Achilles (2023) Movie Script
Don't push hard! Don't push it!
All right.
Now turn back gently.
Very good.
Let me fasten it.
Raise your hand.
Don't take them off for now.
Try not to move your arm
from the shoulder.
She's done here.
"HUNGER"
"NOVEL BY KNUT HAMSUN"
"Achilles" speaking
- We need a wristband, please.
- Which floor and what size?
She has a slender wrist.
Psychiatric ward, son.
Do you mean the fifth floor,
Neurology Ward?
No, dear. Psychiatric Ward.
It's in the backyard of the hospital.
Take the shortcut through the basement.
Just a moment!
This elevator works like this.
You get in from one side
and get out from the other.
Come in.
- Wheres the patient?
- The last room down the corridor.
- I come with you.
- What happened to her wrist?
Keep it down here.
She injured her tendons
after punching the wall.
- The wall?
- The wall.
You go, I'll join you in a minute.
What happened?
Why didn't you go in?
A woman is sitting naked on the bed.
You say it like you saw a jinn there.
Go ahead!
I guess its better if you go first.
OK. I'll go first.
My sweet lovely "Hedieh"...
You're going to catch a cold, love.
Don't you see our doctor is shy!
Im not a doctor.
He's not a doctor.
He doesnt seem to like doctors much.
He's an orthopedic practitioner.
I'm not that either.
OK, so you will be Achilles for us.
Come in.
Come do your job.
It's her wrist.
"Ms. Ketabdar"!
Ill be back in a minute.
She is calm. Don't worry.
- No problem.
- She's harmless.
Raise your wrist.
I know it hurts so much,
but this will help.
You can wear it by yourself.
It hurts a lot more without this.
It's easy. Just open your hand
and put your thumb in the hole.
Aha!
Right!
Done!
You'll have a bit of pain now.
Not so tense.
Do you have a cigarette?
No.
They won't let me sleep.
They talk all the time.
She's right.
They won't stop babbling.
They talk... talk...
Wont stop talking.
Who?
Are you kidding me?
Well, the walls!
My wall won't shut up either!
Aha!
For God's sake get me out of here.
Please.
I beg you.
- For God's sake take me too.
- Take me out.
Me, too.
I begged you.
What's the rush?
Where do you want to go?
Patients might visit.
Its after midnight, and
your number is always there on the door.
Come with me. Don't be afraid.
Come.
I'll treat you with a nice cup of tea
and a black coffee for me.
What was your real job?
Nothing important.
Well, there are many jobs out there
How come you chose to work in a hospital?
Like everyone, Nepotism.
What Zodiac sign are you?
My birthday is in a few days.
Why do you ask?
This is my son.
He was also a Virgo.
Bitter, just like you.
His words were bitter all the time
even toward himself.
I'm sorry.
How did he pass away?
Not a natural death.
They played me around for 26 days.
Sent me here and there
to finally give me his dead body.
How did you find out that he's not alive?
You used the past tense.
Aha...Past.
Then why didn't you say
"God bless his soul"?
Just disappointed in God
for quite some time, that's why
Look, don't say that
Don't you ever say that, ever.
Is there another exit out of this ward?
There is.
At the end of the corridor, to the right.
I'll let the guarding officer know.
All right then.
"PATIENT INFO DATABASE"
"NAME: HEDIEH SAGHARI"
"BIRTH DATE: 19 SEPTEMBER 1977"
"SUFFERING FROM: [EMPTY]"
"MEDICAL HISTORY: [EMPTY]"
"FAMILY MEMBER: [EMPTY]"
Thanks.
You're still here.
I thought you left again
without handing the shift over.
When have I ever done that?
"Teymouri" said you left early yesterday.
It doesn't matter.
I know it's hard to stay in this room.
- Where's the lab, sir?
- Do you see an information sign here?
The information desk
is at the end of the hall.
Better get the leak fixed
instead of picking on me. "Masoud"!
Infectious disease rooms are up there!
- They haven't fixed it yet?
- No, they haven't.
Believe me, I've told them
ten times, but they don't listen
I talked to that prick deputy yesterday.
You tell me, what else can I do?
The rent is so god-damned high.
They don't care?
So, just cancel the contract!
Just cancel the contract!
Do you think it's that simple?
They'll just replace me
with some poor fella.
It's an alibi Masoud.
You can choose not to be
that "poor fella".
Excuse me. Where's the ultrasound?
Downstairs, at the end of the corridor.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
"Farid".
Look...
Your father and "Sana"
ask about you every day.
Did I ask you to lie for me?
- No.
- Then what?
So should I tell them
you're hiding here in the hospital?
- Did I ask you to hide me here?
- You didnt. But...
So dont blame me
for your figments of imagination!
Figments of my imagination!?
Even the doorman knows it.
Im working here,
and I didnt ask for charity.
Nor did I ask anyone to lie for me.
Don't make a fuss.
Wait a minute.
- Hello.
- "Achilles" is here, right?
- Yes.
- Here's the prescription.
I'll be with you in a minute.
Why do you enjoy crushing people?
I didn't crush anyone.
You're always trying to prove
you're the smart guy.
I know we're in deep shit here.
But you have no right to dump on us
whenever you feel edgy.
What do you mean by "us"?
- Our friends, your family.
- Cut the bullish, Masoud.
I've got an earful of that.
You can leave me like everyone else.
- There is no problem.
- Excuse me, doctor!
- Yes?
- You're keeping us waiting.
I'm having a conversation.
Give me a minute.
You're deluded. You were the one
who made everyone leave.
Will you see your patient,
or should I do it for you?
Go ahead, doctor.
Good evening "Ms.Gilani".
- Hi Achilles. How do you do?
- Thanks.
- You have more laundry.
- Yes, three pieces.
- The clean ones are here.
- Thanks.
No problem.
- Sorry, could you help me?
- Should I put them in this bag?
Masoud? Yes?
Do you hear me, Masoud? Yes?
- I'll be there in a minute.
- Here you are.
I'll be there in a minute.
Here he is. Please tell him
you weren't here last night.
Yes, I was. I was here.
Were you here last night "Farid"!?
- Who did this to the tapes?
- Well, now you know.
- I'm so sorry.
- I don't need your apology.
Look. The walls open their mouths again.
I was sitting there.
- Let's go, dear.
- Then suddenly...
I will pay for the wall's damage.
You should do that for sure.
And do something about your employee.
He's in my office every day,
fussing about problems in the hospital.
Said "You have this problem,
you have that problem"
Am I wrong sir?
It's catastrophic.
- Let me explain.
- It's catastrophic.
He's right. There's been a leakage
in our ceiling for three months.
- I came to your...
- The ceiling is on the hospital's agenda.
After three months,
it's now on the agenda.
- Wait for me. I have something to tell.
- Leave me alone, Masoud.
I'll be back.
- The wall is ruined.
- I'll be back.
- Wait a minute.
- I'm not in the mood.
- Wait.
- Leave me alone.
Wait! I have a word with you.
You can't work like this in the hospital.
Why aren't you more careful?
What were you doing in this ward?
To reserve me a bed!
Of course, I had a patient.
Don't joke around.
I look you in the eyes, saying you weren't
here. But you say whatever you want!
I can't lie.
Why did you tape the walls?
She was punching the wall
because they talked. What should I do?
You're making me crazy, "Farid".
- The walls here aren't your business.
- Don't ask again.
I took you in to give you a favor.
Do you want to ruin my life?
What do you want from me?
I'll work for two more nights
till you find someone else.
Thats not what I meant.
Why do you always go
for the simple option of running away?
I'm not running away, doctor.
Two nights, doctor.
- "Farid" wait.
- Two nights, doctor.
Wait a minute.
Hi.
I have chocolate cake.
- Is your sleeping problem better?
- No.
Don't you want to do anything about it?
There's no cure!
What can I do?
You wanted to be alone for
a couple of weeks, not for 40 weeks!
When do you want to talk?
There is nothing to say.
What are you doing here!?
When do you want to come back?
Come back!? To what?
To your life,
to the career you always loved.
My life and career now
is what you see here.
"Farid".
Look at me.
Talk to me!
You come here at midnight,
with a cake and keep talking
about me and my work without
saying a word about our relationship?
Why?
You've loved your work
more than you love me.
You told me in the first place.
You could quit that,
so youll leave me too for sure!
- You loved it since your childhood.
- How about you?
Didnt you love your work?
Why did you quit music?
- Thats different for me.
- Whats the difference?
Yeah, you worked harder than I did.
- I wasn't fond of it as much as you were.
- Bullshit "Sana".
I was not as successful as you were.
Success!
This fucking success syndrome!
Don't tell me you have it, too.
Im neither talented nor interested.
Do your ears work?
Can you hear yourself?
So why dont you laugh at yourself? Why?
20 years! Count.
It took you 20 years to find out
youre neither talented nor interested?
20 years "Sana"!
Yes?
No. Were closed.
No, we dont have it.
Can you sit down for a few minutes?
I always feared that your bitterness...
I'll be at the receiving end
of your bitterness.
I was so afraid that I never told you
about my pain and why I quit music.
Do you think I don't know your problem?
You're afraid.
You're afraid that
you can't make the art you want.
Afraid of making things
that turn into something else.
You made a big deal out of it.
Now pretending you're feeling fine here.
Have you seen your face in the mirror?
Im tired.
I cant take it anymore.
You are right.
Its hard to tolerate a bitter
and selfish person like me.
You are right.
You always hated it
when people tried to play the victim,
- But youre doing the same now.
- Dont use my words against me "Sana".
Just don't do it!
Nobody forced you to be in this situation.
Go... live your life.
Thats not what I meant.
How easy you told me
to go and live my life!
"Sana"!
You know, it's very easy
to be someone like you.
To be angry, scold others,
and then escape.
I didn't escape.
So what's this!?
Huh?
You left everything
to avoid the blood on your hands
and now you're doing fucking nothing.
I don't want to sell myself
like many others.
So I'm left with only two options.
To leave the country
or keep my voice down.
I chose the second one.
Who says there are only two options?
You just need to stop being a coward.
I don't know you anymore.
I don't know why I fell in love with you.
You're right.
You told the truth.
I'm a coward
and will never be the same person.
I look around and see nothing
but filth and darkness.
I want to do something, but I can't.
"PSYCHIATRIC WARD"
I swear I didn't say anything.
I know... I know.
Would you like to get out of here?
- Out of here?
- Out of this room, this hospital.
It's not a hospital.
Its a prison.
Youre right, out of this prison.
Do you want to go for a ride?
OK.
Only promise me you won't say a word.
We have to be very quiet.
Don't you want to go out!?
Don't be afraid, follow me!
Where are you going? It's dark.
Where do you want to go?
Lets go to a restaurant. Im hungry.
How old did you say you are?
I didn't say.
How old do I look?
Forty, forty-one, forty-two.
Thirty-four.
You don't look your age.
Dont you want to ask how old I am?
Youll say it if you want.
No, guess how old do I look?
Maximum...
Twenty. Twenty-four!
Thats exactly how old I am.
Twenty-four.
Youre so smart!
You don't need to be smart.
You dont look older.
Here you are.
Dont you want to eat?
You said you were hungry, didn't you?
What's this?
Lets go to a proper restaurant.
This is the best restaurant in Tehran.
I am thirsty.
Oh, I forgot!
Doogh or Cola?
Water.
Guys did you see where
the lady who was in the car, go?
No, I wasn't looking that way.
- Did you see a woman in a patient gown?
- She went inside.
Wake up! We have to go.
Where are you going?
We shouldnt go back.
What... What are you doing!?
I do whatever you want.
Do you want to get me in trouble?
My life is already a mess.
Don't move until I come back.
- Don't move!
- OK.
Don't stay here!
Look. Get in the car. On alert!
Don't stay here, ladies.
Why did she do that after
all these years working in the hospital!?
But they still dont know
if it was her.
No, I talked to an officer.
He said "Mrs. Ketabdar"
has already confessed.
Hi "Achilles". When did you go out?
I didnt notice.
I went to get some breakfast.
Whats going on?
One Psychiatric Ward patients ran away.
All the police for just a patient?
She was a political prisoner.
Do they take prisoners here!?
I think the hospital
has contracts with some prisons.
"RADIO FARDA: HEDIEH SAGHARI, ACTIVISWHO HAS BEEN IN IRAN'S PRISONS FOR YEARS"
"BBC: HEDIEH SAGHARI RUSHED FROM
PRISON TO HOSPITAL AFTER A CONVULSION"
"LETTERS TO MY MOTHER"
"My loving mother, a single day
doesn't pass without me thinking of you."
"Mother means life and love"
"My dearest mother,
I'll always wait for you."
"My dear father passed away today
and I won't write for my mother anymore."
"CONTACT ME"
Do you remember why you were in prison?
You don't.
Watch your head!
Take a seat!
Wear these.
The pants are mine. It might not fit well.
I'll be back.
Is there something wrong with the car?
No.
So why did you take the other switch?
I want to take a passenger
to grandma's house.
I don't want it to break along the way.
Are you working as a driver now?
No, I know her.
Would you like some tea?
Have you ever seen me drink tea?
I have a word with you.
I'll be back.
I'll return the car in a few days.
Who said anything about the car?
Its your car.
Who's this woman?
Someone that everybody forgot about.
For as long as I can remember
I've just worked.
When I was a child,
instead of going to school
I worked as a shepherd for my father.
I stayed in Tehran after military service
I didn't know the language.
I was illiterate.
But I promised myself
not to return to the village.
I started as a laborer.
I took any jobs I could get.
In the end, got stuck in the hardest job.
I didn't understand anything in my life
except working.
I fought for my life.
You may think I don't understand you.
But it's not right.
I always say to myself, this is my son.
Because he's also fighting for his life.
For what he likes and wants.
But actually, not anymore.
Now I don't get you.
Now that you've just secured a place,
you left everything and everyone!
For what!?
Whats eating you, son?
Tell me.
It was the first time you hugged me.
My father never hugged me
in his whole life.
I get it.
But you have to understand me, too.
My heart is no longer with my work.
Just like that.
Depression.
Psychosis.
Insomnia.
They're all sick.
Want something cheerful?
No, these are cheerful.
Who's "Sana"?
- She was my wife.
- Was?
- Not anymore?
- No.
Apparently, she got a divorce.
- She must have depression.
- Right.
She's not doing well.
Are you angry?
Do you like to punch the wall?
I do.
Breathe with me
and ignore the sound of walls.
Not like that.
Breathe with me.
- All right.
- One, two, three...
Feeling better?
Do you like the sea?
I love it.
- So we'll head to the sea first.
- Oh, great.
"Though I haven't slept peacefully..."
"for a thousand nights."
"Though for thousands of nights..."
"Ive had nothing but
nightmares and grief."
"Though Ive run with the shadows..."
"for a thousand nights."
"Though it's been thousands of nights..."
"that Ive met my end, so it seems."
"I'm waiting for that night..."
"when Ill rise with the dawn."
"I dream of that moment..."
"of uniting with the sunlight."
What kind of doctor are you?
I'm not a doctor.
You're not?!
Don't tell me you love doctors,
just like my mum.
No, no.
I hate doctors.
They give you Fluphenazine and
Haloperidol, whatever chance they get.
No.
I don't like them at all.
My head's spinning.
So why were you in the hospital?
Are you sick?
It's where people are in pain and suffer.
So we suffer together.
Are you also sick?
Look.
My problems...
what I have in my head...
they all seem ridiculous in the hospital.
I understand better
with each passing minute...
What I have loved my whole life
is useless.
Whatever you do...
in the end, youre just a servant.
You can't do anything. You can't
change a fucking thing in this world.
It's not possible.
You're sick. It's clinical depression.
Promise me you'll get well.
If not, they'll do shock therapy.
With electric wires.
Promise me.
I promise.
Do you have a cigarette?
No.
"BANK ACCOUNT BLOCKED"
I can't buy this.
Why? It works perfectly.
Yeah, it's perfect.
But it's powerful and expensive.
Nobody will buy it here!
You can pay me less.
It would still be expensive.
Do you need money?
Pay half the price.
How about your phone? Is it broken?
- No. Why?
- So why you didn't call with it?
My SIM card burned out.
I can take it if you want,
for a good price.
You have a lot of messages.
Do you want to check them first?
- I'll be back.
- All right.
What have you done "Farid"?
Why did they interrogate "Masoud"
because of you?
Why are you trying to act like a hero?
Why do you think. Do you have
a magic wand to fix everything?
I get you.
But how can you help that woman?
Answer me.
No matter what I did,
she didn't get on the plane.
Believe me
I didn't want to leave her there.
Who?
My daughter.
I killed my daughter.
You didn't.
Did I kill my daughter?
Of course not.
Stop it. Look.
Who put this in your head
wanted to hurt you.
Are you listening?
Do you want to see her?
Hey, bro.
They're checking cars down the road.
It's better
if you don't take the main road.
Sorry, just...
Do you have a cigarette?
Cigarette... I can roll one for you.
How could you tell?
What?
About us?
It's as clear as day.
- Really?
- Why would I want to lie?
What's clear about us?
I was joking.
You scared me, man.
Scared of what?
There's no place for fear anymore.
You're now our Che Guevara.
Who's Che Guevara?
He's just joking.
But how did you recognize us?
I live my whole life on the Internet.
I saw a picture of this pretty lady today.
I didn't know it was real.
I'll get off here.
Take the road on the left of the rails.
Take the main road after
the rail underpass. It's easy to find.
Why did you help?
Why shouldn't I? Always hash-tagged
on the bed, and now in real life.
- It won't cost me a thing.
- Thanks.
Take care, pretty lady.
Thanks.
- Bye.
- Bye.
How beautiful. What's going on here?
They're celebrating us.
Really?
- Nice work.
- Thanks.
It's splendid. Is it all yours?
Now it's yours.
Hi "Sana".
I had to send you this message.
Look I keep calling Dad and Masoud
but they don't pick up the phone.
Would be great if you could
find out how they're doing.
Thanks.
- Didn't you say they're celebrating us?
- Yes, I did.
So why are we here?
It's for us but we shouldn't be there.
It's a tradition.
Silly tradition.
We're waiting for an email.
You need to talk to someone.
- Can we go after?
- We can.
Then I'll sleep here tonight.
- It'll get cold out here.
- It's fine.
I can tape the walls if you want.
No. It won't work.
What did you don't like about
the other scarf that you buy this one?
It was not colorful.
This one is pretty
Why didn't you say it then?
I don't know. I forgot to say.
I didn't know what to say.
Tell me whenever you like
something about me.
I will.
Don't spill. Cheers!
Don't go there. Join us.
Fix him a drink, "Ramin".
Good to see you.
Pour some.
To all the bachelors.
Cheers!
Pass the maze.
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Take something!
- Pass the maze.
He's behind, "Ramin".
Give him some more.
Careful!
- Cheers to all!
- Cheers!
- You're drinking too much.
- No.
- Cheers to all of you!
- Thanks.
Cheers!
Come here!
Pour us one more.
Now to the bride and groom.
- Cheers to all!
- Thanks.
- Pour for him, pour!
- He's a pro.
- Thanks.
- Cheers to all!
I called you a couple of times,
but your phone was off.
I went to your dad's. Neighbors said
officers raided the house to find you.
Your dad picks a quarrel with them.
His heart fails.
Neighbors find him when it's too late.
My condolences.
I didn't want to give you
the news like this. But I had to.
I called you a couple of times,
but your phone was off.
I went to your dad's. Neighbors said
officers raided the house to find you.
Your dad picks a quarrel with them...
I'll do whatever you say.
Please don't be sad.
Get off. You're free to go.
You didn't kill anyone
Everyone who put this in your head
wanted to hurt you
Don't feel bad.
HERE'S MY SKYPE ID,
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR CALL. NAZANIN
Help yourself with some dates.
Take some dates.
- God bless the dead souls.
- God bless you, son.
Why is she going there?
The lake is dry.
She's been coming here for 30 years.
Why?
She thinks they threw
her daughter's body into the lake.
So that's why it's dry now.
"AKHAVAN GUEST HOUSE"
Take a seat.
Mum!
Hi mummy!
It's me, "Nazanin".
Do you remember me?
I'm your daughter.
You picked this name for me.
Look at me.
We have the same eyes.
I missed you so much.
Dad loved this photo.
He said...
He took it when you two first arrived here.
He took you out after a long while.
You expected to go to a proper restaurant.
But he got you a cheap doner kebab
from a food booth.
So you got angry and refused to eat.
Here in this photo, you're sneak-eating.
Do you remember this one?
It's from the last day.
The day you left without me
I'm still afraid of planes...
But I get on when I have to.
Look at this.
It's me in your arms.
And this is you when you were younger.
I love this photo so much.
So do I.
Excuse me. Can I use the shop's phone?
We don't have a phone.
I can give you my cell phone.
Great, thanks.
- Here you are.
- Thanks.
Hello?
Is that you, "Farid"?
Hi.
Hello.
"Sana". Forgive me for being so scary that
you couldnt share your thoughts with me.
I was so into myself
that I didn't get your pain.
You were right.
There's a third option.
We can still do things.
Please come back.
Face on the wall!
On your knees.
Let's take the laptop and leave.
Get up!
All right.
Now turn back gently.
Very good.
Let me fasten it.
Raise your hand.
Don't take them off for now.
Try not to move your arm
from the shoulder.
She's done here.
"HUNGER"
"NOVEL BY KNUT HAMSUN"
"Achilles" speaking
- We need a wristband, please.
- Which floor and what size?
She has a slender wrist.
Psychiatric ward, son.
Do you mean the fifth floor,
Neurology Ward?
No, dear. Psychiatric Ward.
It's in the backyard of the hospital.
Take the shortcut through the basement.
Just a moment!
This elevator works like this.
You get in from one side
and get out from the other.
Come in.
- Wheres the patient?
- The last room down the corridor.
- I come with you.
- What happened to her wrist?
Keep it down here.
She injured her tendons
after punching the wall.
- The wall?
- The wall.
You go, I'll join you in a minute.
What happened?
Why didn't you go in?
A woman is sitting naked on the bed.
You say it like you saw a jinn there.
Go ahead!
I guess its better if you go first.
OK. I'll go first.
My sweet lovely "Hedieh"...
You're going to catch a cold, love.
Don't you see our doctor is shy!
Im not a doctor.
He's not a doctor.
He doesnt seem to like doctors much.
He's an orthopedic practitioner.
I'm not that either.
OK, so you will be Achilles for us.
Come in.
Come do your job.
It's her wrist.
"Ms. Ketabdar"!
Ill be back in a minute.
She is calm. Don't worry.
- No problem.
- She's harmless.
Raise your wrist.
I know it hurts so much,
but this will help.
You can wear it by yourself.
It hurts a lot more without this.
It's easy. Just open your hand
and put your thumb in the hole.
Aha!
Right!
Done!
You'll have a bit of pain now.
Not so tense.
Do you have a cigarette?
No.
They won't let me sleep.
They talk all the time.
She's right.
They won't stop babbling.
They talk... talk...
Wont stop talking.
Who?
Are you kidding me?
Well, the walls!
My wall won't shut up either!
Aha!
For God's sake get me out of here.
Please.
I beg you.
- For God's sake take me too.
- Take me out.
Me, too.
I begged you.
What's the rush?
Where do you want to go?
Patients might visit.
Its after midnight, and
your number is always there on the door.
Come with me. Don't be afraid.
Come.
I'll treat you with a nice cup of tea
and a black coffee for me.
What was your real job?
Nothing important.
Well, there are many jobs out there
How come you chose to work in a hospital?
Like everyone, Nepotism.
What Zodiac sign are you?
My birthday is in a few days.
Why do you ask?
This is my son.
He was also a Virgo.
Bitter, just like you.
His words were bitter all the time
even toward himself.
I'm sorry.
How did he pass away?
Not a natural death.
They played me around for 26 days.
Sent me here and there
to finally give me his dead body.
How did you find out that he's not alive?
You used the past tense.
Aha...Past.
Then why didn't you say
"God bless his soul"?
Just disappointed in God
for quite some time, that's why
Look, don't say that
Don't you ever say that, ever.
Is there another exit out of this ward?
There is.
At the end of the corridor, to the right.
I'll let the guarding officer know.
All right then.
"PATIENT INFO DATABASE"
"NAME: HEDIEH SAGHARI"
"BIRTH DATE: 19 SEPTEMBER 1977"
"SUFFERING FROM: [EMPTY]"
"MEDICAL HISTORY: [EMPTY]"
"FAMILY MEMBER: [EMPTY]"
Thanks.
You're still here.
I thought you left again
without handing the shift over.
When have I ever done that?
"Teymouri" said you left early yesterday.
It doesn't matter.
I know it's hard to stay in this room.
- Where's the lab, sir?
- Do you see an information sign here?
The information desk
is at the end of the hall.
Better get the leak fixed
instead of picking on me. "Masoud"!
Infectious disease rooms are up there!
- They haven't fixed it yet?
- No, they haven't.
Believe me, I've told them
ten times, but they don't listen
I talked to that prick deputy yesterday.
You tell me, what else can I do?
The rent is so god-damned high.
They don't care?
So, just cancel the contract!
Just cancel the contract!
Do you think it's that simple?
They'll just replace me
with some poor fella.
It's an alibi Masoud.
You can choose not to be
that "poor fella".
Excuse me. Where's the ultrasound?
Downstairs, at the end of the corridor.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
"Farid".
Look...
Your father and "Sana"
ask about you every day.
Did I ask you to lie for me?
- No.
- Then what?
So should I tell them
you're hiding here in the hospital?
- Did I ask you to hide me here?
- You didnt. But...
So dont blame me
for your figments of imagination!
Figments of my imagination!?
Even the doorman knows it.
Im working here,
and I didnt ask for charity.
Nor did I ask anyone to lie for me.
Don't make a fuss.
Wait a minute.
- Hello.
- "Achilles" is here, right?
- Yes.
- Here's the prescription.
I'll be with you in a minute.
Why do you enjoy crushing people?
I didn't crush anyone.
You're always trying to prove
you're the smart guy.
I know we're in deep shit here.
But you have no right to dump on us
whenever you feel edgy.
What do you mean by "us"?
- Our friends, your family.
- Cut the bullish, Masoud.
I've got an earful of that.
You can leave me like everyone else.
- There is no problem.
- Excuse me, doctor!
- Yes?
- You're keeping us waiting.
I'm having a conversation.
Give me a minute.
You're deluded. You were the one
who made everyone leave.
Will you see your patient,
or should I do it for you?
Go ahead, doctor.
Good evening "Ms.Gilani".
- Hi Achilles. How do you do?
- Thanks.
- You have more laundry.
- Yes, three pieces.
- The clean ones are here.
- Thanks.
No problem.
- Sorry, could you help me?
- Should I put them in this bag?
Masoud? Yes?
Do you hear me, Masoud? Yes?
- I'll be there in a minute.
- Here you are.
I'll be there in a minute.
Here he is. Please tell him
you weren't here last night.
Yes, I was. I was here.
Were you here last night "Farid"!?
- Who did this to the tapes?
- Well, now you know.
- I'm so sorry.
- I don't need your apology.
Look. The walls open their mouths again.
I was sitting there.
- Let's go, dear.
- Then suddenly...
I will pay for the wall's damage.
You should do that for sure.
And do something about your employee.
He's in my office every day,
fussing about problems in the hospital.
Said "You have this problem,
you have that problem"
Am I wrong sir?
It's catastrophic.
- Let me explain.
- It's catastrophic.
He's right. There's been a leakage
in our ceiling for three months.
- I came to your...
- The ceiling is on the hospital's agenda.
After three months,
it's now on the agenda.
- Wait for me. I have something to tell.
- Leave me alone, Masoud.
I'll be back.
- The wall is ruined.
- I'll be back.
- Wait a minute.
- I'm not in the mood.
- Wait.
- Leave me alone.
Wait! I have a word with you.
You can't work like this in the hospital.
Why aren't you more careful?
What were you doing in this ward?
To reserve me a bed!
Of course, I had a patient.
Don't joke around.
I look you in the eyes, saying you weren't
here. But you say whatever you want!
I can't lie.
Why did you tape the walls?
She was punching the wall
because they talked. What should I do?
You're making me crazy, "Farid".
- The walls here aren't your business.
- Don't ask again.
I took you in to give you a favor.
Do you want to ruin my life?
What do you want from me?
I'll work for two more nights
till you find someone else.
Thats not what I meant.
Why do you always go
for the simple option of running away?
I'm not running away, doctor.
Two nights, doctor.
- "Farid" wait.
- Two nights, doctor.
Wait a minute.
Hi.
I have chocolate cake.
- Is your sleeping problem better?
- No.
Don't you want to do anything about it?
There's no cure!
What can I do?
You wanted to be alone for
a couple of weeks, not for 40 weeks!
When do you want to talk?
There is nothing to say.
What are you doing here!?
When do you want to come back?
Come back!? To what?
To your life,
to the career you always loved.
My life and career now
is what you see here.
"Farid".
Look at me.
Talk to me!
You come here at midnight,
with a cake and keep talking
about me and my work without
saying a word about our relationship?
Why?
You've loved your work
more than you love me.
You told me in the first place.
You could quit that,
so youll leave me too for sure!
- You loved it since your childhood.
- How about you?
Didnt you love your work?
Why did you quit music?
- Thats different for me.
- Whats the difference?
Yeah, you worked harder than I did.
- I wasn't fond of it as much as you were.
- Bullshit "Sana".
I was not as successful as you were.
Success!
This fucking success syndrome!
Don't tell me you have it, too.
Im neither talented nor interested.
Do your ears work?
Can you hear yourself?
So why dont you laugh at yourself? Why?
20 years! Count.
It took you 20 years to find out
youre neither talented nor interested?
20 years "Sana"!
Yes?
No. Were closed.
No, we dont have it.
Can you sit down for a few minutes?
I always feared that your bitterness...
I'll be at the receiving end
of your bitterness.
I was so afraid that I never told you
about my pain and why I quit music.
Do you think I don't know your problem?
You're afraid.
You're afraid that
you can't make the art you want.
Afraid of making things
that turn into something else.
You made a big deal out of it.
Now pretending you're feeling fine here.
Have you seen your face in the mirror?
Im tired.
I cant take it anymore.
You are right.
Its hard to tolerate a bitter
and selfish person like me.
You are right.
You always hated it
when people tried to play the victim,
- But youre doing the same now.
- Dont use my words against me "Sana".
Just don't do it!
Nobody forced you to be in this situation.
Go... live your life.
Thats not what I meant.
How easy you told me
to go and live my life!
"Sana"!
You know, it's very easy
to be someone like you.
To be angry, scold others,
and then escape.
I didn't escape.
So what's this!?
Huh?
You left everything
to avoid the blood on your hands
and now you're doing fucking nothing.
I don't want to sell myself
like many others.
So I'm left with only two options.
To leave the country
or keep my voice down.
I chose the second one.
Who says there are only two options?
You just need to stop being a coward.
I don't know you anymore.
I don't know why I fell in love with you.
You're right.
You told the truth.
I'm a coward
and will never be the same person.
I look around and see nothing
but filth and darkness.
I want to do something, but I can't.
"PSYCHIATRIC WARD"
I swear I didn't say anything.
I know... I know.
Would you like to get out of here?
- Out of here?
- Out of this room, this hospital.
It's not a hospital.
Its a prison.
Youre right, out of this prison.
Do you want to go for a ride?
OK.
Only promise me you won't say a word.
We have to be very quiet.
Don't you want to go out!?
Don't be afraid, follow me!
Where are you going? It's dark.
Where do you want to go?
Lets go to a restaurant. Im hungry.
How old did you say you are?
I didn't say.
How old do I look?
Forty, forty-one, forty-two.
Thirty-four.
You don't look your age.
Dont you want to ask how old I am?
Youll say it if you want.
No, guess how old do I look?
Maximum...
Twenty. Twenty-four!
Thats exactly how old I am.
Twenty-four.
Youre so smart!
You don't need to be smart.
You dont look older.
Here you are.
Dont you want to eat?
You said you were hungry, didn't you?
What's this?
Lets go to a proper restaurant.
This is the best restaurant in Tehran.
I am thirsty.
Oh, I forgot!
Doogh or Cola?
Water.
Guys did you see where
the lady who was in the car, go?
No, I wasn't looking that way.
- Did you see a woman in a patient gown?
- She went inside.
Wake up! We have to go.
Where are you going?
We shouldnt go back.
What... What are you doing!?
I do whatever you want.
Do you want to get me in trouble?
My life is already a mess.
Don't move until I come back.
- Don't move!
- OK.
Don't stay here!
Look. Get in the car. On alert!
Don't stay here, ladies.
Why did she do that after
all these years working in the hospital!?
But they still dont know
if it was her.
No, I talked to an officer.
He said "Mrs. Ketabdar"
has already confessed.
Hi "Achilles". When did you go out?
I didnt notice.
I went to get some breakfast.
Whats going on?
One Psychiatric Ward patients ran away.
All the police for just a patient?
She was a political prisoner.
Do they take prisoners here!?
I think the hospital
has contracts with some prisons.
"RADIO FARDA: HEDIEH SAGHARI, ACTIVISWHO HAS BEEN IN IRAN'S PRISONS FOR YEARS"
"BBC: HEDIEH SAGHARI RUSHED FROM
PRISON TO HOSPITAL AFTER A CONVULSION"
"LETTERS TO MY MOTHER"
"My loving mother, a single day
doesn't pass without me thinking of you."
"Mother means life and love"
"My dearest mother,
I'll always wait for you."
"My dear father passed away today
and I won't write for my mother anymore."
"CONTACT ME"
Do you remember why you were in prison?
You don't.
Watch your head!
Take a seat!
Wear these.
The pants are mine. It might not fit well.
I'll be back.
Is there something wrong with the car?
No.
So why did you take the other switch?
I want to take a passenger
to grandma's house.
I don't want it to break along the way.
Are you working as a driver now?
No, I know her.
Would you like some tea?
Have you ever seen me drink tea?
I have a word with you.
I'll be back.
I'll return the car in a few days.
Who said anything about the car?
Its your car.
Who's this woman?
Someone that everybody forgot about.
For as long as I can remember
I've just worked.
When I was a child,
instead of going to school
I worked as a shepherd for my father.
I stayed in Tehran after military service
I didn't know the language.
I was illiterate.
But I promised myself
not to return to the village.
I started as a laborer.
I took any jobs I could get.
In the end, got stuck in the hardest job.
I didn't understand anything in my life
except working.
I fought for my life.
You may think I don't understand you.
But it's not right.
I always say to myself, this is my son.
Because he's also fighting for his life.
For what he likes and wants.
But actually, not anymore.
Now I don't get you.
Now that you've just secured a place,
you left everything and everyone!
For what!?
Whats eating you, son?
Tell me.
It was the first time you hugged me.
My father never hugged me
in his whole life.
I get it.
But you have to understand me, too.
My heart is no longer with my work.
Just like that.
Depression.
Psychosis.
Insomnia.
They're all sick.
Want something cheerful?
No, these are cheerful.
Who's "Sana"?
- She was my wife.
- Was?
- Not anymore?
- No.
Apparently, she got a divorce.
- She must have depression.
- Right.
She's not doing well.
Are you angry?
Do you like to punch the wall?
I do.
Breathe with me
and ignore the sound of walls.
Not like that.
Breathe with me.
- All right.
- One, two, three...
Feeling better?
Do you like the sea?
I love it.
- So we'll head to the sea first.
- Oh, great.
"Though I haven't slept peacefully..."
"for a thousand nights."
"Though for thousands of nights..."
"Ive had nothing but
nightmares and grief."
"Though Ive run with the shadows..."
"for a thousand nights."
"Though it's been thousands of nights..."
"that Ive met my end, so it seems."
"I'm waiting for that night..."
"when Ill rise with the dawn."
"I dream of that moment..."
"of uniting with the sunlight."
What kind of doctor are you?
I'm not a doctor.
You're not?!
Don't tell me you love doctors,
just like my mum.
No, no.
I hate doctors.
They give you Fluphenazine and
Haloperidol, whatever chance they get.
No.
I don't like them at all.
My head's spinning.
So why were you in the hospital?
Are you sick?
It's where people are in pain and suffer.
So we suffer together.
Are you also sick?
Look.
My problems...
what I have in my head...
they all seem ridiculous in the hospital.
I understand better
with each passing minute...
What I have loved my whole life
is useless.
Whatever you do...
in the end, youre just a servant.
You can't do anything. You can't
change a fucking thing in this world.
It's not possible.
You're sick. It's clinical depression.
Promise me you'll get well.
If not, they'll do shock therapy.
With electric wires.
Promise me.
I promise.
Do you have a cigarette?
No.
"BANK ACCOUNT BLOCKED"
I can't buy this.
Why? It works perfectly.
Yeah, it's perfect.
But it's powerful and expensive.
Nobody will buy it here!
You can pay me less.
It would still be expensive.
Do you need money?
Pay half the price.
How about your phone? Is it broken?
- No. Why?
- So why you didn't call with it?
My SIM card burned out.
I can take it if you want,
for a good price.
You have a lot of messages.
Do you want to check them first?
- I'll be back.
- All right.
What have you done "Farid"?
Why did they interrogate "Masoud"
because of you?
Why are you trying to act like a hero?
Why do you think. Do you have
a magic wand to fix everything?
I get you.
But how can you help that woman?
Answer me.
No matter what I did,
she didn't get on the plane.
Believe me
I didn't want to leave her there.
Who?
My daughter.
I killed my daughter.
You didn't.
Did I kill my daughter?
Of course not.
Stop it. Look.
Who put this in your head
wanted to hurt you.
Are you listening?
Do you want to see her?
Hey, bro.
They're checking cars down the road.
It's better
if you don't take the main road.
Sorry, just...
Do you have a cigarette?
Cigarette... I can roll one for you.
How could you tell?
What?
About us?
It's as clear as day.
- Really?
- Why would I want to lie?
What's clear about us?
I was joking.
You scared me, man.
Scared of what?
There's no place for fear anymore.
You're now our Che Guevara.
Who's Che Guevara?
He's just joking.
But how did you recognize us?
I live my whole life on the Internet.
I saw a picture of this pretty lady today.
I didn't know it was real.
I'll get off here.
Take the road on the left of the rails.
Take the main road after
the rail underpass. It's easy to find.
Why did you help?
Why shouldn't I? Always hash-tagged
on the bed, and now in real life.
- It won't cost me a thing.
- Thanks.
Take care, pretty lady.
Thanks.
- Bye.
- Bye.
How beautiful. What's going on here?
They're celebrating us.
Really?
- Nice work.
- Thanks.
It's splendid. Is it all yours?
Now it's yours.
Hi "Sana".
I had to send you this message.
Look I keep calling Dad and Masoud
but they don't pick up the phone.
Would be great if you could
find out how they're doing.
Thanks.
- Didn't you say they're celebrating us?
- Yes, I did.
So why are we here?
It's for us but we shouldn't be there.
It's a tradition.
Silly tradition.
We're waiting for an email.
You need to talk to someone.
- Can we go after?
- We can.
Then I'll sleep here tonight.
- It'll get cold out here.
- It's fine.
I can tape the walls if you want.
No. It won't work.
What did you don't like about
the other scarf that you buy this one?
It was not colorful.
This one is pretty
Why didn't you say it then?
I don't know. I forgot to say.
I didn't know what to say.
Tell me whenever you like
something about me.
I will.
Don't spill. Cheers!
Don't go there. Join us.
Fix him a drink, "Ramin".
Good to see you.
Pour some.
To all the bachelors.
Cheers!
Pass the maze.
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Take something!
- Pass the maze.
He's behind, "Ramin".
Give him some more.
Careful!
- Cheers to all!
- Cheers!
- You're drinking too much.
- No.
- Cheers to all of you!
- Thanks.
Cheers!
Come here!
Pour us one more.
Now to the bride and groom.
- Cheers to all!
- Thanks.
- Pour for him, pour!
- He's a pro.
- Thanks.
- Cheers to all!
I called you a couple of times,
but your phone was off.
I went to your dad's. Neighbors said
officers raided the house to find you.
Your dad picks a quarrel with them.
His heart fails.
Neighbors find him when it's too late.
My condolences.
I didn't want to give you
the news like this. But I had to.
I called you a couple of times,
but your phone was off.
I went to your dad's. Neighbors said
officers raided the house to find you.
Your dad picks a quarrel with them...
I'll do whatever you say.
Please don't be sad.
Get off. You're free to go.
You didn't kill anyone
Everyone who put this in your head
wanted to hurt you
Don't feel bad.
HERE'S MY SKYPE ID,
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR CALL. NAZANIN
Help yourself with some dates.
Take some dates.
- God bless the dead souls.
- God bless you, son.
Why is she going there?
The lake is dry.
She's been coming here for 30 years.
Why?
She thinks they threw
her daughter's body into the lake.
So that's why it's dry now.
"AKHAVAN GUEST HOUSE"
Take a seat.
Mum!
Hi mummy!
It's me, "Nazanin".
Do you remember me?
I'm your daughter.
You picked this name for me.
Look at me.
We have the same eyes.
I missed you so much.
Dad loved this photo.
He said...
He took it when you two first arrived here.
He took you out after a long while.
You expected to go to a proper restaurant.
But he got you a cheap doner kebab
from a food booth.
So you got angry and refused to eat.
Here in this photo, you're sneak-eating.
Do you remember this one?
It's from the last day.
The day you left without me
I'm still afraid of planes...
But I get on when I have to.
Look at this.
It's me in your arms.
And this is you when you were younger.
I love this photo so much.
So do I.
Excuse me. Can I use the shop's phone?
We don't have a phone.
I can give you my cell phone.
Great, thanks.
- Here you are.
- Thanks.
Hello?
Is that you, "Farid"?
Hi.
Hello.
"Sana". Forgive me for being so scary that
you couldnt share your thoughts with me.
I was so into myself
that I didn't get your pain.
You were right.
There's a third option.
We can still do things.
Please come back.
Face on the wall!
On your knees.
Let's take the laptop and leave.
Get up!