Only Love Matters (2023) Movie Script

1
[bells tolling]
[dramatic music]
[water running]
Are you okay?
[Indian music]
[singer vocalizing]
[Indian music resumes]
[muted]
[tires screech]
[sighs]
[breathes deeply]
[tense music]
One... two...
...three, four...
...five.
[horse whinnies]
[birds chirping]
How are we feeling today,
Beatrice? Hey.
Bet we feel good now that
our mane's all combed, don't we?
They should be here soon.
Are you excited?
-Not really.
-Nothing wrong
with a bit of glamor.
I guess.
Do you think I could be
in the shoot, maybe?
[chuckles] Have you
ever modeled before?
-No. But I think of myself
as a natural.
-[snickers]
Oh, this is cool.
It's okay.
[chuckling] Oh.
Look at that guy.
-Makes me wish
I was one of the horses.
-[camera shutter clicking]
-[Stef] Natasha,
can you please...
-[sighs]
-I'll be in the office.
-You're not going to watch?
He might take his shirt off.
[chuckles]
Stef.
Oh, my God.
[laughing]
What, are you trying
to hide from me? [chuckles]
No, of course not.
Are you sure
you're not stalking me?
[scoffs] You wish.
Oh, don't tell me
you're shallow enough
to think models
don't like to read books.
I think no such thing.
I'm only teasing.
And, honestly,
I'm not following you.
No, it's, it's fine.
-What are you looking for?
-Hmm?
Book. You looking
for anything specific?
No, it-- um...
Well, uh... No. [snickers]
Go on, tell me.
[soft music]
I have this stupid tradition.
I always get one book
the day before my birthday.
Oh, I like that.
That's not stupid.
That's a great tradition.
How about you? Are you looking
for anything specific?
Not particularly.
Tell you what?
We go around the store
and we pick a book
for each other.
-What?
-Come on, it will be fun.
I'll go round
and see if I can find a book
that you haven't read before
and will hopefully
find interesting,
and you do the same for me.
Okay, I guess.
Okay, great.
I'll see you at the counter.
Okay.
You've been sent a gift.
I didn't remember
it was your birthday today.
Yeah, I just don't like
to make a fuss.
Don't like making a fuss.
Luckily, someone else
did for you.
Secret admirer?
Not really. [chuckles]
Well, good for you.
[chuckles]
R.R.
That doesn't stand
for Ryan Reynolds, does it?
Natasha, it's not nice
to snoop like that.
[Natasha]
Sorry.
It's not Ryan Reynolds, right?
No, obviously.
If you must know,
it's Ryan, the model
from the shoot the other day.
Well done, he's gorgeous.
-I guess.
-[Natasha laughing] Yeah, right.
Chocolate cake
and a card like that?
You've done more than guessing.
-Natasha.
-Just saying.
I have work to do.
I can't believe
you're not ready yet.
We're gonna miss the start.
[Ryan]
I'm almost there.
[tense music]
Okay. Let's go.
What is this?
-Is that a trick question?
-I'm serious.
Why do you have this book?
It was my sister's book.
[hesitates] What's the big deal?
-Your sister?
-Yeah. She was intersex.
-I need to leave.
-Stef, hold up.
Stef, we'll miss
the start of the movie.
Stef. Goddamn it. Stef!
[sighs]
[rain pattering]
I'm sorry.
I really freaked out on you.
I just have an issue
with that topic.
That book caught me by surprise.
Can I ask why?
My mother, m-- my adoptive mum,
is intersex.
And...
...I haven't seen her in years.
I'm so sorry, Stef.
[sighs]
So you have a sister?
Uh...
I did.
Rachel.
She died a few years ago.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
She had a tough upbringing.
Never really felt comfortable
in her own skin.
Rachel went to that bridge
we met on on many occasions.
But then that book you found
came into her life and...
...it was a revelation.
It changed everything for her.
[gentle piano music]
Suddenly she knew
she wasn't the only one.
She didn't feel so alone.
It was a tragic irony
that she left this world
soon after all that.
The author of this book, Stef,
she went through
so much in her life,
but she never quit.
She never gave up.
She just kept going.
And she did so much good
in this world.
And that inspired Rachel
to keep going...
...and to be true
to who she really was.
What?
Please, Stef,
give the book a read.
No, I can't do that.
Please, Stef.
[man 1 on TV]
Charles, my old dear friend.
-[man 2 on TV] You were lucky.
-[turns off TV]
[sighs]
[birds chirping]
-[cows mooing]
-[bells chiming]
[scratching]
[pleasant guitar music]
No, Samesh.
Put this thing away
before your father sees it
and goes mad again.
It's not a thing.
It's my friend, Ratisha.
[Pihu chuckles]
You, shh.
And stop encouraging him.
He took it by himself.
Go and put it away.
Go.
[Indian music]
-[teacher] I...
-[students] I...
-[teacher] ...C-E.
-[students] ...C-E.
-[teacher] C-E.
-[students] C-E.
-[teacher] C...
-[students] C...
-[teacher] ...R-E...
-[students] ...R-E...
-...A-M.
-...A-M.
-[teacher] Ice cream.
-Ice cream.
[Suneil]
No.
I don't want to talk
about this anymore.
I thought I had made myself
perfectly clear on the subject.
But, Suneil, Samesh looks
like a girl even at bath time.
I don't care.
At the time of birth,
doctor said
baby more looks like a boy.
So he grows up like one.
Already we have a daughter.
We will not have another one.
And don't bring this up...
...otherwise you will regret it.
[peacock calling]
[roosters crowing]
[camel bellow]
[tense music]
How dare you disobey me?
I will skin you alive!
You hear me?
-I will kill you
with my own hands!
-No, Suneil. Please stop.
[somber music]
[train chugging in distance]
[Samesh]
I have written a letter
to the God.
Can you go with me
to the temple?
[both laughing]
[temple bell rings]
[Samesh]
Oh, God,
is playing with dolls a sin?
My dad beats me just because
you made me like this.
I'm not a boy.
Why don't you take me to heaven?
[temple bell rings]
[Suneil]
Stop worrying, Sai.
Your son has secured
a very good job.
He will earn a lot of money
and be very successful.
[Sai]
But... he doesn't know anything
about that country.
[Suneil]
Aryan is a trustworthy man,
and he's spoken
to a very nice family there
who will keep him
like he's one of their own.
[Punjabi music]
The transaction is complete.
Good to go.
You spoke to the lawyer?
Everything in order?
Samesh...
...this is Hiran and Parisha.
From now on,
you have to obey them, okay?
You have to be respectful
and behave well.
Well, Samesh,
the gods are
smiling down upon you.
And from now on,
you'll be fortunate and honored
that you'll be serving
in our home.
And you will have the privilege
of staying with us.
Do you understand,
or are you
as simple as you look?
Well?
I understand.
-[knock on door]
-[gasps softly]
Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you.
I'm Navya.
Hi, Navya.
I'm Samesh.
Are you going
to be living with us?
I guess so.
Do you like these earrings?
[pleasant instrumental music]
Were you planning on stealing
my daughter's earrings?
What? No.
Don't lie to me.
Mom, we were just
gonna play dress up.
Shut up, you.
I'll fix you.
-Hiran!
-Mum, this is not right.
I told you to shut it.
Hiran!
-What?
-I caught Samesh here
thinking of stealing
our daughter's earrings.
-He didn't.
-[slap]
We will not tolerate thieves
in this household.
You filthy animal!
-Do you understand that?
-Please don't. Please.
Stop it, please.
[melancholic violin music]
Be thankful that
our daughter is so grateful.
Maybe we should stop.
No. Your ordeal here
will be without end.
The previous servant had his arm
broken in just the first week.
-Really?
-Yes.
So, you see,
you must take this chance now.
[dramatic music]
[softly] Go.
[Navya screaming]
[Parisha]
What is it, Navya?
[Hiran]
Honey, we are here.
What happened?
[Navya speaking indistinctly]
[Samesh breathing heavily]
[grunting softly]
[panting]
[birds chirping]
Oye, oye!
Get out of there, you dirty bum!
Go on, get lost!
[tense instrumental music]
[locks latch]
Ah, Jesus.
You want some food?
-Here.
-Thank you.
[sentimental music]
Don't be afraid. It's okay.
I just wanna chat.
You speak English?
This place is your home then?
That's not good.
You want a job?
The pay is not great,
but you can stay
in the storage room
until you find your feet.
How does that sound?
My name is Stavros.
What's your name?
Samesh.
Samesh, eh?
How about I call you Sam?
Okay.
Here, come on.
Here, ta-- take me that.
[grunts]
[people chattering
on the background]
So you're the new guy, Sam.
-Yes.
-Hannah.
So, how do you find
working here so far?
Very good.
Stavros is a good boss.
He might look stern and mean
most of the time,
but deep down, he's a softie.
He says you're from India.
Yes.
-From village.
-Wow.
You'll have to tell me
all about it one day.
How are you finding London
so far?
Different.
[chuckles] I bet.
I gotta get back.
I work at front.
Reception and floor management.
Okay.
Do you drink coffee?
Uh, no. Just tea.
You've gotta try mine.
I think you'll like it.
I'll make you one
on our next break.
Uh, okay. Thank you.
[uneasy music]
[Britney on radio]
Thank you for joining us
on this show today.
Flo, tell us about your book,
Glory in Living.
[Flo] Thank you
for having me, Britney.
My book is based on people
like Nelson Mandela
and Mahatma Gandhi,
who've made
a big impact on history.
[people chattering
in the background]
Here you go, Sammy boy.
You're a boy, right?
I'm busy, Jeremy.
Jeans suit you.
Let me work.
[softly] I'm doing nothing.
It's just...
What?
Your breath stinks.
[woman laughs]
Exactly.
Do your dishes, Sammy.
[water running]
Get the hell out of here.
I can't believe
you went through all of that.
It's okay.
I was lucky 'cause I escaped.
[sighs] I'm really sorry
to say this, Sam,
but your father really sucks
for arranging such an atrocity.
I know.
[sighs] Well,
whatever happened, happened.
The present is what counts.
Do you have any idea what
you wanna do with your life?
No.
Do you like books?
-Yes.
-I think you should go
into study.
Get into a college.
I'm doing a masters
in Business Studies myself.
I really want to run
my own place someday.
And what would that be?
Caf, of course.
Oh, I would have
shelves of books and mags
for the customers.
Oh, and famous people
like Madonna, Bruce Willis,
Sean Penn, Demi Moore,
and Brooke Shields
would all come in.
Who are they?
Oh, Sam,
you have so much to learn.
So, so much.
Hey, Sammy,
have you got a second?
-What is it?
-I need you to help me move
these into the storage room.
Okay.
[slaps the bag]
So, rumor has it
you sleep in here.
Is that true?
Do you want help
with the bags or not?
You get undressed in here?
Sleep in the nude?
Stop it, Jeremy.
What if I don't want to?
[tense music]
[sniffs]
You're not a man, are you?
Let me go.
I can't decide what you are.
-Please stop it, Jeremy!
-Shut the hell up or--
Get away from him now!
We were just messing around,
Hannah. Weren't we, Sam?
I know what I saw.
Sam, tell her.
Sam.
He was trying to hurt me.
Shut up, you slimy foreign git.
What the hell's
wrong with you, Jeremy?
What is this?
National Pick-on-Jeremy Day?
He was
sexually harassing Sam, boss.
I was not. You lot are crazy.
-Get the hell out of here
right now!
-Make me.
-[grunts]
-[groans]
[Stravos]
What did you do to Sam?
What did you say?
-[sobbing]
-Oh.
[exhales]
-He was
a Panathinaikos supporter.
-Oh, fair enough.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Me and my colleague here
are from the Home Office.
We're doing a check to see
if you have any employees
who are working here illegally.
All right. Um...
Yes, of course.
[tense music]
So, uh,
this is the storage room.
Boss, these are the people
from the Home Office.
I'm Stavros, the owner.
Mind if we, uh,
take a look around?
No, no, no. Feel free.
Be my guest. Uh...
Mi casa es tu casa.
I don't even know
why I said that.
It's not even Greek. [laughs]
Uh, I'm mumbling, aren't I?
Uh, boss, I think, uh,
Penelope will need your hand
up front.
Okay, yes. Good, good, good.
Sh-- shall we?
I'm so sorry. I, I didn't mean
to cause any trouble.
Okay, Sam, it was my fault.
I should have asked you already
about your situation. Hmm?
Can you girls take Sam
to my lawyer
and get the necessary documents,
sort this out?
-Sure, boss.
-Let's finish cleaning up.
Thank you.
-Sam?
-Yes.
Come stay with me
a little while.
I have a large couch.
You can use my room
for your clothes
and your belongings.
Come on, it will be fun.
We can have movie nights,
and parties, and stuff.
Are you sure it's okay?
I'm asking, aren't I?
[upbeat music]
Yes. Yes! Thank you so much!
-[laughing]
-Oh, we've got a hugger here!
This is what a mouse
must feel like when the life
is squeezed out of it
by a boa constrictor.
[laughs]
Um, you can use these shelves
for your clothes.
-Is that all you have?
-Uh, yes.
But it's okay.
Uh, I don't really like them
much, though.
So what do you like?
I like these.
You like dresses?
You wanna try one on?
Oh, no. I, I don't know.
Oh, come on. It's just me here.
Here. Let's see.
Here.
Try this one.
Okay.
[Hannah]
Oh, wow.
It really suits you.
Come.
You really think so?
Look how good you look.
[gentle instrumental music]
[breathing heavily]
Hey.
What's wrong?
I'm sorry.
I don't know
why they made me a boy.
I've always felt like a girl.
I look like one, you know.
What the hell?
You mean like down there?
[scoffs]
I remember my father telling me
that the doctor said I
just look too much like a boy.
Okay. Uh,
did you ever have periods?
No.
Um, that is, that is bizarre.
But don't worry,
we'll get to the bottom of it.
I'll help you register
with the local GP,
and he'll do
a full checkup, okay?
-Okay.
-Also, keep the dress.
It's yours.
No, Miss Goldberg.
Transgender is based on choice.
It deals with a person
who feels opposed
to their assigned birth sex.
While your friend,
according to her test results,
has 46,XY intersex,
also known as AIS.
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.
Which means that
her body never allowed her
to develop fully
as a male or a female.
Her genitals
are incompletely formed,
which explains
why she never had periods
and wouldn't be able
to bear a child.
In effect...
...you have what is known
as a "blind pouch."
-Hmm?
-The what now?
Blind pouch.
Instead of an uterus and cervix,
she has inner testicles.
Wow.
Damn. [chuckles]
Goddamn.
You are in a category
which has historically
been known as hermaphrodites,
but in the term
increasingly used
in recent times, intersex.
These people
are neither male nor female.
Not in the conventional sense,
that is.
She feels very much
like a woman, Doctor.
That's understandable.
It differs
from person to person.
There are many variations
of this type.
And we have some leaflets
at reception
which provide
further information.
Blind pouch.
What sort of
ridiculous term is that?
I want to know
who comes up with these things.
Like, is there a special
committee or something,
or does the whole thing get
put through some sort of vote?
I could just imagine
a bunch of old guys
in a room going,
-"Hello. On today's agenda,
there are people out there...
-[chuckles]
...with lower and outer parts
of vagina,
but no cervix and no uterus.
So, we positively, categorically
must have a term for this.
-[chuckles]
-No other option.
But our options
are 'eyeless sack,'
-'incomplete purse,'
or 'blind pouch'."
-[laughing]
Yeah, it's probably
how it happens, actually.
It's funny.
Also scary.
I have balls.
Yes, you do. [chuckles]
[gentle music]
-Cheers to that.
-[laughs]
[Stavros humming]
[Hannah]
It will be fine, okay?
Sam is female from now on. Okay?
Good for her.
[chuckles]
There you go,
always running back to God
-like, like he's your mummy.
-What's a mummy?
No, no, my children.
Stop this at once.
-She started it.
-I did not.
You said that
I was stupid and forgetful.
Eve, is this true?
-Yes. He is stupid
and forgetful.
-[scoffs] You are!
-You are!
-[Bill as God]
Oh, for the love of me.
Um, just calm down.
He was supposed to bring berries
for our supper.
-Instead he comes back
empty-handed...
-[sighs]
...face covered in red juice.
-[laughs]
-[Darren as Adam] I was hungry.
It was a long walk back.
See? Do you see
what I have to deal with?
-God, why did you have to go
and create a woman for?
-[scoffs]
-Oh.
-I thought you wanted
the company.
He's got his monkeys.
He's hardly at home.
-Look, I told you
I need my space.
-[scoffs]
This isn't going as planned.
Perhaps we need to see
a couple's counselor.
Nah, they're charlatans.
Would you rather be
alone again, Adam?
Maybe.
I don't know.
[Bill as God]
Don't you see...
[birds chirping effect]
...she's the other half of you?
She's the part of you
that's missing.
Together, you are one whole.
I feel that in time
you will come to realize this.
You will come
to understand this,
and you'll both honor
and respect each other.
I guess we could give this
another shot.
I'd like that.
Good, good!
I'm so happy to see this.
I have to go now.
My wife will yell at me
if I'm late again.
Oh, and if you see
an apple tree...
[gentle music]
...mm, and a snake,
turn and go the other way.
Do not talk to the snake.
Snake... bad.
Okay?
Are you thinking
what I'm thinking?
-Let's go get that snake.
-Yup.
[guitar string pluck]
-Thanks so much for coming out
to see us tonight.
-I promise we would, didn't I?
-I hope we didn't bore you
too much.
-[all chuckling]
-Exactly.
-No, it was fun.
I can't believe
you haven't been here longer.
Your English is really good.
Well, Hannah's
a really good teacher,
and she lends me
all her gossip magazines too.
Do you miss your life in India?
Some things I miss a lot.
[romantic music]
How long have you been an actor?
Uh, over six years.
[scoffs] I don't know
if I'm gonna continue,
to be honest.
Why not?
Well, I'm always broke.
I waiter in between acting gigs
just to keep afloat.
[scoffs]
And I'm just pretty tired of it.
But you're really good.
You think so?
Of course.
[chuckles]
It's your passion, isn't it?
I guess.
Then you should
never let go of it.
Okay. Okay, Sam, I won't.
[Darren chuckles]
Well, I, I, I better get Hannah.
You can't stay longer?
We could go clubbing or...
We have an early
call time tomorrow, I'm afraid.
Oh. Really?
Yes.
But it was so nice to meet you.
Yeah. You too.
So...
...bye. [chuckles]
[chuckles]
Sam...
...do you wanna go out sometime?
Like a date?
[chuckles] Yeah.
We can't.
[sighs]
[stutters] Why not?
'Cause this hasn't been arranged
by my parents,
so it's not possible.
Oh. [chuckles embarrassed]
Really?
Yes.
I'm only joking, Darren.
[laughs]
-Oh, you got me.
-[laughs]
You got me good, Sam.
You need to lighten up,
or are Englishmen this serious?
Maybe it's just me. [chuckles]
Maybe you can help me with it.
Maybe.
[engine running]
[serene instrumental music]
[muted]
We had a really fun time.
It's a shame you and Bill
aren't an item anymore.
We could have all gone together.
Well, ice skating really
isn't my thing, anyway.
-That's true.
-So, when are you gonna have
the "by the way, I have balls"
discussion with Darren?
I, I don't know. It, it,
it doesn't really lend itself
as good conversational material
for dinner, does it?
I guess not.
I've tried to bring it up, but
the timing has never felt right.
What if it never is?
-Do I have to tell him? Like...
-[sighs]
...wouldn't it be some kind
of unparalleled kindness
if I don't tell him, like, ever?
-No.
-No?
Tell him before it's too late.
This is where
we first saw each other.
[strums guitar]
[chuckles softly]
Sam...
...will you marry me?
-[instrumental music]
-[exhales]
I'm so sorry.
I can't.
Sam!
[instrumental music continues]
[birds chirping]
[sighs]
Darren?
-Yes.
-You're still avoiding him?
-Yes.
-[sighs] You have to tell him.
[somber piano music]
-I know.
-No time like the present.
-I can't.
-Sure you can.
I'm in the middle of my shift.
We're not that busy.
Go. I'll cover for you.
He's going to hate me.
I've left it too long.
Honey, no.
Darren's one of the good guys,
and he deserves to know.
What's wrong?
-Girl stuff.
-Oh.
What do I do?
The only thing you must be.
Brave.
So, yeah, super busy.
[scoffs] Busy bee me.
[sighs] Auditions,
voiceover work, theater.
The work's just been piling on.
[scoffs] Today alone,
I have a fitting at 1:00,
and I've got, uh...
I'm intersex.
Uh, you're what?
I was born a female,
with a bit of male,
and raised male by my parents.
Is it s-- something, um...
Th-- that word
I heard the other day?
LGB something?
LGBT+.
LGB is about sexual orientation,
and T is for transgender,
who are either born
male or female.
Like not all men and women
are in LGBT group...
...similarly, some intersex
identify themselves
as LGBT, and some do not.
[gentle piano music]
I am intersex.
Born with variation
of sex characteristics
that do not conform
with either male or female.
I don't have
a full reproductive system
like other women.
I'm missing the upper parts
of my vagina,
my cervix and my uterus.
So...
...I can't have kids.
And, yes,
I have internal testicles too,
but they don't w-- work
or anything.
Darren, I'm so sorry.
I should have told you
all of this.
I'm just
a good-for-nothing coward.
-I better leave.
-No.
Wait. Just...
Yes, you should have told me.
And you should
have known that...
...I would understand.
Okay, so you have an interesting
biological makeup.
Cool.
It doesn't matter to me.
-It doesn't?
-No.
I, I like you
for who you are, Sam.
I don't care about the past.
All I care about
is the present and the future...
...and I want those
with you by my side.
You do?
Yes!
A million times, yes.
And...
What?
I want my on-the-stage question
to be answered.
Yes.
A million times, yes.
-Yeah?
-Yes.
-We, we're getting married?
-Yes, we are.
[birds chirping]
So we're not
getting married then?
You being registered male
on your birth certificate
would make this
a same-sex marriage.
What are we going to do?
I don't know.
[tense music]
No, to hell with this.
I'm going to register
as a female,
and I'm gonna have surgery
to remove the inner stuff.
And I'm gonna start
the legal proceedings,
and they're not gonna
be able to deny me.
Hi. The surgery
has now been successful,
-and the patient recovered well
from the anesthesia.
-[sighs in relief]
Can I see the, uh, balls?
[chuckles]
What? I'm curious, okay?
[snickers]
Can't tell me you're not.
Hi.
[Sam chuckles]
Hey, how are you feeling?
Well, I don't know
how anybody's supposed
to recover from hospital food.
Don't worry, girl, I've got you.
I already made some arrangement
for some fine cuisine.
-Really?
-Mm-hmm.
So, no balls anymore, huh?
-Hello, hello, hello.
-Oh, come on.
Hi.
-How you doing?
-I'm good.
-[Stavros] Huh?
-Mm-hmm.
-She's hungry.
-Hungry? Fantastic.
That's great. Don't worry,
I'm here now. Huh?
Okay, please.
For the love of all that's good
and pure in this world,
take this shit away, huh?
-Yeah, I got it. I got it.
-Oh, my God.
Oh.
Souvlaki wraps.
-We got stifado, keftedakia.
-[chuckles]
Tzatziki?
[sighs] Sam, please.
Do you even have to ask?
Oh, Stavros,
you are such a hero.
I love this stuff.
Okay, eat. Come on.
How do I look?
[chuckles] For the fifth time,
you look beautiful.
Don't worry so much.
Just be yourself.
Jokes and all?
Uh... [chuckles]
maybe without the jokes.
-Ah, Jesus.
-Oh, and, uh,
don't say that name.
-Oh. Damn it.
-[knocks]
It will be fine, okay?
Deep, deep breaths.
Okay.
-Darren.
-Mum.
-Uh, this is Sam.
-Hello.
-Hi.
-Come on in.
[soft gentle music]
Darren tells us
you work in a restaurant.
Is that a family business?
Oh, uh, no.
It's, uh, Stavros's restaurant.
He's my boss.
Uh, very good food.
[chuckles lightly]
I waitress there.
Sam is thinking
of starting her studies again.
Well, that's good.
Education is important.
"Sam." Is, is that short
for Samantha?
-Um...
-See, the thing is...
It's actually
the Indian name Samesh.
Samesh? Funny sounding, that.
What religion are you, Samesh?
David.
What? It's a perfectly
normal question.
She's agnostic, okay? Like me.
You're not agnostic.
You were baptized as a child.
-Okay, let's not
get into that right now.
-I'm whatever I want.
I find Christianity
really interesting.
And Jesus is so cool.
Will you get married
in St. Peter's Church
like we did?
-It's only fitting, Darren.
-[Darren sighs]
Uh, Mum, you,
you're not getting this.
There's not gonna be
a religious wedding.
Our son is losing his mind,
Martha.
Uh, we were thinking
of having it take place
in a forest.
A forest?
Like freaking pagans?
[chuckles nervously]
No. Uh, just, um...
-I mean, we love nature,
and trees, so--
-Honey.
We're thinking about it, okay?
It's not a done deal.
We're just looking at options.
Yes, that's right. [chuckles]
[soft instrumental music]
[inhales deeply]
-So they're not coming
to the wedding.
-[Darren sighs]
I'll talk to them.
They'll come around.
They think
we're having a Druid wedding.
They don't even know
that a woman is giving us away.
-They don't even know
that I was born with testicles.
-[laughs]
Yeah, they definitely
don't know that.
[man scatting]
[melancholic violin music]
[Darren chuckles]
[man continues scatting]
I'm so sorry
that I can't give you a child.
It's, it's okay.
We'll have our own family.
We can adopt.
It's not the same.
Sweetheart, what matters
is for us to be together.
Everything else will work out.
You'll see.
[birds chirping]
Look, I know...
...it's not the ideal wedding
that you wanted,
and I'm sorry, but...
...Sam and I
really want you to attend.
Can't you have a nature ceremony
and a church ceremony
for us, son?
[sighs] It wouldn't be
an honest thing, Mum.
You won't even baptize
the children, will you?
W-- what? L-- let's just get
the adoption sorted first.
Adoption?
[scoffs] See?
Can't Samesh have kids?
Uh, who says it's not me?
Is it?
[somber music]
This gets better by the minute.
Listen, son, this is too much.
I mean, we tried to support you
through this insane decision
you made to be an actor.
When you're
a fully qualified solicitor,
you can't expect us to sit by
and do nothing
while you completely
ruin your life.
[sighs]
I'm tired of this.
I'm tired of being afraid of how
you'll react all the time,
and of your
small-minded bigotry.
-[Martha] Darren.
-No, listen to me. I don't care.
Sam is the love of my life.
She was born intersex.
Do you know that?
She was born
and raised as a male,
and that is absolutely fine
with me.
Do you know why?
Do you wanna know why?
It's because I love her.
So you either come
to the forest wedding
or you don't.
I don't care anymore.
What the hell is intersex?
-[gentle instrumental music]
-[sighs]
[grunts softly]
Hmm.
[panting]
[grunts]
[Sam]
I can't believe
you really went through with it.
-[chuckles]
-I told you I would, so...
-[chuckles]
-Speak of the devil.
Look who's here.
Really happy that you're here.
Your mother
is fond of reminding me
that we only have one son.
-[Darren chuckles]
-So we weren't gonna miss
your big day.
-You look beautiful.
-Thank you.
All right, ladies and gentlemen,
let's get the show on the road.
I personally have
some heavy drinking
to get started on, okay?
-Yeah, I know.
-Yeah, me too.
Blimey. Is that
a Druid priestess?
I think so.
Times have changed, David.
Times have changed.
[all cheering]
[both chuckling]
Me and my husband
have been coming
for a very long time now.
Please, you must have
some good news for us.
Well, in England,
there are roughly 2000 children
waiting for loving
adoptive parents.
Unfortunately, in your case,
there are a number of issues
that are making things
not only difficult,
but next to impossible.
[somber music]
[scoffs]
I wouldn't get your hopes up.
[scoffs]
[birds chirping]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
-[gasps, chuckles softly]
-[joyful music]
[Sam chuckling]
This is your room, Stef.
-We hope you like it.
-[chuckles]
-Do you like it? [chuckles]
-Mm-hmm.
What's wrong, honey?
Do you want some toast?
Maybe with some jam?
This one's from your college.
Thank you.
What's wrong?
They say I might be off
the volleyball team.
What? Why?
[soft tense music]
They have somehow found out
that I was registered
as a male at birth
and had surgery
before becoming a woman, so...
...they feel I shouldn't play
for the women's team.
I can't believe this.
This isn't fair.
[sighs] What the hell?
I'll, I'll go have words
with them.
No. No.
S-- sweetie, it's okay. I...
There's too much discrimination
against people like me and
I need a backbone.
I need to defend myself.
Well... Stef and I
are always here for you.
You know that, right?
I know.
Oh, I see.
Are you a transgender female?
No. I'm intersex.
I have medical clearance
proving that I'm not male,
and I'm now female
on all my official documents.
This is a difficult
subject matter.
The fact is that, uh,
you were not born female.
That you had to undergo
surgical procedure--
But I was not born male either.
That's what the doctors
and my parents decided for me.
And that was so wrong of them
to do so.
I'm now female,
and I'm proud to be one.
All I want to do
is be on the volleyball team
and compete
with my fellow team players.
The board of directors
made this decision,
and I cannot go against them.
I wish that there was something
I could do to help,
but this is a female team
and not an intersex one.
Should I apply for the male
volleyball team then?
I did not say that.
This just means that
intersex people have no right
to take part
in female or male sport.
Do you think that's fair?
Hmm. Hmm.
Thank you for your time.
What's wrong, sweetie?
Do you want to eat this?
-Uh-uh.
-[Sam] No?
I know something you'll like.
Darren.
-How's this?
-[Stef] Wow.
-[laughs] Wow.
-Do you want it?
-Yeah.
-Careful.
It's dripping down this side.
Yeah, you're gonna have
to lick it really quickly.
-[chuckles]
-[Darren] Does it taste good?
You know,
some very, very famous classics
have used genderless pronouns,
like Shakespeare's Hamlet
and Chaucer's
The Canterbury Tales.
-Okay.
-So, we say "mister" for male
and "miss," "missus"
for female, right?
Mm, yeah.
I think that we should not
decide on pronouns
based on
stereotypical appearances.
Like, the boys
have the long hair
and the girls
have the short hair.
Trying to think
of more options and...
But we have rather than
"them," "their," or "they."
[indistinct chatter on TV]
You know, I really think
you're gonna do
some great things for the rights
of intersex people.
Really?
Easy now.
[sighs]
-[groans]
-Are you okay?
Uh... [groans]
I'll be back. Um...
[controlled sobs]
I, I need to go home. I'm sorry.
[controlled sobs]
-I'm sorry.
-Do you need help?
-I can take you home.
-No, I want to be alone.
-I'm sorry.
-[Jane] She was okay
this morning.
Of course. Any time.
I spoke to Natasha.
She told me what happened.
Uh, are you okay?
I don't know.
I feel like
everything's unraveling.
I'm scared I'm losing my mind.
That might not
necessarily be a bad thing.
How can you say that?
It might be
that you need to be broken down
before you can rise anew.
Seems to me
that your soul is simply...
...detoxifying right now.
That sounds like some BS, Ryan.
[snickers softly]
I, I don't think it is.
You clearly have some stuff
from your past that
you need to make peace with
and let go of.
I guess my teenage years
were challenging.
[gentle violin music]
I'm so sorry, Stef.
Mm, it's okay.
What's done is done.
Have you read the book?
Uh, not all of it.
Finish it.
I think it will prove helpful.
Okay.
I should go.
[water lapping]
[pensive music]
-[water splashes]
-[gasps]
[inhales deeply]
[inhaling sharply]
[traffic humming]
[Sam]
Darren.
-Okay, you go play, honey, yeah?
-Yeah, okay.
[phone ringing]
Hmm.
Hello?
Where is he now?
Okay. Okay, okay.
[somber piano music]
[siren blaring]
-Mrs. Patel Davidson?
-Yes.
I'm terribly sorry.
We did the best we could.
But your husband succumbed
to his injuries of head trauma,
-internal bleeding
at 21:19 hours this evening.
-No.
No. [sobs]
[sobbing] No.
I'm truly sorry for your loss.
[melancholic music]
[sobs]
Pihu.
[Pihu]
Dear Samesh,
I hope this letter
finds you well.
It had been years
since I saw you last,
so the picture you sent
took me by great surprise.
You have changed so much.
I have never forgotten
our childhood memories.
I'm sorry, Samesh.
I bring sad news.
Sai passed away last month
from a stroke.
She always asked about you.
Well, she was sad you were away,
but happy that
you had found yourself...
...and was living a good life.
She loved you so much, Samesh.
Oh, Mother. [sighs]
It is my wish
that you can visit sometime.
I would very much love
to see you again.
I'll try my best, Pihu.
Remember the coins that Mother
used to give you secretly...
...hiding from Father
just so you can buy some sweets?
Here I am returning something
that belonged to you.
[melancholic instrumental music]
[metallic clinking]
[sniffles]
With all my love.
Your sister, Pihu.
Oh, Pihu.
-Can I get you anything else?
-No, that's fine. Thank you.
-[keyboard clacking]
-[message pops]
[yawns]
[chuckles] God, Sam,
you scared me.
What, are you waiting up
for me now?
This is not acceptable, Stef.
You cannot be coming home
this late every night.
Sure, I can.
You're drunk.
What is this? You suddenly
wanna play Mother of the Year?
[sighs deeply]
I'm trying my best, Stef.
[scoffs]
You're trying your best.
Listen, Stef.
[inhales] I know
this is not fair on you.
I want you to know
that I do understand this.
I wish I could spend
more time with you.
I miss you.
But we're just going
to have to wait and see
until things get better.
Stef...
...I want you to know...
...that no matter
what the circumstances,
I will always be there for you.
Is that a joke?
[sighs]
Okay.
Just go to bed.
-You have class in the morning.
-Whatever.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
I'm telling you, Stef,
he will ask me out.
Not if Susan has anything
to say about that.
-That's over already.
-I hope you're right.
Of course I'm right.
I'm always right.
-[chuckles]
-What's this all about?
[dramatic music]
Your mum used to be a man,
didn't she?
[boy 1 chuckles]
Is it true, Stef?
What a freak.
-Does she have testicles?
-Oh, man, that's disgusting.
[boy 1]
Did she used to perform
in the circus?
Freak. Freak. Freak.
[both]
Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.
Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.
Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.
[laughing]
[Sam and Hannah]
Happy birthday to you
-Surprise!
-Surprise!
What is this, Sam?
More fake effort to suddenly win
the Mother of the Year award?
-What's wrong, Stef?
-[Stef] What's wrong?
[melancholic piano music]
You don't care about me at all.
That's what's wrong.
If you did, you never would have
adopted me in the first place
and ruined my life.
Mother of the Year.
You're not even a woman.
How can you be a mother?
You're a freak.
[sobs softly]
[shudders]
[sobbing]
"S.D."
[rain pattering]
S.D.
Sam Davidson.
Sam?
Sam.
Stavros called you. He's worried
you won't answer the phone.
What happened?
She's gone.
What?
[sobs softly]
Stef, she's gone.
-She ran away.
-Oh, God.
She left this letter.
[somber music]
[sobbing]
She hates me so much, Hannah.
Oh, no.
[Hannah]
There was word from Stef.
She sent a message
through the police.
She doesn't wanna be contacted,
and she wants to be on her own.
She'll change her mind, Sam.
You'll see.
She's a teenager full of raging
hormones and rebellion.
Try now and get some rest.
Social Services will be here
early in the morning
for an interview.
They don't need to.
It's obvious
I'm a horrible mother.
Sam.
I'm not good
with life anymore, Hannah.
I can't go on like this.
I want none of that.
You hear me?
You will go on. That's just
the way it's going to be.
You still have
so much to live for
and you can help others
who are born like you
and who are hurting.
You could be a beacon
of light for them.
No.
Yes.
Listen, I'm starting
my business now,
and I want you
to help out, part-time,
so you can re-enroll in college
and finish your degree.
Will I ever see her again?
Yes.
And that's another reason
to keep going.
[Sam]
Hannah kept her word.
And day after day,
night after night,
she stuck by me,
encouraging me...
...and so I kept going,
dedicating all my time
and energy
in study and research.
This led me
down the path of realization...
...for it became clear to me
that I was not female
no more than I was male.
I was born intersex,
and I'm proud
to be known as one.
-[giggles]
-Come on, let's go find him.
[Stef]
Hmm, were can he be?
-Found you. Yeah, we win.
-[laughing]
[epic music]
[Sam laughing]
You have to dust yourself off,
put on a brave face
and march on.
For Stef.
[breathing shakily]
I'm gonna have to quit college,
you know.
You do?
One job isn't enough.
Okay.
Okay, we'll figure
this out together.
I'm by your side. Always.
Thank you.
And my academic pursuits
have kept me busy and content.
Yet...
...the regret lingers
heavy in my soul.
So, each night,
I say a prayer...
...that my little girl is safe,
and brave, and happy...
...and that she finds it
in her heart
to one day forgive me.
[sobs]
The author is your mother?
What the hell?
-Are you sure?
-What do you mean?
It's, it's my childhood.
Of course I'm sure.
What are you gonna do?
I don't know.
You have to see her.
I don't know
if I could face her.
I left her.
I haven't seen her
in so long now.
But can't you see?
This is kismet.
The way you found
that book, it's,
it's the damn universe
trying to bring
the two of you together
so you can reunite.
[sighs] I don't know.
I abandoned her.
Caused her so much grief.
But...
...whatever you decide, Stef,
I'll help you and support you.
[chuckles softly]
[somber violin music]
I remember
when you first came to me.
All wide-eyed and pimple-faced.
It was
with fierce determination...
...demanding a job here.
Not for your benefit
so much as my own.
-God, I was so cocky
and arrogant.
-No.
You made me
see something in you,
and so I hired you.
And over the years,
I've come to care for you
more than just your boss.
And I know
when something's bothering you.
It's always been difficult
for me to open up.
Just know I'm here for you.
And, hell,
I believe I'm a good listener.
Okay. Well,
as you might have guessed,
when you first met me,
I had just run away from home,
from my adoptive mother.
I was confused and hurt,
and so angry with her.
[sighs]
But now I've come to realize
that I acted foolishly.
She was trying her best,
and I never gave her a chance.
I gave up on her.
And, and now I fear
that it might be too late,
that maybe I should just
let the past be the past.
Hmm. I see.
All I know is
that I'm absolutely certain
that you will know
what the best course of action
will be soon enough.
What if I don't?
What if I mess it up again?
It's just fear and doubt.
We all experience that.
Have faith in yourself, Stef.
You're a beautiful human being.
Don't you forget that.
[melancholic music]
Ryan?
Ryan?
[dramatic music]
-He killed his own sister.
-What?
-No. You misunderstood.
-I read it in his diary.
He murdered his sister, Rachel.
Stef, just listen, damn it.
He... he wanted you
to find the diary.
He was trying
to find a way to tell you.
He just didn't anticipate
that you would run off again
like that.
He is not a murderer.
Anything, he's a savior.
Rachel went to take her own life
when she discovered
that her external genitalia were
removed at the time of birth
to make her female
due to being born intersex,
having ambiguous genitals.
But he, he gave Rachel
new life as Ryan.
[dramatic music]
What?
Ryan was Rachel.
And he saved you too,
when you were on the bridge.
I, I didn't mean to startle you.
-Go away.
-Okay, I will.
I've been
in the exact same position,
and had the exact
same look in my eye
with the thought
of taking my life away.
Truth is,
Ry-- Ryan's not a model.
He's been trying to help you
out of your depression,
to help you better your life.
Jane and I knew about it, but,
but we promised
we wouldn't say anything to him.
God, I, I feel like...
Please don't be upset.
I need to go.
Stef, you've got to understand.
We were so worried about you.
Please don't be mad at us.
No, I just need
to be alone for a bit.
[inhales]
[Ryan]
Yeah.
I was
Rachel.
For 19 whole years, I was her.
[melancholic music]
[sighs]
My parents hid the truth
from me, but...
...I was born intersex
with ovotesticular.
[sighs]
I never felt real
as Rachel.
I always knew
something was wrong.
So, when I found out
the truth...
...I had to let Rachel die.
I had to shed that skin
and begin anew.
Did they force you to be Rachel?
Yeah.
As an infant...
...the doctor told my parents
I had a condition
called "true hermaphroditism."
Part testes and part ovaries
on the inside.
And
the external was ambiguous,
and needed to be...
...corrected.
So, they went on and...
[hesitating]
...experimented on me.
They forced me
to be female, but...
...all I felt was anxiety
and sadness all the time.
My sexual experience
as a female was painful.
I was sexually impaired
because of the surgery.
How could they make
such an irreversible decision
without thinking that
they could potentially be wrong?
When it comes to the surgery...
...they take
the approach that...
...it's easier to dig a hole
than it is to build a pole.
So that's what they did to me.
They made me a girl.
Most important decision
of my life...
...and my parents made it
without my consent.
I'm so sorry, Ryan.
So, now you understand.
I've held back
my feelings for you because...
...we can't ever be together.
What?
Of course we can.
There's only one thing
that matters.
Love.
And my heart
is full of it for you.
But, Stef...
...I can't give you
what you'd expect from a man.
I don't care about that.
I just...
I just want to be with you.
Will you be my life partner?
-Yes.
-[laughs]
[male singer]
Light hit me so quickly
You are my day
You are my night
You captivate my senses
And this feeling
grips me tight
Just say you need me
I'll be there by your side...
So, I think this is it.
-Oh, God.
-You'll be fine.
...told me you were mine
Only love matters
And I belong to you
Only love matters
[sighs] Let's do this.
[knocks]
Yes?
Oh, um...
...we're looking
for Sam Davidson.
Does she live here?
Oh, she's...
May I ask
what this is relating to?
I'm her daughter.
-You're Stef?
-[Stef] Yeah.
She talks about you
all the time.
She's...
I'm so sorry to tell you this,
but Sam's
in a serious condition,
fighting cancer.
[sentimental music]
Unfortunately,
the cancer has metastasized,
and it has now spread too wide.
So, you see,
she hasn't got
much time left, I'm afraid.
She has put up
one hell of a fight though.
She's been talking
a lot about you, Stef.
Telling everyone about you.
[knocks]
There's guests here to see Sam.
[somber instrumental music]
-Stef.
-Aunt Hannah.
-[sobbing]
-Oh, come here.
I can't believe you're here.
She's been holding on.
She was...
You have to go in.
[knocks]
Sam, there's a visitor for you.
[heart monitor beeping]
Stef?
Yes, I'm here.
[somber instrumental music]
I'm so sorry.
I should never have
run away that night.
I was upset and confused.
I made the worst mistake
of my life.
[inhales deeply]
No.
I should be...
I wasn't there for you.
I could have done
so much better.
[inhales shakily]
I failed you, Stef.
-[sobs] I failed you.
-No, you didn't.
I know that now.
I know that you
went through so much,
and you kept going.
I know that you cared
and provided for me
while dealing
with discrimination and tragedy.
And now you're an inspiration
to so many other people
who are trying to survive.
I'm lucky and honored
to call you my mother.
You never called me that before.
I will from now on.
[music continues]
Don't cry, my sweet girl.
You make me so happy.
All I wanted was to...
...to see you grow up into a...
...strong and beautiful girl.
And now my wish has come true.
Oh.
I love you, Mum.
I love you too, Stef.
Mum?
[heart monitor beeps rapidly]
[monitor flatlining]
Mum?
Mum? Mum?
[sobs] Mum.
It saddens me that Dr. Davidson
is no longer with us today
to witness
the fruit of her labor
and the big shift
in society's consciousness
in regard to intersex-related
issues and concerns,
and overall awareness
and acceptance.
However, I'm sure
she's smiling right now,
pleased that
her daughter is here
to receive this award
on her behalf.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Miss Stephanie Davidson.
[sentimental music]
[applause]
Thank you.
I'm very honored to be here.
My mother lived
a truly remarkable life.
She was an inspiration not only
to the intersex community,
but to all of us.
[male singer]
Light hit me so quickly
I'm happy that
the echo of the struggle
for the rights
of intersex individuals
can now be heard
at the United Nations
and in parliaments
across the world,
and that change
has started to take place.
...you need me
I'll be there...
I only wish
we had more time with her.
...your side
'Cause I fell deep for you
I love you, Mum.
[applause]
-Thank you.
-[male singer]
Only love matters
And I belong to you
Only love matters
And that will never change
Only love matters
You'll always make me smile
Only love matters
And I believe it too
[female singer]
Something led me to ya
And we grew together
It never felt so clearer
[male singer]
Now nothing can stop us
Our love shines
brighter than the moon
And there's no way
to count the infinite ways
That I love you
[female singer]
Just say you need me
I'll be there by your side
'Cause I fell deep for you
When you told me
you were mine
Only love matters
And I belong to you
Only love matters
And that will never change
Only love matters
You'll always make me smile
Only love matters
And I believe it too
[male singer]
Just say you'll need me
I'll be there by your side
'Cause I fell deep for you
When you told me
You were mine
[both]
Only your love matters
And I belong to you
Only love matters
And that will never change
Only love matters
You'll always make me smile
Only love matters
And I believe it too