Medium (2023) Movie Script

1
A CO-PRODUCTION OF THE
HELLENIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION
SUPPORTED BY GREEK FILM CENTRE
BULGARIAN NATIONAL FILM CENTRE
PRODUCERS
BASED ON THE BOOK
BY GIORGOS SYMPARDIS
WRITTEN / DIRECTED BY
CHRISTINA IOAKIMIDI
Come on.
Pause.
Let's go.
Be careful.
-Are we good?
-Wait.
-Come on.
-Let's go. And...
-Lift it up.
-It is stuck.
Take it.
How many more things
could a baby need?
A lot! Trust me.
Luckily, Maria's children
are grown up.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we will endure this heat wave.
In the studio with us,
our meteorologist...
Take a glass.
...the highest
temperatures in the next few hours,
but also when it will finally
cool down.
Don't!
I'm pregnant!
Doesn't mum
look like a child here?
Huh?
Doesn't she look like a child here?
Yes, sure, like a child.
Dad called when you were out.
-Did he miss me?
-I don't think so.
-He's got his baby.
-Right.
-It's so cute.
-Oh, so cute.
-And so beautiful.
-Aw!
And crawls all over the house.
-What are you talking about!
-You wouldn't believe it.
Will I be talking about sht
all the time?
I can't stand you talking about sht
all the time.
He wanted to tell us about Zoe.
You're kidding me!
I'm not!
About our cousin, Zoe.
Why would I want to hear about her?
I haven't seen them
since they left for Germany.
I had a dream about her.
A very strange dream.
We were dancing at the beach.
It was a very happy dream,
I was disappointed to wake up.
So, what about Zoe?
-She's sick.
-What do you mean?
-Like mum.
-Which means?
Can you please stay still?
So?
Just that. Nothing else.
The doctors there are great.
Hospitals too, it's not like here.
-A haircut?
-Mmm.
Is it bigger than this morning?
Eleftheria is crying.
I didn't get it.
-Sorry.
-Because it's you.
Shall we go?
Did you like it?
-Yes.
-I didn't.
We're lucky we didn't pay.
Eleftheria.
She came two-three days ago.
-Eleftheria?
-Whoa.
Watch your step, girl!
This is Eleftheria.
Hi, Eleftheria.
Hi.
Did you come back from Aegina?
-I was in Lavrio.
-Oh.
-Are you due soon?
-Yes, can't you tell?
Any day now.
I feel better, though,
when I think
that our neighbour is a doctor.
Yeah, right. That's a big help.
So...
-So...
-Bye.
Was it good?
The movie. Was it good?
Uh, good, yes.
-He's really cute.
-Who?
And a great actor.
This guy again? Bor...
Bogart.
-Are you talking about Bogart again?
-Yes.
He's a moron. Just a moron.
Why, do you know him personally?
He's not even a good actor.
-He's great.
-No.
Is Angelos living downstairs?
Huh?
-Angelos.
-His parents.
He's staying there sometimes too.
He comes and goes.
Stop it.
Are you ready?
Yes.
You're focused, right?
Ready.
I'm sending it.
So?
I don't know.
-Sweet?
-Yes.
OK. Wait.
-Was it a fruit?
-Yes!
Be careful!
Well..
That's enough.
It was "peach".
This one is the king.
This one stole the lamb.
This one suggested to eat it.
This one said no.
The small one...
The other side.
The other side. There he is.
No! Unbelievable!
Don't shout.
They are useless!
Did dad call again?
Mm-mm. No.
No, no, no!
He's got two left legs, man.
Don't you see it?
I can't watch anymore. I can't.
I just can't!
Don't you think it's strange
I had a dream about Zoe?
Strange why?
It's been so long since we saw them.
So?
I saw the dream now,
after what happened with dad.
I don't understand.
Forget it.
What happened?
Nothing.
Eleftheria thinks
she's got magical powers.
What magical powers?
Like Gandalf?
I don't know, ask her.
Eleftheria.
Don't act like you're offended.
Eleftheria, are you up?
Are you having a shower?
I've been waiting for you
since 10 o'clock. Will we go?
I was thinking about
staying home today.
Then why am I waiting
for you all morning?
I can't carry everything by myself.
I'll cook for you.
-Hi.
-Hello.
Did I startle you?
Are you using formal speech?
-You didn't...
-Is Angelos here?
I don't know. He's probably here.
-Isn't this his bike?
-Yes.
How much bigger
do you think it can get?
What will come out of this belly?
In my dream last night,
I saw I delivered seven rats.
What are you doing?
Manolis?
It's me. Did I wake you?
Isn't Manolis back?
Go to sleep.
Leave me alone.
-How do you know?
-I was at Yota's.
No. Listen.
You won't be going out
every night. Enough!
-That's enough.
-Stop doing that already.
-I won't.
-You always nag about it.
Because you keep doing it!
Should I ask for your permission?
-Yes!
-Really?
What do you want?
What...
Do you want me
to sleep early like you every night?
I can't stay awake.
OK, right.
Manolis, I need some help.
Your sister is here. I'm here.
-Now you are.
-What do you want?
Tell me!
I'm too hot.
I know.
We need to save some money.
I don't care.
I can't take it anymore.
The baby is coming
and the baby's room is not ready.
But your sister is staying there!
I don't know what I want.
Hello.
Will you keep talking
to me formally?
-I don't know.
-Come on in.
Come on in.
We can't stay here, it's hot.
Come on in.
But no formal talking.
Wow. You've got air conditioning.
-Why, you don't?
-No.
How are you coping with this heat?
We aren't.
Especially me. I'm used
to the northern climate.
It's like hell.
-Right. You're not from here.
-Mm-mm.
Nor is Alexandra.
She came for college and stayed.
I came to help her.
But school starts soon,
so I'll probably leave.
-Are you going to school?
-Yes, senior year.
Wow.
-Where is the bathroom?
-Right there.
Your pectorals are...
Are really strong.
Your pectorals.
Do you know many strange words
like this one?
Yes.
-You wanna hear?
-Yes.
Give me your hand.
Relax.
This is your deltoid.
This...
This one...
is the anconeus muscle.
This one...
is the extensor carpi radialis.
Do you work out?
No.
You're lying.
I'm trying to learn
break dance by myself.
-Really?
-Mmm.
-Show me.
-No.
-Come on, show me.
-I'm not that good.
Show me.
I'll tell you more funny words.
There is not enough space here.
-Nice.
-Yes.
Relax and breathe normally.
Are you a doctor?
Do I look like a doctor?
Uh, not like a real doctor.
I'm not a real doctor,
but I may become one someday.
Do you live by yourself?
No, with my dad and Monica.
And my grandmother. And my...
sister, she's just born.
-Your mother?
-Not my mother.
Hey. Relax.
I'm from Aegina, but I grew up here.
I spent
every summer there,
with my grandparents.
Aegina is really beautiful.
It's full of pistachio trees.
Me and my cousins used to steal
pistachios and ate them raw.
Their shell is soft, like peel.
And they taste amazing.
We used to eat so many,
that we got stomach ache.
Grandmother was punishing us,
she was scolding us,
she was chasing us.
We used to get away
and continue eating.
Hello?
Yes.
No, I'm not alone.
Yes, I'll come by tonight.
Yes, I'm with a girl
who reminds me of you.
Yes, Eleftheria.
She's just younger.
-There she is.
-I've done your nails before.
Shame on you.
When did you come?
I've lost track of time.
-I see you thanks to the bride.
-Maria is getting married today.
Come drink with us.
What are you doing?
She's 16. She's underage.
Just a sip, to make a toast.
Here.
Take a sip from mine.
Just one.
I wonder
when you'll come back
to Athens
from this damn village.
The place is dead in winter.
It's not that bad.
At least it's cool.
I know exactly how it is,
I grew up there too.
Where were you?
Hey!
You'll suffocate my baby!
OK, wait.
Let's go have a smoke together.
I don't wanna be late.
Honey, I'll do your makeup
after Alexandra finishes.
We have to get ready too.
-OK.
-You're coming.
-OK.
-That's it.
-Where is Manolis?
-Gone. Good riddance!
Damn him.
I'm glad you came.
Now that your sister
is like a whale, she can't move.
-We should go out sometime.
-Sure.
Yes, the water
will help feel cooler.
Where are you going?
For a ride.
Are you coming?
Yes, let me just tell my sister.
Wait. Don't go.
I'm going out!
-Should I hop off?
-Yes, it won't take long.
-Thomas?
-Hey.
Eleftheria is Alexa...
Yes, we've met.
Then why do you act like a jrk?
Anyway, I came by
to give you the money.
OK, you're not in a good mood.
Why are you such a coward?
You needed to bring the girl too?
-What's your problem?
-You should have come alone.
We've talked about it, huh?
There is no need to linger over it.
Are you coming?
I want my keys!
Here.
Are you OK?
Yes, I'm fine.
Why did you fight with Thomas?
We didn't.
It's just that sometimes
people don't get along.
Come on, let's go.
Have you ever tried?
What do you think?
I didn't grow up in a village.
But you kind of did.
Fuck.
Are you going in?
That's why we came, didn't we?
Are you nuts?
-Where were you this late?
-Wherever I like!
What? Pull yourself together, kid.
Are you crazy?
You came here to help,
not to make me worry about you too.
I am not a baby!
Dad never asked where I was.
Dad doesn't give a sht.
He's busy.
Have your hormones gone crazy?
Fck you, btch!
-Who were you with?
-None of your business!
I got used to Athens, it's fun.
-Monica?
-Give her to me.
Don't rock her like that.
Have you heard anything new
from Zoe?
Your phone was off.
-It's broken.
-How am I supposed to find you?
What do you want me to do?
Call me on Alexandra's.
Maybe she's hungry?
Dad? I don't hear you.
The reception is bad.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I need to take somebody's
blood pressure and we're free.
FOR SALE
FOR RENMEDIUM
ANNA
Leon.
Go get your boss.
Stop it, Leon.
-How are you?
-Welcome.
She's waiting for you,
but a customer just came in.
Eleftheria.
Eleftheria.
Where's my boy?
Come on in.
Where's my boy?
Come here.
He came without an appointment.
It was urgent.
He was here recently.
What does he expect to hear?
You won't hold back.
You won't limit yourself,
mister Nassos.
This is Leo.
The best dog. Hmm?
He just barks.
He barks all the time.
Yes.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Take care.
You and Fatiha
made me happy.
Bye, dear. Bye.
Fatiha!
I needed it so much.
I want you to be happy.
You didn't have to.
What would I do without you?
Do I have to die for you to come?
You're fine, Mr Nassos,
just don't whine all the time.
It's the fourth day.
I have no pressure at all!
If that was true, you'd be dead.
-Maybe I am.
-No, you'd stink.
Come on.
Who knew
that this man is a doctor.
You brought her.
Yes, didn't I tell you?
You're right.
Don't be afraid, honey.
Who would have thought
you would look like me!
I wanted to meet you.
After what he told me about you.
Do me a favour. Bring me some water.
Sorry it took so long.
It's not because he's inexperienced.
When it comes to injections,
he's got the most gentle hand.
Every time,
I find new things about himself.
He pretends he doesn't care,
but I know.
Oh, dear. It's so hot.
We'll suffocate.
Let's go outside, get some air.
I need five minutes to get dressed.
I won't be late, I promise.
Well, you know,
-we'll go for a ride.
-You'll go later.
I went to school with Anna's son,
Christos, even though he was older
than me, and we hung out.
Um, we were still in high school
when he met Fatiha.
And where is Christos now?
Nobody knows.
Mosquitoes will suck our blood,
that's what they'll do.
It's been two weeks with that heat.
And it's not getting better.
I'm telling her about Christos.
Yeah. He's your friend.
And shut your mouth now.
Then why did he leave you like that?
Anna! Ice!
We're gonna die.
-Yes.
-For how long will this go on?
I'm telling her
about your jerk son.
You mind your business.
Beat it. I need to talk to the girl.
OK. Whoa!
Beautiful hands.
You got one sister?
Yes.
Well, no. Two.
Uh, the second one is just born,
I'm not used to her yet.
And...
You want
to connect with someone...
But you don't let me see.
It's OK.
Next time, when you're ready.
Leave her alone.
She just went for a ride
with Angelos.
Psst.
Let's go.
-Good night.
-Good night.
Angelos?
What happened?
Can I sit with you
in the air condition?
Hmm... Ten euros.
-I have no money.
-Come in.
-Tell me the rest of the story.
-What story?
About Fatiha and Christos.
Oh, right.
When Fatiha first came to Greece,
she was completely alone.
She didn't speak Greek,
she was completely lost.
Anna took her under her wing.
She gave her a room
to stay at the hotel.
She and Christos fell in love.
He dropped out of school
and they ran away together.
They were gone for a month. When
they came back, Fatiha was pregnant.
Then Christos flipped out
and left
with an Australian tourist girl.
After a while,
Anna's husband also died.
So, they rent that apartment,
the two of them.
Neither spoke to Christos again.
What about the baby?
She had a miscarriage
at five months.
Come on. Go to sleep now.
-I'm going out.
-Hold on.
-I won't be late.
-Don't you dare leave!
What happened to you?
Nothing.
Fuck off.
Come on, let's go.
You wanna tell me what happened?
Nothing happened.
You smoke a lot.
Huh?
You smoke a lot
and your mouth smells.
Eleftheria.
Eleftheria, come back!
Eleftheria.
I can't leave you here.
It's dangerous.
Aren't you going home?
One could say
that it wasn't your best night.
-Are you alright?
-I'm fine.
What are you doing with that guy?
Come sit, meet my friend.
-Hello, sir.
-"Hello, sir"?
Costas.
Hmm. Come join us.
You idiot. Anyway.
I am a bit tired.
We can tell.
If he hurts you, I'll beat him up.
-What?
-Quiet.
Here. Put this on.
When I work morning shift,
I start at 7 am and finish at 3 pm.
I work at the reception.
Some people come at 7 am
and ask for a room for two hours.
To do what in two hours?
To sit around.
You can see their rage.
Gross.
-At 7 am?
-At 7 am?
Here.
I quit.
You're kidding.
I kissed someone
and he told me my mouth smells.
What a jerk.
Hi.
Welcome, asshole.
How can you stand her?
"How can you stand her?"
What about makeup?
I do some weddings,
some baptisms.
But...
I'm going to eat you.
Can't you at least close
your fcking door?
Aren't you ashamed?
She's not gossipy like you.
Really, you moron?
-You need a fck.
-Sht up.
I didn't hear anything.
Yes.
You wouldn't understand either way.
Yesterday, he was naked
with a guy in the room
and he didn't even bother
to close the door.
Hello?
Hello?
Hi, Anna. It's Eleftheria.
Angelos' friend.
I recognised your voice.
Do you know where he is?
He hasn't come home for two days.
Who?
Angelos.
When will you come?
Will you tell me?
He is in Lavrio.
He called me yesterday.
He went there for work.
For work?
Do you know when he'll come back?
I don't know. Sometimes
he spends a whole month there.
Eleftheria, are you up?
It's 12 o'clock.
What are you doing?
I can make the crib myself.
Don't you dare!
The phone hasn't stopped ringing.
-Dad called.
-And?
It's not good news.
She'll have to start treatment
immediately.
Will you come out or you'll spend
the whole day in here?
You never go out?
You were calling earlier?
Smoking.
He hates it.
He's not here, huh?
I'm trying to quit.
-I was doing well...
-I came by earlier.
I saw your brother-in-law.
He didn't recognise me.
I rang the bell too,
although his bike is missing.
I was calling earlier.
He went to Lavrio for work.
How do you know this?
Did you talk to him?
His friend Anna told me.
-When is he coming back?
-I don't know.
I was waiting for you to show up.
I know you love him as much as I do.
He has to work, huh?
OK, Mr Costas helps him,
but there is so much he can do.
At least he lets him stay here.
I once went to see him
at the construction site.
He was carrying things
and the sun was burning,
and he was...
I wanted to take him
and leave together. Far away.
He says he doesn't care.
Don't tell your sister,
she'll kill us.
I won't, don't worry.
She's kind of becoming a mother.
Come on.
When I told you
about the guy I kissed...
Do you know who he was?
I do.
You did yesterday too?
He used to hang out with my brother.
They were a couple for a while.
He then disappeared.
I don't know
what happened between them.
Eyes closed.
I didn't know if I should tell you,
but then I thought
that sooner or later you'd get it.
You had no idea, did you?
Hi.
I'm Greek.
Well done.
What do you prefer?
Yes.
What do you mean yes?
What do you prefer?
Leo!
Go get your boss.
I need to see Anna.
Aw. You all need to see Anna.
Oh, you came.
Come on, Leo!
Hi.
You're not my mum.
Come on, you doofus.
Did you call home?
How does one become a medium?
I don't know about other people.
But if you ask about yourself,
which I think you do...
I know you can.
How do you know?
I know.
Our friend thinks so too.
I love him.
I know I shouldn't...
but I can't do anything about it.
I must see him before I leave.
And I leave on Wednesday.
Are you here?
-Come on, everybody's waiting.
-OK.
Maria's leaving.
He's coming in two days.
How do you know?
He told me.
He called me this afternoon.
I know how hard
it can feel, but you have
to stop thinking about him.
I am not a baby. Don't tell me that.
I know about Thomas.
-How do you know?
-He came to find me.
Why didn't Angelos tell me?
It's not easy.
When his father found out
things were very difficult.
He was staying here for a while.
You are still young,
you will fall in love many times.
Stop saying that.
It has nothing to do with this.
Not at all.
Then you should talk to him.
Come.
You like Turkish series?
Sit.
I know that voice.
He's definitely one of my clients,
but I can't remember.
Does anybody want coffee?
-I'm good. Do you want coffee?
-Mm-mm.
Is your mother dead?
How do you know about my mother?
Angelos told me there is no mother,
but he didn't know.
-A long time ago?
-Three years ago.
Was she sick?
It was very sudden.
Oh, no.
This is hell.
Did we wake up?
"Did we wake up?"
And that smell... Ah!
-Oh! You're here, Mr Nassos?
-Yes.
Fatiha, let me tell you
about a dream I had.
There was a plane.
It was 4 am when I fell asleep.
But I slept very peacefully.
The pillow soaking from sweat.
Guys...
Oh, I can't take it.
It's too hot to sleep.
She had come to Athens
for a surgery, to remove the tumour.
And?
I don't know the details.
She went into surgery
and she never woke up.
Some complication? I don't know.
When it happened...
I woke up in the middle of night
for no reason at all.
I was waiting for dawn,
and then grandma came
and told me what had happened.
What a strange travel.
She came and sat next to me
with a flight attendant uniform.
"Come on", she said.
And she tucked my head
on her chest.
-Don't say!
-Yes.
Take two.
Was it a coincidence?
Of course not!
Flight attendants
can't sit with the passengers!
Of course not.
My head is banging.
It's very difficult when
someone leaves so suddenly.
Like my Christos.
I know how it is.
Who left? Angelos?
He always leaves,
but he's always here.
Yes! It's Mr Takis.
I'm sure.
-Takis!
-Do you remember him?
Takis.
Alexandra?
What are you doing there?
I want mum.
I'm scared,
I can't do this by myself.
Come on. Wanna go for a walk?
It's been so long
since I've done this.
How was mum in her last days?
She was very scared.
But she was trying not to show it.
She kept making her dumb jokes.
I told her
that everything would be fine.
But it didn't.
-Hello?
-Hello?
Hey.
It's Eleftheria.
I know.
I'm sorry for leaving like this.
I didn't get to talk to you.
You may think I just left.
But I had to work.
I'm calling you because I couldn't
knock on your door.
I also wrote you a letter.
I would slip it under the door
if you didn't come today.
It's good you called.
I wouldn't drop by your house
either.
And tomorrow
I'm going back to Lavrio.
-Already?
-Yes.
For one more week.
To work with Antonis?
How do you know him?
Anna told me. I went by her house.
Thomas dropped by my house,
looking for you.
Listen...
You wanna go for a swim?
I missed you.
I quit smoking.
Come. Let's go.
It's not because I want to heal.
I never felt that.
I think it's just my curiosity
about human body.
When I was a little boy at school,
children asked
what space looked like.
The moon.
I was wondering
what is inside our body.
What is inside our head?
What's in there?
Is there also fear there?
Yes.
I remember when I saw this fear
for the first time.
On somebody else.
In a cancer ward.
You may not feel fear.
I'm afraid of nights
that seem endless.
When I can't sleep.
Then I try to think
about something very intensely...
so that I can dream about it.
I was able to dream about you
many times.
We have to go, we're late.
-Go fck yourself.
-Eleftheria.
-Eleftheria.
-Don't you ever leave me like that!
Eleftheria.
I'm sorry.
For what?
Don't apologise.
I don't want to hurt you.
You won't hurt me.
Alexandra?
Thank you.
Hurry up, Costas.
Hold this for a second.
I'm getting the luggages.
Thank you.
Let's go. Come on, I'm carrying
all the luggages.
Give me a sec,
I'm searching for the key.
Oh, he's here too.
Angelos?