The Romanoffs (2018) s01e01 Episode Script
The Violet Hour
1 [CLASSICAL VIOLIN PLAYING.]
[ROCK MUSIC.]
TOM PETTY: We got something, we both know it We don't talk too much about it Ain't no real big secret All the same, somehow we get around it Listen It don't really matter to me, babe You believe what you want to believe You see, you don't have to live like a refugee THE HEARTBREAKERS: Don't have to live like a refugee No! [MUSIC FADES.]
- [MAN RAPPING IN FRENCH.]
- [AMBULANCE SIREN WAILS.]
[SPEAKING FRENCH.]
[FRENCH RAPPING CONTINUES.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
Uhh.
Oh, merci.
I know you're disappointed, but they say I'm going to live.
Ah It's like Calcutta in here.
What did I tell you? What happened? We're very lucky there was no emergency.
You were not there.
I was watching some very upsetting news on the television, so I stood up and I fainted.
All alone.
Where was Sonya? Where were you? - Can I speak with you? - Mm-hmm.
What is your relation exactly? She's my aunt.
Can you tell me exactly what happened? Should I be worried? She's of advanced years.
While I'm sure she'll continue to be delightful in every way, I think I'm sorry if she insulted you.
[SIGHS.]
She has high blood pressure.
She needs to be kept calm.
Her body is getting older, and it requires more care to keep it functioning properly.
As we say, even hypochondriacs get sick.
Hello, chérie.
You want some tea? When's the last time you ate? No, go.
Go ahead.
Go on your vacation.
Actually, we have canceled this trip.
[SIGHS.]
I'm sorry this didn't work out.
Thank you.
I'll really miss this apartment.
It was almost worth it.
[WOMAN SINGING IN FRENCH.]
We had to call it off.
Let me do that.
No.
We are not speaking.
The owner called for you.
The water heater is kaput.
[FRENCH SINGING CONTINUES.]
- What are you doing? - I'm going to take a shower, and then I'm going downstairs - to relieve JP.
- No you're not.
I don't want to hear any more bullshit plans.
It's a national holiday.
Everything's booked.
- There's no hot water.
- Ahh.
Fuck you! Fuck you and fuck your aunt and fuck vacation! Aah! Can we just relax? That is the last thing that is going to happen.
What? Enjoying our vacation? I'm exhausted.
I'll do all the work.
- I hate this.
- Come on, baby, don't be like that.
We're in a hotel here, we'd be in a hotel there.
We'd be doing the same thing.
I want a massage first.
[MOANING.]
I'm going to kill her.
Ohh.
What? You know she's never going to die.
We're never going to get that apartment.
That's what you're thinking about? It never crossed your mind? It has, just not within the last ten minutes or so.
Well maybe it should.
Maybe you should think about having me in that four poster bed.
Uh-huh.
All I'm saying is you know that there's no point in sitting around and waiting for God to take her.
Don't stop.
- Ah.
- Sophie she's my only family.
This is why I never wanted a baby.
Even when I was married.
They need to be fed, they need to be washed, they cry in the middle of the night, they keep you from going on vacation, eating in restaurants You know, if you want to fuck, you have to drug them.
I have to fix the water heater.
No, don't stop.
I'm sorry.
I can't help it.
I have to call the service.
I don't want to go over there tomorrow morning and walk her dog and make her breakfast.
I don't want you to think about that.
I want you to come.
- Really? - Yeah.
And what's that? Ahh.
Ahh.
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[PHONE BEEPS, DIAL TONE.]
[DOOR SHUTS.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZES.]
[BUZZ.]
What are you talking about? There's been a mistake.
I need a caregiver and not a terrorist.
They emailed me her references.
She's educated, she's studying to be a nurse, she knows CPR, first aid.
You know about this? So you want the other one back? The whore? She's now in the kitchen.
Uh, please, I'm so afraid.
Stay with me on the phone.
What do you want me to do? You've been through everybody else there.
She's the best caregiver they have, and you are by far the worst client.
- [SIGHS.]
- Hold on.
I see you don't have time to talk.
I hope you sleep well when she blows up my apartment and I'm nothing but tartare.
You hear this menace? The agency sent over a Muslim girl.
Oo-la-la.
She survived.
[BELL RINGS.]
Ah! [MAN SINGS IN FRENCH.]
[LAUGHTER.]
Denis, you're not going to offer to anyone else? I'll take one.
The strangest thing is it's not a cheap hotel, but the guests have become lower and lower class.
That's all there is, lower class and ultra-rich.
The middle class is gone.
Look at this table.
How did you two meet? She was my student.
Tell them about the man who came to the front desk naked.
He was protesting.
His air conditioner was broken.
- He was showing off.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- English.
- It's okay.
If you have a job and you're not living off the state, you're not lower class.
So what are you then? Look, we all work very hard, but we have not improved upon our parents.
They lived better than we do.
Why do you think that is? Why do you think you can't have another bedroom? - [LAUGHTER.]
- Don't insult him.
I grew up in a bigger flat than this.
I don't know why I expected anything to improve.
How did you meet Sophie, Greg? He was a guest at the hotel.
Lower and lower class.
You came to the city and saw something you liked.
Anyone? I came because of my aunt.
She was dying, and she still is.
Four years.
- You're from the States? - Las Vegas.
And now you work together at the hotel? Mm-hm.
She works the front desk, and I do everything else.
You let him around the hotel guests? That seems dangerous.
Oh, yeah, I have a key to every room.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Stop it.
Mathieu can count in English.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh, she likes you.
[CHUCKLING.]
Yeah.
- Good night, everyone.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Bonne nuit.
Oh.
Aren't they adorable? [DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS.]
Hello? Hello.
[RADIO TURNS ON.]
[SWITCHING THROUGH CHANNELS.]
["THE YOUNG PRINCE AND THE YOUNG PRINCESS" BY RIMSKY-KORSAKOV PLAYS.]
[MUSIC PLAYS LOUDER.]
Monsieur? [MUSIC CONTINUES LOUDLY.]
[VOLUME LOWERS ON MUSIC.]
- I speak English.
- Good.
Um, she's very stubborn.
- I hadn't noticed.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Do you want me to fetch her? No, but in the future, just don't leave her alone.
Especially next week because we're going to be out of town, but you have my cell, right? You're American.
Yes.
Where are you from? I'm French.
Yes, yes, of course.
I I meant where are your people from? - North Africa.
- Oh.
- Never been there.
- Me, neither.
Where are your people from? I'm a mix, but my father was her brother, so I'm at least half whatever she says she is.
So you're French.
Half Russian, half German, half French.
You're three halves.
More, actually.
Scottish, Irish, real American.
Mormon.
Do you know that, Mormon? LDS? Are you staying for dinner? Yes.
[VOLUME INCREASES.]
Grisha, wake up.
Where were you? I don't like being alone with her.
Well, she's going to be at your side whether you like it or not.
Well, thanks so much, Hajar, for helping my aunt.
She doesn't help me.
You're paying her, so she's helping you.
Stop it.
I'll see you soon.
This looks good.
Dinner and a handsome man.
I live for this.
We're both very lucky.
[WHISPERING PRAYERS.]
Tell me about your sports teams.
Have they been enjoying success? ["PARCE QUE" BY CHARLES AZNAVOUR PLAYS.]
["PARCE QUE" CONTINUES.]
[TV PLAYING.]
[ALEXEI BARKS.]
Alexei! Oh! [BARKS.]
[PANTING.]
Oh.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
[BUZZ.]
[BUZZ.]
[BUZZ.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
[TV PLAYING.]
[RINGING.]
[COUGHS.]
[FUNKY JAZZ MUSIC.]
Bien.
Is there any mail? Uh, he came in earlier this week, and I told him you'd be back today.
[SINGING "PIGALLE" IN FRENCH.]
BOTH: Pigalle - Hello! - [SINGING IN FRENCH.]
- Welcome back.
- [TV OFF.]
How was your trip? We told you we were coming back on Saturday.
Has she been like this? You wanna call a doctor? I don't know.
Does your phone work? - What are you talking about? - You never called back! What? I never got a call.
Hajar, did you call them or not? You always call us on vacation, and you always make us come home, and then you're always looking as rosy and perfect as you do now.
Why would we ever answer your call? Sophie.
Really? Did you change your will and give that girl your apartment? That's your concern? I almost died.
I collapsed, and I lost consciousness, and now I'm on seven kinds of medication.
Anushka, please, we didn't know.
Now I understand why you've been upset and why you did this strange thing with your will which we don't even think is legal, and, frankly, made Hajar very uncomfortable.
You don't know anything about the law.
In France, all you need is a pen, a paper, and a witness.
And Hajar was here for me.
And you You were getting a suntan.
Hey! That's the problem with France today.
You have a job.
You were born with the ability to do it.
But you'd rather keep those parts unemployed.
And I think you want him to be your boyfriend and continue your family's grand history of incest.
Stop.
You're upsetting her.
Oh come on.
It doesn't matter if we upset her.
She's never going to die because making other people miserable keeps her alive.
She doesn't mean that.
Grisha, I love you dearly, but you have too much other blood in you, and it makes you weak.
Come on, Greg.
Fuck her.
You know, your ancestors would have poisoned this little cunt and dragged her rotten corpse around the city wall.
[ALEXEI BARKS.]
[ALEXEI WHIMPERS.]
I'm sorry you were put in this position, but clearly she's not in her right mind.
I keep thinking about what I should have said.
There's something you didn't say? You said nothing.
What could I say? You hijacked my phone.
So really, it's your fault.
I've been waiting for you for four years.
All you do is talk about doing things.
Go back to school, become a chef, open a nightclub.
You haven't done anything.
This was your only job, and you fucked it up.
What am I supposed to do? You want me to actually kill her? Not until she changes the will.
Then we can talk because I have many ideas.
Just stop.
You have no backbone.
I can love you without that apartment, but I can't love a jellyfish.
There are other ways to solve problems.
Oh, yes, you have such a bag of tricks.
What are you going to do? Flirt? Fix her water heater? You're right.
It's my problem, it's not yours.
- I've got it, okay? - Eh! Just fix it.
[DOOR BUZZES, OPENS.]
- Hajar.
- Oh, hello.
- Can I give you a ride home? - No, thank you.
Well, I'd like to talk to you.
I really appreciate this.
Hey, garçon? Oh, I don't want any.
- Just a glass.
- No, I don't drink.
Well, you eat, don't you? You have to believe me.
I didn't know she was sick.
I believe you.
Good.
Well, then you can also believe me when I say that you can't take the apartment.
It doesn't belong to you.
You seem like the kind of person who wouldn't take advantage of someone, a good person.
I am.
It's mine.
It's all I have, and I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I did what you're doing.
Your religion has all these rules.
There's not one for this? Stealing? I didn't steal it.
She doesn't know what she's doing.
She's not a child.
Sh she's lived longer than both of us put together.
You know how she is.
I said no a hundred times.
She was sick, and I took care of her, but this is what she did.
I didn't ask for it, but this is what she wants.
Can you just give me a minute? I'll be right back.
[URINATING.]
Fuck.
Bon appétit.
I have to get home.
Please.
Just I don't know.
Just don't go yet.
[SIGHS.]
Look, I don't even really care about the apartment.
Sophie does.
I had to try.
I mean I never even dreamed of having what I have now.
I don't need more.
I mean, to be living here, in Paris? Do you know what that means to the rest of the world? Do you know what America means to the rest of the world? Do you even like pizza? Everyone likes pizza.
The worst part of all of this is that I can't really express how grateful I am for the way that you've taken care of Anushka.
I know how difficult she can be.
That's my job.
Well, you're really good at it.
But why would you want to do it? I'm studying to take the entrance exam to be a nurse assistant.
If I pass, I do that for three years, and then I'm a nurse, which is a pretty wonderful job.
So you don't mind being insulted.
I think, like most people that age, she's angry because she's ignored.
You just have to pay attention to them.
Do you live alone? Oh, I live with my mother, my father, and my brother.
It's practical for now.
Your father seems nice.
He works in the post office.
It's an incredible job.
About ten hours a week and they're always on a strike.
What about your father? He's dead.
I have to stop asking these questions.
Everyone in your family is dead.
No.
My mother's alive.
Remarried.
She never got over my father's drinking, and, when he died, she got sucked into the Mormon Church.
She uses it as an excuse to act like she's better than everyone else.
Not that I'm against religion, I just hate the way it keeps people apart.
I agree.
Do you believe in God? I'd like to.
But I don't know how someone like me can know something like that.
It's such a nice night.
I'm never out like this.
Me, neither.
Do you want to go for a walk? Oh, I should get home.
Yeah, I should too.
Maybe a short one.
Sometimes I still can't believe I live here.
Look at this view.
You sound like a tourist.
For Parisians, it's a cliché.
Yeah, but they have no problem with the baguettes and the berets and the accordion music.
Well, there is an ideal Paris, and there is a real Paris.
Are you and Sophie engaged? She's divorced.
She's doesn't want to do that again.
You? I don't know.
I have my plan, so I think I can wait.
Also, my parents are traditional, and I really haven't liked any of their suggestions.
So do you believe in that stuff? Marriage? The whole thing.
I do believe, but it doesn't mean I know.
The proof, you can't look for that.
So what do you look for? Sometimes a little evidence comes by surprise.
Like what? Like someone being the way you'd hope they'd be.
We should go.
You're right.
- Ow! - Oh, shit.
Are you okay? Ach! I'm so embarrassed.
- It's my fault.
- No.
Are you sure you're okay? - Oh, that looks pretty bad.
- No, I'm fine.
Well, we should at least get it cleaned up.
Okay.
MILE HIGH CLUB: Can you see to this harmony? Can you let a quartet set you free? This tonality Doesn't disagree Ought to be chromatically pleasin' me All that I want Is some good loving musical thoughts We need water.
Sorry about the mess.
Here, have a seat.
It looks worse than it feels.
Okay - I can do that.
- Come on.
Hold your breath.
Ouch.
Good as new.
Thank you.
Am I allowed to kiss you? No.
I have to go.
People will be wondering where I am, and you too, I suppose.
Yeah.
[FAUCET RUNNING.]
Let me take you home.
I should leave alone.
I know we weren't expecting this to happen, but We both knew what we were doing.
Yeah, I know, I just And we both know it can't happen again.
Wait.
Please forget all that apartment stuff.
I had a really nice time with you.
Don't worry.
I will take care of it.
[SHOWER RUNNING.]
You just get in? Yeah, I couldn't sleep.
I'm sorry.
I think everything's gonna work out.
Of course it will.
[FAUCET HANDLE CREAKS.]
[DOG GROWLS AND BARKS.]
[SPEAKING FRENCH.]
[VIOLIN PLAYS.]
Morning, Lena.
How was the doctor? She's in perfect health, but she needs to get her medicines.
Did you hear that computer causes cancer? A new Russian study.
Anushka? - Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
So why couldn't Lena pick up your prescription? Because she's illiterate, in French and in Russian.
Is it too much trouble for you? [CHUCKLING.]
Not at all.
She's an excellent cook, though.
I'll have her pick up a rack of lamb, and you can stay for dinner.
That's a lot of food for two people.
Let me call Sophie.
No, absolutely not.
It's been two months.
You've made your point.
She's dead to me.
Almost as dead as she wishes I was.
If she comes anywhere near me or my apartment, I'm leaving everything to the Russian Embassy.
You have to stop making me choose between the two of you.
No, Grisha, I really don't.
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
Lena! I'm sure she got it.
Monsieur Greg.
Out! I'm not alone.
Come in.
What's going on? - What's wrong? - Well, there seems to be a problem, and apparently an abortion is out of the question.
What? You heard me.
I don't understand.
I told you to fix it, not get her pregnant.
Really? I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to ruin your life.
Well, it's too late for that.
I just wanted you to know.
- No.
- So what was it? He clearly just wanted the apartment back.
He's so irresistible, or you just do this all the time? Sophie, don't talk to her like that.
Like what? She's the maid.
Because - I love him.
- What? Jesus Christ.
What the hell are you doing? I don't know.
I don't know.
What? Are you kidding me? [GASPS.]
Hajar? - What? - I don't know, I I don't know, I I should be upset, but I'm not.
I feel I feel really happy right now.
Do you? This is all I wanted.
For the line to continue.
- Sophie, wait! - Let her go.
["THE YOUNG PRINCE AND THE YOUNG PRINCESS" PLAYS.]
[ROCK MUSIC.]
TOM PETTY: We got something, we both know it We don't talk too much about it Ain't no real big secret All the same, somehow we get around it Listen It don't really matter to me, babe You believe what you want to believe You see, you don't have to live like a refugee THE HEARTBREAKERS: Don't have to live like a refugee No! [MUSIC FADES.]
- [MAN RAPPING IN FRENCH.]
- [AMBULANCE SIREN WAILS.]
[SPEAKING FRENCH.]
[FRENCH RAPPING CONTINUES.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
Uhh.
Oh, merci.
I know you're disappointed, but they say I'm going to live.
Ah It's like Calcutta in here.
What did I tell you? What happened? We're very lucky there was no emergency.
You were not there.
I was watching some very upsetting news on the television, so I stood up and I fainted.
All alone.
Where was Sonya? Where were you? - Can I speak with you? - Mm-hmm.
What is your relation exactly? She's my aunt.
Can you tell me exactly what happened? Should I be worried? She's of advanced years.
While I'm sure she'll continue to be delightful in every way, I think I'm sorry if she insulted you.
[SIGHS.]
She has high blood pressure.
She needs to be kept calm.
Her body is getting older, and it requires more care to keep it functioning properly.
As we say, even hypochondriacs get sick.
Hello, chérie.
You want some tea? When's the last time you ate? No, go.
Go ahead.
Go on your vacation.
Actually, we have canceled this trip.
[SIGHS.]
I'm sorry this didn't work out.
Thank you.
I'll really miss this apartment.
It was almost worth it.
[WOMAN SINGING IN FRENCH.]
We had to call it off.
Let me do that.
No.
We are not speaking.
The owner called for you.
The water heater is kaput.
[FRENCH SINGING CONTINUES.]
- What are you doing? - I'm going to take a shower, and then I'm going downstairs - to relieve JP.
- No you're not.
I don't want to hear any more bullshit plans.
It's a national holiday.
Everything's booked.
- There's no hot water.
- Ahh.
Fuck you! Fuck you and fuck your aunt and fuck vacation! Aah! Can we just relax? That is the last thing that is going to happen.
What? Enjoying our vacation? I'm exhausted.
I'll do all the work.
- I hate this.
- Come on, baby, don't be like that.
We're in a hotel here, we'd be in a hotel there.
We'd be doing the same thing.
I want a massage first.
[MOANING.]
I'm going to kill her.
Ohh.
What? You know she's never going to die.
We're never going to get that apartment.
That's what you're thinking about? It never crossed your mind? It has, just not within the last ten minutes or so.
Well maybe it should.
Maybe you should think about having me in that four poster bed.
Uh-huh.
All I'm saying is you know that there's no point in sitting around and waiting for God to take her.
Don't stop.
- Ah.
- Sophie she's my only family.
This is why I never wanted a baby.
Even when I was married.
They need to be fed, they need to be washed, they cry in the middle of the night, they keep you from going on vacation, eating in restaurants You know, if you want to fuck, you have to drug them.
I have to fix the water heater.
No, don't stop.
I'm sorry.
I can't help it.
I have to call the service.
I don't want to go over there tomorrow morning and walk her dog and make her breakfast.
I don't want you to think about that.
I want you to come.
- Really? - Yeah.
And what's that? Ahh.
Ahh.
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[PHONE BEEPS, DIAL TONE.]
[DOOR SHUTS.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZES.]
[BUZZ.]
What are you talking about? There's been a mistake.
I need a caregiver and not a terrorist.
They emailed me her references.
She's educated, she's studying to be a nurse, she knows CPR, first aid.
You know about this? So you want the other one back? The whore? She's now in the kitchen.
Uh, please, I'm so afraid.
Stay with me on the phone.
What do you want me to do? You've been through everybody else there.
She's the best caregiver they have, and you are by far the worst client.
- [SIGHS.]
- Hold on.
I see you don't have time to talk.
I hope you sleep well when she blows up my apartment and I'm nothing but tartare.
You hear this menace? The agency sent over a Muslim girl.
Oo-la-la.
She survived.
[BELL RINGS.]
Ah! [MAN SINGS IN FRENCH.]
[LAUGHTER.]
Denis, you're not going to offer to anyone else? I'll take one.
The strangest thing is it's not a cheap hotel, but the guests have become lower and lower class.
That's all there is, lower class and ultra-rich.
The middle class is gone.
Look at this table.
How did you two meet? She was my student.
Tell them about the man who came to the front desk naked.
He was protesting.
His air conditioner was broken.
- He was showing off.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- English.
- It's okay.
If you have a job and you're not living off the state, you're not lower class.
So what are you then? Look, we all work very hard, but we have not improved upon our parents.
They lived better than we do.
Why do you think that is? Why do you think you can't have another bedroom? - [LAUGHTER.]
- Don't insult him.
I grew up in a bigger flat than this.
I don't know why I expected anything to improve.
How did you meet Sophie, Greg? He was a guest at the hotel.
Lower and lower class.
You came to the city and saw something you liked.
Anyone? I came because of my aunt.
She was dying, and she still is.
Four years.
- You're from the States? - Las Vegas.
And now you work together at the hotel? Mm-hm.
She works the front desk, and I do everything else.
You let him around the hotel guests? That seems dangerous.
Oh, yeah, I have a key to every room.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Stop it.
Mathieu can count in English.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh, she likes you.
[CHUCKLING.]
Yeah.
- Good night, everyone.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Bonne nuit.
Oh.
Aren't they adorable? [DOORBELL BUZZES.]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS.]
Hello? Hello.
[RADIO TURNS ON.]
[SWITCHING THROUGH CHANNELS.]
["THE YOUNG PRINCE AND THE YOUNG PRINCESS" BY RIMSKY-KORSAKOV PLAYS.]
[MUSIC PLAYS LOUDER.]
Monsieur? [MUSIC CONTINUES LOUDLY.]
[VOLUME LOWERS ON MUSIC.]
- I speak English.
- Good.
Um, she's very stubborn.
- I hadn't noticed.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Do you want me to fetch her? No, but in the future, just don't leave her alone.
Especially next week because we're going to be out of town, but you have my cell, right? You're American.
Yes.
Where are you from? I'm French.
Yes, yes, of course.
I I meant where are your people from? - North Africa.
- Oh.
- Never been there.
- Me, neither.
Where are your people from? I'm a mix, but my father was her brother, so I'm at least half whatever she says she is.
So you're French.
Half Russian, half German, half French.
You're three halves.
More, actually.
Scottish, Irish, real American.
Mormon.
Do you know that, Mormon? LDS? Are you staying for dinner? Yes.
[VOLUME INCREASES.]
Grisha, wake up.
Where were you? I don't like being alone with her.
Well, she's going to be at your side whether you like it or not.
Well, thanks so much, Hajar, for helping my aunt.
She doesn't help me.
You're paying her, so she's helping you.
Stop it.
I'll see you soon.
This looks good.
Dinner and a handsome man.
I live for this.
We're both very lucky.
[WHISPERING PRAYERS.]
Tell me about your sports teams.
Have they been enjoying success? ["PARCE QUE" BY CHARLES AZNAVOUR PLAYS.]
["PARCE QUE" CONTINUES.]
[TV PLAYING.]
[ALEXEI BARKS.]
Alexei! Oh! [BARKS.]
[PANTING.]
Oh.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
[BUZZ.]
[BUZZ.]
[BUZZ.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
[TV PLAYING.]
[RINGING.]
[COUGHS.]
[FUNKY JAZZ MUSIC.]
Bien.
Is there any mail? Uh, he came in earlier this week, and I told him you'd be back today.
[SINGING "PIGALLE" IN FRENCH.]
BOTH: Pigalle - Hello! - [SINGING IN FRENCH.]
- Welcome back.
- [TV OFF.]
How was your trip? We told you we were coming back on Saturday.
Has she been like this? You wanna call a doctor? I don't know.
Does your phone work? - What are you talking about? - You never called back! What? I never got a call.
Hajar, did you call them or not? You always call us on vacation, and you always make us come home, and then you're always looking as rosy and perfect as you do now.
Why would we ever answer your call? Sophie.
Really? Did you change your will and give that girl your apartment? That's your concern? I almost died.
I collapsed, and I lost consciousness, and now I'm on seven kinds of medication.
Anushka, please, we didn't know.
Now I understand why you've been upset and why you did this strange thing with your will which we don't even think is legal, and, frankly, made Hajar very uncomfortable.
You don't know anything about the law.
In France, all you need is a pen, a paper, and a witness.
And Hajar was here for me.
And you You were getting a suntan.
Hey! That's the problem with France today.
You have a job.
You were born with the ability to do it.
But you'd rather keep those parts unemployed.
And I think you want him to be your boyfriend and continue your family's grand history of incest.
Stop.
You're upsetting her.
Oh come on.
It doesn't matter if we upset her.
She's never going to die because making other people miserable keeps her alive.
She doesn't mean that.
Grisha, I love you dearly, but you have too much other blood in you, and it makes you weak.
Come on, Greg.
Fuck her.
You know, your ancestors would have poisoned this little cunt and dragged her rotten corpse around the city wall.
[ALEXEI BARKS.]
[ALEXEI WHIMPERS.]
I'm sorry you were put in this position, but clearly she's not in her right mind.
I keep thinking about what I should have said.
There's something you didn't say? You said nothing.
What could I say? You hijacked my phone.
So really, it's your fault.
I've been waiting for you for four years.
All you do is talk about doing things.
Go back to school, become a chef, open a nightclub.
You haven't done anything.
This was your only job, and you fucked it up.
What am I supposed to do? You want me to actually kill her? Not until she changes the will.
Then we can talk because I have many ideas.
Just stop.
You have no backbone.
I can love you without that apartment, but I can't love a jellyfish.
There are other ways to solve problems.
Oh, yes, you have such a bag of tricks.
What are you going to do? Flirt? Fix her water heater? You're right.
It's my problem, it's not yours.
- I've got it, okay? - Eh! Just fix it.
[DOOR BUZZES, OPENS.]
- Hajar.
- Oh, hello.
- Can I give you a ride home? - No, thank you.
Well, I'd like to talk to you.
I really appreciate this.
Hey, garçon? Oh, I don't want any.
- Just a glass.
- No, I don't drink.
Well, you eat, don't you? You have to believe me.
I didn't know she was sick.
I believe you.
Good.
Well, then you can also believe me when I say that you can't take the apartment.
It doesn't belong to you.
You seem like the kind of person who wouldn't take advantage of someone, a good person.
I am.
It's mine.
It's all I have, and I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I did what you're doing.
Your religion has all these rules.
There's not one for this? Stealing? I didn't steal it.
She doesn't know what she's doing.
She's not a child.
Sh she's lived longer than both of us put together.
You know how she is.
I said no a hundred times.
She was sick, and I took care of her, but this is what she did.
I didn't ask for it, but this is what she wants.
Can you just give me a minute? I'll be right back.
[URINATING.]
Fuck.
Bon appétit.
I have to get home.
Please.
Just I don't know.
Just don't go yet.
[SIGHS.]
Look, I don't even really care about the apartment.
Sophie does.
I had to try.
I mean I never even dreamed of having what I have now.
I don't need more.
I mean, to be living here, in Paris? Do you know what that means to the rest of the world? Do you know what America means to the rest of the world? Do you even like pizza? Everyone likes pizza.
The worst part of all of this is that I can't really express how grateful I am for the way that you've taken care of Anushka.
I know how difficult she can be.
That's my job.
Well, you're really good at it.
But why would you want to do it? I'm studying to take the entrance exam to be a nurse assistant.
If I pass, I do that for three years, and then I'm a nurse, which is a pretty wonderful job.
So you don't mind being insulted.
I think, like most people that age, she's angry because she's ignored.
You just have to pay attention to them.
Do you live alone? Oh, I live with my mother, my father, and my brother.
It's practical for now.
Your father seems nice.
He works in the post office.
It's an incredible job.
About ten hours a week and they're always on a strike.
What about your father? He's dead.
I have to stop asking these questions.
Everyone in your family is dead.
No.
My mother's alive.
Remarried.
She never got over my father's drinking, and, when he died, she got sucked into the Mormon Church.
She uses it as an excuse to act like she's better than everyone else.
Not that I'm against religion, I just hate the way it keeps people apart.
I agree.
Do you believe in God? I'd like to.
But I don't know how someone like me can know something like that.
It's such a nice night.
I'm never out like this.
Me, neither.
Do you want to go for a walk? Oh, I should get home.
Yeah, I should too.
Maybe a short one.
Sometimes I still can't believe I live here.
Look at this view.
You sound like a tourist.
For Parisians, it's a cliché.
Yeah, but they have no problem with the baguettes and the berets and the accordion music.
Well, there is an ideal Paris, and there is a real Paris.
Are you and Sophie engaged? She's divorced.
She's doesn't want to do that again.
You? I don't know.
I have my plan, so I think I can wait.
Also, my parents are traditional, and I really haven't liked any of their suggestions.
So do you believe in that stuff? Marriage? The whole thing.
I do believe, but it doesn't mean I know.
The proof, you can't look for that.
So what do you look for? Sometimes a little evidence comes by surprise.
Like what? Like someone being the way you'd hope they'd be.
We should go.
You're right.
- Ow! - Oh, shit.
Are you okay? Ach! I'm so embarrassed.
- It's my fault.
- No.
Are you sure you're okay? - Oh, that looks pretty bad.
- No, I'm fine.
Well, we should at least get it cleaned up.
Okay.
MILE HIGH CLUB: Can you see to this harmony? Can you let a quartet set you free? This tonality Doesn't disagree Ought to be chromatically pleasin' me All that I want Is some good loving musical thoughts We need water.
Sorry about the mess.
Here, have a seat.
It looks worse than it feels.
Okay - I can do that.
- Come on.
Hold your breath.
Ouch.
Good as new.
Thank you.
Am I allowed to kiss you? No.
I have to go.
People will be wondering where I am, and you too, I suppose.
Yeah.
[FAUCET RUNNING.]
Let me take you home.
I should leave alone.
I know we weren't expecting this to happen, but We both knew what we were doing.
Yeah, I know, I just And we both know it can't happen again.
Wait.
Please forget all that apartment stuff.
I had a really nice time with you.
Don't worry.
I will take care of it.
[SHOWER RUNNING.]
You just get in? Yeah, I couldn't sleep.
I'm sorry.
I think everything's gonna work out.
Of course it will.
[FAUCET HANDLE CREAKS.]
[DOG GROWLS AND BARKS.]
[SPEAKING FRENCH.]
[VIOLIN PLAYS.]
Morning, Lena.
How was the doctor? She's in perfect health, but she needs to get her medicines.
Did you hear that computer causes cancer? A new Russian study.
Anushka? - Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
So why couldn't Lena pick up your prescription? Because she's illiterate, in French and in Russian.
Is it too much trouble for you? [CHUCKLING.]
Not at all.
She's an excellent cook, though.
I'll have her pick up a rack of lamb, and you can stay for dinner.
That's a lot of food for two people.
Let me call Sophie.
No, absolutely not.
It's been two months.
You've made your point.
She's dead to me.
Almost as dead as she wishes I was.
If she comes anywhere near me or my apartment, I'm leaving everything to the Russian Embassy.
You have to stop making me choose between the two of you.
No, Grisha, I really don't.
[DOORBELL BUZZES.]
Lena! I'm sure she got it.
Monsieur Greg.
Out! I'm not alone.
Come in.
What's going on? - What's wrong? - Well, there seems to be a problem, and apparently an abortion is out of the question.
What? You heard me.
I don't understand.
I told you to fix it, not get her pregnant.
Really? I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to ruin your life.
Well, it's too late for that.
I just wanted you to know.
- No.
- So what was it? He clearly just wanted the apartment back.
He's so irresistible, or you just do this all the time? Sophie, don't talk to her like that.
Like what? She's the maid.
Because - I love him.
- What? Jesus Christ.
What the hell are you doing? I don't know.
I don't know.
What? Are you kidding me? [GASPS.]
Hajar? - What? - I don't know, I I don't know, I I should be upset, but I'm not.
I feel I feel really happy right now.
Do you? This is all I wanted.
For the line to continue.
- Sophie, wait! - Let her go.
["THE YOUNG PRINCE AND THE YOUNG PRINCESS" PLAYS.]