In My Mother's Skin (2023) Movie Script
1
1945, PHILIPPINES.
THE NEAR END OF WORLD WAR II.
Did you hear about the baby
who was bayonetted in Manila?
A Japanese soldier threw the baby
before skewing it with his bayonet.
What are they doing here?
- Antonio.
- I hope they give us food again.
Let's go in.
Why are they giving us food
if they are the enemy?
We'll have a feast!
We're going to eat!
They won't hurt us, right?
Let's go.
They might see us!
Let's eat!
Hey, let's eat.
Don't waste the food.
You are lucky that
you still have decent food like this.
What more do you need, Antonio?
I told you everything
that you want to know.
I just want my family to live in peace.
Aldo.
All of us want to live in peace.
Even these fucking Japanese
want to live in peace.
So tell me where you hid the gold!
I don't know!
I don't know anything about it.
Leave, I beg you.
You're lucky as well, Ligaya.
Your husband is a great merchant.
He knows how to receive
and how to give.
Be thankful...
that Aldo still has his connections.
Let's eat!
I have faith in your father.
Don't worry.
Why is that Filipino
with the Japanese soldiers?
Aren't they the enemy?
I need to find us a way
to get out of this fucking country.
You have been through a lot.
Have mercy on yourself.
Ligaya.
They have orders
to kill everyone in the village.
As long as Antonio's alive,
you're not safe.
But I'll return.
Just promise me
that you will not leave this house. Okay?
Tell me the truth.
Did you steal the Japanese gold?
Ligaya.
I would never do anything
that would put you in danger.
I'll never forgive myself
if something happens to you.
Father?
What's happening?
The Americans are here.
They need my help.
How about us?
I shall return.
Use it if you need to.
You have to be brave.
Protect this house.
Protect your mother and sister.
Prove that you're a hero.
Your father will be safe.
He'll return.
I know it.
Seora?
Seora!
In the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
TWO WEEKS LATER.
Sweet potato again.
I hope the Japanese come again.
Mother?
Let's eat.
Bear with it.
It's all we have.
Mother?
What will happen to us
if Father doesn't return?
As long as we have light in our home,
nothing will happen to us
nor to your father.
In times of great darkness,
all we need
is a speck of light.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Mother?
Seora!
Seora.
Seora!
Get the medicine! Quick!
- Seora!
- Mother?
Mom?
Mother?
Seora.
Thank you.
Mother?
Something might have happened to Father.
I can go out tomorrow.
I'll look for food.
We'll wait here.
Has it ever occurred to you
that Father might be dead?
Don't you dare say that!
Tala?
Mother.
Where are you going?
I'm just getting something.
Go back to sleep.
You're going out?
Bantay!
Bayani, Mother might hear you!
Bayani.
Bayani! Let's go!
Tala, are we lost?
- Didn't Mother say that we're not...
- It's quicker this way.
Do you think...
that Father is still alive?
Father will return.
He promised.
Bayani!
Tala.
Wait for me there.
Let's go.
What happened?
Tala, what did you see?
- Tala!
- Nothing.
Let's go. The village
is still far from here.
What did you see?
Tala.
Father?
Bayani, it's Father.
Bayani?
Tala? Bayani?
Amor!
Amor?
Seora, why did you get up?
Where are the children?
The children are missing!
Bayani!
Where are you, Bayani?
Bayani!
Bayani?
Bayani!
Tala!
Bayani?
I've been waiting for you.
Do not be afraid.
I am your friend.
Only the innocent can find this place.
Those with untainted hearts...
like you.
Do you want to know
if your father is still alive?
You want to, don't you?
You know where Father is?
He is alive.
And he will return.
Where's my brother?
Don't worry.
He has returned home.
How do you know all this?
Them.
They know everything.
And they are the ones who give me life.
Tala, if you need my help, I am here.
You just need to ask.
Tala!
Tala, why did you go to the forest?
You know that it's dangerous out there!
This kid.
You're so stubborn, Tala.
You put your brother in danger.
We need to ask for help.
We're running out of food, Mother.
What if Father doesn't return?
What if your illness worsens?
Who will help us?
Your father will return.
Your mother's illness is getting worse.
This will cure her.
But it might also
make your mother its new home.
The decision is yours, Tala.
What happened to you yesterday?
Bayani.
We're not going to die, right?
What made you think that?
I had a dream.
I couldn't find you, Mother, or Father.
You just vanished.
Then, I heard a voice
calling me from the forest.
I followed it.
Tala, all of you were dead.
Your heads were gone.
Don't worry.
I met a woman in the forest.
She said that Father will be back.
Did they see you?
No.
Where is it?
Give me more time.
I have a hunch about where it's hidden.
I can find it. I promise.
I'm sick of promises, Amor.
Our country is a mess
because of those promises.
I beg you. Please find Lando.
Find the treasure first.
You're not lying, are you?
You know my influence
on my Japanese friends.
Find the treasure,
and I'll take care of them.
Besides...
we're the only ones here.
No one else will help us.
Do the children know?
The children know nothing.
I'll give you two more days. Or else...
I'll look for it myself.
When that happens,
you'll never be able to see Lando again.
Mother?
Amor?
Amor!
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
How are you, Mother?
We're almost out of food.
Your father will be back soon.
He'll bring home a feast,
so you don't have to worry.
What happened last night, Tala?
I met someone, Mother.
A fairy.
A fairy?
What did you do?
I know that you won't believe me.
But she healed you.
The important thing
is you're fine, Mother.
Let's eat.
Tala?
Mom?
Mother?
Amor?
Please help us.
Amor!
They say that your mother is cured.
All thanks to you.
What do you need, Tala?
Food.
We need food.
Food is all you want?
Take as much food as you please.
Just remember that you are a woman now.
You can decide for yourself.
Bayani!
Look.
Your favorites.
What happened to you?
It's Mother.
Something's wrong with her.
What happened?
Where's the key?
- Bayani, where's the key?
- This is your fault!
You and your friend!
Bayani.
This food...
You're turning me into a monster too?
What have you ever done to help?
You're just a burden.
If you want to go inside, go!
Tala.
Bayani?
Tala!
It's Mother...
Where's Mother?
What happened to her?
Bayani, don't! Bayani, no!
Has your father returned?
Not yet, Mother.
Lock me up.
- But, Mother...
- Do you want to die?
Lock me up now!
Tala.
We need...
light.
I'll fix this, Bayani.
What did you do to Mother?
Bring us back to the way we were before!
You made the decision.
You did the right thing.
Even if the price was...
your mother's humanity.
Didn't you do what was needed...
because you love her?
Leave.
We don't need your help!
You're the one who needs me.
If you need my help again...
you know where to find me.
Leave!
Get out of here!
Go away!
Leave!
Get out!
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where is it?
You're just like your husband.
Useless!
Please! Tell me where Lando is!
You're so naive!
You think you can lie to me?
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where's the gold? Tell me!
I don't know.
Where is Father?
Don't expect that you'll ever see
your fucking father again.
Do you want to know the truth?
What kind of man your father is?
He's conspiring with the Japanese
for your lives!
Now, tell me. Who are the real heroes?
The Americans or the Japanese?
Where is Father?
Dead!
Everyone's dead!
Nothing's left in the village.
That's not true.
That's not true!
Tala!
Bayani, no! Don't!
Alright, shoot.
Shoot!
Don't put it down.
Pull the trigger. Shoot!
Shoot. There, aim at me!
Pull the trigger. Shoot!
Don't put it down.
Hold it. Like that!
Don't put it down. Shoot!
You really are Aldo's children.
Bayani! Bayani!
Are you going to tell me
where the fucking gold is or not?
Speak up!
In Mother's bedroom.
Bayani.
Bayani.
Bayani.
Amor!
Amor, help us!
Amor.
I've had enough of your faces.
Your traitorous father is dead.
Why weren't you the ones killed instead?
Antonio is the only one
who can help me now.
Mother.
Mom.
Where is it?
Where is it?
Are you fooling me?
Where...
Amor, help me...
Bayani! Bayani, we have to leave!
Endure it for now!
Bayani.
Bayani. Bayani.
Bayani, come on.
Bayani!
Bayani.
Bayani. Bayani, come on...
Bayani?
Rest here. I'll look for help, okay?
Wait for me.
Show yourself.
Help us.
Show yourself!
This is your fault.
This is your fault.
This is all your fault.
What have you done?
Show yourself!
Give my family back to me.
Give them back!
Give them back to me.
You can put an end to all of this.
Eat this,
and everything will end.
You're just deceiving me.
You're deceiving me.
Bayani?
Bayani?
Enough! Enough!
Make it stop! Enough!
Make it stop!
Stop it!
Stop!
You need me, Tala.
Tell me what you want.
They are here to help you.
I want all of this gone!
Mother?
Tala.
Bayani.
Mother.
Mother.
This is all my fault.
Mother.
Mom...
this is my fault.
This will all be gone.
You can do everything you wish.
The suffering will end.
Eat this,
and you will truly be free.
Under the altar.
Take it.
Hide it somewhere.
Tala.
Tala?
Bayani!
Ligaya!
Tala!
Bayani!
THE PURESMother?
If you are listening...
please guide me.
I no longer know
who I should believe, who I should trust.
May you be my light
in this very long night.
1945, PHILIPPINES.
THE NEAR END OF WORLD WAR II.
Did you hear about the baby
who was bayonetted in Manila?
A Japanese soldier threw the baby
before skewing it with his bayonet.
What are they doing here?
- Antonio.
- I hope they give us food again.
Let's go in.
Why are they giving us food
if they are the enemy?
We'll have a feast!
We're going to eat!
They won't hurt us, right?
Let's go.
They might see us!
Let's eat!
Hey, let's eat.
Don't waste the food.
You are lucky that
you still have decent food like this.
What more do you need, Antonio?
I told you everything
that you want to know.
I just want my family to live in peace.
Aldo.
All of us want to live in peace.
Even these fucking Japanese
want to live in peace.
So tell me where you hid the gold!
I don't know!
I don't know anything about it.
Leave, I beg you.
You're lucky as well, Ligaya.
Your husband is a great merchant.
He knows how to receive
and how to give.
Be thankful...
that Aldo still has his connections.
Let's eat!
I have faith in your father.
Don't worry.
Why is that Filipino
with the Japanese soldiers?
Aren't they the enemy?
I need to find us a way
to get out of this fucking country.
You have been through a lot.
Have mercy on yourself.
Ligaya.
They have orders
to kill everyone in the village.
As long as Antonio's alive,
you're not safe.
But I'll return.
Just promise me
that you will not leave this house. Okay?
Tell me the truth.
Did you steal the Japanese gold?
Ligaya.
I would never do anything
that would put you in danger.
I'll never forgive myself
if something happens to you.
Father?
What's happening?
The Americans are here.
They need my help.
How about us?
I shall return.
Use it if you need to.
You have to be brave.
Protect this house.
Protect your mother and sister.
Prove that you're a hero.
Your father will be safe.
He'll return.
I know it.
Seora?
Seora!
In the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
TWO WEEKS LATER.
Sweet potato again.
I hope the Japanese come again.
Mother?
Let's eat.
Bear with it.
It's all we have.
Mother?
What will happen to us
if Father doesn't return?
As long as we have light in our home,
nothing will happen to us
nor to your father.
In times of great darkness,
all we need
is a speck of light.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Mother?
Seora!
Seora.
Seora!
Get the medicine! Quick!
- Seora!
- Mother?
Mom?
Mother?
Seora.
Thank you.
Mother?
Something might have happened to Father.
I can go out tomorrow.
I'll look for food.
We'll wait here.
Has it ever occurred to you
that Father might be dead?
Don't you dare say that!
Tala?
Mother.
Where are you going?
I'm just getting something.
Go back to sleep.
You're going out?
Bantay!
Bayani, Mother might hear you!
Bayani.
Bayani! Let's go!
Tala, are we lost?
- Didn't Mother say that we're not...
- It's quicker this way.
Do you think...
that Father is still alive?
Father will return.
He promised.
Bayani!
Tala.
Wait for me there.
Let's go.
What happened?
Tala, what did you see?
- Tala!
- Nothing.
Let's go. The village
is still far from here.
What did you see?
Tala.
Father?
Bayani, it's Father.
Bayani?
Tala? Bayani?
Amor!
Amor?
Seora, why did you get up?
Where are the children?
The children are missing!
Bayani!
Where are you, Bayani?
Bayani!
Bayani?
Bayani!
Tala!
Bayani?
I've been waiting for you.
Do not be afraid.
I am your friend.
Only the innocent can find this place.
Those with untainted hearts...
like you.
Do you want to know
if your father is still alive?
You want to, don't you?
You know where Father is?
He is alive.
And he will return.
Where's my brother?
Don't worry.
He has returned home.
How do you know all this?
Them.
They know everything.
And they are the ones who give me life.
Tala, if you need my help, I am here.
You just need to ask.
Tala!
Tala, why did you go to the forest?
You know that it's dangerous out there!
This kid.
You're so stubborn, Tala.
You put your brother in danger.
We need to ask for help.
We're running out of food, Mother.
What if Father doesn't return?
What if your illness worsens?
Who will help us?
Your father will return.
Your mother's illness is getting worse.
This will cure her.
But it might also
make your mother its new home.
The decision is yours, Tala.
What happened to you yesterday?
Bayani.
We're not going to die, right?
What made you think that?
I had a dream.
I couldn't find you, Mother, or Father.
You just vanished.
Then, I heard a voice
calling me from the forest.
I followed it.
Tala, all of you were dead.
Your heads were gone.
Don't worry.
I met a woman in the forest.
She said that Father will be back.
Did they see you?
No.
Where is it?
Give me more time.
I have a hunch about where it's hidden.
I can find it. I promise.
I'm sick of promises, Amor.
Our country is a mess
because of those promises.
I beg you. Please find Lando.
Find the treasure first.
You're not lying, are you?
You know my influence
on my Japanese friends.
Find the treasure,
and I'll take care of them.
Besides...
we're the only ones here.
No one else will help us.
Do the children know?
The children know nothing.
I'll give you two more days. Or else...
I'll look for it myself.
When that happens,
you'll never be able to see Lando again.
Mother?
Amor?
Amor!
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
How are you, Mother?
We're almost out of food.
Your father will be back soon.
He'll bring home a feast,
so you don't have to worry.
What happened last night, Tala?
I met someone, Mother.
A fairy.
A fairy?
What did you do?
I know that you won't believe me.
But she healed you.
The important thing
is you're fine, Mother.
Let's eat.
Tala?
Mom?
Mother?
Amor?
Please help us.
Amor!
They say that your mother is cured.
All thanks to you.
What do you need, Tala?
Food.
We need food.
Food is all you want?
Take as much food as you please.
Just remember that you are a woman now.
You can decide for yourself.
Bayani!
Look.
Your favorites.
What happened to you?
It's Mother.
Something's wrong with her.
What happened?
Where's the key?
- Bayani, where's the key?
- This is your fault!
You and your friend!
Bayani.
This food...
You're turning me into a monster too?
What have you ever done to help?
You're just a burden.
If you want to go inside, go!
Tala.
Bayani?
Tala!
It's Mother...
Where's Mother?
What happened to her?
Bayani, don't! Bayani, no!
Has your father returned?
Not yet, Mother.
Lock me up.
- But, Mother...
- Do you want to die?
Lock me up now!
Tala.
We need...
light.
I'll fix this, Bayani.
What did you do to Mother?
Bring us back to the way we were before!
You made the decision.
You did the right thing.
Even if the price was...
your mother's humanity.
Didn't you do what was needed...
because you love her?
Leave.
We don't need your help!
You're the one who needs me.
If you need my help again...
you know where to find me.
Leave!
Get out of here!
Go away!
Leave!
Get out!
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where is it?
You're just like your husband.
Useless!
Please! Tell me where Lando is!
You're so naive!
You think you can lie to me?
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where's the gold? Tell me!
I don't know.
Where is Father?
Don't expect that you'll ever see
your fucking father again.
Do you want to know the truth?
What kind of man your father is?
He's conspiring with the Japanese
for your lives!
Now, tell me. Who are the real heroes?
The Americans or the Japanese?
Where is Father?
Dead!
Everyone's dead!
Nothing's left in the village.
That's not true.
That's not true!
Tala!
Bayani, no! Don't!
Alright, shoot.
Shoot!
Don't put it down.
Pull the trigger. Shoot!
Shoot. There, aim at me!
Pull the trigger. Shoot!
Don't put it down.
Hold it. Like that!
Don't put it down. Shoot!
You really are Aldo's children.
Bayani! Bayani!
Are you going to tell me
where the fucking gold is or not?
Speak up!
In Mother's bedroom.
Bayani.
Bayani.
Bayani.
Amor!
Amor, help us!
Amor.
I've had enough of your faces.
Your traitorous father is dead.
Why weren't you the ones killed instead?
Antonio is the only one
who can help me now.
Mother.
Mom.
Where is it?
Where is it?
Are you fooling me?
Where...
Amor, help me...
Bayani! Bayani, we have to leave!
Endure it for now!
Bayani.
Bayani. Bayani.
Bayani, come on.
Bayani!
Bayani.
Bayani. Bayani, come on...
Bayani?
Rest here. I'll look for help, okay?
Wait for me.
Show yourself.
Help us.
Show yourself!
This is your fault.
This is your fault.
This is all your fault.
What have you done?
Show yourself!
Give my family back to me.
Give them back!
Give them back to me.
You can put an end to all of this.
Eat this,
and everything will end.
You're just deceiving me.
You're deceiving me.
Bayani?
Bayani?
Enough! Enough!
Make it stop! Enough!
Make it stop!
Stop it!
Stop!
You need me, Tala.
Tell me what you want.
They are here to help you.
I want all of this gone!
Mother?
Tala.
Bayani.
Mother.
Mother.
This is all my fault.
Mother.
Mom...
this is my fault.
This will all be gone.
You can do everything you wish.
The suffering will end.
Eat this,
and you will truly be free.
Under the altar.
Take it.
Hide it somewhere.
Tala.
Tala?
Bayani!
Ligaya!
Tala!
Bayani!
THE PURESMother?
If you are listening...
please guide me.
I no longer know
who I should believe, who I should trust.
May you be my light
in this very long night.