The Snow Sister (2024) Movie Script

[ice crystals crackling]
[bells jingling lightly]
[gentle music playing]
[boy] Now I will tell you about Hedvig.
The weirdest and happiest girl
you could imagine.
I'll tell you how
she became my best friend.
And how I lost her.
- [gentle music continues]
- [wind whistling and gusting]
[gentle music rises]
[wind gusting]
THE SNOW SISTER
BASED ON A BOOK BY
MAJA LUNDE AND LISA AISATO
[choir] Where no one used to go
[gentle piano tune playing]
The smallest things might just be
What you needed most of all
Something you have longed for finally
Since the last of winter's call
Follow footprints on the snow
[instructor] Come on! Lots of energy!
Get in the Christmas spirit!
Where no one used to go
[boy] And I will tell you about
the time I dreaded Christmas.
That was the winter I thought
I could never become happy again.
[singing continues]
[boy] It was the first Christmas
without Juni...
And every day is magic...
...my big sister.
Let's support from the diaphragm.
And I will always linger
[choir vocalizing]
[sighs deeply]
[instructor] Ah, focus.
Near...
- [music fading]
- [door closes]
[boy 2] Snowball fight!
Bullseye!
C'mon, see if you can hit me.
I don't want to.
It's snowing...
Hm?
Yeah.
It's gonna snow more.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
Okay, well...
Later.
[light melancholy music playing]
[indistinct overlapping chatter]
[woman] Sausage for sale!
Christmas sausage!
[singer vocalizing softly]
Sitting here all alone again?
Yeah.
My parents are...
They're both very busy.
Yes, the holiday rush can be stressful.
Yeah. Really.
[water bubbling, echoing]
[panting softly]
[instructor speaking indistinctly]
[exhales]
[exhales deeply]
[breathing deeply]
[gasps, nose squeaks on glass]
[chuckling]
[chuckling happily]
[chuckles softly]
[gentle music playing]
[wind whistling]
[girl] There you are, finally!
I thought you would never
come back outside.
Hi, do I know you?
No.
[chuckles] You're right.
I'm so impolite.
I'm Hedvig.
No, wait, I should
present myself properly,
with my whole, full name.
I'm... called Hedvig... Hansen.
I wish I could say my name was really cool
like Hedvig Victoria Johanna
Rosendahl Ekelund or something like that.
But that isn't my name.
Or... Anyway,
I should say what it actually is.
[chuckles]
An honor!
[chuckles]
- And you?
- Hm?
And your name is?
Oh, yeah. Julian.
Hi, Julian! So, I hope
you don't mind me saying... Yay!
It's so good to meet you, so exciting!
[chuckles]
Let's go!
You swim incredibly fast!
And for such a long time!
Back and forth, back and forth again.
Actually, I lost count after a while.
You are an amazing swimmer.
How did you learn to swim like that?
You practice often?
Yeah. Often.
[Hedvig] Looks wonderful to be able to cut
through the water like that. Like a fish!
Or a shark!
Or a dolphin jumping for joy.
I love dolphins. You like 'em too?
- Yeah.
- It's like they're smiling all the time.
It must be because they're
so happy they can swim, huh?
- Don't you think so?
- Could be.
Do you know how lucky you are
to be able to swim like that?
[Julian] I haven't thought much about it.
Well, I would say you ought to
have a long think about it, then.
And you? Can't you swim?
- No.
- [chattering]
If I could wish for just one thing
in the universe,
it'd be to swim like you do.
[chattering]
- I should make it my Christmas wish!
- That's a good idea.
I think I'd be a more whole
human if I could swim, yeah?
You seem pretty whole,
if that makes you feel better.
[chuckles] That... That is
the funniest thing I've heard all day.
[both chuckling]
[Hedvig] Oh, just look around us!
I love the winter market!
The lights and decorations!
Do you not feel... ecstatic?
Um, yeah... I'm not so sure.
What?
I'm... I'm not sure.
[chuckles]
You're really, very funny, but stop!
- But it's the truth.
- Everyone likes Christmas.
But, you're saying you don't?
I guess not.
You know what?
I bet the swimming hurt your brain.
All that water flooded your head.
You don't need to laugh at me.
And why don't you learn how to swim?
If you're so absolutely obsessed with it?
That happens to not be your problem.
Whatever. I'm going home.
Good!
So you know, you have a poor attitude!
[Julian] I think you talk way too much.
And you are grumpy!
Like a stupid, uh... some putrid thing!
"Some putrid thing"?
Yeah. And you're stinky!
Goodbye! And farewell!
For good!
Julian, wait!
I didn't mean it, and I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. [panting]
I just thought
you and me could be friends, yes?
Huh?
It sounds strange,
but I think we'll regret it.
I mean, we could regret it awfully if
we both don't at least try to be friends.
We could go on to regret it
to the last of our days.
We should at least try, no?
So, instead of going our separate ways,
I thought, you could come to my home.
It's close.
Two Fjord Lane.
Straight past the docks.
I have whipped cream and hot cocoa.
And my family put up decorations.
And it'll give you the Christmas spirit!
[soft somber music playing]
Don't go yet, Julian...
[indistinct chatter in distance]
[laughter and chattering]
[Julian] Hi.
[man] Hey there.
Julian, do you want to play with me?
All my toys have a stomach ache.
It's very serious,
and you have to be the nurse.
- Wait.
- [man] It's time for dinner.
[Julian] Fish cakes.
[girl] As always.
- [woman] Good to see you, honey.
- Yeah.
[chair scrapes]
[man grunts]
Did you have a good day, Julian?
Yep. Uh, you had a good day I hope?
Yeah.
We did, absolutely.
Yep. Yeah.
[girl] We light one candle for tonight,
and we light it for joy.
It shines so bright for us
and everyone here.
[man] Don't play with your food, Augusta.
We light two candles for tonight,
two candles for hope and joy.
[woman] There's so much snow.
Yeah.
There is.
- We'll probably have to...
- Where's the candle thingie?
"Candle thingie"?
The Advent candles.
Tomorrow's the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Well...
- Christmas is five days away.
- Only five more days?
Hooray, only five more days!
- Five days until Christmas!
- [mutters]
[chair scrapes]
I'll, uh, start shoveling that snow.
Yeah.
[footsteps retreating]
- Mom is just...
- [door opens]
- Well...
- [door shuts]
It'll take time to heal.
[serious music playing]
No way.
My toys can't sleep either.
If you bring all of them to bed
then all of us will be awake.
Come on.
[sighs, kisses]
[Augusta] Sleep tight, my friends.
What was he saying then,
when Papa said that?
Said what?
That time'll help heal?
I... I don't really know.
Does it help Juni?
I don't know.
Can it ever... make Juni return to us?
[soft, sad music playing]
I don't know, Augusta.
I don't think so.
Sleep now, little sister.
[woman vocalizing gently]
- [chattering]
- [wind blowing]
[exhales]
[echoes of Hedvig's laughter]
[hopeful music rises gently]
[indistinct laughter and chattering]
Fjord Lane.
Okay.
[wind picking up]
[wind whipping]
[wind swirling]
Wow.
[music rises steadily]
[music fades softly]
[bells jingling lightly]
You came!
I... suppose I did.
Come in, my good friend Julian!
[gate squeaking]
Welcome to Winter's Nest!
[bright music soaring]
[music fades]
Your house has a name?
Yeah.
All houses we respect
should have a very good name.
Doesn't the house where you live have one?
Well, you just have to tell your parents
they have to name it at once!
Winter's Nest is such a nice name.
I knew I'd like it here
the moment we moved in.
A house with a name like that,
it's guaranteed to be a nice home.
So when did you move in here?
I was little.
- Do you have a brother?
- A big brother. He's so fantastic.
So sweet, and kind.
Oh... Well, he's good in every way.
But especially drawing.
Look. This is him.
Sometimes I try to draw too.
I have incredible pictures in my head,
but I cannot seem to make them come out.
You know what I mean by that?
But, I see what he puts on the page,
and it absolutely jumps right out at me.
You know what I mean, yeah?
I hope you get to meet my brother one day.
[chuckles] Is that you?
[Hedvig] I can't draw,
but I'm good at ice skating.
Come!
[Julian chuckling] Wow!
Too bad you don't like the holiday, hm?
Or else you could help me
finish decorating.
You're not finished? Oh wow!
Not at all.
We have to do from floor to ceiling,
everywhere, every single room.
I guess I can help you with all that.
Marvelous. Follow me.
- [jingling]
- [chiming]
Angel for the bathroom.
You decorate... the bathroom?
Of course. If you were a bathroom,
wouldn't you be envious of the living room
if it was wonderfully decorated,
and we didn't give you
so much as an angel?
Or at least a wreath?
I don't think a bathroom
gets jealous, actually.
Oh, sure. Yes, they do.
Of all the rooms, they deserve attention
for their valuable work.
Every room has feelings.
Especially here, in Winter's Nest.
Ta-da!
Wow!
[echoing chime]
You see?
And then this wreath goes in storage.
So you don't forget about the holidays,
especially whenever you get a broom.
The storage room's very important too.
Oh!
There's supposed to be a nail.
That's okay, just wait here.
[wind whistling softly]
- [wind blowing gently]
- [light chiming]
[pensive music playing]
- [wind whipping outside]
- [glass clinking]
[brooding music rises slowly]
[leather creaking]
[gasps softly]
[brooding music intensifies]
[Hedvig] Hi!
Your ice skates, they...
Aren't they lovely?
They're real figure skates.
[leather creaking quietly]
- Oh yeah, they are.
- Here you go.
- Now you have something to hang it on.
- [hammer tapping]
Go ahead, honorable guest.
- [light jingling]
- [chuckles]
You must cook all the time.
Oh, yes. Especially hot chocolate.
[liquid pouring]
I need whipped cream.
And I always make extra for breakfast.
Huh?
Hot cocoa?
With your breakfast?
Every morning.
And you're allowed?
What do you think? [chuckles]
[both laughing]
I'm so happy you're here.
See, I knew you were just being funny
about not liking Christmas.
A kind person like you
can't hate Christmas.
And not with a name so Christmas-y,
like Julian.
[chuckles] I was born Christmas Eve.
And therefore... Julian.
- Wait, is that a fact?
- Hm.
Julian Yuletide.
That's like a miracle.
[chuckles shyly]
Your parents must be so fantastic to come
up with something so clever and funny.
Yeah. My papa, he's wild!
And Mama,
she tells really, really funny stories.
And she laughs and laughs,
and that makes me laugh.
And papa, he just adores her laughter.
But it's not really... like that anymore.
Oh no?
Why not?
[breathes deeply]
They're a bit, like...
They're... it's like, um...
They've been beaten down.
Replaced with empty shells
that only look like them.
It can be stressful,
Christmas is a few days away.
I've heard of that.
[breathes deeply]
We haven't put anything out yet.
No decorations, advent candles,
or even a stocking.
That is so awful.
It's like Christmas won't come.
At all.
You could be their example.
I can?
- Yeah.
- [chuckles]
Who better?
[laughs]
[both laughing]
[soft, hopeful music playing]
[door opens]
[papa] Okay, come inside.
[Augusta] Yeah.
Stand there and I'll help
you take off your boots.
There.
[Augusta] Oh Julian!
The candles!
We'll light one candle
Two candles, three candles
Light one candle, two candles
Three candles. Light...
I found the Advent candles in storage.
[papa] Yeah. That's... That's great.
I polished it up.
Very good, Julian.
[Augusta] I have an idea.
If we let Juni light the fourth candle,
she might be happy again.
So she might come home for the holiday.
[papa inhales deeply, exhales]
That's a great idea, Augusta, but...
it doesn't work like that...
It doesn't work like that?
[papa] I...
Uh... what I meant to say is...
we, um...
Augusta...
Bedtime. Come along.
But, what about dinner?
Maybe, um...
Julian, could you maybe...
make you two some sandwiches?
Hm? I'll be right back.
[Augusta] It's okay.
[footsteps ascending stairs]
[wind gusting gently]
[Hedvig] Help!
[Julian] I'm coming! Hold on!
[Hedvig] Julian,
you have to help me! I can't do it!
I'm coming!
[Hedvig straining]
I'm here!
Oh good!
You're just in time!
I can't do this on my own.
Come on.
[both straining]
One, two, three!
[grunts]
Let's keep going!
[uplifting music playing]
[laughing]
[laughing]
Did you know that every snowflake
is unique and different?
I never thought about them.
[Hedvig] You ought to have
a long think about it, then.
Countless snowflakes,
and none of them are the same.
[Julian] That's pretty cool.
[Hedvig] Look! A newly bloomed rose!
And this one looks like a spiderweb!
[Julian] Look! A cogwheel!
Oh, and a six-cornered Christmas star!
[Hedvig gasps excitedly]
[blows gently]
[wind whistling]
[blows gently]
[wind whipping]
[uplifting music rises]
[music fades slowly]
I guess that's enough.
Enough for what? What do you mean?
I don't really know yet.
We could do just another
regular old snowman.
But a snowman, while that's always great...
a snow woman would of course
be much more unusual.
[Julian] So...
[scraping]
Well... how about an old aunt?
A grumpy, old aunt.
Or a wild and crazy cousin...
A sister?
Yeah! A snow sister!
You're not half bad, Julian!
I've always wanted a big sister, also.
Yeah.
[light melancholic music playing]
[scraping]
[chuckles]
No, you placed both of her eyes weird.
Oh! [laughing]
Gotta redo it.
[both laughing]
Something's missing. Hang on.
Here.
These are her Christmas roses.
Don't you think a big sister like this
would want roses?
- So festive, hm?
- Sure.
[Hedvig] She's beautiful.
[Julian] Yeah.
[Hedvig] Now we have a big sister.
[giggles]
[ethereal music rising]
[Hedvig] Is something wrong, Julian?
My sister, my...
Juni...
died, um, this summer.
[Hedvig] Oh...
Julian...
It was right before her... her...
She was turning sixteen.
[somber music playing]
So this will be your first
Christmas without her.
You like to eat fried eggs?
[music fades out]
[wheels squeaking]
Are you home by yourself today as well?
Yeah, they went out shopping.
[mysterious music playing softly]
Hedvig.
Someone's there.
An old bearded man.
[Hedvig] Where is he?
He... stood over there,
out next to the gate.
Do you know who he is?
Hm. You're just pranking me.
No, I swear it.
Do you have a grandfather?
Or maybe an old uncle?
They're all long passed.
- But...
- Forget all about that old man.
Oh, I forgot the ketchup.
[chuckles, humming]
- Food's ready!
- [gasps]
You coming?
I love ketchup, don't you? [laughs]
[Julian] Mm-hm.
[woman, singsong] Merry Christmas!
[background chatter]
[woman] Julian, it's so good to see you.
[shop bell jingles]
[boy] Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Hi!
Hi, John.
- Are you finished?
- Hm?
- Getting your gifts?
- No.
No. Me and...
Mama and Papa...
My family hasn't...
Oh.
[background chatter continues]
It snowed some more.
Yeah.
Really fine snowball snow, ya know?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, guess I'll see you later.
Yeah, see you later
Bye.
Bye.
[woman] Bye. Merry Christmas.
[hopeful music rises slowly]
[hopeful music continues]
Hedvig?
Hedvig?
Hedvig?
[music fades out slowly]
Are you upstairs?
Hedvig?
Hi.
Hi!
For me?
Yeah, yes!
Should I wait until Christmas?
It's not a Christmas present.
Go on.
[Hedvig] It's not very big.
It's not. [chuckles]
But it's soft.
Some say that soft presents are dull,
but... but I can't agree.
No present is dull.
The fact they are wrapped
makes them exciting.
Only when it's opened will you
see whether or not it's dull.
Therefore, we're completely wrong
to make the claim soft gifts are dull.
- Wouldn't you say?
- I would, I would.
- Open it now!
- Yeah, but I'm in suspense!
So what, open it up!
But when I do,
I'll see whatever treasure lies inside.
- Yeah, that's the main idea.
- Not knowing is part of the thrill.
Yeah, so what?
Don't you get it?
The suspense is part of the gift!
It's like my mind and heart are skating
and spinning 'round and 'round,
and around some more.
Are you opening it?
Um...
Very nice wrapping paper.
Hm.
[gasps]
Wow, look at that!
They had yellow and black swimsuits too,
but I've noticed that you like red, so...
Julian! You're so kind!
[both laughing]
[warm instrumental music playing]
Are you ready?
For... For, uh, what?
I'm going to teach you how to swim.
What?
You said that was your biggest wish.
Yeah. Why not?
What do I need? A towel?
Goggles, cap, and what else?
I'll go get packing.
So just a sec, I'll be back down.
[Julian] I'll wait outside.
[wind gusting]
[woman vocalizing]
[light jingling in distance]
[gasps]
[mysterious music playing]
[footsteps crunching in snow]
[gate creaks open]
[light jingling]
[solemn music playing]
[Julian panting softly]
[crunching footsteps departing]
[music fades out slowly]
- Boo! [chuckling]
- [Julian gasping]
Sorry that I took so long.
I've never been to a pool before,
so I really wasn't quite sure what to get.
Uh... what's wrong?
That man came back again.
It looked as if he had
the keys to Winter's Nest.
Do you know who he is?
Julian, there are certain things
I can't really say.
But, don't you get scared?
When he's sneaking around
your house like that?
Not... Not scared.
Not of that man.
- So, can you please just tell me...
- Please stop asking questions.
Can we go now? Let's go get in the water!
You're going to wear that?
- I have to or else I'll sink.
- But that's what you're gonna learn.
To float, all by yourself.
That's how you learn to be a swimmer.
It just seems a bit...
Isn't it... not safe, really?
It's natural, look.
Completely natural.
Come on. It's no harm.
I guess we'll see...
You see? There's no danger.
Now do this.
Come on.
Bend your knees now.
[chuckles]
So now you can take a breath
and dunk your head under.
No way!
What if I breathe water, what then?
- You don't breathe it in.
- Um...
But you can blow bubbles if you want.
See, it's super easy.
[inhales sharply]
Did you see? I did it!
[laughs]
[gentle music playing]
Again! Did it again!
[both laughing]
[Julian] Good! You're doing it!
[Hedvig] Yeah!
[Julian] Now add your arms,
like I showed you before.
You can do it!
Yeah!
Adding in my arms.
It's a simple, easy task!
[chuckles]
[giggling]
I swam, I did it.
Did you see that, Julian?
I, Hedvig Hansen, swam all by myself.
I... I can swim now!
[both laughing]
Hedvig!
Not so far!
- It's deep!
- [Hedvig chuckles]
Come back! Come back here!
- Hedvig!
- [gasping]
- [ominous music playing]
- [muffled shouting]
Hedvig!
[muffled shouting]
Hedvig!
[ominous music rises]
[music fades out slowly]
[silence]
[tense music rises slowly]
[coughing]
[coughing, panting]
[music fades out]
You okay?
[breathing heavily]
That's where you stood,
the first time I saw you.
Your nose was pressed
against the window like...
You looked like a pig.
I could tell you were nice.
It's okay if you can't get
the hang of it today.
We just have to practice more.
Till you can swim like a fish.
Or a dolphin.
Yeah.
I can't just give up.
Even though I feel scared.
I'm... But I just...
Yeah?
I'm, uh... just not really sure
I'll ever be able to do it.
Why is that?
It's crazy snow is only made of water.
Mm-hmm.
Isn't it weird to think
something so light,
soft, and beautiful
can become so cold,
and harsh, and severe?
Yeah, but one day the water
will turn back into snow again.
A star, a spiderweb,
or even a rose.
That's right.
Actually, very astute.
You're not half bad, Julian.
Oh yeah?
What if maybe we do something
you're really good at tomorrow?
Like what?
We can go ice skating.
- Skating?
- Yeah,
I'm really horrible at it.
You can help me.
Yeah, I can show you a couple things.
[Julian chuckles]
[indistinct chatter]
[keys jingling]
[mysterious music playing]
[indistinct background chatter]
[woman] Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
[wind whistling]
[keys jingling]
[mysterious music continues]
[keys jingling]
[lock clicks]
[machinery clanking, rattling]
[rhythmic whirring and clanking]
Hm.
- [loud clanking]
- [gasps]
[music fades]
You about scared me senseless!
- Sorry.
- What are you doing here? Are you lost?
[Julian] No.
Or... maybe a little.
- Are you lost or are you not lost?
- I'm lost, but my...
I thought I could take
a look at some cards.
I saw your cards.
For Christmas. I was just looking.
You're lost and you're shopping for cards?
Uh, yeah I am.
Very fortunate.
Yep, it sure is.
That's ridiculous.
[Julian] Okay...
I don't sell individual cards anyway.
Or are you looking
to purchase 100 of them?
Hundred? Nah.
I don't need half of that.
- I better get going.
- Uh-huh.
Fine. Pick out one.
- Can I?
- [man] One card.
So, hurry up.
- I might change my mind.
- Yeah, of course.
Thank you.
You got a name?
Julian.
Okay, Julian.
I'm Henrik.
Who are you giving it to?
A friend, I think.
And which card do you think
your friend might like?
I... like this one very much.
Hmm.
You have a lot of friends?
I... have just the one.
Or... I had one friend,
and then I got one more.
But now I think I'm back down to just one.
One or two good friends are better
than a hundred that are sour.
But you have to take care of them.
Yeah.
I once knew a boy...
that was a bit like you are.
He was a little short for his age,
not very good at football.
Hm! I'm not very good either.
- Hmm.
- [Julian chuckles]
Wanna know what he did
when the others played
outside during recess?
What?
He sat inside and drew.
He drew his way through middle school,
high school.
And when he was grown,
it became his livelihood.
That kid was... That was you, right?
- That was me.
- Wow!
You must really love Christmas,
to make such wonderful art.
Guess I did at one point.
[machinery sputtering]
Ah.
Shut up, Martha.
[screeches, hisses]
Martha?
Oh. [chuckles lightly]
Yeah, I call her Martha.
All machines we respect
should have a very good name.
I better get you fixed again.
I've seen you before.
Outside of Winter's Nest.
[exhales]
I have a delivery tomorrow morning,
so I need to get to work.
Mm... But why were you there?
You had the keys to Winter's Nest.
Why not go in?
- Stay away from that house, alright?
- But...
Leave now! Go!
Go!
[tense music builds]
[wind gusting]
[tense music fades out]
Hi! Are you ready?
Hi!
I came with hot cocoa in a Thermos,
some cookies of course,
and roasted almonds.
Oh, and extra socks,
in case ours happen to get wet.
Also, wool blankets, in case we get cold.
But, where are your ice skates?
I guess I forgot where they were.
They're in your closet.
They weren't anywhere I looked.
- But...
- Oh! I also have donuts in this tin.
We should start with these.
They're healthier than gingerbread
I met that old man again.
His name is Henrik.
- He...
- But before we eat, let's get on the ice.
[chuckles] Remember,
you didn't bring your skates.
That doesn't really matter.
Any good skater is just as good
with our without their skates,
so it's not a problem.
Here.
You think you can skate
in just your shoes?
Of course, yeah. Watch this.
[swishing exhales]
Whoa! [laughing]
[both laughing]
Can't you pretty please join me out there?
No, it's best that I stay here.
But I know you'll do great.
Try to relax! Remember to breathe!
- I am breathing!
- [chuckling] No!
You're holding your breath.
If I didn't breathe, I'd have died by now!
[sighs] If only it was like that.
I think it would be easier
if you were here!
I can assure you it wouldn't be!
You have to find your own balance!
Chin up!
But I have to see where my feet are!
No! You have to see where you're headed!
Not where you are!
Always where you're going!
- I'm doing it!
- Look ahead!
Forward, forward!
[Julian chuckling echoes]
[ice cracking]
[tense music rising]
Julian, wait!
Don't go so far out! Wait!
[ice cracking]
Julian, wait! Don't go so far out!
[tense music fades]
[creaking echoes]
[chuckles] What'd you think would happen?
That I would fall through the ice?
[gentle music playing]
I'm not going anywhere.
Pretty happy you thought
to bring blankets.
Yeah.
I know, right?
[music fades]
[wind blowing]
That's for you.
For me?
You already gave me the... What's this?
[Julian] Henrik made it.
He's so good at drawing.
Isn't it nice?
Yup.
Very.
I'm not scared of him like I was.
So, do you...
Do you wanna go back home,
or skate some more?
Why don't you want to talk about Henrik?
It's not like you tell
me everything either.
It's not like I'm hiding something.
You are.
You haven't said anything
about your big sister, for one.
Not that I'm asking, but...
I'll tell you when I'm good and ready.
And likewise, you can tell me
when you're ready.
How's now?
Now?
Yeah, now.
Then I could sit here
50 years and hear about it.
Juni...
Oh...
Something out of nowhere happened to her.
I don't really know exactly
when it started.
Could have been
when she started middle school.
[solemn music playing gently]
Um... but, well, she... became
just, uh... so quiet.
Was she sick?
Not with a regular sickness, like, um...
some... flu or cold.
Um...
She was so sad.
And lost lots of weight.
She got thinner and thinner.
She was... too tired to eat anything.
She even stopped going to school.
And then she was so thin that
she went to the hospital to stay.
But... that was best, right?
Then they could help her.
Um... her body, it got weaker and weaker.
She caught pneumonia, and um...
then she passed away.
Everybody said it wouldn't happen.
The hospital said it wouldn't happen.
Mama and Papa said she would be okay.
But, then she died anyway.
[Hedvig] Julian...
What was she like before all this?
What do you mean?
What was your sister like
before her sadness?
She was always so cheerful.
And really funny.
Oh, how so?
It wasn't what she said,
but it was how... she would say things.
When Juni laughed,
everyone laughed with her.
And she laughed loud!
She was always a little wild.
Wild, and fun to be around.
[breathes deeply]
The whole family was really wild
and funny when Juni was there.
But...
if I had a bad nightmare,
then I'd crawl into bed with her.
She, um, was just very... kind.
Kind, and safe.
[breathes deeply]
You're lucky to have had
such a nice older sister.
Yeah.
And she's lucky to have you as well.
Wait, what do you mean by that?
She lives on in your heart.
So long as she lives in your heart,
she'll never really leave you.
[solemn music playing softly]
[breathes deeply]
[solemn music builds slowly]
[solemn music rises gently]
[music turns hopeful]
[door opens]
[papa sighs]
[mama] Hi, honey.
[Julian] Hi.
[papa] Hi, buddy.
Did you have a good day?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Where did this come from?
Our album of Juni.
[Augusta] Juni!
[mama] Why is it hanging here?
I don't want you to remove
things from that album.
Not a "thing," that's Juni.
I'm telling you to leave her album alone.
Is that difficult to understand?
[papa] Linda...
[mama sighs]
Honey, I cannot keep
being reminded of everything.
We can't be reminded
of all the bad things all the time.
But...
it was mostly good.
With Juni.
Wasn't almost all of it good?
[papa] That's true.
That's very true, buddy.
Mama didn't mean it that way.
It's...
Juni will not be coming back.
Even if we hang up her photos.
Yeah, I know. I understand that.
Right.
We just have to find a way to...
keep moving, bud.
And that... isn't possible
if... we can't move forward.
If we spend all our time
thinking about the past.
And what happened.
Do you understand?
Kinda.
[papa] Good.
We don't see you very often anymore.
And we think that it doesn't...
It's not good for you to spend
so much time alone by her grave.
I'm only alone
'cause you're not there with me.
You never want to go, do you?
Let's put this away, Augusta.
[chair scrapes]
- [door opens]
- [exhales]
- Julian?
- [door shuts]
Julian, wait!
Hi.
I was coming to see ya.
So much snow.
Why do you always just
talk about the weather?
Only adults talk about the weather.
I guess...
Can we please talk about any other topic?
We can talk about something else.
That's for you.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
It won't be a merry Christmas.
It will never be a merry Christmas.
Well, I've gotta get home now.
[somber music playing]
[Hedvig] Hi, Julian.
Hm.
I've been thinking about you a lot.
And Juni.
I really wish I'd met her, you know?
She sounds so funny and kind.
A fantastic big sister.
What did she look like?
Did she look like you?
Was she also into swimming,
or did she do something else?
Ice skating, skiing...
No, wait! How about art?
I have a feeling she drew
and must've been really great at it.
You keep asking questions,
but you never really listen when I answer.
[Hedvig] No.
Actually, my brother
used to say the same thing.
You want to know
all these things about me,
but I don't really know much
about you, though.
Um...
I really am trying.
Um... But it's hard.
How hard can it be, really?
Why are you always alone?
And why haven't I met your family yet?
And what did you mean by that?
What?
You said that your brother
"used to" say that.
But not anymore?
Did he die, or what?
It's your turn to tell the whole story.
I can't say it.
Then I'm afraid we can't be friends.
What?
I don't want to be your friend anymore
if you don't tell me about yourself.
But...
But you have to.
You and I really need each other.
I don't need friends
who aren't honest with me.
But you don't understand.
That isn't the truth.
Everything's easy for you.
Your beautiful house,
drinking hot chocolate, having fun.
While my life is falling apart.
Everything is falling apart.
And you say I can fix things,
but that's nonsense.
Everything just gets worse.
And you won't be honest.
[Hedvig] But... if I say anything...
[Julian] Then what?
I can't say.
[brooding music playing]
[Julian sniffs]
You can't go.
Wait, will...
Julian, stop, wait, I...
- Wait, Julian, wait!
- Stop saying "wait." I can do I want!
- We're not friends anymore!
- Don't say that!
Julian.
Julian, no, don't go!
Julian.
Julian!
Julian!
[echoes] Julian!
- [music fades out]
- [whipping wind echoing]
- [wind whistling]
- [ice crystals crackling]
[gasps softly]
Hedvig?
[pensive music playing]
Hedvig?
Hedvig!
[pensive music rises]
- [Julian panting]
- [tense music playing]
[electricity fizzling]
Oh, come on!
- [gate squeaks]
- [electricity fizzles]
[tense music builds]
I'm sorry! Hedvig!
I'm sorry! Please open the door!
Hedvig!
[glass shattering]
[Julian grunts]
[flashlight clicks]
[clattering]
[tense musical flourish]
- [panting softly]
- [suspenseful music playing]
[wood creaking]
[grunts, straining]
- [door creaking]
- [suspenseful music subsides]
[slow footsteps approaching]
[door creaking]
[Henrik] Got you! Get out!
Julian?
What are you doing?
I said not to come here!
Sorry.
This is my house.
You have no business in here.
Yours?
But... you don't live here.
No. Not anymore, unfortunately.
Why?
My sister's all but taken over this place.
It's like she's still here.
In the house.
Your sister?
[Henrik] Yes.
[boards creaking]
Hedvig.
My, uh, little sister
Hedvig?
- Yeah.
- But...
where is she right now?
She's dead.
She's what?
She died the day before Christmas Eve
50 years ago.
That's not true, don't lie to me.
I'm not lying. I promise.
I have a sister who died.
You have no sister!
I know it! You're a liar!
Julian.
- Julian!
- [wood creaking]
Julian!
- [wind whistling]
- [light music playing]
- [wood creaking]
- [glass crackling]
[suspenseful music building]
[suspenseful music fades out]
Olav Askeland.
[sighs] Katrine Mller.
Jens Halvdan Hansen.
[pensive music playing]
[wind picks up]
Hedvig?
[music fades gently]
[Julian] No...
[sniffling softly]
[pensive music builds slowly]
[pensive music continues]
DECEMBER 22ND
[music fades gently]
[Augusta whispers] Hi.
Can you not go to sleep?
[Augusta whispers] No.
I'm thinking too much.
'Bout what?
That it won't be Christmas without Juni.
Yeah, I know.
She's really not coming back.
Is that right?
No.
She isn't.
[exhales softly]
[solemn music playing gently]
You want to... sleep with me?
And all your toys?
[Augusta] Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Say good night
to the best big brother, Teddy.
[Julian chuckles]
- [light jingling]
- [wind gusting gently]
[distant echoing laughter]
[intriguing music playing]
DECEMBER 23RD
Just sleep.
Where are you going, though?
There's something I need to do.
What's that?
I wouldn't ask me too much.
Christmas Eve's tomorrow.
- Could be I have a secret.
- Tomorrow?
Yes, it's tomorrow.
We'll have Christmas after all?
Yeah, and it's about not giving up.
So don't give up.
Shh.
[uplifting music playing]
[music fades out]
Julian?
Yeah, I was wondering
if you could maybe help me out.
Yeah, sure, of course.
Hey, I didn't mean
to scare you last time, but I...
I was upset... so...
when I found you in there,
I was terrified.
And the floorboards are rotten.
You could have fallen through,
you understand?
But...
what had you so upset?
I always get a bit sad around Christmas.
I think about Hedvig,
and how it might have been my...
Been what?
Fifty years ago today,
half a century...
we had picked out a Christmas tree.
Together.
We were supposed to decorate it,
all for of us, that evening.
That was the only thing left.
Every room in the house was decorated.
You can't even imagine
how beautiful it was.
No, I think I actually can.
Hmm.
After that we didn't have any more chores.
Mom and Dad were out buying
the last Christmas presents.
And back then we both loved to go...
go ice skating, on the fjord.
All the kids used to gather on the ice.
She was wearing her red coat.
Spinning around and around and around.
- She loved it.
- [Julian chuckles]
She was good at ice skating.
I don't think she meant
to go that far out.
She wasn't one to act tough.
I think she simply forgot.
And I... I...
I must have been preoccupied, or...
I called out for her,
but she didn't hear me.
And then...
she fell through.
She fell, and then disappeared under.
She couldn't... Could she not swim?
No, I... I ran as fast as I could,
but I... I was too late.
She waved her arms around, and then...
[breathing raggedly]
And then she disappeared.
Without a sound.
We found her a couple of miles
down the fjord the next day.
She still had the skates on her feet.
[sad music playing softly]
No Christmas for me since.
I'm just busy making cards.
Every year.
But... it wasn't your fault.
[Henrik exhales]
Sometimes I think...
I feel like she's angry with me.
Or disappointed.
And that's why...
that's why she can't cross over
and accept... death.
That... That her spirit will never
be able to find peace here,
so she can leave to the afterlife.
Or she just...
maybe loves life too well to leave it.
Loves life?
[chuckles] Yeah, could be.
Yeah.
My little sister
loved life to its fullest.
You're not half bad, Julian.
[Julian chuckles lightly]
Didn't you need help with something?
[Julian] Yeah.
Who is Juni?
A sister of mine
who also died.
[soft music playing]
Kind-hearted Julian.
It wasn't a coincidence
that you were in Winter's Nest, was it?
Hand me that box of cardboard over there.
It's the best quality.
We're gonna make the most beautiful
Juni cards anyone could have dreamt of.
[Julian] Yeah. That picture!
And that one.
- [Henrik] Yes, yes, yes.
- [Julian laughs]
- And that one. She's so beautiful there.
- [Henrik] Of course.
[pensive music fades slowly]
[door opens]
[indistinct chatter]
[man] No, I don't think so.
[Augusta gasps]
Wow! Such pretty cards!
[laughs] Juni cards!
Christmas cards! Oh! Oh!
Can I have that one?
Julian, can I have this?
Wow, that was nice.
Julian, can I have that one too?
Yeah, of course you can.
[Augusta] And this one?
[Julian] Help yourself.
[Augusta] Mama, look, it's Juni!
Juni decorations!
Say something.
Why can't you just say something?
You say time heals all things,
that it's meant to help.
But you've just turned silent.
You're like stones.
I don't want to act as if
nothing happened anymore.
I don't want to forget I'm sad,
or how much I miss her.
I don't want to forget how sad she was,
either, and how happy she was.
I want to remember everything.
Juni will be here forever.
Because the dead don't just disappear.
They stay with us as long
as we remember them.
Then they stay with us always.
That's why I've decided that
we won't let time heal things anymore.
We will stop pretending
like nothing happened.
We should see pictures of her
and remember how she was.
All the weird, and...
all the joy she was filled with.
Do you remember how
she almost danced while she walked?
And... sang while she spoke?
Do you remember how she laughed?
Don't you remember?
[emotional music playing]
[Augusta] I remember, Julian.
I remember.
[papa] Of course we remember that.
Of course we remember that, but...
No! No more "buts"!
Is this the way
we're celebrating Christmas?
Is this how it's always gonna be?
Juni wouldn't have liked that.
[emotional music rises and fades]
[intriguing music playing]
- Where are you going?
- I have to help a friend.
[stirring music playing]
[music falls]
[Julian] Hedvig...
I wanna be your best friend again.
And I'm sorry for what I said.
[light tinkling sounds rising]
[uplifting music playing]
[Hedvig echoing] It's not your fault.
[bright music playing]
But... I shouldn't have said
those hurtful things to you.
It's my fault that I'm still here.
I'm just so terrified of dying.
Life was the best.
I really loved being alive.
Yeah.
I guess I just thought that
if I stayed here, among the living,
in a way,
I would still feel alive as well.
You know?
I think so.
[Hedvig] I waited and waited, and...
Before you came along...
no one could see me.
And they couldn't hear me.
[sniffs]
Except for my...
my brother,
who I tried to contact.
And sometimes, I think I was able to.
Which made me so glad.
[Julian] But that...
hurt his heart.
No.
I didn't mean to.
He thinks... that what happened, that it...
was his fault.
But... But it wasn't.
I was just having fun.
[Julian] He thinks you're angry with him.
And that's why you aren't at peace.
But it just isn't true.
Then you have to move on.
- [sniffs gently]
- [somber music playing]
Is that also what you want?
But I think it's for the best.
[emotional music rises slowly]
Come.
Let's go together.
[emotional music continues]
[Hedvig] I don't have to do it.
I don't have to.
I don't have to do it.
I can stay a bit longer.
[wind whistling]
At least until tomorrow.
Or until after Christmas.
Can't I?
We could go to Winter's Nest,
drink one more cocoa.
Can't we do that?
Can we?
Please?
I can't even see Winter's Nest.
Or not like before.
And soon...
I can no longer see you either.
And then you will be all alone again.
I know.
But I'm scared to disappear.
[sniffles softly]
You're not disappearing.
You'll always be in my heart.
No doubt about it.
You and Juni.
[sniffs]
I'm going to miss you so much.
Every time it snows,
you have to think of me.
Yeah.
I will, because you're my snow sister.
Yup.
Yeah, I am.
Goodbye, snow sister.
I'll see you again.
I'll see you again.
[breathes deeply]
[wind gusting]
[emotional music continues]
[skates swishing]
[whistling wind picks up]
[stirring music rises]
[powerful emotional music playing]
[chuckles softly]
[Hedvig laughing]
[shimmering tones echo]
[wind gusting]
[ice crystals crackling]
[singer vocalizing]
[ice crystals tinkling]
[Hedvig chuckles]
Mm-hmm.
[wind whooshing]
[Hedvig laughs]
[soaring vocalizations]
[laughing]
[Hedvig laughs]
[music fades out]
[wind gusting gently]
- [Augusta chattering]
- [papa] Careful now...
[mama] There we go.
Now what do we think?
- [Augusta] More glitter. Lots of it.
- [papa] Okay, perfect. Nice, very nice.
- [papa] Okay, hang that one...
- [Augusta] Yeah!
- [papa] Great.
- [mama and Augusta laugh]
[papa] It looks so good.
We have to be quiet, so we don't wake him.
- Yeah. Perfect. Take this...
- [Augusta] It's so cute!
- [mama] Shhh.
- [papa] Yes, but we have to be quiet.
[singer vocalizing]
[mama and papa chuckling]
- How's that look?
- And that one goes here.
[Julian] Wow!
- Oh! [laughs]
- Happy birthday and merry Christmas!
Happy birthday, our Christmas boy.
And merry Christmas, birthday boy.
[Augusta humming "Happy Birthday" song]
[papa] Ah.
- Oh! [laughs]
- Hold this, Augusta.
- Oh, and that.
- Wait, wait, wait. [blows]
- No! [laughs]
- That one's yours.
- Maybe you can do it.
- Happy birthday, buddy.
[mama] It's cold outside. There you go.
[Augusta] I can't wait
to hear Julian sing.
[mama] Mm-hm. Here. It'll be so nice.
[papa] It wasn't there.
I can't find my other shoe.
- [mama] In the closet, Erik.
- Huh?
- In this one.
- Here?
- Yeah. What?
- [papa] How did I miss it?
I looked here before. There!
- [chuckles]
- [mama] There.
And you have to help me with
my bow tie. I don't get it.
[mama] Of course.
[papa] Why does the bow tie
have to be around the neck?
- Do I look nice now?
- [Augusta] Yeah!
[papa] Really? I think so too.
TO JULIAN FROM JOHN: HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I HOPE YOU GET A LOT OF SNOWBALL SNOW
[papa] Careful. What are we forgetting?
[mama] Shouldn't we leave?
[papa] Yeah. Yes, we have to hurry.
[indistinct chattering]
[gentle piano tune playing]
[choir vocalizing]
[choir] It feels like I'm flying
Flying high and winding down
And every day is magic
Ahh...
When you are around
And I will always linger
[choir vocalizing]
Near
[gentle piano tune fades out]
[cheers and whistling]
- You were so good! Truly.
- You really enjoyed it?
- [papa] Oh, yes.
- [mama] Yeah.
[overlapping chatter]
Hi!
Hi.
It's snowing.
Yeah.
A good amount.
Not bad for snowballs, y'know?
You're talking about the weather?
Oh, you know it.
[grunting, chuckling]
Snowball fight!
- Yes!
- [laughing]
[Julian] Hedvig was right.
I would've regretted it for the rest
of my life if we hadn't become friends.
- I'll get you!
- Even though in the end, I lost her.
She taught me that
nothing disappears completely.
Snow becomes water.
And water can become tears, or snow.
- And...
- Here it comes! [laughs]
...if you really, really love someone,
then they'll never leave you.
[both panting]
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
- ["Siste Dans" by Delara playing]
- Last look, hold on
Last dance, before I go
The sky, the stars are clear
I let go of everything that used to be
[wind whistling gently]
First step into eternity
Finding solace in what I know
It's the way of the world
Like night and day
I let go of everything that used to be
Giving you a picture
So you remember when I see you again
I'll never forget
No matter where I go
I know that you feel
That I am here
Because I'll always be
Near
Memories embedded in the walls
A snow crystal falling down
I am there, and now I'm free
Part of you, forever more
Paint yourself a picture
So you'll remember when we meet again
I will never forget
No matter where I go
I know that you feel
That I am here
Because I'll always be
Near
[singer vocalizing]
I will never forget
I promise, no matter where I go
I promise, I'll always be with you
Promise to take care of yourself
My friend
One day, we'll meet again
I promise, no matter where I go
I promise, I'll always be with you
Promise to take care of yourself
My friend
One day, we'll meet again
I promise, no matter where I go
I promise, I will always be with you
Promise to take care of yourself
My friend
One day, we'll meet again
[gentle acoustic guitar playing]
[song ends]
[warm instrumental music playing]
[music fades out slowly]