Year of the Widow (2024) Movie Script
"There is no life, at least for
the moment, he was not immortal."
Excuse me. Sorry.
Damn it. Sorry.
Sorry. Yes?
- Where are you, Petra?
- Here.
- Instead of in there.
- Let me in, then.
The play is based
on one woman's diaries.
It was directed by a woman,
and most of the cast are women,
so I'm the odd one out.
But I wouldn't say
it's purely a woman's tale.
It's a universal human story
that actually happened
to a particular woman.
Enjoy your evening.
Let me see.
Wow, that's lovely.
This one?
It's better than the other.
I came across it.
- Not ready to live in just yet, eh?
- True.
I told Martin I'd move in
once the bathroom is done.
- Oh. Will it be this year?
- It'll be a surprise.
Look, Dominika.
- I'll go and get him. Ready?
- Yes, ma'am.
See you downstairs.
Dominika?
What is it? I said I'd be working.
It's not me. There's a guy from Lukov
who needs to speak to you.
- Where? At home?
- Yeah.
But who...
- What is he doing there?
- Don't know. He's a neighbour.
- Wait, Dominika. Did you call Dad?
- He's not picking up.
How does he know where we live?
You know what?
Put him on the phone. Quickly.
Hello.
Sorry, what did you say?
I couldn't hear you.
Hey, you need to get out there.
YEAR OF THE WIDOW
What was Mr Svoboda like?
Well...
He was certainly very friendly.
Kind.
Sociable.
But sometimes, he misjudged people.
Did he like children?
He certainly loved Dominika a lot.
My granddaughter.
Sorry, does anything have to be said?
Can't there just be silence?
Or music?
Wouldn't that be a shame?
It's a part of your package.
Don't worry, I won't be reading it.
We have professional actors for that.
Well, if anything is to be said,
then just maybe...
that Martin was really skilful...
He did everything himself...
You can browse our coffins
in the meantime.
Well...
Maybe this one?
I have no idea about this...
These are popular ones.
This light one. Linden.
Or Toscana Oak.
Or this one with an engraved flower.
Well... Maybe this one...
- Poplar? Yeah.
- Sure. And do you want a cross?
Petra, dear? Do you want
a cross on the coffin?
Jesus, sorry.
Do you know anything more?
No. Just what they told me
over the phone. An embolism.
Nothing more?
- That's weird, right?
- What's weird?
You and your mum prepared it well.
And the actor gave a nice speech.
- Granny wrote it.
- Take this to the guests.
- People are barely drinking.
- It's doing no good here.
A nice speech?
It would've pissed Martin off.
I know, but at least
he had a nice voice...
Isn't it weird
the hospital won't tell you anything?
I don't know. There was an autopsy.
They sent the results to his doctor.
- Why not send it to you?
- Got a cloth? Adam's spilt a drink.
- Salt! Get some salt!
- Salt? What for?
- For the mess.
- There's a big stain on the carpet.
I'm so sorry. Really.
He didn't do it on purpose.
We need salt.
Wait, not there, in here.
- Gall soap is pretty good...
- No, that stuff is weak.
Petra, please,
Dad has a terrible backache.
Jeez, I told him to sit down.
- I have some painkillers.
- Don't run!
That's kind of you,
but it's better that we leave.
- Already? It's not even 4 pm.
- You know how he is.
Tell him to put up with it.
We're here for Petra, not him.
If you want to stay, Pepk can
take us to the railway station.
We'll head off as well.
I told Petra
they could move in here
with Dominika.
Well, you see, Petra?
It's too big just for me.
I told Martin many times,
but he always said
that Petra wanted
to get out of the city.
We both did.
Did you see the state of the place?
- Just photos.
- And what do you make of it?
You know, it wouldn't be
suitable for me and Petr.
But Martin was like that.
He was so...
Hard-working. Just like his dad.
I'll take a look at the carpet.
- Occupied!
- Sorry.
Petra?
We're leaving.
- Helena has some painkillers, Dad...
- No, I don't want anything.
It's best if we leave right away.
- I'll help you to the chair.
- No way. I'll wait here.
Listen to me,
I know you don't want
to think about it right now,
but that's why I'm telling you.
Go and see the notary right away!
- You've already said that.
- I'm telling you again.
Because I know you.
It's really important.
- I'll get the painkillers.
- No need.
- Dominika?
- Yes?
- We'll go home soon, okay?
- Okay.
I'll just get some painkillers
for Grandad, and we'll leave.
So we have the ID card,
death certificate,
marriage certificate
and the child's birth certificate.
Since you are applying
for a widow's pension
after a person that had not
begun receiving their pension,
I will need you to show me
some more papers.
If your husband worked abroad,
we'll also need documents
confirming such employment.
Or if he had
a serious workplace injury,
a declaration from the employer
of the compensation
paid for the loss of earnings
after the end
of the incapacity for work
attributable to the workplace injury.
Or a declaration from the employer
on the special allowance for miners...
Excuse me.
Vlaka, do you have any sedatives?
- A lady is having a breakdown.
- Okay, wait.
Well, turns out, I don't.
- I see. Thanks.
- Wait, I do. I'll give you some.
- Okay, here you go.
- Thank you.
I'll take two, just in case.
- Okay, thanks.
- And the tissues.
Where were we... Yes!
Sorry, I didn't catch all of that...
You don't need to write it all down.
I'll give you a copy of the sheet.
Here you go. Okay?
So, a special allowance for miners
paid before 1996.
But your husband
probably wasn't a miner, huh?
No, he was a carpenter.
He made stage sets and props.
He ran a tea room and made pottery.
And we used to have...
a printing business.
Are you here to see us?
- Mr Smejkal.
- She's here for you.
How can I help you?
I was sent an invitation. Here.
- Here you are.
- Inheritance, right.
- Mrs... Svobodov, yes.
- Svobodov.
- Have you got all the papers?
- Yes, here.
I hope everything's in order.
- Hey, Hana. I'm leaving.
- Wait for me!
I'll go through it all
and contact you if needed. Bye!
- When?
- When what?
- When will you contact me?
- Once it's ready.
It's just
that I'll be moving out of Prague...
- But you'll take your phone, right?
- Yes.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Sorry, I got held up.
Are you going to eat?
- I'll order something.
- You've already eaten?
No, but I'll order something.
Well, dinner is ready.
Coming?
Yeah.
What about the flowers?
Some are in bad shape,
but there are a couple of nice ones.
I'll go through them later.
We'll need to go food shopping,
there's almost nothing left.
I'll do it.
Granny called.
What did she want?
To know when we shall visit again.
But we just saw her.
You don't like it, do you?
I do.
- Why aren't you eating?
- I am!
It's tasty.
Sure.
Wait, I...
I've gone through them.
Please sign to confirm that we have
your husband's insurance card.
And that's it.
Could you help me with something?
The hospital won't give me
the autopsy report.
Could you tell me
my husband's doctor's address?
You don't know them?
Well, no, that's why I'm asking.
I can't help you with that,
according to the law.
According to which law?
The Data Protection Act.
You protect the personal data
even of those who are...
I don't.
The Act does.
I'm sorry.
- This is for the addressee only.
- But I'm his wife.
The addressee only.
The death certificate won't help.
- What are you going to do with it?
- We won't do anything.
- We shall return it to the sender.
- What if it's important?
It probably is,
since it's a registered delivery.
Vinohrady Cemetery.
Next stop, Stranice Crematorium.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hi. You're here, finally.
- I'm sorry.
- Let's go.
Coffee over at mine afterwards, yeah?
- Granny, you just have instant.
- That's alright, isn't it?
Not really.
We've gathered here,
at the place of final rest,
to commemorate and bid farewell
to your beloved son, husband
and father, Martin Svoboda.
He left you, his whole family,
all his friends and acquaintances
at the age of nearly 52 years.
Thank you.
Why didn't you bring
any flowers from the funeral?
We couldn't. They were done for.
Are there any more boxes?
No, but I bought loads of bin bags.
I'll get some more boxes.
Mum?
Yes, Dominika?
I'm in the bathroom, packing.
- I'll pack up my stuff.
- Okay.
Siren test commencing.
- Why a scythe?
- For cutting grass.
Why not buy a lawnmower?
They're noisy, smelly and expensive.
- What do they cost?
- Don't know.
More than a scythe. What's going on?
Damn it.
So we're getting a sickle.
What? It was funny.
Don't put in another card.
- It's broken.
- No, it's not.
It swallowed the first one.
Was it Dad's card?
Yeah.
- They've only just blocked it?
- I guess so.
I'd hoped it'd take longer.
Sorry, we're finishing.
Sorry.
Shit.
Hello, Mr vejda!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Sorry to bother you, but could I
borrow your lawnmower, please?
- A strimmer would be better.
- Oh, I see.
I have one, but there's no one here
to help me get a calf.
My son won't be back
till the evening. Care to join me?
It's easier with two people.
Then I'll lend you the strimmer.
- Ever tried to catch a calf?
- No.
A new experience, then. Let's go.
Come on!
Lomeck, that rifle of yours
hasn't been confiscated yet?
- Hey, Venca.
- Hi.
I hope I won't catch you
shooting stray cats again.
Well, bring it up with the mayor.
It was his idea.
The weekenders feed them in summer,
then the cats go hungry in autumn.
- Our neighbour, Mrs Svobodov.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- And my condolences.
- Watch where you aim.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- You did shoot one of my cows!
- He thought it was a bear.
Don't mistake
your lady for a pussycat.
Get off with ya!
He won't make such a mistake.
No, thanks.
I'm just like the cows.
Always eating something.
But I must stay slim for the weekend.
My daughter's getting married.
Really? Congrats!
- Well...
- Sounds fun.
It's been haphazard so far.
I've got to cater
to my daughter's whims...
But it will be fun.
We're good at that.
Feel free to stop by.
Thanks. Maybe I will.
How long is this going to take?
- Last time, it took six hours.
- Six hours?
So long? I left my daughter at home.
Last time, I was on my own.
And I needed to be sure
the mother was far away.
Know what? Let's give it a go.
Okay? Ready?
- I don't really know for what.
- That's good, probably.
Quiet, now. We mustn't startle it.
- Ouch! The cow!
- What now?
Wave your hands,
pretend you're bigger! And shout!
Shoo! Scram!
Get lost! Scram!
Is it done?
Shoo! Scram! Go! Shoo!
Leave that poor thing be.
- You'll flood it.
- No, I won't.
Dominika... Wait.
We mustn't break it, I borrowed it.
We won't break it. I'm almost there.
Enough. Let go!
You've never done this either,
so stop.
Wait... Dominika!
You have to put this on.
- Good?
- Yeah, I'll do it up.
I'll bring some goggles.
- I don't need anything.
- Yes, you do! And stop arguing!
Wait! I'll be right back.
Dominika, do you know
which doctor Dad saw?
I don't remember him ever being sick.
He promised me he'd go
for a check-up when he was 50.
I don't think he did.
- I can hear a cracking sound.
- It's the fire.
No, listen.
Behind this heap. Some cracking.
And something's moving.
Over there, too.
What is that?
Jesus! Shit! What was that?
Shit! A cat!
- Hello, little one!
- Look, another one.
- Wow! Wait!
- You scared me, you silly kittens.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky...
I like...
I like Dickens more than Dostoyevsky...
I like myself liking people
rather than loving mankind...
I prefer...
Dominika? I'm going for a walk.
Let's skip the wedding.
If someone comes, tell them
I've gone to Prague or something.
- Or make something up. Whatever.
- Sure.
- There's no signal here.
- It's okay in the garden.
What is it?
In here?
You could have told me.
Hello, Neighbour!
We weren't washed away.
But clearly you were.
A little.
Come and taste
the calf that you caught.
But I didn't catch anything.
I just shooed the cow away. Hello!
That was the harder part.
- Don't know about that.
- It was.
I'll get changed and come over.
No fancy shoes, mind. Wellies.
- Dominika!
- Mum, come and join us.
Now you have to. We have a hostage.
- I'll just change.
- Hurry up!
Not enough chairs.
Five, four, three, two, one...
Where is it? I can't find it.
- I didn't catch it.
- Have they found it?
No, but it's in our garden.
It'll be easy to find in short grass.
Thanks to your strimmer.
Mum wanted to use a scythe.
A scythe? Wait till autumn.
For the scathing cold.
Venca, come here.
- My son, Venca.
- Nice to meet you.
Mrs Svobodov, our neighbour.
- Petra?
- Petra.
That girl in white
is my daughter, the bride.
And next to her is her son-in-law...
My son-in-law!
Then there's also Olina. Olina!
- You're shouting!
- Olina. Sorry.
- Petra.
- Olga.
- Venca.
- Cheers!
Another round!
Sorry. Let's go!
- A toast to the bride?
- Let's drink to someone else.
To Petra. And to her...
- Matj.
- Martin.
Martin.
Yeah! Today they're making merry.
- But tomorrow they'll be sorry.
- You probably will...
Me? The last man standing!
- Oh no.
- Just wait and see.
- Dad!
- What?
A dad and daughter dance.
- Show us, then.
- OK. Watch this.
No, I'm not joining in.
Leave me alone.
Wait...
- When should I pick you up?
- Whenever you can.
I'm off to the post office.
And I also need to see the notary.
When do you finish? At four?
- Pick me up later, there's no rush.
- I'll manage. At four, okay?
- See ya.
- Bye.
Okay...
This is for you.
But the rest, I'm sorry, I can't.
They're for the addressee only.
My colleague informed me.
I see.
Could you at least tell me
who sent them, please?
I guess so.
The first is from Prague Energy
and the other
from the Commercial Bank.
Very kind. Thank you.
And don't forget this.
My colleague also told me
that your ID is not valid.
How so?
The marital status isn't up-to-date.
You should get it changed.
Can I interest you in anything else?
Car air freshener? A lottery ticket?
I received this court resolution.
I got it in the summer.
Here's a copy it for you.
But I received it again,
and it's exactly the same. Look.
It came with the same stamp,
so seemed a little odd to me.
I don't know why they sent it twice.
And your file hasn't come back yet,
so there's nothing to do right now.
Even if they wrote
that it's all done?
I don't know what they're up to.
Okay. Can I at least
talk to the notary?
He's not in today.
- Is he ever in?
- All the time.
Shouldn't I call the court
and ask what's happening?
It doesn't work like that.
They will need your ID,
you need to make an appointment.
Leave it to me, I'll let you know.
- But you won't forget about me?
- Trust me. Goodbye.
- Are you sure?
- Trust me.
How about an interpreting job?
We have a lot of work available.
No way, not right now.
It'll remind me
of how I found out over the phone.
At most, I can translate catalogues.
Want to come over for dinner?
We can talk.
Maybe I'm wrong and this is normal.
And I have yet to go through it.
I need to pick up Dominika.
She can come, too.
I haven't seen her since spring.
No, I can't talk about this
with her there.
- She's almost an adult.
- No.
I don't want to. It's my burden.
You know what's weird?
I haven't seen her cry
since it happened.
Has she seen you cry?
Well, yeah...
I don't know. Yes. But in anger.
She seems
completely unfazed by it all.
She has a blank expression.
Just like Martin during our fights.
But she has it all the time.
She takes after him.
She's not bald though, right?
He wasn't bald. Well, just a little.
- Oh, I have to dash.
- Sure, of course.
If you change your mind
and want to come over, let me know.
- Do you want milk?
- Yeah.
But...
You could sell something.
Maybe the car.
Perhaps not, the car is useful.
What about the house?
Thanks.
I can't sell anything.
Nothing is mine yet.
Feels like the atmospheric pressure
is off today.
- I haven't been sleeping well.
- Me neither.
I don't know. I occasionally
feel my heart pounding.
I can hear it. And then nothing.
Goodness, that startled me!
Sorry. I need to have the volume up,
otherwise I can't hear it.
Oh, look, Dominika.
Hello, little lady, what do you want?
Of course you can.
Of course. You have a room here.
But first,
you need to talk to your mum.
Yes, she's here. What a coincidence.
I'll put her on. Speak to her.
Look forward to it. Bye! Dominika.
Dominika, hi.
Hi, Mum.
I shall sleep at Granny's today.
Today? I was supposed
to pick you up after school.
I know. But there's a maths test
tomorrow. I want to study.
Since you can't...
Tell her I'll make dinner.
So she doesn't eat fast food.
So? I'll study, really.
Granny will make dinner,
so head straight to hers.
No, tell her not to, I won't eat it.
- Thanks. Bye.
- Bye.
You wanted milk, right?
You could sleep over today as well.
Any time, really.
There's plenty of space. Too much.
But in two weeks, for All Souls' Day,
you'll both come, right?
- We'll visit the grave.
- Yeah, right.
What is it?
The milk has gone off.
Oh! Sorry. I'll make you another.
With cream. That's even better.
- Do you need an ambulance?
- No, I've arranged a lift.
Okay. Here's your documentation.
Wait for the crutches.
- Thanks.
- Sure. Bye.
Bye.
AUTOPSY ROOMS
Sorry.
- Hello.
- Hello. Can I help you?
I'm sorry, but when my husband died,
they brought him here.
- Okay?
- So I wanted to ask...
Yeah. Okay, come with me.
Give me a second.
- Wait...
- Five minutes, maximum.
No, this is a misunderstanding, wait...
- Coming!
- Easy, don't rush.
- Plum cake.
- You're very kind, thanks.
- Need any help?
- No, I'll manage.
But I need the baking tray back.
- Okay...
- Just send Dominika.
Hang on, I'll be right back.
Oh, no! Shit!
- Hi.
- Hi.
You're back already?
How did you get here so fast?
- I hitchhiked.
- From the train station?
From Prague.
From Prague?
- You've broken Dad's jug?
- Yeah, 'cause the place is a mess!
Here. Give it to Olga.
I won't eat now.
Why not?
It's delicious.
Feel free to eat mine, too.
Olga made it for us.
She keeps on doing things.
I'll eat it tomorrow. On the train.
Since I'll be stuck there.
How do you plan
on managing, Dominika?
I am managing, aren't I?
That's the last time
you ever hitchhike, okay?
- Why?
- What do you mean why?
Why? That's obvious, right?
- It's faster.
- It's not safe.
It's more fun.
Fun...
I don't find the idea of you
getting raped in a field much fun.
I do.
What the hell?
Listen to yourself.
That doesn't happen anymore.
Do you find it weird
that I care about you?
If you care so much,
why do I have to travel so far?
What can I do about it?
You didn't want to change schools.
- We could've stayed in Prague.
- No. Our landlady has new tenants.
We could've moved somewhere else,
instead of Alaska.
Great. Where? And the cost?
How would we pay for it?
I refuse to discuss this with you.
The deal was that you'd commute.
- No.
- What do you mean?
You told me that you'd manage.
Dad asked you, too.
Dad promised I'd live with Granny.
Are you pulling my leg?
It's true.
He said he'd convince you.
- Hi, Granny.
- Dominika, my dear.
- Hi.
- Petra, my dear.
Finally. How was the trip?
I hadn't been on a train in ages.
- I'm used to it.
- I'll help you.
- Thanks.
- Mum?
Yes. Do you want to sit down?
- Mum, I'm going for the kids.
- Sure.
Should I get anything?
No, nothing. The place is chock-full.
- Hi, Dominika.
- Hi.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Petra.
- Wait. What is it? Your back again?
- No, I'm fine.
It's not as bad as after the funeral.
- Want some slippers?
- Sure.
I took some overshoes
from the hospital.
No need,
I hurt my knee, not my ankle.
Come.
- What a beautiful tree.
- Pepk got it, from the forest.
- Thanks.
- You can thank Father Christmas.
Thanks, Father Christmas.
- Do you feel cold, sweetie?
- Do you like it?
Yeah.
It really suits you!
What a beautiful dress.
- Queen of the ball.
- Lovely.
Beautiful.
There's one more.
- Kubk, take a look.
- This one?
- Yes.
- Like it?
- Any more?
- No, I'm full. Thanks, it was great.
- Wait, I'll...
- No.
Dominika didn't have any.
Really? I think she did.
She's lost a lot of weight, Petra.
You think I'm starving her?
She's probably watching her weight.
She's at that age.
Mum said
you'd be coming back to Prague.
No, I said Helena keeps
pushing us to live with her.
Maybe she's lonely.
- She means well.
- Yes, of course.
It seems like
she doesn't want anything but...
Martin did everything for her.
And she hasn't even added his name
to the grave. Just like his dad.
You can do it.
Why? I didn't want him placed there.
What did you want then?
You shouldn't hesitate. Why not
live with her if she's offering?
Pass me those cups.
Don't take this the wrong way
but look at me.
I won't help with the house.
And Pepk and Jana
have enough on their plate.
I think...
Come back to Prague and sell it.
It'd be for the best.
Jesus Christ, Dad!
Let her do what she wants.
When she hasn't sorted out
the inheritance in six months?
And...
The house was just a...
romantic notion.
No, that's not true.
We both wanted it.
- Martin wouldn't have stayed...
- How the hell do you know?
What's the plan?
Can we leave? Adam is fast asleep.
Don't worry, we'll go home on Monday.
Where to?
What?
Where to?
Dominika, do you want us
to live with Granny?
Dominika?
- Petra, dear, do you need anything?
- No, I don't.
Do you want me to wash some clothes?
No, thanks.
Will you have any supper?
Dominika's already eaten.
Yeah, I'm coming.
Dominika? Can I come in?
May I?
- I'll wash your hair.
- No, you don't have to.
What's on the school ball sashes?
I don't know or care.
What about your hairdo?
Have you decided on it yet?
Are you excited at all?
- Ouch! Stop it!
- Sorry.
- Now, it's too cold...
- Give me that!
- I can wash my hair by myself.
- I know.
I'm not going to Lukov
after the ball.
Shit. Unbelievable!
Excuse me.
It's better this way.
Are you Mr Smejkal?
I'm iho. Mr Smejkal is on holiday.
And you are...?
Svobodov. Do you know
how long he'll be gone?
For two weeks, I think.
- Call him.
- I've been calling him all the time.
I'll tell him
you were looking for him.
- What's the name again?
- Svobodov, inheritance.
I'm sorry,
but I really don't know what to do.
This whole thing is taking ages.
He never picks up.
A lady told me it's in process.
But what's going on?
I'll let him know.
Don't worry. Goodbye.
Thank you, everyone, for the tango.
Now accompany your parents
to the dance floor.
- Would you dance with Dominika?
- Who? Me?
I can't with my leg.
I'm not going to do anything foolish.
- Come on. Let's go.
- Are you mad?
Let's try. I'll lead.
- Ouch.
- It's your leg?
It's okay. I'm alright.
Let's forget about the steps.
- Is your leg better now?
- No, it's not.
- Need help with your coat?
- No, thanks.
You're not going to bed?
- I'm not tired yet. Do you mind?
- Oh, no.
It's just that
you'll be hanging about.
You didn't have to stay there
for my sake.
You'd have woken me up, anyway.
First you, then Dominika.
Helena.
- Understand... it's the school ball.
- I know. I get it.
It's just that we'll have to discuss
some rules if you want to live here.
It was your idea.
And it's only for the winter.
Should I just let you
freeze to death?
Believe me,
it's warmer in Lukov than here.
I'll heat the place up
if you're cold.
No problem. Just a second.
This will have to do.
I'm not turning on the heating.
You'll go to sleep anyway.
I will. In a minute.
I just don't understand you.
You have everything here.
All close by.
The school. You can work here.
And you are close to Martin.
For goodness sake,
that has nothing to do with it.
Who will look after the grave?
Who will look after this flat?
It's hot.
You repaired it?
Uh-huh.
Come here, Dominika.
Shit.
Just great.
- Climb over.
- And the bag.
What is it with you and heights?
Come.
Okay.
Venca, help me. Don't let her fall.
- Now the other leg.
- Okay.
- Careful. My knee.
- Oops, sorry.
Sit on my shoulders.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
- Ready? Wait.
- Hold her, Venca.
- Are you there?
- Yeah.
Slowly. Okay. There you go.
- Let me down. I want...
- Just sit. We'll get you home.
- Sit. Enjoy the ride.
- Let me down.
- Bit chilly out, eh?
- Sure is.
But nice.
- Thank you very much.
- Not at all.
Such a big man,
and now you hold him in your hands.
Where will you place him?
Kamenice cemetery?
- I don't know yet.
- No need to hurry.
Did Olga tell you about our Matj?
It's been ten years!
And I buried the urn only recently.
- After the wedding?
- Yeah.
I wanted to put him
in his beloved meadow.
But Venca and Olina disagreed.
They said the cows would shit on him.
So he ended up in the garden.
I like your walnut tree.
With one like that,
I'd put him underneath.
The flowers are still there?
Yeah.
Nobody wants them.
All in good time.
- Night.
- Thanks.
See you.
- Hi!
- Hi, Petra, dear.
What are you doing here?
You didn't say you'd come.
- Sorry.
- No, I'm glad you're here.
- Come on in.
- I wanted to pick up some stuff.
Of course. No problem.
- Hi, there.
- Hi.
Wasn't there
a winter jacket of Martin's?
Yeah, I'll get it for you.
I washed it. It was all stained.
- You washed it?
- Uh-huh.
There you go.
Here.
Alright...
Everything from the pockets
I put on the table over there.
I'll make some coffee, okay?
The cause of death given
is a cardiac embolism,
resulting from
a sudden abdominal episode.
In your husband's case,
it was acute pancreatitis.
That's inflammation of the pancreas.
Could it have been caused by work?
I mean, by hard physical work?
We'd bought a house in a village,
and Martin was repairing it.
We planned to move there.
We really...
wanted to get out of Prague,
both of us.
Martin had chosen a different house,
in good condition,
but I didn't like it.
So, we quarrelled over it,
and I told him the house was ugly,
that he had no taste
and should go there by himself.
Just maybe that was...
I don't think that was the reason.
You'd given him a check-up though.
But regular check-ups
won't detect pancreatic conditions.
A special test is required,
but he didn't complain of anything.
So, there was no reason for it.
But Martin was healthy.
He didn't drink or smoke...
So why?
The autopsy showed
necroses from the past.
Maybe he'd fallen off a bike.
Not recently, mind.
It could have happened long ago.
Genetics can also play a role.
It's hard to say.
One sets oneself up for death
just by being alive.
Mrs Winterov, I'll deal
with something and be right back.
- She's not here anyway.
- Be right back.
Wait, please!
Did you pass the message
to Mr Smejkal? Svobodov.
No, but you can tell him yourself.
He's upstairs.
Okay. Thanks!
My client, Mrs Bartekov.
Hello, my name is Petra Svobodov.
I'm here to interpret
today's hearing.
Aleksandra Bartekov.
- Nice to meet you.
- You, too.
I need to do something.
Can you wait? It won't be a minute.
But hurry, please.
Don't worry. It'll be alright.
- Hello.
- Hold on, I'm on the phone.
I'm sorry, but this is important.
May I come in?
- Alright, then.
- Thanks.
Mrs Winterov?
Sure, I'm coming.
I need to go now.
Please call me as soon as possible.
Svobodov, inheritance.
You have my number.
Just give me five minutes, will you?
Five minutes?!
I've been waiting for a year!
What's going on?
We sent several payment notices
to Mr Svoboda.
I can't do anything
about it now. You...
Damn it.
I prefer films.
I prefer cats.
I prefer the oaks along the Warta.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky.
I prefer myself liking people
to myself loving mankind.
I prefer Grimms' fairy tales
to the newspapers' front pages.
I prefer leaves without flowers
to flowers without leaves.
I prefer dogs without docked tails.
I prefer light eyes,
since mine are dark.
I prefer many things
that I haven't yet mentioned
to many things also left unsaid.
Good morning.
For you.
I'd like to change
my permanent address to Lukov.
And I also need to change
my marital status.
Do you have proof of such a change?
Thank you.
You're a bit late.
It's been more than a year.
All this time, your ID was invalid.
Let's forget about it.
But next time, come right away.
I'll do better next time.
Do you want to denote
your status in your new ID?
It's not been mandatory since 2012,
but we recommend it.
You may need to prove it
in certain cases.
In a bank, for example,
when asking for a loan or mortgage.
Or you'd have to come here
for a statement from the register
for which we charge 50 crowns.
What status should I put there?
Well, in your case,
I would recommend "widow".
Or nothing.
Okay. I want that.
What?
- "Widow."
- Alright.
the moment, he was not immortal."
Excuse me. Sorry.
Damn it. Sorry.
Sorry. Yes?
- Where are you, Petra?
- Here.
- Instead of in there.
- Let me in, then.
The play is based
on one woman's diaries.
It was directed by a woman,
and most of the cast are women,
so I'm the odd one out.
But I wouldn't say
it's purely a woman's tale.
It's a universal human story
that actually happened
to a particular woman.
Enjoy your evening.
Let me see.
Wow, that's lovely.
This one?
It's better than the other.
I came across it.
- Not ready to live in just yet, eh?
- True.
I told Martin I'd move in
once the bathroom is done.
- Oh. Will it be this year?
- It'll be a surprise.
Look, Dominika.
- I'll go and get him. Ready?
- Yes, ma'am.
See you downstairs.
Dominika?
What is it? I said I'd be working.
It's not me. There's a guy from Lukov
who needs to speak to you.
- Where? At home?
- Yeah.
But who...
- What is he doing there?
- Don't know. He's a neighbour.
- Wait, Dominika. Did you call Dad?
- He's not picking up.
How does he know where we live?
You know what?
Put him on the phone. Quickly.
Hello.
Sorry, what did you say?
I couldn't hear you.
Hey, you need to get out there.
YEAR OF THE WIDOW
What was Mr Svoboda like?
Well...
He was certainly very friendly.
Kind.
Sociable.
But sometimes, he misjudged people.
Did he like children?
He certainly loved Dominika a lot.
My granddaughter.
Sorry, does anything have to be said?
Can't there just be silence?
Or music?
Wouldn't that be a shame?
It's a part of your package.
Don't worry, I won't be reading it.
We have professional actors for that.
Well, if anything is to be said,
then just maybe...
that Martin was really skilful...
He did everything himself...
You can browse our coffins
in the meantime.
Well...
Maybe this one?
I have no idea about this...
These are popular ones.
This light one. Linden.
Or Toscana Oak.
Or this one with an engraved flower.
Well... Maybe this one...
- Poplar? Yeah.
- Sure. And do you want a cross?
Petra, dear? Do you want
a cross on the coffin?
Jesus, sorry.
Do you know anything more?
No. Just what they told me
over the phone. An embolism.
Nothing more?
- That's weird, right?
- What's weird?
You and your mum prepared it well.
And the actor gave a nice speech.
- Granny wrote it.
- Take this to the guests.
- People are barely drinking.
- It's doing no good here.
A nice speech?
It would've pissed Martin off.
I know, but at least
he had a nice voice...
Isn't it weird
the hospital won't tell you anything?
I don't know. There was an autopsy.
They sent the results to his doctor.
- Why not send it to you?
- Got a cloth? Adam's spilt a drink.
- Salt! Get some salt!
- Salt? What for?
- For the mess.
- There's a big stain on the carpet.
I'm so sorry. Really.
He didn't do it on purpose.
We need salt.
Wait, not there, in here.
- Gall soap is pretty good...
- No, that stuff is weak.
Petra, please,
Dad has a terrible backache.
Jeez, I told him to sit down.
- I have some painkillers.
- Don't run!
That's kind of you,
but it's better that we leave.
- Already? It's not even 4 pm.
- You know how he is.
Tell him to put up with it.
We're here for Petra, not him.
If you want to stay, Pepk can
take us to the railway station.
We'll head off as well.
I told Petra
they could move in here
with Dominika.
Well, you see, Petra?
It's too big just for me.
I told Martin many times,
but he always said
that Petra wanted
to get out of the city.
We both did.
Did you see the state of the place?
- Just photos.
- And what do you make of it?
You know, it wouldn't be
suitable for me and Petr.
But Martin was like that.
He was so...
Hard-working. Just like his dad.
I'll take a look at the carpet.
- Occupied!
- Sorry.
Petra?
We're leaving.
- Helena has some painkillers, Dad...
- No, I don't want anything.
It's best if we leave right away.
- I'll help you to the chair.
- No way. I'll wait here.
Listen to me,
I know you don't want
to think about it right now,
but that's why I'm telling you.
Go and see the notary right away!
- You've already said that.
- I'm telling you again.
Because I know you.
It's really important.
- I'll get the painkillers.
- No need.
- Dominika?
- Yes?
- We'll go home soon, okay?
- Okay.
I'll just get some painkillers
for Grandad, and we'll leave.
So we have the ID card,
death certificate,
marriage certificate
and the child's birth certificate.
Since you are applying
for a widow's pension
after a person that had not
begun receiving their pension,
I will need you to show me
some more papers.
If your husband worked abroad,
we'll also need documents
confirming such employment.
Or if he had
a serious workplace injury,
a declaration from the employer
of the compensation
paid for the loss of earnings
after the end
of the incapacity for work
attributable to the workplace injury.
Or a declaration from the employer
on the special allowance for miners...
Excuse me.
Vlaka, do you have any sedatives?
- A lady is having a breakdown.
- Okay, wait.
Well, turns out, I don't.
- I see. Thanks.
- Wait, I do. I'll give you some.
- Okay, here you go.
- Thank you.
I'll take two, just in case.
- Okay, thanks.
- And the tissues.
Where were we... Yes!
Sorry, I didn't catch all of that...
You don't need to write it all down.
I'll give you a copy of the sheet.
Here you go. Okay?
So, a special allowance for miners
paid before 1996.
But your husband
probably wasn't a miner, huh?
No, he was a carpenter.
He made stage sets and props.
He ran a tea room and made pottery.
And we used to have...
a printing business.
Are you here to see us?
- Mr Smejkal.
- She's here for you.
How can I help you?
I was sent an invitation. Here.
- Here you are.
- Inheritance, right.
- Mrs... Svobodov, yes.
- Svobodov.
- Have you got all the papers?
- Yes, here.
I hope everything's in order.
- Hey, Hana. I'm leaving.
- Wait for me!
I'll go through it all
and contact you if needed. Bye!
- When?
- When what?
- When will you contact me?
- Once it's ready.
It's just
that I'll be moving out of Prague...
- But you'll take your phone, right?
- Yes.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Sorry, I got held up.
Are you going to eat?
- I'll order something.
- You've already eaten?
No, but I'll order something.
Well, dinner is ready.
Coming?
Yeah.
What about the flowers?
Some are in bad shape,
but there are a couple of nice ones.
I'll go through them later.
We'll need to go food shopping,
there's almost nothing left.
I'll do it.
Granny called.
What did she want?
To know when we shall visit again.
But we just saw her.
You don't like it, do you?
I do.
- Why aren't you eating?
- I am!
It's tasty.
Sure.
Wait, I...
I've gone through them.
Please sign to confirm that we have
your husband's insurance card.
And that's it.
Could you help me with something?
The hospital won't give me
the autopsy report.
Could you tell me
my husband's doctor's address?
You don't know them?
Well, no, that's why I'm asking.
I can't help you with that,
according to the law.
According to which law?
The Data Protection Act.
You protect the personal data
even of those who are...
I don't.
The Act does.
I'm sorry.
- This is for the addressee only.
- But I'm his wife.
The addressee only.
The death certificate won't help.
- What are you going to do with it?
- We won't do anything.
- We shall return it to the sender.
- What if it's important?
It probably is,
since it's a registered delivery.
Vinohrady Cemetery.
Next stop, Stranice Crematorium.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hi. You're here, finally.
- I'm sorry.
- Let's go.
Coffee over at mine afterwards, yeah?
- Granny, you just have instant.
- That's alright, isn't it?
Not really.
We've gathered here,
at the place of final rest,
to commemorate and bid farewell
to your beloved son, husband
and father, Martin Svoboda.
He left you, his whole family,
all his friends and acquaintances
at the age of nearly 52 years.
Thank you.
Why didn't you bring
any flowers from the funeral?
We couldn't. They were done for.
Are there any more boxes?
No, but I bought loads of bin bags.
I'll get some more boxes.
Mum?
Yes, Dominika?
I'm in the bathroom, packing.
- I'll pack up my stuff.
- Okay.
Siren test commencing.
- Why a scythe?
- For cutting grass.
Why not buy a lawnmower?
They're noisy, smelly and expensive.
- What do they cost?
- Don't know.
More than a scythe. What's going on?
Damn it.
So we're getting a sickle.
What? It was funny.
Don't put in another card.
- It's broken.
- No, it's not.
It swallowed the first one.
Was it Dad's card?
Yeah.
- They've only just blocked it?
- I guess so.
I'd hoped it'd take longer.
Sorry, we're finishing.
Sorry.
Shit.
Hello, Mr vejda!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Sorry to bother you, but could I
borrow your lawnmower, please?
- A strimmer would be better.
- Oh, I see.
I have one, but there's no one here
to help me get a calf.
My son won't be back
till the evening. Care to join me?
It's easier with two people.
Then I'll lend you the strimmer.
- Ever tried to catch a calf?
- No.
A new experience, then. Let's go.
Come on!
Lomeck, that rifle of yours
hasn't been confiscated yet?
- Hey, Venca.
- Hi.
I hope I won't catch you
shooting stray cats again.
Well, bring it up with the mayor.
It was his idea.
The weekenders feed them in summer,
then the cats go hungry in autumn.
- Our neighbour, Mrs Svobodov.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- And my condolences.
- Watch where you aim.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- You did shoot one of my cows!
- He thought it was a bear.
Don't mistake
your lady for a pussycat.
Get off with ya!
He won't make such a mistake.
No, thanks.
I'm just like the cows.
Always eating something.
But I must stay slim for the weekend.
My daughter's getting married.
Really? Congrats!
- Well...
- Sounds fun.
It's been haphazard so far.
I've got to cater
to my daughter's whims...
But it will be fun.
We're good at that.
Feel free to stop by.
Thanks. Maybe I will.
How long is this going to take?
- Last time, it took six hours.
- Six hours?
So long? I left my daughter at home.
Last time, I was on my own.
And I needed to be sure
the mother was far away.
Know what? Let's give it a go.
Okay? Ready?
- I don't really know for what.
- That's good, probably.
Quiet, now. We mustn't startle it.
- Ouch! The cow!
- What now?
Wave your hands,
pretend you're bigger! And shout!
Shoo! Scram!
Get lost! Scram!
Is it done?
Shoo! Scram! Go! Shoo!
Leave that poor thing be.
- You'll flood it.
- No, I won't.
Dominika... Wait.
We mustn't break it, I borrowed it.
We won't break it. I'm almost there.
Enough. Let go!
You've never done this either,
so stop.
Wait... Dominika!
You have to put this on.
- Good?
- Yeah, I'll do it up.
I'll bring some goggles.
- I don't need anything.
- Yes, you do! And stop arguing!
Wait! I'll be right back.
Dominika, do you know
which doctor Dad saw?
I don't remember him ever being sick.
He promised me he'd go
for a check-up when he was 50.
I don't think he did.
- I can hear a cracking sound.
- It's the fire.
No, listen.
Behind this heap. Some cracking.
And something's moving.
Over there, too.
What is that?
Jesus! Shit! What was that?
Shit! A cat!
- Hello, little one!
- Look, another one.
- Wow! Wait!
- You scared me, you silly kittens.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky...
I like...
I like Dickens more than Dostoyevsky...
I like myself liking people
rather than loving mankind...
I prefer...
Dominika? I'm going for a walk.
Let's skip the wedding.
If someone comes, tell them
I've gone to Prague or something.
- Or make something up. Whatever.
- Sure.
- There's no signal here.
- It's okay in the garden.
What is it?
In here?
You could have told me.
Hello, Neighbour!
We weren't washed away.
But clearly you were.
A little.
Come and taste
the calf that you caught.
But I didn't catch anything.
I just shooed the cow away. Hello!
That was the harder part.
- Don't know about that.
- It was.
I'll get changed and come over.
No fancy shoes, mind. Wellies.
- Dominika!
- Mum, come and join us.
Now you have to. We have a hostage.
- I'll just change.
- Hurry up!
Not enough chairs.
Five, four, three, two, one...
Where is it? I can't find it.
- I didn't catch it.
- Have they found it?
No, but it's in our garden.
It'll be easy to find in short grass.
Thanks to your strimmer.
Mum wanted to use a scythe.
A scythe? Wait till autumn.
For the scathing cold.
Venca, come here.
- My son, Venca.
- Nice to meet you.
Mrs Svobodov, our neighbour.
- Petra?
- Petra.
That girl in white
is my daughter, the bride.
And next to her is her son-in-law...
My son-in-law!
Then there's also Olina. Olina!
- You're shouting!
- Olina. Sorry.
- Petra.
- Olga.
- Venca.
- Cheers!
Another round!
Sorry. Let's go!
- A toast to the bride?
- Let's drink to someone else.
To Petra. And to her...
- Matj.
- Martin.
Martin.
Yeah! Today they're making merry.
- But tomorrow they'll be sorry.
- You probably will...
Me? The last man standing!
- Oh no.
- Just wait and see.
- Dad!
- What?
A dad and daughter dance.
- Show us, then.
- OK. Watch this.
No, I'm not joining in.
Leave me alone.
Wait...
- When should I pick you up?
- Whenever you can.
I'm off to the post office.
And I also need to see the notary.
When do you finish? At four?
- Pick me up later, there's no rush.
- I'll manage. At four, okay?
- See ya.
- Bye.
Okay...
This is for you.
But the rest, I'm sorry, I can't.
They're for the addressee only.
My colleague informed me.
I see.
Could you at least tell me
who sent them, please?
I guess so.
The first is from Prague Energy
and the other
from the Commercial Bank.
Very kind. Thank you.
And don't forget this.
My colleague also told me
that your ID is not valid.
How so?
The marital status isn't up-to-date.
You should get it changed.
Can I interest you in anything else?
Car air freshener? A lottery ticket?
I received this court resolution.
I got it in the summer.
Here's a copy it for you.
But I received it again,
and it's exactly the same. Look.
It came with the same stamp,
so seemed a little odd to me.
I don't know why they sent it twice.
And your file hasn't come back yet,
so there's nothing to do right now.
Even if they wrote
that it's all done?
I don't know what they're up to.
Okay. Can I at least
talk to the notary?
He's not in today.
- Is he ever in?
- All the time.
Shouldn't I call the court
and ask what's happening?
It doesn't work like that.
They will need your ID,
you need to make an appointment.
Leave it to me, I'll let you know.
- But you won't forget about me?
- Trust me. Goodbye.
- Are you sure?
- Trust me.
How about an interpreting job?
We have a lot of work available.
No way, not right now.
It'll remind me
of how I found out over the phone.
At most, I can translate catalogues.
Want to come over for dinner?
We can talk.
Maybe I'm wrong and this is normal.
And I have yet to go through it.
I need to pick up Dominika.
She can come, too.
I haven't seen her since spring.
No, I can't talk about this
with her there.
- She's almost an adult.
- No.
I don't want to. It's my burden.
You know what's weird?
I haven't seen her cry
since it happened.
Has she seen you cry?
Well, yeah...
I don't know. Yes. But in anger.
She seems
completely unfazed by it all.
She has a blank expression.
Just like Martin during our fights.
But she has it all the time.
She takes after him.
She's not bald though, right?
He wasn't bald. Well, just a little.
- Oh, I have to dash.
- Sure, of course.
If you change your mind
and want to come over, let me know.
- Do you want milk?
- Yeah.
But...
You could sell something.
Maybe the car.
Perhaps not, the car is useful.
What about the house?
Thanks.
I can't sell anything.
Nothing is mine yet.
Feels like the atmospheric pressure
is off today.
- I haven't been sleeping well.
- Me neither.
I don't know. I occasionally
feel my heart pounding.
I can hear it. And then nothing.
Goodness, that startled me!
Sorry. I need to have the volume up,
otherwise I can't hear it.
Oh, look, Dominika.
Hello, little lady, what do you want?
Of course you can.
Of course. You have a room here.
But first,
you need to talk to your mum.
Yes, she's here. What a coincidence.
I'll put her on. Speak to her.
Look forward to it. Bye! Dominika.
Dominika, hi.
Hi, Mum.
I shall sleep at Granny's today.
Today? I was supposed
to pick you up after school.
I know. But there's a maths test
tomorrow. I want to study.
Since you can't...
Tell her I'll make dinner.
So she doesn't eat fast food.
So? I'll study, really.
Granny will make dinner,
so head straight to hers.
No, tell her not to, I won't eat it.
- Thanks. Bye.
- Bye.
You wanted milk, right?
You could sleep over today as well.
Any time, really.
There's plenty of space. Too much.
But in two weeks, for All Souls' Day,
you'll both come, right?
- We'll visit the grave.
- Yeah, right.
What is it?
The milk has gone off.
Oh! Sorry. I'll make you another.
With cream. That's even better.
- Do you need an ambulance?
- No, I've arranged a lift.
Okay. Here's your documentation.
Wait for the crutches.
- Thanks.
- Sure. Bye.
Bye.
AUTOPSY ROOMS
Sorry.
- Hello.
- Hello. Can I help you?
I'm sorry, but when my husband died,
they brought him here.
- Okay?
- So I wanted to ask...
Yeah. Okay, come with me.
Give me a second.
- Wait...
- Five minutes, maximum.
No, this is a misunderstanding, wait...
- Coming!
- Easy, don't rush.
- Plum cake.
- You're very kind, thanks.
- Need any help?
- No, I'll manage.
But I need the baking tray back.
- Okay...
- Just send Dominika.
Hang on, I'll be right back.
Oh, no! Shit!
- Hi.
- Hi.
You're back already?
How did you get here so fast?
- I hitchhiked.
- From the train station?
From Prague.
From Prague?
- You've broken Dad's jug?
- Yeah, 'cause the place is a mess!
Here. Give it to Olga.
I won't eat now.
Why not?
It's delicious.
Feel free to eat mine, too.
Olga made it for us.
She keeps on doing things.
I'll eat it tomorrow. On the train.
Since I'll be stuck there.
How do you plan
on managing, Dominika?
I am managing, aren't I?
That's the last time
you ever hitchhike, okay?
- Why?
- What do you mean why?
Why? That's obvious, right?
- It's faster.
- It's not safe.
It's more fun.
Fun...
I don't find the idea of you
getting raped in a field much fun.
I do.
What the hell?
Listen to yourself.
That doesn't happen anymore.
Do you find it weird
that I care about you?
If you care so much,
why do I have to travel so far?
What can I do about it?
You didn't want to change schools.
- We could've stayed in Prague.
- No. Our landlady has new tenants.
We could've moved somewhere else,
instead of Alaska.
Great. Where? And the cost?
How would we pay for it?
I refuse to discuss this with you.
The deal was that you'd commute.
- No.
- What do you mean?
You told me that you'd manage.
Dad asked you, too.
Dad promised I'd live with Granny.
Are you pulling my leg?
It's true.
He said he'd convince you.
- Hi, Granny.
- Dominika, my dear.
- Hi.
- Petra, my dear.
Finally. How was the trip?
I hadn't been on a train in ages.
- I'm used to it.
- I'll help you.
- Thanks.
- Mum?
Yes. Do you want to sit down?
- Mum, I'm going for the kids.
- Sure.
Should I get anything?
No, nothing. The place is chock-full.
- Hi, Dominika.
- Hi.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Petra.
- Wait. What is it? Your back again?
- No, I'm fine.
It's not as bad as after the funeral.
- Want some slippers?
- Sure.
I took some overshoes
from the hospital.
No need,
I hurt my knee, not my ankle.
Come.
- What a beautiful tree.
- Pepk got it, from the forest.
- Thanks.
- You can thank Father Christmas.
Thanks, Father Christmas.
- Do you feel cold, sweetie?
- Do you like it?
Yeah.
It really suits you!
What a beautiful dress.
- Queen of the ball.
- Lovely.
Beautiful.
There's one more.
- Kubk, take a look.
- This one?
- Yes.
- Like it?
- Any more?
- No, I'm full. Thanks, it was great.
- Wait, I'll...
- No.
Dominika didn't have any.
Really? I think she did.
She's lost a lot of weight, Petra.
You think I'm starving her?
She's probably watching her weight.
She's at that age.
Mum said
you'd be coming back to Prague.
No, I said Helena keeps
pushing us to live with her.
Maybe she's lonely.
- She means well.
- Yes, of course.
It seems like
she doesn't want anything but...
Martin did everything for her.
And she hasn't even added his name
to the grave. Just like his dad.
You can do it.
Why? I didn't want him placed there.
What did you want then?
You shouldn't hesitate. Why not
live with her if she's offering?
Pass me those cups.
Don't take this the wrong way
but look at me.
I won't help with the house.
And Pepk and Jana
have enough on their plate.
I think...
Come back to Prague and sell it.
It'd be for the best.
Jesus Christ, Dad!
Let her do what she wants.
When she hasn't sorted out
the inheritance in six months?
And...
The house was just a...
romantic notion.
No, that's not true.
We both wanted it.
- Martin wouldn't have stayed...
- How the hell do you know?
What's the plan?
Can we leave? Adam is fast asleep.
Don't worry, we'll go home on Monday.
Where to?
What?
Where to?
Dominika, do you want us
to live with Granny?
Dominika?
- Petra, dear, do you need anything?
- No, I don't.
Do you want me to wash some clothes?
No, thanks.
Will you have any supper?
Dominika's already eaten.
Yeah, I'm coming.
Dominika? Can I come in?
May I?
- I'll wash your hair.
- No, you don't have to.
What's on the school ball sashes?
I don't know or care.
What about your hairdo?
Have you decided on it yet?
Are you excited at all?
- Ouch! Stop it!
- Sorry.
- Now, it's too cold...
- Give me that!
- I can wash my hair by myself.
- I know.
I'm not going to Lukov
after the ball.
Shit. Unbelievable!
Excuse me.
It's better this way.
Are you Mr Smejkal?
I'm iho. Mr Smejkal is on holiday.
And you are...?
Svobodov. Do you know
how long he'll be gone?
For two weeks, I think.
- Call him.
- I've been calling him all the time.
I'll tell him
you were looking for him.
- What's the name again?
- Svobodov, inheritance.
I'm sorry,
but I really don't know what to do.
This whole thing is taking ages.
He never picks up.
A lady told me it's in process.
But what's going on?
I'll let him know.
Don't worry. Goodbye.
Thank you, everyone, for the tango.
Now accompany your parents
to the dance floor.
- Would you dance with Dominika?
- Who? Me?
I can't with my leg.
I'm not going to do anything foolish.
- Come on. Let's go.
- Are you mad?
Let's try. I'll lead.
- Ouch.
- It's your leg?
It's okay. I'm alright.
Let's forget about the steps.
- Is your leg better now?
- No, it's not.
- Need help with your coat?
- No, thanks.
You're not going to bed?
- I'm not tired yet. Do you mind?
- Oh, no.
It's just that
you'll be hanging about.
You didn't have to stay there
for my sake.
You'd have woken me up, anyway.
First you, then Dominika.
Helena.
- Understand... it's the school ball.
- I know. I get it.
It's just that we'll have to discuss
some rules if you want to live here.
It was your idea.
And it's only for the winter.
Should I just let you
freeze to death?
Believe me,
it's warmer in Lukov than here.
I'll heat the place up
if you're cold.
No problem. Just a second.
This will have to do.
I'm not turning on the heating.
You'll go to sleep anyway.
I will. In a minute.
I just don't understand you.
You have everything here.
All close by.
The school. You can work here.
And you are close to Martin.
For goodness sake,
that has nothing to do with it.
Who will look after the grave?
Who will look after this flat?
It's hot.
You repaired it?
Uh-huh.
Come here, Dominika.
Shit.
Just great.
- Climb over.
- And the bag.
What is it with you and heights?
Come.
Okay.
Venca, help me. Don't let her fall.
- Now the other leg.
- Okay.
- Careful. My knee.
- Oops, sorry.
Sit on my shoulders.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
- Ready? Wait.
- Hold her, Venca.
- Are you there?
- Yeah.
Slowly. Okay. There you go.
- Let me down. I want...
- Just sit. We'll get you home.
- Sit. Enjoy the ride.
- Let me down.
- Bit chilly out, eh?
- Sure is.
But nice.
- Thank you very much.
- Not at all.
Such a big man,
and now you hold him in your hands.
Where will you place him?
Kamenice cemetery?
- I don't know yet.
- No need to hurry.
Did Olga tell you about our Matj?
It's been ten years!
And I buried the urn only recently.
- After the wedding?
- Yeah.
I wanted to put him
in his beloved meadow.
But Venca and Olina disagreed.
They said the cows would shit on him.
So he ended up in the garden.
I like your walnut tree.
With one like that,
I'd put him underneath.
The flowers are still there?
Yeah.
Nobody wants them.
All in good time.
- Night.
- Thanks.
See you.
- Hi!
- Hi, Petra, dear.
What are you doing here?
You didn't say you'd come.
- Sorry.
- No, I'm glad you're here.
- Come on in.
- I wanted to pick up some stuff.
Of course. No problem.
- Hi, there.
- Hi.
Wasn't there
a winter jacket of Martin's?
Yeah, I'll get it for you.
I washed it. It was all stained.
- You washed it?
- Uh-huh.
There you go.
Here.
Alright...
Everything from the pockets
I put on the table over there.
I'll make some coffee, okay?
The cause of death given
is a cardiac embolism,
resulting from
a sudden abdominal episode.
In your husband's case,
it was acute pancreatitis.
That's inflammation of the pancreas.
Could it have been caused by work?
I mean, by hard physical work?
We'd bought a house in a village,
and Martin was repairing it.
We planned to move there.
We really...
wanted to get out of Prague,
both of us.
Martin had chosen a different house,
in good condition,
but I didn't like it.
So, we quarrelled over it,
and I told him the house was ugly,
that he had no taste
and should go there by himself.
Just maybe that was...
I don't think that was the reason.
You'd given him a check-up though.
But regular check-ups
won't detect pancreatic conditions.
A special test is required,
but he didn't complain of anything.
So, there was no reason for it.
But Martin was healthy.
He didn't drink or smoke...
So why?
The autopsy showed
necroses from the past.
Maybe he'd fallen off a bike.
Not recently, mind.
It could have happened long ago.
Genetics can also play a role.
It's hard to say.
One sets oneself up for death
just by being alive.
Mrs Winterov, I'll deal
with something and be right back.
- She's not here anyway.
- Be right back.
Wait, please!
Did you pass the message
to Mr Smejkal? Svobodov.
No, but you can tell him yourself.
He's upstairs.
Okay. Thanks!
My client, Mrs Bartekov.
Hello, my name is Petra Svobodov.
I'm here to interpret
today's hearing.
Aleksandra Bartekov.
- Nice to meet you.
- You, too.
I need to do something.
Can you wait? It won't be a minute.
But hurry, please.
Don't worry. It'll be alright.
- Hello.
- Hold on, I'm on the phone.
I'm sorry, but this is important.
May I come in?
- Alright, then.
- Thanks.
Mrs Winterov?
Sure, I'm coming.
I need to go now.
Please call me as soon as possible.
Svobodov, inheritance.
You have my number.
Just give me five minutes, will you?
Five minutes?!
I've been waiting for a year!
What's going on?
We sent several payment notices
to Mr Svoboda.
I can't do anything
about it now. You...
Damn it.
I prefer films.
I prefer cats.
I prefer the oaks along the Warta.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky.
I prefer myself liking people
to myself loving mankind.
I prefer Grimms' fairy tales
to the newspapers' front pages.
I prefer leaves without flowers
to flowers without leaves.
I prefer dogs without docked tails.
I prefer light eyes,
since mine are dark.
I prefer many things
that I haven't yet mentioned
to many things also left unsaid.
Good morning.
For you.
I'd like to change
my permanent address to Lukov.
And I also need to change
my marital status.
Do you have proof of such a change?
Thank you.
You're a bit late.
It's been more than a year.
All this time, your ID was invalid.
Let's forget about it.
But next time, come right away.
I'll do better next time.
Do you want to denote
your status in your new ID?
It's not been mandatory since 2012,
but we recommend it.
You may need to prove it
in certain cases.
In a bank, for example,
when asking for a loan or mortgage.
Or you'd have to come here
for a statement from the register
for which we charge 50 crowns.
What status should I put there?
Well, in your case,
I would recommend "widow".
Or nothing.
Okay. I want that.
What?
- "Widow."
- Alright.