Elisabeth Rioux: Unfiltered (2024) s01e06 Episode Script

1
ITALY
When we arrived at the villa,
there was a strange vibe in the air.
CYNTHIA DE MICHELE - SALES AND MARKETING
DIRECTOR AT MDM COSMETICS
You could tell something was off.
It's very rare for her to have days
where she breaks down,
but that day was pretty tough for her.
It broke my heart,
but at the same time, I understood.
I think for Eli's own wellbeing,
she needs to take more time off,
not only for herself but for her daughter.
MORNING OF THE PHOTO SHOO
In all honesty, if it were just you
and no one else depended
on you and your company for business,
would you just leave it all behind
and say, "Ciao. Bye"?
When I started Hoaka,
it was just me at first.
My sister, her husband and my dad
didn't work for Hoaka back then.
It was like
I felt like I could do whatever I wanted,
and if I didn't do well,
I was the only one affected by it.
-Now your whole family is involved.
-It wasn't the end of the world. Exactly.
It means I don't enjoy
what I do as much anymore because
I think this is the first time
I've ever seen Eli reach the end
of her tether and almost break down.
She has been doing this for 10 years.
I've given myself an ultimatum.
When Wolfie starts school
In any case
This is the second trip in a row
without her. It's the first time I'm like,
"This really isn't working."
At any rate, when she starts school,
I won't be able to do this anymore.
ELISABETH RIOUX
UNFILTERED
Claudia was there, all set
and ready to go, but Eli wasn't there.
She was nowhere to be seen.
We understand that she's not feeling great
and you're not feeling 100% either.
Well, you know, it is what it is.
-Exactly.
-She's coming, but she's tired.
She has been working loads lately.
We are definitely
under a bit of time pressure.
Yeah.
It's a shame, as you hired out
the whole villa to take the photos here.
-It's definitely not the best timing.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
We'll try to do the best we can
considering the circumstances.
-Do you think that
-She just needs to rest a bit.
Think it'll be okay?
That even stressed me out,
as I'm not really a businesswoman in life,
so I knew I needed to entertain Cynthia
to give Eli more time.
Emma, how much longer
do you think you'll need to finish?
-I'd say perhaps 15 minutes for her.
-Okay.
-I'm really worried it will rain.
-Oh, my God.
Well, we may need to seriously speed
the whole process up, you know.
-I see the clock ticking telling us
-Like a ticking time bomb.
we need to move things along faster.
-Once the hair is done.
-No pressure, Emma.
-I'm almost done.
-The conditions definitely weren't ideal.
The weather was a bit stormy
and Eli wasn't feeling too great,
so not the ideal situation
for a successful photo shoot.
To be honest, she's feeling so bad
that I don't even feel comfortable
going to talk to her right now as
Maybe one of her friends
could go and talk to her. Someone who
One of her friends that is here.
It was a pretty sensitive situation.
It was a personal matter.
I didn't really feel comfortable
forcing her to do anything.
I wasn't well-equipped enough
to deal with the situation at hand
so I decided to call her father.
-Yes, hello?
-Hi, Steeve. This is Cynthia. How are you?
I'm good, thanks. How are you?
We're meant to do the photo shoot today,
but Eli really isn't in a good way.
Is she not feeling too good?
No. She's really tired,
and I feel like she maybe
needs to talk to someone, but
I don't know if you feel
comfortable talking to her or if I
I don't know if Dolores would feel
more comfortable talking to her.
Dolores definitely can't speak to her,
as at 6:00 this morning
she went into labor.
Okay, yes.
Eli?
When I went to see Eli in her room,
I didn't know what to expect.
I just knew she was upset,
but I didn't know what state she was in.
I know it's a lot.
There is too much going on.
I keep thinking about Wolfie
and my sister giving birth.
-And I'm not there. I'm so far away.
-Yes, I know.
I feel like the more time goes by,
Eli is realizing
that she is actually a full-time mom now
and that she can no longer be
the wild, fun, young Eli anymore.
What would you like to do?
Maybe we can at least
take just a few photos.
Get it done in an hour or so
so we at least have something.
I just want everything to go well.
I know she's not feeling on top form.
I don't know what I can do to help her.
-I can call her, but she's not picking up.
-She's not answering.
Did they ask you to come and get me?
-No.
-Okay.
I'm so overwhelmed. I'm frustrated
we have to do the shoot as if
As if everything is fine.
I'm supposed to do a photo shoot,
but I have no inspiration.
Yes, I know.
I mean, if something is wrong,
I could definitely fly to Italy.
Look, I'll see what I can do.
I'll text you to keep you updated.
Elisabeth is under a lot of pressure.
I know what it's like having a business.
It's always on your mind,
365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
What frustrates me even more
is the villa is beautiful.
-We have a fab photographer.
-It adds to the stress.
That stresses me out even more
as it's all set up to go well
and I'm the one with the problem.
You've never had so many big projects
back-to-back.
We need to get going.
Let's be honest. We have to start.
Yeah, well, the weather isn't on our side.
When Eli was in her room,
a thought crossed my mind
that she might not come out at all.
I thought I might have
to take control of things
and try to do my best,
even though I'm not Eli.
That's stunning, Claudia.
Really hot. Seriously, that's perfect.
You know the girl is beautiful
when I start questioning my sexuality.
Eli finally showed up at the photo shoot.
I wasn't sure how to approach her.
I was being very cautious.
I was trying to sense
if she was going to be okay.
That swimwear is really sexy too.
-I chose swimwear like that on purpose.
-I can imagine.
For real, it's stunning.
I know my pace of life
is way too intense right now.
I know it's really not healthy,
so I need to reassess everything
and reconsider my priorities.
-Your hair is going to look beautiful.
-Yes.
However, the products
need to be included too.
Yeah, as if the shots show
the pool, view and swimwear,
people will focus on
the swimwear and not the hair.
If we want to focus on the hair,
we need close-up shots.
Do you want me to talk to him about it?
-I can't look through the lens myself.
-I'll tell him.
Work it, queen.
I'll do a bomb in the pool
right before the photo is taken.
No, it's honestly going to look amazing.
I just think we have a lot of pool shots.
We should mix it up. The products
have nothing to do with the pool.
That's great. We'll finish off
the pool shots and then change locations.
Eli always impresses me.
I'm never worried
when it comes to business.
I know she will always deliver.
The photos are going to look stunning.
I think you can really
pick up on that European vibe.
Yeah.
Your hair looks stunning.
You girls look like Roman goddesses.
Despite everything that's going on,
when there is a camera on me,
I am more able to compose myself
and put things out of my mind.
I'm smiling but I cried a lot.
My face looks so puffy.
-If I smile, my eyes basically shut.
-You're like a fly.
I have to put my feelings aside.
I'm not really present,
but I still get the job done
that needs doing.
I think that works well.
Elisabeth, look at her and you look at me.
That looks great.
-Elisabeth.
-Is it nice?
-Do we have
-Let me take with this camera.
-Okay.
-You all good there?
-It's more close up with this camera.
-Nice.
I'm really confident
that we got some great shots there,
as we have two incredible girls
with gorgeous hair.
It wasn't the girls'
first photo shoot either,
so once things were in motion,
they were able to deliver.
When I'm tired, I tell myself that
at least I have new employees
in the warehouse, gaining
a greater understanding of what I do.
I really love the fabrics you picked.
They're our bestsellers
and they're so pretty.
Yeah, I have these three colors here.
-There are also white headbands.
-Hang on. I have to try them on.
They're really beautiful.
I hear about Chloé a lot,
but hardly ever see her at the office,
mainly because I'm on the second floor.
She often comes to the first floor,
so I never run into her.
I think Chloé distanced herself
a lot from the family
as she didn't want
to be a part of my project,
so I suggested a project
that we can work on together
that would still be her own project.
How long would it take to make this?
If I really set my mind to it,
I could do it in about three days.
Oh, my God. That's quick.
-Yes, it really is.
-Okay, wow.
These products were a great choice
as they make sense.
They connect
the hair products that are coming out
with the swimwear we already have.
How is it working with Eli?
Well, you know your sister, right?
She's really interesting.
She knows her stuff.
It's fun working with her,
but her expectations are up here.
-You must meet those, which is tough.
-Yeah.
However, you have a family bond
which goes way back.
Yes, but communication
is a bit of a sticking point.
I don't think that's just the case
with her employees.
ONE WEEK EARLIER
Did you just want to do scrunchies?
I'd have done headbands
as they're more on-trend this year.
Like these? For sure.
Yes, but not in a dull black,
in colors that go with the swimwear.
I don't think sisters will necessarily
understand each other their whole lives,
as you can grow apart from time to time
but then get closer again.
Sometimes we love each other.
Sometimes we bicker. We have our moments.
CHLOÉ AND DOLORES
ELISABETH'S SISTERS
I'm just wondering about velvet headbands.
-Maybe fuchsia velvet?
-It's more to go in your hair.
-Like that, but not that one.
-This has a tighter fit.
Yeah, but the stitching
isn't as nice on that one.
-Let's switch it. Wait.
-It would need to be re-done.
I've got a pretty one,
a really pretty one.
This one.
-Without the bow, though.
-Okay.
-You don't like this?
-No.
-We're not going to have a bow.
-Okay.
Sorry.
Chloé and I clash more
than Dolores and I do
because we are extremely similar.
Basically,
I'm going to draw up two columns
for your ideas and her ideas.
You're the mediator? Can you handle that?
We have similar strengths
so it's extremely hard to work together.
If it reassures you at all,
when Eli talks to me about you,
she says that she is so pleased.
She thinks you're
so talented and creative.
You have your business.
You only make quality products.
Like, wow. You know what you're doing.
You know your stuff.
-You don't need to worry about anything.
-Yeah.
-She's 100% happy.
-Well, I'm happy to hear that.
Their relationship can be
a bit tricky at times.
They don't have the same personalities,
but it will work out amazingly in the end.
The trip to Italy was a big deal
but also an emotional rollercoaster.
However, I think this evening,
things are on the up as we're
celebrating the new collaboration.
We decided to all
go out for dinner together
to thank Eli for everything,
to finish this wonderful project
on a positive note
and to congratulate everyone, as a project
like this is ultimately about teamwork.
What a day we had. Incredible.
I can't wait to see the photos,
to see what they look like.
Me too.
You're both stunning,
so the photos will be really
I'm sure they will look amazing.
I'm sure of that. Seriously.
-Well, it wasn't easy, but
-Yes, that's true.
What's Italian for, "You're really hot"?
-Who do you want to say that to?
-Well, who knows?
Rémi, you can say, "Sei bellissimo."
That means, "You're super-hot."
"Sei bellissimo"?
And for a woman it's "bellissima"?
Exactly. Exactly.
Now you're ready to go all over Italy.
You can unleash me into the world now.
What are planning to visit in Italy?
What other places would you like
to go to after?
I want to see
what the tourist sites are like.
The guys, you mean.
I said the tourist sites, not the guys.
-Let's raise our glasses.
-Time for a speech.
RICCARDO COLOMBO
GENERAL MANAGER
So, I would like to thank everyone here,
in particular Elisabeth,
for the wonderful experience my co-workers
and I got to share with you today.
It was a special, unique day.
Riccardo even stood up and made a toast
to celebrate the collaboration.
Welcome into our family, Elisabeth.
Grazie.
I am convinced that we will go
incredibly far in business together
and that we will be fortunate enough
to have several successes in the future.
Thanks again to all of you
and all our collaborators.
I really feel like
it's the start of a new project.
I hope it works out
and that we can keep working together.
I think it's the beginning
of beautiful venture.
ONE MONTH LATER
ELISABETH'S GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE
I'm so happy to be back in Montreal
to be reunited with my family.
I plan to stay here
for at least a month for a little break.
Are you excited to see Granny and Grandpa?
-Yes.
-Are you happy?
Whenever I host a get-together,
I invite everyone in my family.
Like, "Who wants to come?"
Eli always arrives first
to see what I'm making,
as I make everything myself.
I love doing everything.
I need some people to do the dishes.
My husband's good at that.
So, tell me everything.
With everything that's happened,
are you going to rest for a bit?
What will you do?
I'll stay at home for a month.
It'll do me good.
Taking it easy with the little one.
We'll get more time together.
She was clearly fed up of traveling.
-Did you go to Italy?
-Yes, we went to Italy.
It was basically for our shampoo project.
-Okay.
-It's really moving along nicely.
The aim of going was for a photo shoot.
I'd say it was pretty intense, actually.
Really?
Even when the whole family comes together,
my grandma and I always
have a special bond,
so we end up chatting away.
Sometimes we catch up on what's happening
with everyone in our family, so
I don't know. There's a little
something special between us.
Run.
Wolfie.
Breastfeeding seems easier with her
than it was with Aakash.
Babies are exhausting, but compared
to Aakash, this has been easier.
How is Aakash with the baby?
-Is he getting on okay with her?
-Very much so.
Aakash is so cute with her.
I was kind of worried he'd be jealous.
But no, he's great with her.
He's too young to realize
that he has to share his parents with her.
Wolfie adores Aditya. She's really happy.
Wolfie acts like a little mom.
She likes to take care of her
and she's so sweet with her.
She thinks babies sleep all of the time
so she's always saying, "Shush."
30 years ago, would you have imagined
that we'd have grandkids? Seriously
30 years ago? No.
The first time I met you?
The first time I looked in your eyes? No.
-We've come a long way.
-We have indeed.
And that's why, even though
we do worry about our daughters,
they can handle things.
I was thinking,
how are the headbands going?
Being on maternity leave,
I've not followed their progress.
We launched them and they sold out.
-What? Really?
-Yeah.
We'll definitely make more colors.
If Chloé wants to, of course.
-Yeah.
-Have you managed to get along?
-Yes.
-You didn't bicker too much?
-No, in the end we
-Yes, we got over it.
Do you think you'll collaborate
on more projects in the future?
That depends on Chloé.
-Come here.
-Is she upset?
What do you think of our children?
Are you really proud of them?
-Yes, I'm proud of my daughters, for sure.
-Yeah?
-Yes. Dolores is in a good place.
-Yes.
Elisabeth too, and Chloé as well.
However, we all hope that Elisabeth
meets her soulmate one of these days.
-Yes.
-It'd make things a bit easier for her.
She has a lot on her plate.
Her daughter and the company.
-Yep.
-All of that is a lot.
Exactly, but she's young.
She can handle it.
I think our family has always been
close-knit due to my grandparents.
They always put family first.
I really admire them for that,
so I think with
my grandma's life experience,
in relation to business versus family,
she can truly best advise me
on how to juggle all of that.
After 35 years in business,
we're starting to take time for ourselves.
Everything is falling into place,
but, of course, business is business.
Everything can change overnight.
Do you want that?
Everything that is going on at Hoaka
is so special and remarkable.
It brings the family together, in a way.
We're a family of entrepreneurs.
We're all entrepreneurs,
with your artistic side, Danielle,
your entrepreneurial side, Steeve.
Yes.
Chloé, you're still young,
so you will keep growing in your own way.
The secret is
we all have our own strengths
and knowing how to use them
in the right time and place.
Exactly.
I think the future of Hoaka,
if we want to be kind of visionary,
involves stepping it up a notch
and growing it across the world
by selling more types of products.
-I think they're well on their way.
-Yes.
-They've started that.
-It needs to reach the next level.
It will be hard to reach that level,
but you can do it.
We should also try to envisage
what Elisabeth's plans are for the future.
In this current climate,
everything changes all of the time.
Yes, everyone watches what Elisabeth does.
She's the one people want to see.
They love her ideas.
Elisabeth is completely open.
Regarding what will follow on
after all of this,
the cogs will be turning
in her mind right now.
For a while now, I've often heard you
discussing plans for expanding Hoaka
and things that we could do in the future
with Hoaka and everything.
However, I'm not sure where I want
to go in life in general at the moment.
You know, it's a lot with Wolfie too,
being on my own and everything.
With this season coming to an end
and everything, I said to myself,
"That's it. I'm done with it for now."
-You're done with it for now?
-You're quitting for now?
No way.
When I started my company seven years ago,
I wanted it to give me
the means to travel,
and now I would say I'm overloaded.
I've kept going
because it has become a family business,
so it brought everyone together,
but now I'm starting to feel like
it's kind of pulling us apart.
I missed an important event in my family
when my sister gave birth.
Right now, I'm just fed up and exhausted.
Everyone is counting on me
but nothing is working out.
I'm not giving enough attention
to anyone, especially not myself.
I feel like I do everything for everyone
but no one is ever happy.
Over the last few years,
I've truly forgotten about myself.
I put my company before my own needs.
I don't want that life anymore.
This isn't the end of Hoaka,
but that version of Elisabeth
will no longer exist.