The Girl Before (2021) s01e02 Episode Script

1
My houses make demands of people.
We gather data to improve
the user experience.
It's almost nothing Google
or Facebook wouldn't know about you.
I don't think Facebook
follows me into the shower.
It's the price the tenant
pays for living there.
She died in that house three years ago.
When we examined your phone,
we found evidence suggesting that a man
may have used it to film himself
forcing a sexual act on you.
I couldn't help overhearing
you'd lost a child.
They're doing an investigation,
postmortem and so on.
You're amazing and you're perfect
and I love you and
I don't love you, Si.
I want you to move out.
Jane, there's something I want to ask you.
I would like to have a relationship with you.
He said what? He said he only does
relationships unencumbered
by convention, something like that.
Otherwise known as a casual hook-up.
Would that be such a bad thing?
No, no.
If you're ready for one.
Well, I don't think he does hook-ups.
In fact, I don't think he
does anything casually.
Hmm.
And Flower Man - any more from him?
No.
But Edward did tell me what
happened to his girlfriend
was an accident, apparently.
She fell down the stairs.
And you still don't put up a handrail
even after someone died?
I'm so sorry.
There's nothing to apologise for, Emma.
You needed to tell me when
the time was right for you.
Any type of sexual assault is
incredibly difficult to talk about.
I just thought if I didn't talk about
It's just so confusing.
The most important thing to understand
..is that you did nothing wrong.
So then why do I feel so ashamed?
I used to enjoy
..having sex.
What if I never feel like myself again?
We can begin by doing some exercises
to remember how you felt
before the assault.
Well, how do you mean?
Well, your flat, for example,
was a place of safety which
changed with the attack.
Will you stop going on about the flat?
Sorry.
I'm giving you my mobile number
..in case you need to talk
before our next appointment.
We're on this journey together, OK?
Well, that's your first inspection done,
and I'm pleased to say
there are absolutely no issues.
How are you finding it here?
Not too demanding,
sticking to all the rules?
No, I love it.
Good.
Camilla
..do you know anything about the
young woman who lived here before?
The one who died?
I don't.
It happened with the previous agent.
We took over when they lost the contract.
Sorry.
It's personal.
Is there anything else?
All done.
Hey, who messed with my brilliant slogan?
Leona.
So, um
..I heard you and Si broke up.
OK, and what, he's asked
you to put in a word, has he?
You could do a lot worse than Si,
given that I'm taken of course.
Fuck off.
Easy.
Just the messenger.
But, um, if it is really over,
which I can kind of understand,
just let him down gently.
Edward, so that tenancy
Simon and I signed,
what would happen if one
of us moved out,
but the other one wanted to stay?
It would depend on which
one of you wanted to stay.
Er, me.
I want to stay.
Simon has moved out.
What are you doing at lunchtime?
I wondered if you want to look
at a building with me.
Is that architect speak for,
"Would you like to go on a date?"
Is that a yes?
Thanks for coming.
Thanks for asking.
I've never been invited
to see a building before.
I'm intrigued.
Good.
So is one of these by you?
If I'd designed any of these,
I'd feel compelled to take the lift
to the top floor and throw myself off.
The place I want to
show you is right here.
Shall we?
I'm not really into churches.
They're all pomp and ceremony,
nothing to do with the actual religion.
What?
It's all about architectural legacy for me.
On the face of it, it's totally
different from your work.
But then you start to see the similarities.
Restraint, simplicity.
Like Folgate Street.
To have let go of that house
you must have moved somewhere incredible.
I'm on site mostly.
Minor caravans or hotels.
It's bearable as long as you put
the cushions in the wardrobe.
Really?
No.
Yes.
Sometimes.
The original building burned to the ground
in the Great Fire of London.
Do you know what the best
thing about a church is?
The acoustics.
Church girl, after all.
I love that about churches.
How the living and dead rub shoulders.
And the altar.
That's modern, presumably.
Yes. Henry Moore.
Beautiful, isn't it?
Mmm.
So simple.
I wonder how many couples
have stood in this exact same spot
..pledging their lives to each other.
So why did you bring me here?
It's a very special building.
So, about the tenancy?
You'll both need to
sign a deed of variation,
and that's something any
solicitor can take care of.
Sorry for messing you about.
I didn't mean for this
to be such a problem.
Not at all.
I actually wanted to have lunch with you.
As in a date?
Well, I wouldn't know,
since I don't do dates.
So what do you do?
I'd like to have a relationship with you
..but before you give me an answer,
there's something you should know.
I don't do conventional relationships.
What do you mean?
People aren't so different
to buildings, it seems to me.
It's all too easy to accumulate
the unnecessary romantic gestures,
meaningless endearments.
What if you strip all that away?
What if you were to have a relationship
unencumbered by expectation?
So, a relationship without the pressure.
I sometimes think all
marriages would be better
if divorce was obligatory
after a certain amount of time.
Three years, say?
People would appreciate
each other so much more
knowing it wasn't going to last forever.
But wouldn't that then require a lifetime
of finding the right person over and over
instead of one fulfilling relationship
where you grow old together
and work through problems?
Well, that's what one hopes for,
but it doesn't always work out that way.
Oh, God, sorry, that was insensitive.
No apology necessary.
How did it happen,
if you don't mind me asking?
An accident on a building site.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
Do you always tie your hair back?
No, just for work,
it's easier I like this.
It's considered more professional.
I'm sure it looks lovely
when you wear it down.
And how does Edward Monkford
let his hair down, so to speak?
Can you honestly see me
doing anything of the sort?
Maybe I'll find out one day.
So
I'd like to cook for you
at Forgate Street this weekend,
no other obligation.
OK, then.
OK, then.
Thank you for a lovely afternoon,
and thank you for accepting me
..at Forgate Street.
Well, you seem like a perfect fit
..which is rare.
I'm flattered.
Do you mind if I ask you
about Emma Matthews?
How well did you know her?
Not very well.
I had a lovely afternoon too.
Oooh!
Nice.
Simon?
No, someone I just had lunch with.
That was quick.
Yeah, he's like that.
Hmm.
Andrew, you're a hotshot lawyer,
would you know how to sort out
a deed of variation on a tenancy?
You can get them off the internet?
Pretty straightforward.
Or if I gave you the details
Fine. Ping me your tenancy,
I'll take a look.
All tenants will need to sign,
then you give it to the landlord.
You're the best.
Hello. Hello, Emma.
It's DS Willan here. Would you be
able to come and see us on Monday?
We've got an update on your case.
Well, what sort of an update?
It's best we talk in person.
Yeah, sure.
Great. We'll see you then.
Jane?
This came for you.
Thanks.
Oh, hi. Hi, Elaine.
Lovely to see you.
Sorry, can't stop.
Fuck.
Do you like it?
I hope you don't mind.
What happened to no romantic gestures?
Well, this is more of a practical gesture.
Practical, I see.
Because I want something in return.
Oh, really?
And what might that be?
To cook for you.
This weekend at Forgate Street.
No other obligation.
I'd like that.
Hey.
What the fuck, Simon?
How did you get in?
This.
Well, you can leave it over there.
Those are the papers you need to sign.
Come on.
How am I supposed to persuade
you to take me back
if we don't at least have a drink?
Oh, it looks like you've been
drinking enough already.
Hmm.
We're not getting back together, Si.
But I am back, aren't I?
Here I am.
So that's the first step.
And there's my teapot.
So you still like my teapot.
Did you get my flowers?
Oh
Simon, you need to go.
I love you.
I don't want to lose you.
And I think you need me right now.
Em, not now.
Get off.
Emma?
Emma, it's Edward, are you OK?
Yeah.
Simon's here to sign the papers.
At least I hope he is.
Put him on, would you?
Simon, I need you to sign those papers
and then I need you to get out of my house.
I'm coming to collect them over dinner
and it would be awkward
for you if you were still there.
Him
..of all people.
How could you do this to me?
I didn't mean
Nah.
Oh.
You look perfect.
Thank you.
I thought you was supposed
to be cooking for me.
I like looking at you.
Don't.
You don't have to hide anything from me.
Would you rather not have them?
Rather none of it had happened?
No.
I'm glad she existed.
Then it was worth it.
I just
I just feel like I'm permanently marked,
like a tattoo or something.
You're beautiful.
All of you.
Although I did split up with someone
once because she got a tattoo.
I tried to ignore it,
but every time it was just there.
Well, that was her choice to make.
Of course.
And mine to stop seeing her.
I'm not very tolerant of people
whose standards I don't agree with.
Bed feast!
Biscuits and wine.
What do you say?
I'll make us some proper food.
I'm sorry, it slipped.
I imagine that had sentimental value.
No.
Not any more.
I'll get you another one.
A better one.
Edward?
"A carefully considered gesture
of affection is more romantic
"than a spontaneous one."
What?
"House facilities disabled.
Question 1 of 50."
No, no, no, no, no, no, not today.
Great.
Thank you for coming, Emma.
You can take a seat there.
So we can confirm that the CPS
are going to charge Ray Nelson
with aggravated burglary and trespassing
with intent to commit a
sexual offence and with rape.
Wait. No, no, no, you
I don't want
Well, would there be a trial because
you said when there's no DNA?
I know this is daunting,
but we're here to support you.
We've been trying to put Ray Nelson
away now for some time and this,
your case, I believe, will finally
get him off the streets.
Now, you want that, don't you?
Good.
Nelson's made a bail application,
but we're hoping he'll plead guilty
at the hearing and
then this will all be over.
Sir
One moment, please.
Do you understand, Emma?
He pleads guilty and then this is over.
Correct.
Now there is one more thing.
Have you heard of a victim statement?
It's your chance to tell the
court exactly how you feel.
More importantly, the impact this
experience has had on your life.
You write it all down
and it's read out in court.
It's your chance.
It's a powerful chance
to influence the sentencing.
I'm not sure I really
Many survivors say it's
a positive experience.
It gives you a voice in the process.
Right.
But there must be a reason?
I'm afraid, Miss Cavendish,
most stillbirths are classified
officially as unexplained.
As you'll see from the
postmortem report, this was.
And there's nothing that
could have been done
..that I could have done differently?
I
..I noticed she hadn't moved for a while.
Did I
Should I have kept counting
Isabel's movements?
You came in with abdominal pain?
No, not really.
A few Braxton Hicks, but those
are normal at 39 weeks, I was told.
An examination of your placenta
showed it was on the small side,
umbilical cord slightly thinner.
However, these reasons alone aren't
enough to explain the death.
I'm very sorry.
I should have gone in earlier.
I can refer you to a bereavement
counsellor if you wish.
No
thank you.
All the other information's in here.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Hey, Emma.
Was that tenancy stuff all OK?
Oh, yeah, yeah, all sorted. Thanks.
You know someone's
buried there at your house?
Sorry?
Two people actually
right under the building.
I noticed it when I checked
the deeds on the planning portal.
It's perfectly legal so long as you
tell the council and mark it
on the plans and that tenancy -
no pictures, no cushions.
It's pretty freaky, right?
No, it's amazing.
And I love it there.
Right.
Right.
Are you going to stay the night,
the whole night,
or do your moonlight flit?
I like to start work early.
When you left, the house
made me redo the questionnaire.
Not sure I like being an experiment.
All buildings are designed
to have an effect on people -
castles to intimidate,
churches to inspire.
Why shouldn't the house be designed
to give you a framework to live by?
Most people would say a house
should serve its occupants,
not the other way around.
We are not most people.
The questionnaire was a
condition of you moving in.
It's not just the questionnaire.
It's been a rough day.
Do you want to talk about it?
No.
So, are all your relationships like this?
Semidetached.
They are now.
What was she like?
Your wife.
I actually have a question for you.
Why don't you like being kissed?
It's OK, you don't have to tell me.
I was raped.
What?
Partly why Simon and I broke up.
Emma
I am so
Well, then this is too soon, surely?
No.
No.
This
You.
Being here, somehow, I I feel.
..closed in.
Safe.
You sure?
It's like when I'm with you
..I'm not the person it happened to.
Someone else.
And if you like me, then
maybe I'm not, so
I'm being stupid.
Maybe I could be more like the person
you imagined living here with.
What do you mean?
She's buried here, isn't she?
Elizabeth.
Yes.
It sounds stranger than it is.
It's
It's an old Japanese custom -
hitobashira.
They believe it brings good luck.
She always said she wanted
to be buried near
one of our buildings, so
I think it's romantic.
I guess we've both got shit to deal with.
But, you know,
every day I wake up here
..all traces of the day before are gone
..like a clean slate.
I never thought of it like that, before.
As you come through that
claustrophobic front lobby
into this void,
you experience what architects call
compression and release -
the small space making the
bigger one feel even bigger.
It's a good example of how
Monkford's buildings,
although they seem to break with the past,
used classical techniques.
The RIBA judges described it as
a house of many moods,
but it's also a test bed
for new technologies.
Effectively, the house has its own AI
that interacts with the occupants,
monitoring their wellbeing,
adjusting to their mental state
and subtly encouraging
them to live up to the standards
set by their surroundings.
It's strongly influenced
by the Japanese concept of wabi -
an austere disciplined serenity,
effortless perfection.
The house is so energy efficient
it actually returns power
to the national grid.
What the hell are you doing?
I'm seeing how you store your things.
Can you please stop?
That's private.
No-one who lives here
should expect privacy.
You signed that away, remember?
Here's a question.
What else are you prepared
to do to live in a house
you clearly can't afford?
Excuse me?
He's been sleeping here, hasn't he? Edward.
Get out.
He certainly knows his way
around the bedroom,
but I'll give it to you - you are
better dressed than the one before.
Let's see how long you last.
He said you knew your way
around the bedroom.
Peter has an unfortunate manner,
but he's a brilliant technologist.
He was suggesting that you and I
..if sex is some sort of payment
or part of the monitoring.
I'll speak to him.
And what was he even doing here?
I thought the open day was supposed
to be for architecture nerds.
Well, you wouldn't want him dropping
by unannounced, would you?
He was probably here checking
something technical and wanted
He said, "the one before."
What did he mean by that?
Jane, I'm sorry he unnerved you.
Peter is utterly harmless, I promise.
I think after 15 years, I'd know.
But, as I say, I'll speak to him.
Oh, please.
Please.
Oh, seriously?
Not now, not fucking today.
Agree, agree, agree, agree, agree,
agree, agree, agree, agree, agree.
I am so sorry I'm late.
Emma, this is John Broome,
your prosecution barrister.
There have been a few developments
we need to speak to you about.
Have a seat, Emma.
Ray Nelson has pleaded
not guilty to all charges,
and he has challenged the evidence.
What does that mean?
I don't understand.
His solicitor claims that the video
footage from your phone
is not enough to charge him with rape.
It seems the judge
thinks they have a point.
What? The defence have applied
to have your evidence excluded
and the judge is going to hear them.
It seems there's sufficient reason
for a Section 78 application.
It means that the judge is going
to cross-examine you herself today
to determine if there is indeed
a case to be put before a jury.
No, I was, I was just
I was meant to give
her my victim statement,
and someone else was meant to read it.
Yeah, that's
That's changed now, I'm afraid.
You will be in front of a judge.
On the back of this development
..Nelson's solicitor has put in
a no-case-to-answer application.
Nelson's just been granted bail.
He's out?
Just for now, Emma,
and you're a strong witness.
We've both seen your
initial video interview,
and once the judge hears your account,
I'm sure she'll come to the
same conclusions we have.
Oh, God, I can't I don't
I need the bathroom.
Can I use the bathroom, please.
Of course.
This is not a shit show.
I think you're about to lose
your star witness.
Are you OK, Emma?
I know this is a lot to take in.
If I talk to a judge,
will he go to prison?
That's definitely our best chance, yeah.
We're almost there, Emma.
It looked like she'd been sleeping
up there, as if she were hiding.
Why would anyone do that?
Do we know her name?
Emma Matthews.
You're kidding.
Her?
Yeah.
Erm, she looks just like you.
Brown skin, brown hair, brown eyes
doesn't exactly make us twins.
I'm not saying you look like every
curly, afro-haired girl in London.
I'm saying you look like her.
Same eyes, same jawline.
What was his wife's name?
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth
Monk.
What?
Not quite so unencumbered, after all.
Good morning.
Jane, isn't it?
Please come in.
So I was hoping you'd be able
to tell me a little about her.
And you're Emma's sister, I presume?
No, no relation,
although I know we look alike.
You mentioned on the phone
you'd suffered a bereavement.
I lost a baby.
But I prefer to talk about
Emma for now, if that's OK.
Well, I'm afraid I'm not allowed
to speak about clients.
Confidentiality doesn't end
with their death.
I hope you understand.
Why don't you tell me why
you wish to speak about Emma?
I guess
I'm a little curious.
I know she died in the house
I'm living in and
..I found her things in a service cupboard,
as though she were
living or hiding in there.
Your card was among them.
I thought of asking Edward
Edward?
Edward Monkford,
the architect and landlord.
And what's the nature of
your relationship with him,
if you don't mind me asking?
We're seeing each other.
It's been a couple of months now.
Jane, I'm going to stop you there.
As a therapist, I am bound
by confidentiality
..except when breaking this confidentiality
may prevent serious harm to another.
What?
I don't understand.
You're living in the same house as she did.
And you're having a
relationship with the same man.
Edward and Emma were together?
Yes.
Do you understand what
I'm saying to you, Jane?
You're in danger.