.
Where were you?
Anna, are you in the dark?
No, I have a candle.
Pascal woke up,
he was looking for you.
He broke his glasses,
then had an asthma attack.
No, seriously, this glasses story
has to stop,
it's ridiculous,
he doesn't even need them.
And Julie's hungry.
- She's hungry?
- Yes,
I gave her water.
Marie, there were strange noises
outside, what's happening?
I heard a bike come in the back door.
I didn't hear or see anything.
I'll buy milk powder.
Mix it with water.
But I'll give him cow's milk?
Don't worry.
Wait, I don't understand.
Why do you call Dad?
He doesn't answer.
Shh!
And you leave for hours,
it's ridiculous.
Marie, what's going on? Tell me.
I talked to him.
He's not coming.
Move, move...
He's not coming?
No. He's not coming.
Did you come by bike?
Where would I find a bike?
I don't know, I heard noises.
Listen! Look.
- Stop.
- Listen!
I can't hear.
I can't hear anything.
You're tired, go to bed.
Marie, you know the guy
who took us back?
I saw him at the beach,
watching me while I was
getting undressed.
I had the towel and I think
he could see a bit.
You let yourself be seen?
He seemed happy.
I don't want anything more.
I'm afraid the bike was him.
I'm afraid he'll come back.
He won't come back.
You know what you did
with Martin was...
How do you know his name?
You're a flirt!
Go to bed. That's enough,
leave us alone!
Your mom seems fine.
Your father on the phone
the other night was worried,
about the house.
I didn't tell your mother,
it's not worth her thinking
he doesn't trust her.
As he says she's fragile.
I can't see that she's unwell
when he said she doesn't
feed you? Huh?
No, that's OK, thanks.
And you, Anna? How do you find Marie?
I don't want to be the police
but I can't see
what your father says,
so I'd like to understand.
No... it's just that Dad,
he worries too much.
Your father said that you were
gifted in theater and poetry?
And you were going to a school?
Yeah, and singing too.
Isn't it a bit expensive?
No, no, it's free,
and the schedule is flexible.
Really? Well, everything exists,
right?
No. Don't touch!
Why are you such a pain?
I understand why your mother
is fed up with you.
Mom.
It's nearly noon.
What?
There's no milk. Remember?
Ah, give her to me.
Give her to me.
Oh, sweetie. Are you hungry?
You're hungry. Here, here.
Look, it's here.
Look, come here...
Ah yes, that's right.
We'll buy you some milk.
We'll buy you some milk.
Can you buy some powdered milk?
What are we eating for lunch? Meat?
Meat. Yes.
You promised you'd make apple crepes.
Yes. I'll make crepes tonight.
You go for a walk,
and in two hours, you come back?
Careful...
Your hairstyle is pretty, Anna,
your hair attached, very pretty.
Lime?
I'm nearly out.
Lucky we can't buy it like that,
there's none at the cooperative.
We use it to bury animals,
it dissolves them with no smell.
But you need a farmer's card.
Really? OK.
I love your garden.
Especially the vegetable garden.
It makes me happy.
We'd like to have plantations
in the garden.
Flowers, vegetables...
No, not flowers, actually.
I love vegetables.
Lettuces, onions...
It would be nice if you let us
borrow your cooperative card.
That way, we could buy fertilizer,
soil, seeds...
Please, Lon.
I'll go next week.
If you want, I'll take you with me.
Next week is far off.
Yes, but wait...
Vegetable gardens are hard, right?
It demands a lot of work,
you have to be here every day.
Exactly. It will bring us back
before the spring.
And on Google, they say
it's not that hard.
Google? Ridiculous.
We'll look after it, Lon.
I feel good here,
and the sea air is great
for the kids.
We'll come back more often.
Marcel thinks it's a great idea.
Where is your daughter?
Did you leave her alone?
No. Well, I... I left her
in her bed, I...
She's unwell,
she's as red as a tomato,
I think she has a fever.
I have to buy medication,
it's urgent.
It's not easy here without a car.
No, it's not easy.
Because I have no car.
And you, honey, who would you
prefer to live with if they split up?
Dad.
Really? We'd be together then.
In any case, they'll never split up.
- Mom?
- Ah, no, shit.
What's she doing?
Mom, what's going on?
Go get Lon, he's on the viper track,
his car doesn't work, I've got Julie.
I'm sick of this.
I brought you some pumpkin.
I have onions too, if you want.
Oh, sandwiches?
Oh, how women are clumsy.
You don't know how to drive.
Sorry about the car.
This deserves a good swig of hooch.
And lucky you didn't go on the road,
the police are out there.
Maybe it's for Martin.
I saw Jeanne, she was
looking for him. He didn't come home.
He said he was around yours
because of Anna.
Well, he has good taste.
But for Auguste,
the father, when he disappeared,
they looked everywhere
for him, interrogated everyone,
they never found him.
Even the sea didn't return him.
Sometimes the sea keeps,
sometimes it returns.
I've had enough of being alone,
I love you like crazy.
Of course your Marcel is cheating
on you.
You tire him out,
he's had enough of you.
Stop being so innocent,
I'll drown you in the water.
You're screwed, you followed me,
I'll tell everyone.
What are you doing?
Sorry!
It's OK, Mom.
OK. We have to go back.
This is making me hungry.
Will we wash our hair today?
Thomas's parents say that
you should wash your hair.
She was dirty, she said she'd fallen.
But no, she's lying.
Shit, it's murky here.
It's better if you come.
Thanks, Dad, you're the best.
- See you soon.
- Wait!
What? Wait, wait...
I'll put Pascal on.
I found the shell you gave me
and I broke my glasses.
Christine and Anna say that
Mom is strange,
I think she has "mecanloly."
You too, Dad, a lot.
Is that OK? Thanks.
He's coming, in fact.
She never spoke to him.
I can't stand secretive people.
Look! The other crazy one.
Have you seen my son?
No, ma'am.
He found you beautiful.
You don't know where he is?
No, why would I know where he is?
I don't know him.
Your mother is the big woman
who came years ago.
Hlne, right?
I have an elephant's memory.
I never forget a face.
I remember.
What happened to her?
I don't live with her.
Yeah, because I prefer Paris.
It's for her beautician school.
Your mother drinks a lot.
Poor thing, it mustn't be easy.
Well, I have to go.
I have to find him.
Careful, children,
there are bad people everywhere.
I'll be back, OK? Are you playing?
It's OK.
Julie will play.
Look, you know what we'll do?
We'll have fun, play here.
Look! Look, look!
Look what mom brought.
They're Julie's toys.
The teddy...
Here.
Play with your teddy!
It's Julie's teddy...
Come on, honey,
honey, it's the teddy...
Come on.
Ah, shit.
We'll find a solution.
Mom will find a solution. Yes.
Can I help you, ma'am?
Am I bothering you?
No, she spilled the crepe batter,
it's dirty,
and I have no more milk.
So I don't have time, sorry.
Use beer instead of milk.
Have you seen my son?
Martin. He didn't come back.
He often hung around here.
He'd seen your daughter,
through the window here
and on the beach.
He told me everything.
Anna?
She's 17. He's a lot older, isn't he?
Twenty-four, but that way,
an older man, it works?
Maybe you worry too soon?
Come here. Come here, honey.
It's OK...
He doesn't usually come home late?
No, never. But well, you know,
men are like that.
Just because they come home,
doesn't mean they don't play around?
I knew the house
with all the kids here.
The seven children slept there,
in the room, the parents there.
It was wonderful!
Your husband was the fifth.
Ah, you know him?
Of course.
His parents were communists
so they invited us to have a drink.
The rednecks sat down and we spoke...
But we saw that they got by.
Sorry, ma'am, but I can't invite you
for a drink, I'm busy,
it's not the moment.
When the troop came,
we were happy in the village,
it was lively.
We said: "There are the Parisians."
They responded: "We're from Gagny,
we're not from Paris."
The wife didn't work.
She wore colored scarves in her hair
and she wore lipstick.
The black and white dress,
floating in the well, is that yours?
Not at all.
Marcel says that you're depressed.
Are you?
No, not at all.
Please, the cigarette.
There are children here.
Leave.
Your husband is unfaithful, I know.
And careful with Martin.
I don't care, leave.
Flame the crepes.
When I think that Chlo
is in a club in Greece.
She must be having fun.
I'm worried about the situation
with Mom.
Me too.
Ah, look at the car.
What was she doing
with Lon's car, you think?
Do you realize?
She took his car but she can't drive.
She's going completely crazy.
Well then. Between your
alcoholic mother and Mom,
dad has done well.
Well, my mom didn't have
three children.
Do you still love her?
Yes, of course.
And do you love Marie?
I don't know.
I'm afraid.
I'm afraid for Mom.
She won't manage if dad leaves her.
He'll never leave her.
Pascal and Julie are too small.
Don't worry.
Maybe they love each other too.
We have to tell him that she lied,
that she never spoke to Dad
on the phone.
You can tell him.
Thanks.
Mom?
What?
We spoke to Dad, we didn't tell you.
What?
You didn't speak to him.
He works late.
And when he gets home,
he's tired, so he goes to bed.
He says he's busy.
But he's coming on Friday.
Move! Move!
OK, I've had enough,
let's go. That's it.
My name's Anna. And you?
Hi, Anna. I'm Elie.
I have a headache, Mom.
Can you buy me a waffle?
There's no waffle, no sugar,
it's bad. Come on!
You're too worried, Mom.
Waffles don't have sugar.
Tell me, Lon,
this woman is quite strange,
with her garden story.
Marcel didn't know.
She lied.
She's going out again.
The kids are alone.
She must have taken the trash out.
Well, there she is.
Leave her alone, I told you.
She's normal.
It makes no sense.
Mom.
Can you come back inside, please?
There are mice in the cupboards,
and strange noises outside.
What are you saying?
You're big girls.
But, Mom, you're abandoning us.
And Julie's sick, she needs you.
No, she's teething.
I have to get the clothes.
- Can I help?
- No. Go back.
Why not?
Because. I'll see you inside.
Come on, be brave, shit.
You're joking.
Do you know what I'm going through?
This waiting is horrible.
Horrible!
I don't want to miss it,
and you do the housekeeping.
We're worried about you.
I'm fine.
Kids, go to bed, I'll call Dad.
When I'm back, lights out.
We know you're not calling him.
Where are you going?
Go to bed.
You're not my mom.
You don't give me orders.
So stop the lies
and tell us
where you're going.
We're allowed to know.
Stop that, I'm not lying.
Your father is never at home. Never.
I keep calling.
Your father. How can I say?
He has his own life, I think,
and I have to adapt, accept.
He's selfish!
Why doesn't he have a cellphone?
We're just part of his little plan.
I'm tired, I'm tired of this.
"Rest... I'm so tired...
"I feel the forces of my soul
growing."
Stop your theater.
"I guessed their thoughts
and was dying of humiliation."
Shut up!
You know what, I'm tired too.
I'm exhausted.
I'm always afraid for you,
when you leave, when...
How you'll get home.
I want to be out of your shitty life.
Don't be afraid for me, I'm fine, OK?
I don't want to die, I'm fine,
and you can live your life
peacefully.
You know what?
We'll start now by leaving me alone.
So when I decide to go out,
I go out without explanation.
I don't want to be with you
all the time, OK?
No, you're always complaining
or being a victim,
but you're the selfish one.
You're the selfish one.
Having Julie at your age?
With all your baggage?
My baggage? What baggage?
What baggage?
You think we can't see?
You're always lost.
What?
Don't speak to me
like that, judge me,
with all I do for you.
No, Dad's had enough of you.
You can't see it? He's had enough.
How can we open your eyes?
It's not your problem.
You're solid, right?
Instead of worrying about
your father and I, worry about boys.
You're the flirt.
And you're right, I don't need
to answer to you,
you're not my daughter.
And you, genius,
you must annoy your classmates.
Apart from Chlo.
You think I don't know you smoke?
You're better off
worrying about your life
rather than your books and dreams.
You're nasty.
Yes, I'm nasty,
so, I'm not allowed? I'm allowed
to be nasty, I'm allowed,
because you tire me.
I'm always with you,
I feel imprisoned,
I always have to be here.
You're a nice mom.
Stop that, stop that.
Stop with these glasses,
that's enough with the glasses.
Your sisters are right,
they're right.
These glasses are pointless,
just so you can hide.
Can't you see that people
are mocking you?
Permanently? Open your eyes.
I know, I know I embarrass you.
Yeah, I'm not Thomas's mom.
She works, she...
She looks after her children.
It's OK, Mom.
I love my mom how she is.
A good mom is a free mom.
So I'm leaving now,
and I don't know when I'll be back.
Ah! And if Julie cries,
if she cries before I'm back,
it's OK,
take the bottle I prepared,
there's medication inside,
I think she's teething.
And you, the glasses, it's over.
Maybe I'll go to the nightclub.
Where you should be, Anna.
And remember one thing:
if something serious happens,
you'll be surprised
how brave and strong you are.
I can't, I can't, I can't...
Mom?
Ah, honey. I'm hiding the bottles
because they're dangerous.
Mr. Coubron told me
but I completely forgot.
Where are you going? Are you OK?
Come here, come here...
We'll buy some glasses
when we get home, OK? OK?
But you said I'm ridiculous
with them.
No, we'll buy some
that aren't ridiculous.
Don't worry, honey, OK? Bed?
Come to bed, honey, come!
My koala...
Don't laugh too much,
you'll wake your sisters up.
...that was spilled
after an attempted suicide.
He's currently in hospital
between life and death.
We'll try and see a bit clearer.
Your mother is taking a while, right?
I can't do anything.
Thanks.
I...
The store was closed.
Lon opened a bottle.
- Bon apptit!
- Thanks.
It's orange.
Yes, they work well, the darlings.
Anna, soldier?
Yes, please.
You take a soldier too.
Pascal.
You're joking!
Ah, sorry. Sorry, I'll help you.
No, it's OK, I'll go.
I don't like people coming into
my kitchen.
That child is stupid!
He can't eat a boiled egg.
Did you watch the film?
It was boring.
What did you do? Why did you do that?
It's OK. It's OK.
It's OK.
Here!
Jeanne is hanging around yours.
Move!
Ah, I can't breathe.
I can't... breathe.
Yes, Marcel.
I don't feel well.
She's here, yes, of course,
I'll put her on.
Yes, Marcel.
I need to speak to ma'am.
I have something important
to tell you.
Wait. I... I... I have to...
Marcel, I'll put her on.
Christi... Christine, it's your dad.
Go for it.
No, I'd prefer outside.
Yes, of course.
Mom, you hung up. Does he have
the answer for the school?
No, you weren't selected.
What? No.
And was Chlo selected?
Chlo was selected.
Call him back, OK?
- What?
- No.
No. No. No. I wasn't selected
for the school?
I wasn't selected? No.
No. No. No.
At first, we loved each other,
Auguste and I were crazy in love.
He was beautiful,
he had hands like paws.
And we weren't able to have children.
So he started drinking a lot.
And he brought me with him.
Why are you telling me this?
You'll understand.
I have to explain everything.
We were always spaced out.
I put nettles under my mattress
to get pregnant
and it worked.
So, I stopped drinking
and I saw the light.
Auguste was angry.
He took to the kid,
Martin, as a kid, wasn't easy.
He hit us with his big hands,
it damaged the boy.
Unless it was in the genes,
I don't know.
Me, in any case, I couldn't stand it,
so I killed him.
I put him in the well in your garden.
Do you want another one? I'll pay.
At the time, the house was empty,
there was no one.
At first, they looked,
but no one cared.
Ladies.
It's Marcel's wife.
Ah, Marcel. I call him Tony,
I found he had an Italian face.
Is he coming?
We'll make his apple pudding.
Is he coming?
Does he eat pudding?
He loves pudding.
They found him poetic
with his flowers. Auguste!
Poetic, my God! He was beautiful,
that's it.
And no one cared,
so they said that he drowned,
and that was it.
Martin, as a baby, was an angel.
And he didn't go to school,
and very quickly,
he became like his father,
cruel, crazy.
First with animals.
He broke birds' wings.
And bit by bit,
he started torturing me.
What do you want?
I think she needs to "suck a duck".
You put sugar in the hooch
and let it melt in your mouth.
Oh, what I put up with!
My son hit me,
he closed me in the dark,
like in a coffin.
At night, he tied me up,
he woke me up and insulted me.
Sometimes, when he hurt me
too much, he cried,
and he made me flaming crepes.
It was nice.
You have to help me.
What do you mean?
Just so we understand:
if I was there when you killed him,
I'd have defended him.
I didn't want to kill him.
But your son isn't normal.
He did that by himself,
well, it was self-defense.
I'm sorry, but...
Stop crying.
Yes, I'm sorry.
His father showed his penis
to young girls on this dune,
I'm sure Martin did too.
Really? No.
I was cursed.
No, don't say that.
A bad life is better than no life.
I say that, but I don't know.
We'll finish what you started my way,
because what you did was butchery.
We'll put him in the water,
he loved the sea so much,
like his father.
We'll have a ceremony.
I need a ceremony.
It's the soul that counts, right?
Of course. We'll do it as you want.
I didn't know how to do it.
When I saw you, I saw you were weak.
He saw your step-daughter
but I told him to look at you.
No one ever followed him.
You had to be crazy.
You knew what he was going to do?
I didn't want him to die,
I just wanted him in prison.
But I'd be dead.
Yes.
You're a whore.
Get in, balance it.
No.
Yes, come in.
No, I'm afraid of the water.
You have no choice.
We have to finish this together.
Get in!
Martin, my boy, is going in peace.
The body, eaten by disease,
by worms, burned or in pieces,
is nothing, it's the spirit
that counts.
And his was too tormented.
Say you forgive me.
I forgive you, Marie.
Marcel always hurts me.
I'm afraid he won't see me right,
that he'll cheat on me, leave me,
I'm always afraid.
I have to leave.
Come on, help me.
One last effort and it's over.
Help! Help! Help me, help me!
I can't, I can't...
- I'm going to die.
- Calm down! Calm down,
take the oar, hold on.
I can't.
Yes, you can. You all can.
It's too far.
There, see!
I'm floating... I'm floating!
Look...
I'm floating!
I'll keep going this way.
What will you do all alone?
I don't know. I'll have the time
to think about it.
Go and see your children,
they'll be worried.
We'll see each other again, I know.
Oh! Mom.
My children, my children...
My children...
My loves. What would I do
without you?
There was a night,
there was a morning:
it was the first day.
TO MY PARENTS
A FILM BY
BEATRICE DE STAEL AND LEO WOLFENSTEIN
Pat Anderson