The Bones on Greenwich Shore (2020) Movie Script
[water sloshing]
[gentle music]
[gentle music]
[box rattles]
[people chattering]
[tannoy chiming]
[announcer faintly speaking]
Hello.
Hi there.
Can you tell me how to get to New Cross?
New Cross or New Cross Gate?
I'm not sure.
Where are you going?
Do you know the Goldsmiths College?
Yeah, that's New Cross Gate.
Bus, train, or underground?
Tube?
Subway?
Er, which is the cheapest?
Cheapest is the underground.
Have you've got an Oyster card?
Don't worry about it.
If you go over there,
take the underground from here
on the Piccadilly lines to Green Park.
From Green Park, you
take the tube around here
to Canada Water.
And from Canada Water,
you take the overground to
New Cross Gate, not New Cross.
Overground not underground?
It's just another line.
Take this map.
You'll be fine.
It's just over there.
Thank you.
Piccadilly?
[train clattering]
[gentle music]
These are all pieces
from the graduate show.
They will all be cleared by next class.
A few of them were
bought by art collectors.
Many will end up in landfill.
That's right.
And what is the difference
between the two?
Is it technique, talent?
Partly.
That is what you're here to develop.
But no, the main
difference between the two,
those who sell and those
who don't, is luck.
Call it luck, call it zeitgeist,
call it whatever you want,
but one can never predict the
appetite of the buyer of art.
It's a lottery.
So, what you're saying
is we're all gonna starve?
[students laughing]
Now, if you want to make a living
and eat well by your art,
you will need more than talent.
You will need business.
You all need to learn
how to market yourselves.
Won't that affect
our artistic integrity?
Probably, so go out
and get yourself an agent
who will do it for you.
[phone pings]
And finally,
and I can't emphasize enough,
guys, get out of the studio, yeah?
Feast on the incredible
variety of art and culture
this city has to offer.
Not just galleries and paintings,
theater, alternative
cinema, music, dance, food.
London has it, all, everything.
Just eat it all up, you know?
Just throw money at it,
just get it inside you.
Once it's all digested,
and if you're lucky,
you may come to find some of
it spilling out on your canvas.
And maybe your work will be
special, not just office art,
but something unique to you.
Pretension and bullshit
goes a long way too.
This is the world.
This is the reality.
This is how it is.
The rest is up to you.
You can't do it by talking.
You need to live life.
You know, that's where art,
that's where your love,
that's where your passion comes from.
That's it.
Off you go.
[upbeat music]
[camera clicking]
Mm, wow!
So, you can mix and match.
You can have a small.
Alright.
Yeah, just hold it like that.
[Aiko] Yeah, thank you.
Thank you.
That's two pound, thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- Enjoy.
- Bye.
- Bye-bye.
[Oliver] What do you think?
I've never seen anything like this.
' Cause you've been
standing there a long time.
Mm.
I can't explain in English,
and not even Japanese maybe.
I thought you were from Japan.
But your English is quite good.
You've been here a long time?
No.
Well, a few weeks.
[Oliver] But you must
have studied before?
We always had a kind of
home-stay student, yeah,
at our house,
so I learned from them.
I went to Japan when I was young.
I always meant to go back, but never did.
[Aiko] Where did you go?
Um, usual places.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima.
Oh, and I spent a few weeks in Kanazawa.
Oh, that's where I'm from.
Okay.
It's a beautiful city.
Yeah.
I like the old town, the temples
and traditional art.
And the geisha?
No, I was too young.
So, why are you here?
I saw you taking notes.
Are you a journalist?
Ah, no, I'm just studying painting.
Do you know Goldsmith's College?
[Oliver] Oh, sure.
[Aiko] Yeah.
Do you like it?
I just started, so, yeah.
I've met some nice friend.
Oh, I hope you don't mind,
while you were looking at the artwork,
I sketched you from over there.
Okay.
I don't mind.
Oh, can I see it?
Yeah, yeah.
Are you an artist?
Yeah, this is mine.
Oliver Bland?
Branse.
- Branse.
- Mm hmm.
- It's yours?
- Mm hmm.
[Aiko] I'm Aiko.
Oh, Aiko.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
But it's so simple and...
Elegant?
Yeah, elegant, yeah.
[Oliver] Something about
the hair and your posture.
Beautiful lines.
But it's quite different
from this painting.
Mm.
Will you make a painting from this?
I don't know.
Do you think I should?
Like that?
Maybe.
If you do, I'd like to see it.
Well, if you like,
why don't you write your
number on, on this card?
Okay.
[Oliver] And if I make a
painting from the sketch,
then I'll call you.
And if you want to, you
can come and see it.
[Aiko] Okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Well, I need to go.
[Aiko] Sure.
So, enjoy the rest of the gallery.
Yeah, thank you.
Okay.
I wondered, would you
like to see my studio?
It's not far.
Sorry, I'm going to have a dinner
with my friend tonight, so.
- Okay.
- Sorry.
Okay.
Maybe another time?
Yeah, sure.
This way, you can finish your painting.
Yeah, okay.
Okay.
See you.
- Bye-bye.
[brooding music]
[match scraping]
[phone buzzing]
[Oliver huffs]
[Oliver sighs]
[match scraping]
Nate, I met this girl.
She is, she's a woman,
Japanese.
[Nathan sighs]
I know, but she's incredible.
She's beautiful, but she's 24.
She's such a lovely person.
- Really?
Yeah, really.
But the thing is, I've tried calling her
like three or four times.
What do you expect?
She's half your age.
I'm surprised she even
gave you her number.
What would a young girl
went with an old man anyway?
Er, money.
As if you have any,
because you're an artist.
Can we just like, not go there for once?
Alright, just saying.
You know, you're welcome at the agency.
You wouldn't have to wear a suit.
Just a bit of graphic design.
Thanks.
[Nathan] You know, photos,
leaflets, that sort of thing.
No, thanks.
You're such a smug
fucker sometimes, Oli,
even when you're starving,
I'm a painter, I'm not a designer.
One pays the rent, one doesn't.
Now who's the smug fucker?
You know, you're not looking so good.
All those paint fumes.
You need to get out of that studio,
get yourself some sun.
Right, hang with you
and your golf buddies?
[Nathan sighs]
Is there anything about my lifestyle
that doesn't disgust you?
You think I'm some right
capitalist pig, don't you?
We're just different, Nate.
Oh, that's for fucking sure.
I sometimes wonder if we
even share the same mother.
You need any cash?
Do you need any cash?
I'm okay.
Well, that's not what Mum says.
Here, take some of this.
Go on, take it.
It's all I could get from the cash point.
You sure?
[Nathan] Go on.
I'll pay you back as soon
as I sell a few pieces.
Don't worry about it.
No, I mean it.
My new work's starting
to get some attention.
That's great, Oli.
I'll pay you back.
Take your time.
I'm sure it'll all work out.
[phone pinging]
I gotta get back to the missus.
And for fuck's sake, forget
about young Japanese girls.
Nothing good will come of it.
But it's just, it feels so intimate.
Oli, at our age, a bump
in a queue feels intimate.
Forget about it.
You're right, as usual.
It's done.
[phone buzzing]
Hello?
Hi.
Aiko, it's Oliver, Oliver Branse?
We met at the gallery the other day?
Hello?
That's so weird.
I just started looking at my
notes about your painting.
That's a coincidence.
How's your, how's your work going?
Not so great.
I need to find my inspiration.
Oh, well maybe I can help you.
You remember you told me to call you
when I'd painted from that sketch I made?
Well, it's finished,
and if you like, you
could come and see it.
And there's a lot of other work too.
You know, you might like it.
I'd like to, but I should sketch.
Well, you don't sound like
you're in the right mood.
And you said yourself, you
need to find some inspiration.
So, come on.
It wouldn't take long.
It used to be a factory.
Used to make the propellers
for the big ships, you know?
It's quite old actually,
but yeah, suits my needs.
[door buzzing]
So, there's, there's lots of
other artists here as well,
so you can meet them if you want to.
Mind yourself.
Is it okay?
Yeah, it's fine.
It's a little old, but it's fine.
It still works.
Don't worry.
[buttons beeping]
[elevator rumbling]
It feels like an old noa movie.
Noir, you mean?
- Noir, noir.
- Noir, yeah.
You like old movies?
Yeah, especially noa, noir film.
Me too.
Older the better.
Do you have a favorite?
Do you know "Bound."
Wachowskis brothers' first film?
- Yeah.
- Well, that's not so old.
Sure it is.
It's mid '90s.
Okay, mind out the way.
Okay.
Stand here.
Sorry, it's a bit of a maze.
So nice.
There's such a great light.
Yeah, that's the main
reason I took this place.
Can you sell all of them?
Well, I'd like to but
it's a tough market.
You don't wanna undervalue your work,
but sometimes you just have to sell it
for less than you think it's
worth just to pay the bills.
What kind of work is popular now?
You shouldn't think in terms of popular.
By the time you figured out popular,
it's not popular anymore.
When you paint,
you have to paint what you really feel
from your heart, your soul.
Listen only to yourself.
[Aiko] Is that it?
Yeah.
So, did you paint from the sketch?
Yeah.
The sketch takes me back to the moment.
You painted wet on wet?
Wet on wet, yes.
You're not a complete beginner.
[Aiko] How could you imagine all of that
from the once simple sketch?
Well, that's the mysterious bit.
It all just kind of comes from within.
[Aiko] Are you painting anything else?
To be honest, I, I hadn't
painted anything for weeks,
and then it just kind of poured out.
Because of me?
Yeah.
Strange, isn't it?
I could model for you.
Oh, really?
Have you ever modeled before?
Yeah, a friend, some others.
I couldn't pay you much.
It's alright.
If you sell it, and you can pay for me,
but if not, I worked with great painter.
[chuckles] I'm not sure about that.
When you want to start?
How about this weekend?
Sounds good.
Cup of tea?
Yes please, sure.
[gentle music]
[box clicking]
[Oliver] Okay, so if
you get up on this plinth.
Now?
[Oliver] Okay, so if you bring your,
bring your legs up higher,
and your feet up, that's it.
Put your arms around your legs.
Like this?
[Oliver] Both arms.
That's it.
[Aiko] Do you ever
know how it will end up?
[Oliver] No.
If it's going well, I lose myself.
What do you mean?
[Oliver] Well, it feels like something
or someone else is drawing,
and I just forget about my technique.
And I lose myself and I just draw.
[Oliver sighs]
[Aiko] What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Can I see it?
No, you can't.
It's not working.
What's wrong?
You didn't lose yourself, did you?
[Oliver] No, no, I didn't.
You're perceptive.
Okay, let's make another one.
Next time, you will focus more.
Okay?
Yeah, I just didn't expect you to...
[Aiko] Don't worry.
I do a live model in Japan.
How do you want me?
Okay, So if you climb back up.
Well, I've always loved the
line of your hair and your neck,
but I can now see the power
of your back and your hips.
So, what I wanna see is a turn.
If you could turn your head away.
Yeah.
To the left.
That's it.
And look at this arm here.
Mm hmm.
Okay, there.
Like this?
That's beautiful.
And now here.
This one.
Not so far.
- Yeah.
Only on the leg.
Yeah.
Perfect, that's it.
You look so happy.
I am, I'm glad you're here.
Me too.
Now, if you turn away to your
left, your head, your head.
That's it.
Oh my God.
That's perfect.
It's perfect.
Don't move.
[gentle music]
You know, this is gonna sound strange,
but it's not so much that I lost myself,
more that I found myself inside you.
I feel it too.
Aiko, it's a beautiful name.
What does it mean?
[speaking in foreign language]
Child of love.
It's perfect.
[people chattering]
[gentle music]
I am starving.
That was a marathon session.
You not eating, Aiko?
I'm meeting with someone later.
The painter?
Yes.
Mm, someone's found romance.
Go on, tell us everything,
and don't skip the naughty bits.
There's not much to tell.
There's always something to tell.
Where did you meet him?
In gallery.
His work is amazing.
What's his name?
Is he famous?
Oliver, Oliver Branse.
He's not famous yet.
Does he sell?
[Aiko] Sure, sometimes.
Oliver Branse?
I think I went to his
open studio last year.
Is he in Greenwich?
[Aiko] Yes.
Maybe I'm thinking of someone else.
The guy I met was at least 50.
Could be.
50?
Aiko, you're dating
someone twice your age?
Yes, so?
So he's old!
That's like my Dad's age.
Yeah, it's not really
any of our business, Aiko,
but you're a pretty girl.
You could meet any younger guy or girl.
Why?
He's teaching to me a lot.
At least tell me he's rich,
like a rich family or something?
I don't think so.
But he's full of passion.
Yes, darling, so am I,
but I don't get around
preying on younger boys.
You are right, it's not your business.
[dog barking]
Thank you for preparing lovely lunch.
You're welcome.
Was yummy.
[Oliver chuckles]
- Why are you laughing?
- Yummy.
Yummy.
I think you're yummy.
The yummiest?
[Oliver] Absolutely.
Have you ever had sex
with Japanese girl before?
[Oliver] Why'd you ask?
It's important?
No, just curious,
'cause you are the first
foreign guy for me.
I've just wondered.
Well, wonder no more,
because you without doubt
the sexiest, yummiest woman
I ever met in my life.
- Stop.
- No.
[Aiko And Oliver] Mm mm.
- Stop.
- No.
I hold the red wine.
I don't care.
Stop, no.
- I don't care.
- I don't want.
Stop.
[Oliver laughs]
I'm going.
No, you're not.
[gentle music]
[lips smooching]
[Aiko moaning]
[Aiko and Oliver panting]
[gentle music]
[Aiko sighs]
I don't get it.
Why can't I get that same effect?
Don't worry, you're already
better than I was at 24.
[Aiko chuckles]
What?
Really?
You're not just saying so
I will have sex with you?
No. [laughs]
No, I mean it.
You're, you're, you're
gonna be really good.
Sure?
Mm hmm.
[lips smooching]
[Aiko chuckling]
[keys jangling]
My brother and I are going
to my mum's in Sussex
for the weekend.
So, why don't you take these,
and you can come in.
You can work on it.
No distractions.
Are you sure?
I mean, I'll be careful and
everything, but it's your space.
[Oliver] It's fine.
I like the idea of you being here.
Thank you.
[lips smooching]
[bees buzzing]
You're looking rather beatific.
A ha ha, you've met
someone, you little fucker.
She finally answered my call.
The young Japanese girl?
Oh Jesus, Oli.
I know what you're thinking,
but it's not like that.
She is amazing.
Didn't you say that
about, what's her name,
the Polish one?
No, there's no comparison.
I've never felt like this before.
[Nathan sighs]
Look, Oli, I get it.
Middle age sets in, young
fit girl comes along,
you'd be crazy not to.
But don't read too much into it.
She'll move on when the curiosity fades.
You're wrong.
[Nathan] No.
You know how I ramble
on about losing myself
when I paint?
Yeah, yeah.
I think mum dropped you on
your head when you were a kid.
Well, that's why I've got
so much heightened creativity.
Right, isn't it, Mum?
[Nathan] You got any biscuits?
No.
[Oliver] You don't need any biscuits.
Thanks, Mum.
There.
Milk, sugar, help yourselves.
I can never remember
Thanks a lot.
How you do it.
Thanks.
It's bliss.
Complete unmitigated rapture.
And we both feel it together.
It's like we share something primal.
Fucking artists.
I've never felt like this before.
Get a grip, Oli.
And for fuck's sake, be
careful and wear a rubber.
You can't afford any
half-and-halfs running around,
and neither can I.
- That is out of order.
Whatever.
[gentle music]
Why did you bring me here?
Well, I like to imagine the
lives of all these people.
I mean, look at this.
That's 200 years ago.
I mean, this guy might've
known William Blake.
Actually, it gives me
ideas for my pictures.
I want to go now.
- Woo, the dead are rising!
- Stop it.
What?
I want to get out of here.
Hey, come on, I was only joking.
It's not funny.
I imagine the bones down there.
Real people without their
flesh, without their skin.
Yeah, well, you know, that's
what graves are all about.
[thunder rumbling]
I must get out of here.
I think of my mother,
how she looked when she was dying.
Oh, Jesus, Aiko.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
That's why Japanese burn the dead.
Come on, let's get out of here.
[solemn music]
[rain pattering]
[thunder rumbling]
Is this your family?
Yeah, it's me, my
brother Nathan, my mum.
Dad died almost 10 years ago.
So, it's just been the
three of us since then.
My mother died six months ago.
Bone cancer.
I'm so sorry about earlier.
I had no idea.
Come here.
[pensive music]
I would never have taken
you there if I'd known.
If I do stuff like that, if
I, you just tell me, right?
You know?
[thunder rumbling]
[Aiko] Thunder.
I'm scared.
It's okay.
[gentle music]
- Do you like wasabi?
- Mm hmm.
- Yes?
- You just put it straight on?
Yeah, like this.
It's quite a lot.
I know.
It's not too much?
Like this?
Yeah.
Is it nice?
It's amazing.
Okay.
Can you try that one?
Hmm, me?
Mm.
How is it?
It's very good.
Why do people care about others so much?
Because people live in
their own little worlds,
and when they think their
idea of normal is threatened,
they feel the need to judge,
'cause it makes them feel
superior or something.
Although, there's still
sexism, racism, biases,
it's getting better.
But still care about age gap?
Yeah.
Even my brother thinks
I'm a dirty old man.
So, you can be my dirty old man.
Mm hmm.
And I'll be your hot little slut.
[Oliver laughs]
Should we just go back to my flat?
I have a sudden desire for dessert.
Oh, I can't.
Why not?
It's the midterms coming
up, so I need to study.
Or shall we come to my place?
Come on, you've never seen my room.
It's a student accommodation
and I kind of feel weird.
Like dirty old man?
Like dirty old man.
Okay, just this once.
We've got to get up early,
if we want to have a morning fuck.
[lips smooching]
[dogs barking]
That guy. [laughs]
[lips smooching]
[Aiko moaning]
I cannot believe you did that.
[Aiko laughs]
I thought that guy was
going to shoot himself.
[Aiko laughs]
Did you see his wife? [laughs]
[Oliver laughs]
I can't... [laughs]
She will never eat sushi again.
[Oliver laughs]
Okay, go on.
- Come on.
[latch clicking]
[Aiko] So, okay, it's not much.
[Oliver] Well-
It's the bed, it's so small.
Come here.
It's fine.
So, I'm taking a quick shower.
Okay.
So, do wanna have some tea?
No, I'm good.
Okay.
Good.
[latch clicking]
[tense music]
[box clicking]
[latch clicking]
[Aiko sighs]
[Oliver] Who's this in the photograph?
That's me, like when I was
like four or five years old.
Was I cute?
[Oliver] And the woman?
My mother.
Who took the picture?
[Aiko] I don't remember, hmm.
Your father?
No, he died just before I was born.
What's wrong?
This photo makes you sad?
I had a very happy childhood.
My mother and I were so close.
[Oliver] I need to take a shower.
I know.
I've left a towel for you.
[Oliver] Okay.
[water pattering]
Is my bed too small?
No, it's okay.
[tense music]
What's wrong?
You tired?
Yeah, yeah I am.
Is that okay?
No problem, let's sleep.
Yeah.
Hello, hi.
Hello, yeah, I was just
looking at your website,
and it says I need to
send in some mouth swabs?
Yeah, is there anything else I can use?
Yeah, I know you send a pack, I read that.
It's just, I, I don't think
I can do a mouth swab.
It's complicated.
What do you mean, rules?
What kind of proof?
Well, what if they don't agree?
No, I don't have a fucking court order.
Hello?
Hello, are you there?
[solemn music]
[gentle music]
[urine tinkling]
[toilet flushes]
[solemn music]
[dogs barking]
[people chattering]
Sorry!
I'm late.
Oh, I missed a train,
and I took the bus, but it was wrong.
I never figure out this city.
Are you alright?
Erm, I'm not sleeping so much.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
No, I'm okay.
You want something?
Can I have a white, a
glass of white wine please.
[Oliver] Another beer.
Are you sure you should be drinking?
Or you've got a fever?
No, I'm fine.
Sorry.
Aiko, Aiko, did your
mum ever talk to you
about your father?
Not much.
I asked her once,
but it seemed too painful for her.
But I still wonder sometimes.
What's with you, today?
Last week, when I was in
your room, I saw a photographs.
Do you remember?
Yeah.
[tense music]
Me and my mom.
Do you remember I told you
that I, I visited Kanazawa
when I was in Japan?
Yeah.
The first time we met.
Aiko, I knew your mother.
What are you trying to say?
Your mum and I had a, we
had a short relationship.
You had sex with my mother?
And you think I might be...
Yeah.
Impossible.
You made a mistake.
You're 24.
I was there exactly 25 years ago.
And it was her.
She had other lovers.
She was very beautiful.
Yeah, like you.
And I wondered the same
thing and I had to know.
I got this.
What's this?
[tense music]
[Oliver] It's a DNA test.
DNA?
How?
I gave you a new toothbrush, remember?
And I had it tested.
And I didn't wanna be right,
but it's 99% sure.
We share the same DNA.
Aiko, you're my daughter.
[speaking in foreign language]
Aiko!
Stop!
The beach.
The beach.
It's a lot of bones.
Bones.
Bones everywhere.
Come on, you, you're
gonna cut your knees.
Leave me alone.
There's people watching.
Don't touch me!
Leave me alone!
[Oliver sobbing]
[birds squawking]
[gentle music]
[birds twittering]
[gentle music]
[Aiko sniffling]
[Aiko sniffling]
[speaking in foreign language]
[pensive music]
[pensive music]
[tense music]
[door buzzing]
[gentle music]
[pensive music]
[pensive music]
[gentle music]
[gentle music]
[box rattles]
[people chattering]
[tannoy chiming]
[announcer faintly speaking]
Hello.
Hi there.
Can you tell me how to get to New Cross?
New Cross or New Cross Gate?
I'm not sure.
Where are you going?
Do you know the Goldsmiths College?
Yeah, that's New Cross Gate.
Bus, train, or underground?
Tube?
Subway?
Er, which is the cheapest?
Cheapest is the underground.
Have you've got an Oyster card?
Don't worry about it.
If you go over there,
take the underground from here
on the Piccadilly lines to Green Park.
From Green Park, you
take the tube around here
to Canada Water.
And from Canada Water,
you take the overground to
New Cross Gate, not New Cross.
Overground not underground?
It's just another line.
Take this map.
You'll be fine.
It's just over there.
Thank you.
Piccadilly?
[train clattering]
[gentle music]
These are all pieces
from the graduate show.
They will all be cleared by next class.
A few of them were
bought by art collectors.
Many will end up in landfill.
That's right.
And what is the difference
between the two?
Is it technique, talent?
Partly.
That is what you're here to develop.
But no, the main
difference between the two,
those who sell and those
who don't, is luck.
Call it luck, call it zeitgeist,
call it whatever you want,
but one can never predict the
appetite of the buyer of art.
It's a lottery.
So, what you're saying
is we're all gonna starve?
[students laughing]
Now, if you want to make a living
and eat well by your art,
you will need more than talent.
You will need business.
You all need to learn
how to market yourselves.
Won't that affect
our artistic integrity?
Probably, so go out
and get yourself an agent
who will do it for you.
[phone pings]
And finally,
and I can't emphasize enough,
guys, get out of the studio, yeah?
Feast on the incredible
variety of art and culture
this city has to offer.
Not just galleries and paintings,
theater, alternative
cinema, music, dance, food.
London has it, all, everything.
Just eat it all up, you know?
Just throw money at it,
just get it inside you.
Once it's all digested,
and if you're lucky,
you may come to find some of
it spilling out on your canvas.
And maybe your work will be
special, not just office art,
but something unique to you.
Pretension and bullshit
goes a long way too.
This is the world.
This is the reality.
This is how it is.
The rest is up to you.
You can't do it by talking.
You need to live life.
You know, that's where art,
that's where your love,
that's where your passion comes from.
That's it.
Off you go.
[upbeat music]
[camera clicking]
Mm, wow!
So, you can mix and match.
You can have a small.
Alright.
Yeah, just hold it like that.
[Aiko] Yeah, thank you.
Thank you.
That's two pound, thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- Enjoy.
- Bye.
- Bye-bye.
[Oliver] What do you think?
I've never seen anything like this.
' Cause you've been
standing there a long time.
Mm.
I can't explain in English,
and not even Japanese maybe.
I thought you were from Japan.
But your English is quite good.
You've been here a long time?
No.
Well, a few weeks.
[Oliver] But you must
have studied before?
We always had a kind of
home-stay student, yeah,
at our house,
so I learned from them.
I went to Japan when I was young.
I always meant to go back, but never did.
[Aiko] Where did you go?
Um, usual places.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima.
Oh, and I spent a few weeks in Kanazawa.
Oh, that's where I'm from.
Okay.
It's a beautiful city.
Yeah.
I like the old town, the temples
and traditional art.
And the geisha?
No, I was too young.
So, why are you here?
I saw you taking notes.
Are you a journalist?
Ah, no, I'm just studying painting.
Do you know Goldsmith's College?
[Oliver] Oh, sure.
[Aiko] Yeah.
Do you like it?
I just started, so, yeah.
I've met some nice friend.
Oh, I hope you don't mind,
while you were looking at the artwork,
I sketched you from over there.
Okay.
I don't mind.
Oh, can I see it?
Yeah, yeah.
Are you an artist?
Yeah, this is mine.
Oliver Bland?
Branse.
- Branse.
- Mm hmm.
- It's yours?
- Mm hmm.
[Aiko] I'm Aiko.
Oh, Aiko.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
But it's so simple and...
Elegant?
Yeah, elegant, yeah.
[Oliver] Something about
the hair and your posture.
Beautiful lines.
But it's quite different
from this painting.
Mm.
Will you make a painting from this?
I don't know.
Do you think I should?
Like that?
Maybe.
If you do, I'd like to see it.
Well, if you like,
why don't you write your
number on, on this card?
Okay.
[Oliver] And if I make a
painting from the sketch,
then I'll call you.
And if you want to, you
can come and see it.
[Aiko] Okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Well, I need to go.
[Aiko] Sure.
So, enjoy the rest of the gallery.
Yeah, thank you.
Okay.
I wondered, would you
like to see my studio?
It's not far.
Sorry, I'm going to have a dinner
with my friend tonight, so.
- Okay.
- Sorry.
Okay.
Maybe another time?
Yeah, sure.
This way, you can finish your painting.
Yeah, okay.
Okay.
See you.
- Bye-bye.
[brooding music]
[match scraping]
[phone buzzing]
[Oliver huffs]
[Oliver sighs]
[match scraping]
Nate, I met this girl.
She is, she's a woman,
Japanese.
[Nathan sighs]
I know, but she's incredible.
She's beautiful, but she's 24.
She's such a lovely person.
- Really?
Yeah, really.
But the thing is, I've tried calling her
like three or four times.
What do you expect?
She's half your age.
I'm surprised she even
gave you her number.
What would a young girl
went with an old man anyway?
Er, money.
As if you have any,
because you're an artist.
Can we just like, not go there for once?
Alright, just saying.
You know, you're welcome at the agency.
You wouldn't have to wear a suit.
Just a bit of graphic design.
Thanks.
[Nathan] You know, photos,
leaflets, that sort of thing.
No, thanks.
You're such a smug
fucker sometimes, Oli,
even when you're starving,
I'm a painter, I'm not a designer.
One pays the rent, one doesn't.
Now who's the smug fucker?
You know, you're not looking so good.
All those paint fumes.
You need to get out of that studio,
get yourself some sun.
Right, hang with you
and your golf buddies?
[Nathan sighs]
Is there anything about my lifestyle
that doesn't disgust you?
You think I'm some right
capitalist pig, don't you?
We're just different, Nate.
Oh, that's for fucking sure.
I sometimes wonder if we
even share the same mother.
You need any cash?
Do you need any cash?
I'm okay.
Well, that's not what Mum says.
Here, take some of this.
Go on, take it.
It's all I could get from the cash point.
You sure?
[Nathan] Go on.
I'll pay you back as soon
as I sell a few pieces.
Don't worry about it.
No, I mean it.
My new work's starting
to get some attention.
That's great, Oli.
I'll pay you back.
Take your time.
I'm sure it'll all work out.
[phone pinging]
I gotta get back to the missus.
And for fuck's sake, forget
about young Japanese girls.
Nothing good will come of it.
But it's just, it feels so intimate.
Oli, at our age, a bump
in a queue feels intimate.
Forget about it.
You're right, as usual.
It's done.
[phone buzzing]
Hello?
Hi.
Aiko, it's Oliver, Oliver Branse?
We met at the gallery the other day?
Hello?
That's so weird.
I just started looking at my
notes about your painting.
That's a coincidence.
How's your, how's your work going?
Not so great.
I need to find my inspiration.
Oh, well maybe I can help you.
You remember you told me to call you
when I'd painted from that sketch I made?
Well, it's finished,
and if you like, you
could come and see it.
And there's a lot of other work too.
You know, you might like it.
I'd like to, but I should sketch.
Well, you don't sound like
you're in the right mood.
And you said yourself, you
need to find some inspiration.
So, come on.
It wouldn't take long.
It used to be a factory.
Used to make the propellers
for the big ships, you know?
It's quite old actually,
but yeah, suits my needs.
[door buzzing]
So, there's, there's lots of
other artists here as well,
so you can meet them if you want to.
Mind yourself.
Is it okay?
Yeah, it's fine.
It's a little old, but it's fine.
It still works.
Don't worry.
[buttons beeping]
[elevator rumbling]
It feels like an old noa movie.
Noir, you mean?
- Noir, noir.
- Noir, yeah.
You like old movies?
Yeah, especially noa, noir film.
Me too.
Older the better.
Do you have a favorite?
Do you know "Bound."
Wachowskis brothers' first film?
- Yeah.
- Well, that's not so old.
Sure it is.
It's mid '90s.
Okay, mind out the way.
Okay.
Stand here.
Sorry, it's a bit of a maze.
So nice.
There's such a great light.
Yeah, that's the main
reason I took this place.
Can you sell all of them?
Well, I'd like to but
it's a tough market.
You don't wanna undervalue your work,
but sometimes you just have to sell it
for less than you think it's
worth just to pay the bills.
What kind of work is popular now?
You shouldn't think in terms of popular.
By the time you figured out popular,
it's not popular anymore.
When you paint,
you have to paint what you really feel
from your heart, your soul.
Listen only to yourself.
[Aiko] Is that it?
Yeah.
So, did you paint from the sketch?
Yeah.
The sketch takes me back to the moment.
You painted wet on wet?
Wet on wet, yes.
You're not a complete beginner.
[Aiko] How could you imagine all of that
from the once simple sketch?
Well, that's the mysterious bit.
It all just kind of comes from within.
[Aiko] Are you painting anything else?
To be honest, I, I hadn't
painted anything for weeks,
and then it just kind of poured out.
Because of me?
Yeah.
Strange, isn't it?
I could model for you.
Oh, really?
Have you ever modeled before?
Yeah, a friend, some others.
I couldn't pay you much.
It's alright.
If you sell it, and you can pay for me,
but if not, I worked with great painter.
[chuckles] I'm not sure about that.
When you want to start?
How about this weekend?
Sounds good.
Cup of tea?
Yes please, sure.
[gentle music]
[box clicking]
[Oliver] Okay, so if
you get up on this plinth.
Now?
[Oliver] Okay, so if you bring your,
bring your legs up higher,
and your feet up, that's it.
Put your arms around your legs.
Like this?
[Oliver] Both arms.
That's it.
[Aiko] Do you ever
know how it will end up?
[Oliver] No.
If it's going well, I lose myself.
What do you mean?
[Oliver] Well, it feels like something
or someone else is drawing,
and I just forget about my technique.
And I lose myself and I just draw.
[Oliver sighs]
[Aiko] What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Can I see it?
No, you can't.
It's not working.
What's wrong?
You didn't lose yourself, did you?
[Oliver] No, no, I didn't.
You're perceptive.
Okay, let's make another one.
Next time, you will focus more.
Okay?
Yeah, I just didn't expect you to...
[Aiko] Don't worry.
I do a live model in Japan.
How do you want me?
Okay, So if you climb back up.
Well, I've always loved the
line of your hair and your neck,
but I can now see the power
of your back and your hips.
So, what I wanna see is a turn.
If you could turn your head away.
Yeah.
To the left.
That's it.
And look at this arm here.
Mm hmm.
Okay, there.
Like this?
That's beautiful.
And now here.
This one.
Not so far.
- Yeah.
Only on the leg.
Yeah.
Perfect, that's it.
You look so happy.
I am, I'm glad you're here.
Me too.
Now, if you turn away to your
left, your head, your head.
That's it.
Oh my God.
That's perfect.
It's perfect.
Don't move.
[gentle music]
You know, this is gonna sound strange,
but it's not so much that I lost myself,
more that I found myself inside you.
I feel it too.
Aiko, it's a beautiful name.
What does it mean?
[speaking in foreign language]
Child of love.
It's perfect.
[people chattering]
[gentle music]
I am starving.
That was a marathon session.
You not eating, Aiko?
I'm meeting with someone later.
The painter?
Yes.
Mm, someone's found romance.
Go on, tell us everything,
and don't skip the naughty bits.
There's not much to tell.
There's always something to tell.
Where did you meet him?
In gallery.
His work is amazing.
What's his name?
Is he famous?
Oliver, Oliver Branse.
He's not famous yet.
Does he sell?
[Aiko] Sure, sometimes.
Oliver Branse?
I think I went to his
open studio last year.
Is he in Greenwich?
[Aiko] Yes.
Maybe I'm thinking of someone else.
The guy I met was at least 50.
Could be.
50?
Aiko, you're dating
someone twice your age?
Yes, so?
So he's old!
That's like my Dad's age.
Yeah, it's not really
any of our business, Aiko,
but you're a pretty girl.
You could meet any younger guy or girl.
Why?
He's teaching to me a lot.
At least tell me he's rich,
like a rich family or something?
I don't think so.
But he's full of passion.
Yes, darling, so am I,
but I don't get around
preying on younger boys.
You are right, it's not your business.
[dog barking]
Thank you for preparing lovely lunch.
You're welcome.
Was yummy.
[Oliver chuckles]
- Why are you laughing?
- Yummy.
Yummy.
I think you're yummy.
The yummiest?
[Oliver] Absolutely.
Have you ever had sex
with Japanese girl before?
[Oliver] Why'd you ask?
It's important?
No, just curious,
'cause you are the first
foreign guy for me.
I've just wondered.
Well, wonder no more,
because you without doubt
the sexiest, yummiest woman
I ever met in my life.
- Stop.
- No.
[Aiko And Oliver] Mm mm.
- Stop.
- No.
I hold the red wine.
I don't care.
Stop, no.
- I don't care.
- I don't want.
Stop.
[Oliver laughs]
I'm going.
No, you're not.
[gentle music]
[lips smooching]
[Aiko moaning]
[Aiko and Oliver panting]
[gentle music]
[Aiko sighs]
I don't get it.
Why can't I get that same effect?
Don't worry, you're already
better than I was at 24.
[Aiko chuckles]
What?
Really?
You're not just saying so
I will have sex with you?
No. [laughs]
No, I mean it.
You're, you're, you're
gonna be really good.
Sure?
Mm hmm.
[lips smooching]
[Aiko chuckling]
[keys jangling]
My brother and I are going
to my mum's in Sussex
for the weekend.
So, why don't you take these,
and you can come in.
You can work on it.
No distractions.
Are you sure?
I mean, I'll be careful and
everything, but it's your space.
[Oliver] It's fine.
I like the idea of you being here.
Thank you.
[lips smooching]
[bees buzzing]
You're looking rather beatific.
A ha ha, you've met
someone, you little fucker.
She finally answered my call.
The young Japanese girl?
Oh Jesus, Oli.
I know what you're thinking,
but it's not like that.
She is amazing.
Didn't you say that
about, what's her name,
the Polish one?
No, there's no comparison.
I've never felt like this before.
[Nathan sighs]
Look, Oli, I get it.
Middle age sets in, young
fit girl comes along,
you'd be crazy not to.
But don't read too much into it.
She'll move on when the curiosity fades.
You're wrong.
[Nathan] No.
You know how I ramble
on about losing myself
when I paint?
Yeah, yeah.
I think mum dropped you on
your head when you were a kid.
Well, that's why I've got
so much heightened creativity.
Right, isn't it, Mum?
[Nathan] You got any biscuits?
No.
[Oliver] You don't need any biscuits.
Thanks, Mum.
There.
Milk, sugar, help yourselves.
I can never remember
Thanks a lot.
How you do it.
Thanks.
It's bliss.
Complete unmitigated rapture.
And we both feel it together.
It's like we share something primal.
Fucking artists.
I've never felt like this before.
Get a grip, Oli.
And for fuck's sake, be
careful and wear a rubber.
You can't afford any
half-and-halfs running around,
and neither can I.
- That is out of order.
Whatever.
[gentle music]
Why did you bring me here?
Well, I like to imagine the
lives of all these people.
I mean, look at this.
That's 200 years ago.
I mean, this guy might've
known William Blake.
Actually, it gives me
ideas for my pictures.
I want to go now.
- Woo, the dead are rising!
- Stop it.
What?
I want to get out of here.
Hey, come on, I was only joking.
It's not funny.
I imagine the bones down there.
Real people without their
flesh, without their skin.
Yeah, well, you know, that's
what graves are all about.
[thunder rumbling]
I must get out of here.
I think of my mother,
how she looked when she was dying.
Oh, Jesus, Aiko.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
That's why Japanese burn the dead.
Come on, let's get out of here.
[solemn music]
[rain pattering]
[thunder rumbling]
Is this your family?
Yeah, it's me, my
brother Nathan, my mum.
Dad died almost 10 years ago.
So, it's just been the
three of us since then.
My mother died six months ago.
Bone cancer.
I'm so sorry about earlier.
I had no idea.
Come here.
[pensive music]
I would never have taken
you there if I'd known.
If I do stuff like that, if
I, you just tell me, right?
You know?
[thunder rumbling]
[Aiko] Thunder.
I'm scared.
It's okay.
[gentle music]
- Do you like wasabi?
- Mm hmm.
- Yes?
- You just put it straight on?
Yeah, like this.
It's quite a lot.
I know.
It's not too much?
Like this?
Yeah.
Is it nice?
It's amazing.
Okay.
Can you try that one?
Hmm, me?
Mm.
How is it?
It's very good.
Why do people care about others so much?
Because people live in
their own little worlds,
and when they think their
idea of normal is threatened,
they feel the need to judge,
'cause it makes them feel
superior or something.
Although, there's still
sexism, racism, biases,
it's getting better.
But still care about age gap?
Yeah.
Even my brother thinks
I'm a dirty old man.
So, you can be my dirty old man.
Mm hmm.
And I'll be your hot little slut.
[Oliver laughs]
Should we just go back to my flat?
I have a sudden desire for dessert.
Oh, I can't.
Why not?
It's the midterms coming
up, so I need to study.
Or shall we come to my place?
Come on, you've never seen my room.
It's a student accommodation
and I kind of feel weird.
Like dirty old man?
Like dirty old man.
Okay, just this once.
We've got to get up early,
if we want to have a morning fuck.
[lips smooching]
[dogs barking]
That guy. [laughs]
[lips smooching]
[Aiko moaning]
I cannot believe you did that.
[Aiko laughs]
I thought that guy was
going to shoot himself.
[Aiko laughs]
Did you see his wife? [laughs]
[Oliver laughs]
I can't... [laughs]
She will never eat sushi again.
[Oliver laughs]
Okay, go on.
- Come on.
[latch clicking]
[Aiko] So, okay, it's not much.
[Oliver] Well-
It's the bed, it's so small.
Come here.
It's fine.
So, I'm taking a quick shower.
Okay.
So, do wanna have some tea?
No, I'm good.
Okay.
Good.
[latch clicking]
[tense music]
[box clicking]
[latch clicking]
[Aiko sighs]
[Oliver] Who's this in the photograph?
That's me, like when I was
like four or five years old.
Was I cute?
[Oliver] And the woman?
My mother.
Who took the picture?
[Aiko] I don't remember, hmm.
Your father?
No, he died just before I was born.
What's wrong?
This photo makes you sad?
I had a very happy childhood.
My mother and I were so close.
[Oliver] I need to take a shower.
I know.
I've left a towel for you.
[Oliver] Okay.
[water pattering]
Is my bed too small?
No, it's okay.
[tense music]
What's wrong?
You tired?
Yeah, yeah I am.
Is that okay?
No problem, let's sleep.
Yeah.
Hello, hi.
Hello, yeah, I was just
looking at your website,
and it says I need to
send in some mouth swabs?
Yeah, is there anything else I can use?
Yeah, I know you send a pack, I read that.
It's just, I, I don't think
I can do a mouth swab.
It's complicated.
What do you mean, rules?
What kind of proof?
Well, what if they don't agree?
No, I don't have a fucking court order.
Hello?
Hello, are you there?
[solemn music]
[gentle music]
[urine tinkling]
[toilet flushes]
[solemn music]
[dogs barking]
[people chattering]
Sorry!
I'm late.
Oh, I missed a train,
and I took the bus, but it was wrong.
I never figure out this city.
Are you alright?
Erm, I'm not sleeping so much.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
No, I'm okay.
You want something?
Can I have a white, a
glass of white wine please.
[Oliver] Another beer.
Are you sure you should be drinking?
Or you've got a fever?
No, I'm fine.
Sorry.
Aiko, Aiko, did your
mum ever talk to you
about your father?
Not much.
I asked her once,
but it seemed too painful for her.
But I still wonder sometimes.
What's with you, today?
Last week, when I was in
your room, I saw a photographs.
Do you remember?
Yeah.
[tense music]
Me and my mom.
Do you remember I told you
that I, I visited Kanazawa
when I was in Japan?
Yeah.
The first time we met.
Aiko, I knew your mother.
What are you trying to say?
Your mum and I had a, we
had a short relationship.
You had sex with my mother?
And you think I might be...
Yeah.
Impossible.
You made a mistake.
You're 24.
I was there exactly 25 years ago.
And it was her.
She had other lovers.
She was very beautiful.
Yeah, like you.
And I wondered the same
thing and I had to know.
I got this.
What's this?
[tense music]
[Oliver] It's a DNA test.
DNA?
How?
I gave you a new toothbrush, remember?
And I had it tested.
And I didn't wanna be right,
but it's 99% sure.
We share the same DNA.
Aiko, you're my daughter.
[speaking in foreign language]
Aiko!
Stop!
The beach.
The beach.
It's a lot of bones.
Bones.
Bones everywhere.
Come on, you, you're
gonna cut your knees.
Leave me alone.
There's people watching.
Don't touch me!
Leave me alone!
[Oliver sobbing]
[birds squawking]
[gentle music]
[birds twittering]
[gentle music]
[Aiko sniffling]
[Aiko sniffling]
[speaking in foreign language]
[pensive music]
[pensive music]
[tense music]
[door buzzing]
[gentle music]
[pensive music]
[pensive music]