The Mothers of Penguins (2024) s01e05 Episode Script
#protest
1
[children chattering, laughing]
[Marcin] The campaign is worthless
to Caroline if you don't fight.
What don't you understand about that?
Do you understand or don't you, Kama?
[sighs]
I don't know, Marcin. Just figure it out.
And tell them I'll waive my fee.
No, no.
It's it's definitely too late for that.
They want you to reimburse their costs,
or they're going to court with this.
Well, did you tell them why I'm resigning?
Listen, you knew about Jasiek's autism
when you signed the contract.
Yes or no?
I really don't have a case
if I'm trying to defend you.
What don't you understand?
five plus eight. Tola, look.
[exasperated sigh] Kama.
- [Anna] We'll write it down here.
- [Michał] Miss Ania, is Jaś back?
[Anna] No. His mom just came
to see the headmaster.
Are you there? [splutters]
Talk to me, or I'm gonna hang up.
[Anna] Then we'll walk up
to the blackboard, okay? Right
I'll figure something out.
["Blah Blah Blah"
by Armin van Buuren playing]
THE MOTHERS OF PENGUINS
STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS
It sure took you a while,
but this is good.
The school wants what's best for you,
and you finally see it.
Based on these recommendations,
we'll prepare an IEP for Jaś.
And that is?
An Individualized Education Plan.
We'll start by organizing for Jaś,
um, his SSTs.
- That's short for social skills training.
- Mm-hmm.
And a psychologist.
But when it comes to his SI therapy
- Sensory Integration.
- Great.
As well as sound therapy training,
you'll need to organize that
outside of school
and pay with the subsidy.
Do you wanna write this down?
I'll remember.
Tell me, when do you think
your son will return?
[sighs] I'm doing everything I can
so Jaś recovers as soon as possible.
That's all I really care about.
Is there anything else I could do
besides getting the statement
that would help Jaś?
Parents of children on the spectrum
try all kinds of different things.
Gluten-free diet, supplements, probiotics.
'Cause, you know,
so many things affect the nervous system.
But there's no guarantee
any of it will help.
Unfortunately, it's all trial and error.
I know what you're feeling
while raising a child like that.
It's a huge responsibility.
It'll it'll pay off later.
- [woman] Bye.
- [child] Bye!
[headmaster] Goodbye.
[children chattering indistinctly]
[Ula] He's coming.
Headmaster, I have
a quick question for you.
Are we an inclusive school or not?
Mrs. Wojtal, nice to see you.
[Ula] Nice, indeed.
Very nice.
I think there should be a meeting
about Helena Lejman.
[Kama] Mm, I sympathize.
It doesn't come off easily.
There will be no meeting.
If I were to listen
to the opinion of every parent,
this school wouldn't have survived a year.
I'm not the only parent that's worried.
Tell us what's going on.
For months now,
Hela [sighs]hasn't made improvements.
And with kids like that,
teachers get burned out.
You know how hard it is
to keep a good teaching staff?
Excuse me, headmaster,
I just think when you make it a priority
to protect Miss Ania's well-being,
does that mean
that my Tola could be next up?
It'll depend on her progress.
[car door closes]
[car engine starting]
Who's name is on that pass, huh?
[phone alert sounds]
[barista] That'll be 12 zlotys.
[Ula] Oh, I'll pay by card.
[barista] Mm-hmm, sure.
- [device beeps]
- Thanks.
So listen. I now understand perfectly
what happened with Ewelinka.
We have already had Tola
repeat the first grade.
I mean, we can't let her
get away with this shit.
[hip-hop music playing on speakers]
No emotions at all?
I just gave him a statement.
I need to get Jaś into therapy.
Ah, you're a perfect Harbor mother.
What?
[Ula] Kama, you finally opened your eyes.
Great! But as a mother
of a child with a disability,
you'll have to fight for Jaś
on many different fronts.
He was kicked out of school once already.
And I don't want him
kicked out of another.
[barista] Here you go.
Um, you put oat milk in mine, correct?
- Yes, yes, yes.
- Because last time, you didn't remember.
- This time, I remembered.
- [laughs]
You gonna say anything?
Nothing?
- May I?
- [barista] Sure, here you go.
Ula, I'm sorry. I just can't right now.
Right. After all, Michał won't get
thrown out. He's much too intelligent.
What are you talking about, Ula?
He's smart, but he can't
take a shit by himself.
Every day, I have to ask
or fight for something.
And at the end of the day,
I still come off as
an entitled, crazy lady. Hello?
Okay, but is that really necessary?
I don't have anyone to watch my kid.
Kama.
The Benecykl campaign was a success.
Ula, what do you want from me?
To stand here with a sign
that says "Free Hela Lejman"?
- Thanks, goodbye.
- [barista] Goodbye.
[woman 1] Olek, do you have to
make mud here?
Yes.
Very well. Make some mud.
[child babbling]
You said that Helena likes animals.
We have a therapy dog here
three times a week.
Here's a detailed schedule.
LESSON PLAN FOR CLASS 1A
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
REVALIDATION
Aren't there language
or mathematics lessons?
You know, for them, it's important
to know how to get on a bus,
validate a ticket.
Square roots won't help them with that.
[children babbling]
[woman 2] Kasiu, that's great.
My Helenka can do much more than that.
Wanna know what's typically
the hardest for these kids?
Their parents' expectations.
[pensive music playing]
[sighs]
Holy shit.
BARSKIS AND ASSOCIATES
- Good day, Mrs. Kamila.
- [Kama] Hi.
He's in his office expecting you.
- Coffee or tea?
- No. No, thanks.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- [Kama] Hello.
- Oh, Miss Kamila. Hello.
- [Kama] Hello.
- [man 1] Hello.
- [woman] Hello.
[man 2] How did you piss them off?
[Kama sighs] I wanna take a break
from fighting.
They're saying because of that,
the campaign is worthless to them.
[sighs] I've got a great physiotherapist.
I was at the track,
and I overexerted myself
and hurt my shoulder,
but he fixed it.
He works with Olympians.
I'll call over there.
What? No, Dad. It's not because of my leg.
I'm doing this for Jasiek.
I heard about Jasiek from the press.
I called, but I guess
you couldn't be bothered.
But I can help you with him too.
I can get him the best doctors.
We'll fix him in no time.
You don't know what you're talking about.
I'm asking you for help,
but on my terms, okay?
I want to visit Jasiek, all right?
Does he even remember he has a granddad?
[Jerzy] Come, come, come.
[Hela babbling]
Upstairs.
[woman] Well, it seems to me
he introduces a very inobvious thesis.
For years,
Huberman has been trying to show
that the most interesting things happen
on the margins of the paintings.
At the so-called limit of visibility.
Yes, and it happened
for a very funny reason.
It's really due to, um
It's really due to his height.
Uh, Huber was not a tall person.
And he would spend days out front
in front of the Fra Angelico fresco.
And, uh, because he wasn't tall, his face
Helena. Excuse me.
We'll take a short break.
- I'm very sorry.
- [Hela babbling]
Jerzyk!
Jerzy!
[Jerzy] Coming, coming!
[Jerzy's mom] I'm so I'm so sorry.
- That's all for today.
- Eat.
Helutka.
- Honey.
- [Hela whining]
Leave it, please. Enough.
Go to your room, yeah?
Go.
[Hela babbling]
Sorry, Mom.
Is there a reason she's not in school?
The one we saw today didn't suit her.
In that case, what is going to suit her?
Well, she won't learn anything there.
She'll be going up and down
a slide all day.
Sounds great.
She'll be doing what she loves.
Jerzy! Jerzy!
[tango music playing on phone]
Three and four.
- Oh.
- [woman] Piotruś can come in now.
- Hey.
- Hey.
How is he today?
Oh, you know.
He kept asking when you'll return
and didn't wanna leave this morning.
Until I told him that
we were coming to see you here.
Then he saw the see-saws,
and, you know, all the equipment and
And when are you starting your training?
Maybe I could come
and visit you two there.
I canceled the fight.
You did what?
But Kama, you I told you I'd help you.
- I know I haven't been good for much.
- It's not you.
- But my spine's all better.
- It's just I [sighs]
I don't have the strength anymore.
I can't take this tug of war.
I know it's been tough for you.
Very.
I also quit work to raise you, but
Look, I didn't I didn't say
I'm quitting MMA.
I just
need to take a break for a little.
And when will you return?
When Jasiek's all better.
And if he's never all better?
I quit to stay home with you, and still,
I didn't know how to protect you
from your father, or depression,
or an unplanned pregnancy.
Thanks for summarizing my achievements.
[exhales sharply]
Honey.
Listen, when you have a child,
it's impossible not to make a mistake.
I didn't have autism.
[Jerzy] Yes, yes.
Of course, the presentation will be ready
at the conference, Madam Dean.
Yes, I've got everything under control.
I'll call you later, okay?
Hela!
Helutka! Excuse me.
- Hela!
- We're closing.
What are you doing, sweetie?
- [sighs]
- [intriguing music playing]
Proceed to the exit, please,
or to the choo-choo train.
[penguins braying]
[Hela] Aw!
[Hela moans happily]
Do you like penguins?
- Helutka, no.
- [guard] I said we're closing.
Yes, yes.
Helutka, what are you doing? Hela!
[Hela screaming]
Hela, what will it take for you to
[screams] Hela, I've had enough of this!
- Let go, now!
- Hello.
- Little gi
- Helenka!
- Little girl, hello?
- Let go! Come on.
[Hela whining]
Hey, you know, there was this little girl
who came here one time,
and she cried so, so hard,
that all the penguins in the exhibit,
all of them lost all of their feathers!
And the girl's face
stayed all twisted up and sad forever!
You want your face to stay like that?
See?
- What are you doing, Hela?
- What what the
- What the hell?
- "What the hell"?
Is something wrong with you,
telling a kid that story?
- But she That kid's a monster!
- Let's go!
- We're leaving!
- You need to put her in a cage!
- [Jerzy] Come on.
- Bye!
- [train horn blares]
- [Hela screams cheerfully]
- [woman] Paweł, Paweł!
- [Paweł screaming]
[woman] I'm talking to you!
Don't lean out.
Hold on, or you'll fall out.
Hold on to the handle, Paweł!
Don't lean out. Don't lean out!
Leave him.
- Leave him. Don't tussle with him!
- [Jerzy] Duccio.
[Hela] Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye!
- [Jerzy] Martini il Sasetta.
- Paweł. Don't pull him while we're moving!
[phone chimes]
[birds chirping]
[moans]
[sniffles]
ULA:
WECHANGETHEWORLD
[device beeping]
[Jerzy] Gosh, this has never
happened to me before.
Me neither.
- [Jerzy] I'm sorry.
- [Robert laughs]
You hungry?
'Cause you're definitely tired.
[Jerzy] No, no, please.
Don't trouble yourself. We'll get going.
You'll need some carbs
to keep up with her.
Have a seat.
[Jerzy sighs]
Oh.
[Robert] Here's to this meeting.
I'm sorry I had to call
under these circumstances.
- Hmm. Never mind.
- Better these than not at all.
- [phone chimes]
- [Jerzy] Oh.
Everyone's supporting Hela
apart from her own fucking grandmother.
Her grandmother will never understand
the cardio gains Hela will give you.
[Jerzy laughs]
You know you don't have to go back
to your mother's today, right?
You can stay here.
I've got this rolled-up Japanese mattress.
It's a "Flaton." It's pretty great.
[Jerzy chuckles]
Stay.
[both chuckle]
[Jerzy moans]
What is it?
I can't do this to her.
I can't make things
even more complicated for her.
It must be hard for you to understand.
A bit hard.
Kama ran away from MMA for Jaś,
and you'll be single
for the rest of your life
because it's easier for Hela, right?
- Helutka matters to me most. I'm sorry.
- I know that.
Why are you constantly apologizing?
Listen.
I have a question.
Who cares more about the things
that people will say?
You or your mother?
We should be going.
Helenka.
Helutka.
Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.
Yes.
- [Hela moans]
- Hands are waking up.
That's right.
Face is waking up.
Honey.
[Hela moans]
Time to get up, Hela.
When are you leaving?
In the morning. I told you.
I have to be in Dresden tomorrow evening.
You have to stay.
What do you mean "stay"?
You need to take care
of Michał for one day.
Tatiana, I can't just call off like that
without any notice.
- This is a serious contract.
- I have to go get scanned.
Scanned? What for?
They found a lump in my breast.
And you're only telling me this now?
And you tell me everything?
How serious is it?
If something happens to me,
who will take care of our son?
Nothing's going to happen.
You still don't have the results.
Don't get ahead of yourself.
I'm not. It's just that
you're not here all the time.
Yeah?
Even when I am, you don't
even give me any attention.
Oh, sure.
I'm supposed to wait for you
with my legs spread. Oh Jesus.
I'm completely alone with all this.
You hear me? And I'm exhausted.
All right, but let's say that
Fine. I quit my job in Germany,
come home, and then we do what?
We sit around staring at each other?
Is that it? What will we live on?
Is your illegal accounting job
going to support us?
And be honest
do you even want me to help you?
Do you ever let anyone help?
Whenever I try to take care of Michał,
I'm doing it wrong.
That's not how it's done.
I don't know what I'm doing.
What am I even here for?
Huh?
Grzesiek.
It's you who keeps running away.
It's you who's just waiting
to pack your suitcase
and shut the door behind you.
["Falling" by James George
& Jennifer June playing]
That's the truth.
[exhales]
I'll go.
Don't leave.
[both moaning softly]
Are you suggesting he's not safe at home?
No, of course not.
But the psychotherapist noted
that the topic of being discharged
from the hospital
caused Marcel to have a panic attack.
You know how much work
I put into making Marcel self-reliant?
You've had him here for, um, what?
A few months now?
And he's regressing every week.
Yes, but you have to consider why
he ended up here in the first place.
At the moment, he's in good form, okay?
Symptoms of depression have subsided,
so the meds are working,
but we're not out of the woods yet.
And if you take him out of here
against his will,
then we'll end up where we started.
I'll convince him.
Where is he?
[exhales sharply]
- [indistinct chattering]
- [laughter]
[hip-hop music playing on radio]
Uh-oh. Party pooper.
[laughing]
This isn't goodbye.
Goodbye.
- [man] Goodbye.
- [boy] Stay strong, Marcel.
The doctors were saying
you're ready to go.
You're wasting your life sitting here.
Bye, Marcel.
Just in time for finals.
Bye, Marcel.
You can have a future.
You just don't wanna put in work.
- [girl 2] Take care, Marcel.
- [boy 2] Bye.
[headmaster] The vacation's over, Marcel.
Let's go pack.
- Hela. Helutka.
- Franek, where'd you go? Wanna join us?
- We're painting. We need you.
- What are you doing?
Here, I'll squeeze it out for you, honey.
You have paint-mouth.
Your hair will grow back,
but not your teeth. Here you go.
- We've got this as well.
- [Jerzy] Oh, hey.
Check this out. Cool, right?
- Oh, wow.
- [Ula's mom] Hmm!
[Ula] Penguins. But why?
THE MOTHERS OF PENGUINS
#PROTES
'Cause it's the name of the class?
Well, not because of that, Ula.
You see, adult penguins, they, um,
have to work together,
you know, to create a formation
to keep the young ones warm
and close to them and comfortable.
They can't fly either.
Here.
[sniffles] They won't soar that high.
However, uh, other strengths will develop.
Like they're really great swimmers.
- [Jerzy chuckles]
- [Ula's mom] Yes.
[Ula] And why the mothers of penguins
and not parents?
Come on. No dad is gonna show up.
At least, I wouldn't count on it.
And me, well, I'm
[Ula's mom] Bit like a dad,
bit like a mom.
- Exactly, a bit of both.
- [Ula's mom laughs]
Like a blend.
Ula.
[Ula] Use all the colors, okay? Yeah?
I just want to thank you again
so much for doing this, Ula.
I really appreciate it.
[Ula] Oh, stop.
This is why I set up the foundation.
Thank you.
[door closes]
Oh, and here comes another daddy.
- Hello, darling. Did you come to help us?
- Hey.
[Jerzy] Whatcha up to here?
Ula, um, can we have a word?
[Ula] Yes. Keep it even. Okay, Franek?
- [Ula's mom] Choose a different color now?
- [Ula] What is this?
Why don't we try a little bit
of variety and a bit of joy, Tola?
- It will be yellow here, and this is blue.
- We'll put blue and yellow here, yes?
What are you doing?
- [Ula's mom] And here.
- Can I paint it?
Honey, you said I should have
my own thing. We're organizing a protest.
Yeah, but you also said
you'd consult with me first.
Oh. Yeah, but this costs so little.
[Ula's mom] And there.
And besides, thanks to you,
we can do some good with it.
Aren't you glad?
[Ula's mom]
Oh, you got my shirt dirty? [laughs]
- Wonderful!
- I'm sorry. It's just I don't know.
I think I'm coming down with something.
A virus, I think.
Oh yeah?
- I'm gonna go lay down.
- Do you have a fever?
I think you might. Go sit down.
I'll bring you some medicine.
- Just a minute.
- Yeah, all right.
- Are we drying them?
- [Ula's mom] You see? Beautiful.
- [Hela whines]
- Let's dry them.
- Helutka, let's dry them.
- [Ula's mom] My blouse as well.
[Ula] Oh! Who did that?
[phone ringing]
I don't wanna be here.
You'll just stay with Grandpa for a while.
I'll be right outside with that lady.
And if anything happens,
you can always come and knock.
What's gonna happen?
A bit overprotective, aren't you?
He's a big boy.
I said don't push him.
I know this isn't your usual routine.
I'll be here in half an hour though.
Look, I set an alarm.
[Kama's dad] Okay, Jasiu.
Jasiu, come here.
I'll show you photos and videos
from a motorcycle rally in Africa.
And I'll show you lions. Come on.
Lions are cool.
That's it. Come here.
And you go. Aśka is waiting.
- Come.
- [motorcycle engines roaring in video]
Here we go.
Oh, look. You see that?
[pensive music playing music]
See?
That's Granddad's motorcycle.
And who's that? Granddad.
[Jaś] Mm-hmm.
Look at all those motorcycles.
Oh gosh.
What happened here?
While we can claim they're abusing the law
by setting these conditions,
they're not taking
your son's health into consideration.
And they'll suddenly feel sorry,
is that it?
I doubt it, but we'll suggest
that the press might find out
how they're treating the mother
of an autistic child. They'll respond.
Admittedly, we would be in breach of
the non-disclosure agreement
with Caroline,
but this is how we go all in.
I believe it could work.
I don't wanna drag Jasiek into this.
He doesn't even know he's on the spectrum.
I understand your concerns.
You should think about it.
Are you ready to talk publicly
about your situation?
[chuckles softly]
Barska, a mother on the barricades.
[watch chimes]
Excuse me a minute.
I'll be right back.
It's best if we took some time
to think over all the options, okay?
- Of course.
- [door closes]
[mysterious music playing]
[woman] She's still in a meeting,
so I think in about half an hour,
you can simply come up to her office.
Excuse me. Do you know where my dad is?
[woman] Um, I don't know.
- Or Jasiek?
- They left.
They left the building together
a little while ago.
Is everything okay?
[Tatiana] Left here.
SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
TOM
READY ON MONDAY.
Now don't get offended.
I have an agenda of all the meals
with recommended times.
And remind him to drink
as much as possible.
And did you print it in bold?
Nailed it.
Tatiana, don't worry.
It's just one day. We'll be fine.
- Right, Michał?
- Yup.
Will you tell me at all why you're going?
It's nothing. It's girl stuff.
You don't wanna hear about it.
You've been wiping my ass
since I was born.
I didn't think
there was any secrets between us.
- Michał!
- [Tatiana] Smarty-pants.
You've got one more
very important task today.
You and Dad are going to
the protest at school.
[Michał] I know. We'll manage.
Bye.
[wistful music playing]
[siren blaring]
- Jesus.
- Jesus. How do you shut this off?
- Maybe here? I don't know.
- [Ula] It's loud. I see, I got it.
[megaphone feedback]
Hello, hello. Testing.
Headmaster!
- [Tola] Mom, we can hear it.
- All right, this thing works.
- I'm afraid no one's gonna come, Ula.
- It's okay, Jurek. No need to panic.
You can trust in the power
of social media.
Well?
- It's great. You look good.
- Here's yours.
No, I'm staying in my own clothes.
Uh, hello.
[women] Hello.
[Ula] I'm the chairwoman of
the We Change The World Foundation.
We're organizing a protest
against the exclusion of children
with disabilities
from the educational system.
[woman 1] That's a noble cause.
[Ula] Yes!
And we'd absolutely love it if
[woman 2] Of course. You want our support.
[Ula] Yes. If you ladies have time.
Unfortunately, not all parents
will be able to attend our event
because they're working.
- [woman 2] We can attend.
- [woman 1] I'll gladly help.
[Ula] Great. Because we really want
[Tola] Boogers in your nose.
[automated voice]
You've reached your destination.
HAIRDRESSER
- Come here.
- No.
- Come on. I'll just cut one hair, okay?
- No.
Snip. Come here.
Let's try this.
- Come here. Sit up straight. Sit straight.
- Hello. What are you doing?
- [stylist] Hello?
- What is this?
- Uh uh
- Jasiek.
- Did you wanna do this?
- I'm terribly sorry. I didn't know.
[Jaś] He did it.
He did it.
He he did it.
[Kama's dad] He can't walk around
all shaggy like that.
People will think he's crazy.
- Really, I thought you'd appreciate it.
- No, that's it.
- You used to force me into things too.
- [Kama's dad scoffs] Here we go again.
[laughs]
You think this is funny?
You know what's funny?
That you actually think
you're father of the year. That's funny.
You have that championship photo up,
but you know what I remember that day?
I was writhing in pain back in
the locker room with my first period.
Afraid to go out
because I bled on my judogi.
I was ashamed to even tell you.
And then your comment.
That I shouldn't have won
'cause laid down in the third round.
- That's what I remember from that day.
- That's not true.
You're making me a monster.
This ridiculous MMA idea was your plan,
and you could've been an Olympian.
But did I stop you?
That's because it's the only thing
in my life that you somehow didn't ruin.
But you know? I can give that up too.
I didn't ask you to.
I apologize for my daughter.
I'll pay by card.
Things get a little tougher,
and you give up right away.
Although, if you prefer
to be "Mother Teresa,"
and hide behind Jasiek,
that's not on me.
[scoffs]
Because for you, raising a child
is about having expectations.
Expectations, expectations, expect
Stop all the yelling!
Hair, hair.
[stylist] Hold on, Jaś.
I have something for you.
Look, kiddo. We can put the hair in here.
[Kama's dad] In order to win,
you need character,
and that's all I was trying to teach you.
Let's go, Jaś.
[Kama's dad] Just admit
that you're afraid of losing.
[device beeps]
- [stylist] You're paying, sir?
- With a card.
[sighs] Come on, Jaś. Let's take a sec.
Sit down.
[sighs]
Jasiu, I'm sorry for leaving you with him.
I didn't know he'd do that to you.
Were you upset?
Aw, your pretty hair.
I've still got some hair left though.
Kiddo, you don't have to be so brave.
I'll fight for us.
No, but you can't. You have a sick leg.
[phone chimes]
TOLASWORLD IS NOW LIVE
Hello, darlings!
Today, we're going to be protesting
against exclusion at school.
'Cause we refuse to allow this allegedly
inclusive educational institution
to get rid of children like Hela Lejman.
Oh, Tola!
Tola, sweetie, we're gonna fight
for your friend, Hela.
- Yeah, yeah!
- That's right!
Um Uh So Oh! This is Piotruś.
Piotruś could be next.
Thank you very much for being with us.
There's nothing strange about this child.
Piotruś, you love going
to our school, right?
- Yes.
- Uh, Jerzy!
- [Jerzy] What?
- Can you hand me a sign, please?
We can't allow the school
to get rid of our children,
its students, in this manner.
- They're allowing segregation.
- [Jerzy] Here are your T-shirts.
- And listen
- Ho, ho, ho, ho.
Beep, beep.
Well, there it is. Look.
It's obvious that not all of us
have the courage within
to protest against exclusion.
[Iza] You're being childish!
- [Grzesiek] So this is your entire class?
- [Michał] Yes, almost everyone is here.
There's not really
anywhere to park here, Michał.
Look, there's a spot right there.
And you wouldn't rather do something cool?
This isn't cool enough for you, Dad?
Let's get out there.
[crowd chanting] Where is the headmaster?
- Where is the headmaster?
- [Ula] My dears!
- Hold those banners high!
- Where is the headmaster?
- Even more energy!
- [chanting continues]
[Ula] We're here
for a very important cause!
Thank you for coming out
in such great numbers!
[chanting] Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Thanks a lot.
- Is it too loud?
- Mm
We'll just go for a bit.
[chanting continues]
Where is the headmaster?
Mom, is that
Mamo!
My penguin.
Hey!
What's going on there?
Grandpa did it.
We had to drop by Dad's office.
But it's cool 'cause he's buying him
a dog with long hair.
I don't wanna act like Dad.
[chanting stops]
You're not even close.
[Ula] My loves, this is the moment!
Let's go!
- The Mothers of Penguins!
- So are we going in?
- Mm-hmm.
- [crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
[Kama] Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Would you please excuse me? Sorry, guys.
- Excuse me. Ulka!
- [chanting continues]
Kama just arrived!
- What?
- [Kama] Ulka!
[Ula] Kama!
I had a feeling you'd be here.
I just knew it.
Look how many people are here.
- Ulka!
- He's coming out.
- Ulka! Ulka!
- Yeah?
You are so fucking great.
Please, don't.
[Kama] Come on.
Let's take a selfie for Instagram.
- Are you serious?
- Of course!
- [Kama] Come on.
- Jurek!
Take our picture, okay?
[Kama] Jasiek, come on! Come take a photo.
Here, Franek.
[chanting continues] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Excuse me, folks.
- [woman 1] Disgrace!
- Please, folks, okay?
- [woman 1] Disgrace!
- Okay?
You need to go, folks.
[woman 1] Disgrace!
- [chanting continues]
- This is absurd.
- We weren't able to teach normal classes.
- [chanting subsides]
Anyone who has a problem
or doesn't like it here,
feel free to leave the school.
- [woman 1] We don't like it!
- [man 1] Boo! Boo!
Let's go.
[chanting resumes] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
- [woman 2] He's running away!
- [woman 1] Let him run!
[man 2] Disgrace!
[Marcel] Hold on, hold on, Dad. Come on!
You're not going anywhere.
- Come on now, Dad!
- [woman 3] Is that the headmaster's son?
[chanting stops]
[Ula] Quiet! Quiet!
[Marcel] You're wasting your life
sitting here, right?
[headmaster] So now you wanna talk to me?
Let's go home.
We're not causing a scene here.
No! Dad, relax. Come on, really.
After all, you can still have a future.
You don't wanna put in the fucking work.
- [woman 3] Language!
- I'm sorry, everyone.
There's really not much of a discussion
with my old man, is there?
You're seriously sick.
[crowd] Boo!
[Marcel] No!
Because you're the one
who's sick, all right?
[booing continues]
- [man 3] Get out!
- [woman 4] You better run!
Where you running off to? Vacation's over!
- [woman 3] Yeah, vacation's over!
- [chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
I hope you packed your bags!
- [chanting continues]
- Daddy! Hello? Aw, no!
Come back! Daddy!
Hey! Your vacation's over. Come here!
Mama, do something to help him.
[chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Pack your things!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Hey. Hey!
Hey! Calm down before you get hurt, kid.
Fuck off, lady.
No kids
[Kama] You see my son over there?
When you do that, it scares him.
[Marcel] So go give him a hug.
Dad! Hello!
[megaphone feedback]
- Calm down!
- [Jaś] Mama!
I'll get it figured out.
[Marcel] Dad!
No kids are leaving!
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Michał, we should get out of here.
I can't take any more of this!
[Kama's mom] Kama, wait!
- Michał, do you hear what I'm saying?
- [Ula] Kama!
[Michał] We need to help.
[Grzesiek] Michał, get back here.
- A meter short, huh?
- [woman 5] Kama, what are you doing?
[Kama] Park it here.
[Grzesiek] Michał, come back!
[Kama] Jasiek, let go. Mom, take him!
Jasiek, it'll be okay.
Everything's gonna be fine. Let go.
[wheelchair motor whirring]
[Michał] I'll give you a boost
on my chair. Hold on!
- [Kama] Mom!
- [Grzesiek] Damn it, Michał!
[Kama] Okay, come on, Michał.
As high as you can take it. Go on!
[Ula] Kama!
Kama! I've got other ideas. Hang on!
[man 4] What are you doing? Do you know
how much that wheelchair costs?
[Kama grunts]
[Jerzy] Kama, Kama!
- [Ula] Kama, wait!
- [Grzesiek] What is going on here?
[Ula] Be careful up there, please!
Kama's leg is all better again.
[chanting continues] No kids are leaving!
[Ula] Kama!
[Ula] Um, ladies and gentlemen,
let's remain calm.
Please, sir, let's all just
cool down our emotions.
We won't forsake the land we came from ♪
[crowd chanting] Headmaster is a monster!
Hello, sir?
[crowd chanting] Headmaster is a monster!
Headmaster is a monster!
[Jerzy] Ladies and gentlemen,
please calm down! People!
[Marcel] Everyone, together!
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
This was Marcel's desk,
where he sat in first grade.
[headmaster sighs]
You know that I used to be a journalist?
And I really liked the job.
I founded this school for Marcel.
And now I also run it so I can
finance his needs.
I just wanted
him
to to be
self-reliant, to
to manage in this horrible world.
I worked my guts out, and why?
He still
He blames me for everything.
My dad tried to force
my happiness as well.
Maybe it's all pointless.
[Marcel] Ladies and gentlemen!
[headmaster] All this sacrifice, maybe
maybe we don't really have that big
of an influence on our children's lives.
[Marcel]for your children,
but today, he's hiding from you
like some kind of ghost!
Well, they sure influence ours.
[Marcel] What kind of man
hides from parents?
What kind of man hides from his own son?
There's one thing we know for sure.
You've raised one stubborn son of a gun.
[Marcel]man from whom I was hiding
in a mental institution this entire time!
[Kama] I'll go let him in, okay?
[Marcel] And that's why today,
neither you
[Kama] Or he might blow up
the whole school.
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
TO: GRZESIEK
10ML, OR HE'LL PEE. BE OUT IN 1H
[doctor] Mrs. Tatiana,
please pack your things.
You're switching rooms.
Excuse me?
Why?
Uh, it's because, um
We have the blood test results,
but we still need the biopsy results.
Uh, for now, mm,
you'll need potassium and iron,
so we'll pump you with IV supplements.
I explained that I have to leave today
to return to my son.
Mrs. Tatiana, if you leave today,
I guarantee
you'll be coming back here real soon.
Please pack up.
Someone will show you to your room.
[metal handrail clanking]
Come on, honey.
[Hela whining]
Come on. Come on. Quickly.
Helutka.
Come on.
Let me see.
[Hela whining]
[doorbell rings]
[Hela babbling]
[door lock clicks]
Uh, a penguin's not a chicken
because males and females
actually switch roles.
And when one is incubating the egg,
the other goes for food,
and sometimes,
a penguin can go even farther
than 500 kilometers from his offspring.
He doesn't know if he's coming back,
or what he's coming back to,
or if his offspring will love him.
He takes the risk though.
Dad, "gimkiss"!
Don't you teach art history?
What?
[laughs] Yes.
It's just Hela keeps talking about
nature movies, so we have a lot at home.
So when will you be back?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Tom and I have a surprise for you and Dad.
Mm-hmm.
Oh, tell her we're all good.
- Yeah. How are we doing?
- We're good. Tell her.
- Yeah, Dad's managing.
- Tell her we're good!
No. Jeez, we haven't picked up the girdle.
We'll do it tomorrow.
Yeah.
I love you too.
Bye-bye.
Dad, Mom wants a word with you.
- What is it?
- Don't know.
Uh, hey.
Yes, everything's fine.
No, we just got back from the protest,
so there was traffic.
We didn't have time today.
Uh-huh, yeah, but we'll get it tomorrow.
Everything's okay.
Did we what?
Yes. Easy-peasy, honey.
Well, I'm gonna feed him now.
We're all good.
- Yes, I'm feeding him now.
- Hang on, my legs.
Can you adjust my glasses?
- Thanks.
- [Grzesiek] Yeah.
We're managing. Relax.
Yes, you have nothing to worry about.
Yes. Bye, bye, bye. Kisses, bye.
Oh Jesus.
[Michał] I need to take a piss.
[Grzesiek sighs]
[urine splashing]
[toilet flushes]
[tap water running]
[phone app chimes]
[Michał] Take off my girdle!
- By yourself, Tola, or you want help?
- [Tola] No.
- By myself.
- [Franek] Tola, get out.
THANK YOU!
Go on home.
YOU'RE OUR ROLE MODEL!
[Tola chanting] No kids are leaving.
No kids are leaving.
- No kids are leaving.
- [siren wailing]
Headmaster, you're a monster.
- Stupid.
- [Maciek] Hi, Tola.
Ula. Hi, Franek.
Hi there.
I'll be right with you. I'll explain.
Could I talk with my wife?
- Hey there.
- Talk with your wife? Why?
- Please, have a seat.
- Ula, it's a misunderstanding!
- Always is.
- [Ula] Maciek!
Watch your head. All right!
Ma'am, your husband's gotta rest in jail.
Poor guy's overworked himself.
And you can call and speak
to the officer on duty.
He's a really cool guy.
Really cool.
But you two can have a little chat,
all calm-like. Know what I'm saying?
- See ya.
- Kaśka!
- [Kaśka] Coming!
- But wait a moment
- Goodbye.
- [baby crying]
Hang on! Why didn't you give me
another computer to carry?
- We'll see ya.
- [Ula] Mom!
Ula.
[car engine starting]
Ula, sweetie. Please tell them
there's some kind of mistake.
- Maciek!
- Sh.
- [Ula's mom] Quiet, quiet, hush, hush.
- Oh fuck.
[soothing pop music playing]
[Jaś groans]
You are crazy ♪
- You are ♪
- [music stops]
[Jaś] Mama, don't change it!
I like this song!
[music resumes]
[Jaś] It's a good thing
your leg grew back.
[Kama chuckles]
So now I won't have
to take care of you anymore.
Can I also go back to school?
[Kama] You can.
You wanna come for dinner?
I have milonga tonight.
You're gonna get felt up at tango, right?
[Kama] Jasiek, please, honey.
- Repeating what you said.
- Well aware.
- Grandma doesn't go to, um
- Hey!
Buddy, your your grandma
likes dance lessons with older folks
the same way you like combing hair.
[Kama's mom] Yes.
Wow, Mama!
You're so gigantic!
You can fight now.
CAROLINE
PANTYHOSE
[Kama] Okay.
Worst case scenario, I lose.
[Jaś singing] You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
[Jaś continues humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[music continues]
[music ends]
[children chattering, laughing]
[Marcin] The campaign is worthless
to Caroline if you don't fight.
What don't you understand about that?
Do you understand or don't you, Kama?
[sighs]
I don't know, Marcin. Just figure it out.
And tell them I'll waive my fee.
No, no.
It's it's definitely too late for that.
They want you to reimburse their costs,
or they're going to court with this.
Well, did you tell them why I'm resigning?
Listen, you knew about Jasiek's autism
when you signed the contract.
Yes or no?
I really don't have a case
if I'm trying to defend you.
What don't you understand?
five plus eight. Tola, look.
[exasperated sigh] Kama.
- [Anna] We'll write it down here.
- [Michał] Miss Ania, is Jaś back?
[Anna] No. His mom just came
to see the headmaster.
Are you there? [splutters]
Talk to me, or I'm gonna hang up.
[Anna] Then we'll walk up
to the blackboard, okay? Right
I'll figure something out.
["Blah Blah Blah"
by Armin van Buuren playing]
THE MOTHERS OF PENGUINS
STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS
It sure took you a while,
but this is good.
The school wants what's best for you,
and you finally see it.
Based on these recommendations,
we'll prepare an IEP for Jaś.
And that is?
An Individualized Education Plan.
We'll start by organizing for Jaś,
um, his SSTs.
- That's short for social skills training.
- Mm-hmm.
And a psychologist.
But when it comes to his SI therapy
- Sensory Integration.
- Great.
As well as sound therapy training,
you'll need to organize that
outside of school
and pay with the subsidy.
Do you wanna write this down?
I'll remember.
Tell me, when do you think
your son will return?
[sighs] I'm doing everything I can
so Jaś recovers as soon as possible.
That's all I really care about.
Is there anything else I could do
besides getting the statement
that would help Jaś?
Parents of children on the spectrum
try all kinds of different things.
Gluten-free diet, supplements, probiotics.
'Cause, you know,
so many things affect the nervous system.
But there's no guarantee
any of it will help.
Unfortunately, it's all trial and error.
I know what you're feeling
while raising a child like that.
It's a huge responsibility.
It'll it'll pay off later.
- [woman] Bye.
- [child] Bye!
[headmaster] Goodbye.
[children chattering indistinctly]
[Ula] He's coming.
Headmaster, I have
a quick question for you.
Are we an inclusive school or not?
Mrs. Wojtal, nice to see you.
[Ula] Nice, indeed.
Very nice.
I think there should be a meeting
about Helena Lejman.
[Kama] Mm, I sympathize.
It doesn't come off easily.
There will be no meeting.
If I were to listen
to the opinion of every parent,
this school wouldn't have survived a year.
I'm not the only parent that's worried.
Tell us what's going on.
For months now,
Hela [sighs]hasn't made improvements.
And with kids like that,
teachers get burned out.
You know how hard it is
to keep a good teaching staff?
Excuse me, headmaster,
I just think when you make it a priority
to protect Miss Ania's well-being,
does that mean
that my Tola could be next up?
It'll depend on her progress.
[car door closes]
[car engine starting]
Who's name is on that pass, huh?
[phone alert sounds]
[barista] That'll be 12 zlotys.
[Ula] Oh, I'll pay by card.
[barista] Mm-hmm, sure.
- [device beeps]
- Thanks.
So listen. I now understand perfectly
what happened with Ewelinka.
We have already had Tola
repeat the first grade.
I mean, we can't let her
get away with this shit.
[hip-hop music playing on speakers]
No emotions at all?
I just gave him a statement.
I need to get Jaś into therapy.
Ah, you're a perfect Harbor mother.
What?
[Ula] Kama, you finally opened your eyes.
Great! But as a mother
of a child with a disability,
you'll have to fight for Jaś
on many different fronts.
He was kicked out of school once already.
And I don't want him
kicked out of another.
[barista] Here you go.
Um, you put oat milk in mine, correct?
- Yes, yes, yes.
- Because last time, you didn't remember.
- This time, I remembered.
- [laughs]
You gonna say anything?
Nothing?
- May I?
- [barista] Sure, here you go.
Ula, I'm sorry. I just can't right now.
Right. After all, Michał won't get
thrown out. He's much too intelligent.
What are you talking about, Ula?
He's smart, but he can't
take a shit by himself.
Every day, I have to ask
or fight for something.
And at the end of the day,
I still come off as
an entitled, crazy lady. Hello?
Okay, but is that really necessary?
I don't have anyone to watch my kid.
Kama.
The Benecykl campaign was a success.
Ula, what do you want from me?
To stand here with a sign
that says "Free Hela Lejman"?
- Thanks, goodbye.
- [barista] Goodbye.
[woman 1] Olek, do you have to
make mud here?
Yes.
Very well. Make some mud.
[child babbling]
You said that Helena likes animals.
We have a therapy dog here
three times a week.
Here's a detailed schedule.
LESSON PLAN FOR CLASS 1A
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
REVALIDATION
Aren't there language
or mathematics lessons?
You know, for them, it's important
to know how to get on a bus,
validate a ticket.
Square roots won't help them with that.
[children babbling]
[woman 2] Kasiu, that's great.
My Helenka can do much more than that.
Wanna know what's typically
the hardest for these kids?
Their parents' expectations.
[pensive music playing]
[sighs]
Holy shit.
BARSKIS AND ASSOCIATES
- Good day, Mrs. Kamila.
- [Kama] Hi.
He's in his office expecting you.
- Coffee or tea?
- No. No, thanks.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- [Kama] Hello.
- Oh, Miss Kamila. Hello.
- [Kama] Hello.
- [man 1] Hello.
- [woman] Hello.
[man 2] How did you piss them off?
[Kama sighs] I wanna take a break
from fighting.
They're saying because of that,
the campaign is worthless to them.
[sighs] I've got a great physiotherapist.
I was at the track,
and I overexerted myself
and hurt my shoulder,
but he fixed it.
He works with Olympians.
I'll call over there.
What? No, Dad. It's not because of my leg.
I'm doing this for Jasiek.
I heard about Jasiek from the press.
I called, but I guess
you couldn't be bothered.
But I can help you with him too.
I can get him the best doctors.
We'll fix him in no time.
You don't know what you're talking about.
I'm asking you for help,
but on my terms, okay?
I want to visit Jasiek, all right?
Does he even remember he has a granddad?
[Jerzy] Come, come, come.
[Hela babbling]
Upstairs.
[woman] Well, it seems to me
he introduces a very inobvious thesis.
For years,
Huberman has been trying to show
that the most interesting things happen
on the margins of the paintings.
At the so-called limit of visibility.
Yes, and it happened
for a very funny reason.
It's really due to, um
It's really due to his height.
Uh, Huber was not a tall person.
And he would spend days out front
in front of the Fra Angelico fresco.
And, uh, because he wasn't tall, his face
Helena. Excuse me.
We'll take a short break.
- I'm very sorry.
- [Hela babbling]
Jerzyk!
Jerzy!
[Jerzy] Coming, coming!
[Jerzy's mom] I'm so I'm so sorry.
- That's all for today.
- Eat.
Helutka.
- Honey.
- [Hela whining]
Leave it, please. Enough.
Go to your room, yeah?
Go.
[Hela babbling]
Sorry, Mom.
Is there a reason she's not in school?
The one we saw today didn't suit her.
In that case, what is going to suit her?
Well, she won't learn anything there.
She'll be going up and down
a slide all day.
Sounds great.
She'll be doing what she loves.
Jerzy! Jerzy!
[tango music playing on phone]
Three and four.
- Oh.
- [woman] Piotruś can come in now.
- Hey.
- Hey.
How is he today?
Oh, you know.
He kept asking when you'll return
and didn't wanna leave this morning.
Until I told him that
we were coming to see you here.
Then he saw the see-saws,
and, you know, all the equipment and
And when are you starting your training?
Maybe I could come
and visit you two there.
I canceled the fight.
You did what?
But Kama, you I told you I'd help you.
- I know I haven't been good for much.
- It's not you.
- But my spine's all better.
- It's just I [sighs]
I don't have the strength anymore.
I can't take this tug of war.
I know it's been tough for you.
Very.
I also quit work to raise you, but
Look, I didn't I didn't say
I'm quitting MMA.
I just
need to take a break for a little.
And when will you return?
When Jasiek's all better.
And if he's never all better?
I quit to stay home with you, and still,
I didn't know how to protect you
from your father, or depression,
or an unplanned pregnancy.
Thanks for summarizing my achievements.
[exhales sharply]
Honey.
Listen, when you have a child,
it's impossible not to make a mistake.
I didn't have autism.
[Jerzy] Yes, yes.
Of course, the presentation will be ready
at the conference, Madam Dean.
Yes, I've got everything under control.
I'll call you later, okay?
Hela!
Helutka! Excuse me.
- Hela!
- We're closing.
What are you doing, sweetie?
- [sighs]
- [intriguing music playing]
Proceed to the exit, please,
or to the choo-choo train.
[penguins braying]
[Hela] Aw!
[Hela moans happily]
Do you like penguins?
- Helutka, no.
- [guard] I said we're closing.
Yes, yes.
Helutka, what are you doing? Hela!
[Hela screaming]
Hela, what will it take for you to
[screams] Hela, I've had enough of this!
- Let go, now!
- Hello.
- Little gi
- Helenka!
- Little girl, hello?
- Let go! Come on.
[Hela whining]
Hey, you know, there was this little girl
who came here one time,
and she cried so, so hard,
that all the penguins in the exhibit,
all of them lost all of their feathers!
And the girl's face
stayed all twisted up and sad forever!
You want your face to stay like that?
See?
- What are you doing, Hela?
- What what the
- What the hell?
- "What the hell"?
Is something wrong with you,
telling a kid that story?
- But she That kid's a monster!
- Let's go!
- We're leaving!
- You need to put her in a cage!
- [Jerzy] Come on.
- Bye!
- [train horn blares]
- [Hela screams cheerfully]
- [woman] Paweł, Paweł!
- [Paweł screaming]
[woman] I'm talking to you!
Don't lean out.
Hold on, or you'll fall out.
Hold on to the handle, Paweł!
Don't lean out. Don't lean out!
Leave him.
- Leave him. Don't tussle with him!
- [Jerzy] Duccio.
[Hela] Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye!
- [Jerzy] Martini il Sasetta.
- Paweł. Don't pull him while we're moving!
[phone chimes]
[birds chirping]
[moans]
[sniffles]
ULA:
WECHANGETHEWORLD
[device beeping]
[Jerzy] Gosh, this has never
happened to me before.
Me neither.
- [Jerzy] I'm sorry.
- [Robert laughs]
You hungry?
'Cause you're definitely tired.
[Jerzy] No, no, please.
Don't trouble yourself. We'll get going.
You'll need some carbs
to keep up with her.
Have a seat.
[Jerzy sighs]
Oh.
[Robert] Here's to this meeting.
I'm sorry I had to call
under these circumstances.
- Hmm. Never mind.
- Better these than not at all.
- [phone chimes]
- [Jerzy] Oh.
Everyone's supporting Hela
apart from her own fucking grandmother.
Her grandmother will never understand
the cardio gains Hela will give you.
[Jerzy laughs]
You know you don't have to go back
to your mother's today, right?
You can stay here.
I've got this rolled-up Japanese mattress.
It's a "Flaton." It's pretty great.
[Jerzy chuckles]
Stay.
[both chuckle]
[Jerzy moans]
What is it?
I can't do this to her.
I can't make things
even more complicated for her.
It must be hard for you to understand.
A bit hard.
Kama ran away from MMA for Jaś,
and you'll be single
for the rest of your life
because it's easier for Hela, right?
- Helutka matters to me most. I'm sorry.
- I know that.
Why are you constantly apologizing?
Listen.
I have a question.
Who cares more about the things
that people will say?
You or your mother?
We should be going.
Helenka.
Helutka.
Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.
Yes.
- [Hela moans]
- Hands are waking up.
That's right.
Face is waking up.
Honey.
[Hela moans]
Time to get up, Hela.
When are you leaving?
In the morning. I told you.
I have to be in Dresden tomorrow evening.
You have to stay.
What do you mean "stay"?
You need to take care
of Michał for one day.
Tatiana, I can't just call off like that
without any notice.
- This is a serious contract.
- I have to go get scanned.
Scanned? What for?
They found a lump in my breast.
And you're only telling me this now?
And you tell me everything?
How serious is it?
If something happens to me,
who will take care of our son?
Nothing's going to happen.
You still don't have the results.
Don't get ahead of yourself.
I'm not. It's just that
you're not here all the time.
Yeah?
Even when I am, you don't
even give me any attention.
Oh, sure.
I'm supposed to wait for you
with my legs spread. Oh Jesus.
I'm completely alone with all this.
You hear me? And I'm exhausted.
All right, but let's say that
Fine. I quit my job in Germany,
come home, and then we do what?
We sit around staring at each other?
Is that it? What will we live on?
Is your illegal accounting job
going to support us?
And be honest
do you even want me to help you?
Do you ever let anyone help?
Whenever I try to take care of Michał,
I'm doing it wrong.
That's not how it's done.
I don't know what I'm doing.
What am I even here for?
Huh?
Grzesiek.
It's you who keeps running away.
It's you who's just waiting
to pack your suitcase
and shut the door behind you.
["Falling" by James George
& Jennifer June playing]
That's the truth.
[exhales]
I'll go.
Don't leave.
[both moaning softly]
Are you suggesting he's not safe at home?
No, of course not.
But the psychotherapist noted
that the topic of being discharged
from the hospital
caused Marcel to have a panic attack.
You know how much work
I put into making Marcel self-reliant?
You've had him here for, um, what?
A few months now?
And he's regressing every week.
Yes, but you have to consider why
he ended up here in the first place.
At the moment, he's in good form, okay?
Symptoms of depression have subsided,
so the meds are working,
but we're not out of the woods yet.
And if you take him out of here
against his will,
then we'll end up where we started.
I'll convince him.
Where is he?
[exhales sharply]
- [indistinct chattering]
- [laughter]
[hip-hop music playing on radio]
Uh-oh. Party pooper.
[laughing]
This isn't goodbye.
Goodbye.
- [man] Goodbye.
- [boy] Stay strong, Marcel.
The doctors were saying
you're ready to go.
You're wasting your life sitting here.
Bye, Marcel.
Just in time for finals.
Bye, Marcel.
You can have a future.
You just don't wanna put in work.
- [girl 2] Take care, Marcel.
- [boy 2] Bye.
[headmaster] The vacation's over, Marcel.
Let's go pack.
- Hela. Helutka.
- Franek, where'd you go? Wanna join us?
- We're painting. We need you.
- What are you doing?
Here, I'll squeeze it out for you, honey.
You have paint-mouth.
Your hair will grow back,
but not your teeth. Here you go.
- We've got this as well.
- [Jerzy] Oh, hey.
Check this out. Cool, right?
- Oh, wow.
- [Ula's mom] Hmm!
[Ula] Penguins. But why?
THE MOTHERS OF PENGUINS
#PROTES
'Cause it's the name of the class?
Well, not because of that, Ula.
You see, adult penguins, they, um,
have to work together,
you know, to create a formation
to keep the young ones warm
and close to them and comfortable.
They can't fly either.
Here.
[sniffles] They won't soar that high.
However, uh, other strengths will develop.
Like they're really great swimmers.
- [Jerzy chuckles]
- [Ula's mom] Yes.
[Ula] And why the mothers of penguins
and not parents?
Come on. No dad is gonna show up.
At least, I wouldn't count on it.
And me, well, I'm
[Ula's mom] Bit like a dad,
bit like a mom.
- Exactly, a bit of both.
- [Ula's mom laughs]
Like a blend.
Ula.
[Ula] Use all the colors, okay? Yeah?
I just want to thank you again
so much for doing this, Ula.
I really appreciate it.
[Ula] Oh, stop.
This is why I set up the foundation.
Thank you.
[door closes]
Oh, and here comes another daddy.
- Hello, darling. Did you come to help us?
- Hey.
[Jerzy] Whatcha up to here?
Ula, um, can we have a word?
[Ula] Yes. Keep it even. Okay, Franek?
- [Ula's mom] Choose a different color now?
- [Ula] What is this?
Why don't we try a little bit
of variety and a bit of joy, Tola?
- It will be yellow here, and this is blue.
- We'll put blue and yellow here, yes?
What are you doing?
- [Ula's mom] And here.
- Can I paint it?
Honey, you said I should have
my own thing. We're organizing a protest.
Yeah, but you also said
you'd consult with me first.
Oh. Yeah, but this costs so little.
[Ula's mom] And there.
And besides, thanks to you,
we can do some good with it.
Aren't you glad?
[Ula's mom]
Oh, you got my shirt dirty? [laughs]
- Wonderful!
- I'm sorry. It's just I don't know.
I think I'm coming down with something.
A virus, I think.
Oh yeah?
- I'm gonna go lay down.
- Do you have a fever?
I think you might. Go sit down.
I'll bring you some medicine.
- Just a minute.
- Yeah, all right.
- Are we drying them?
- [Ula's mom] You see? Beautiful.
- [Hela whines]
- Let's dry them.
- Helutka, let's dry them.
- [Ula's mom] My blouse as well.
[Ula] Oh! Who did that?
[phone ringing]
I don't wanna be here.
You'll just stay with Grandpa for a while.
I'll be right outside with that lady.
And if anything happens,
you can always come and knock.
What's gonna happen?
A bit overprotective, aren't you?
He's a big boy.
I said don't push him.
I know this isn't your usual routine.
I'll be here in half an hour though.
Look, I set an alarm.
[Kama's dad] Okay, Jasiu.
Jasiu, come here.
I'll show you photos and videos
from a motorcycle rally in Africa.
And I'll show you lions. Come on.
Lions are cool.
That's it. Come here.
And you go. Aśka is waiting.
- Come.
- [motorcycle engines roaring in video]
Here we go.
Oh, look. You see that?
[pensive music playing music]
See?
That's Granddad's motorcycle.
And who's that? Granddad.
[Jaś] Mm-hmm.
Look at all those motorcycles.
Oh gosh.
What happened here?
While we can claim they're abusing the law
by setting these conditions,
they're not taking
your son's health into consideration.
And they'll suddenly feel sorry,
is that it?
I doubt it, but we'll suggest
that the press might find out
how they're treating the mother
of an autistic child. They'll respond.
Admittedly, we would be in breach of
the non-disclosure agreement
with Caroline,
but this is how we go all in.
I believe it could work.
I don't wanna drag Jasiek into this.
He doesn't even know he's on the spectrum.
I understand your concerns.
You should think about it.
Are you ready to talk publicly
about your situation?
[chuckles softly]
Barska, a mother on the barricades.
[watch chimes]
Excuse me a minute.
I'll be right back.
It's best if we took some time
to think over all the options, okay?
- Of course.
- [door closes]
[mysterious music playing]
[woman] She's still in a meeting,
so I think in about half an hour,
you can simply come up to her office.
Excuse me. Do you know where my dad is?
[woman] Um, I don't know.
- Or Jasiek?
- They left.
They left the building together
a little while ago.
Is everything okay?
[Tatiana] Left here.
SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
TOM
READY ON MONDAY.
Now don't get offended.
I have an agenda of all the meals
with recommended times.
And remind him to drink
as much as possible.
And did you print it in bold?
Nailed it.
Tatiana, don't worry.
It's just one day. We'll be fine.
- Right, Michał?
- Yup.
Will you tell me at all why you're going?
It's nothing. It's girl stuff.
You don't wanna hear about it.
You've been wiping my ass
since I was born.
I didn't think
there was any secrets between us.
- Michał!
- [Tatiana] Smarty-pants.
You've got one more
very important task today.
You and Dad are going to
the protest at school.
[Michał] I know. We'll manage.
Bye.
[wistful music playing]
[siren blaring]
- Jesus.
- Jesus. How do you shut this off?
- Maybe here? I don't know.
- [Ula] It's loud. I see, I got it.
[megaphone feedback]
Hello, hello. Testing.
Headmaster!
- [Tola] Mom, we can hear it.
- All right, this thing works.
- I'm afraid no one's gonna come, Ula.
- It's okay, Jurek. No need to panic.
You can trust in the power
of social media.
Well?
- It's great. You look good.
- Here's yours.
No, I'm staying in my own clothes.
Uh, hello.
[women] Hello.
[Ula] I'm the chairwoman of
the We Change The World Foundation.
We're organizing a protest
against the exclusion of children
with disabilities
from the educational system.
[woman 1] That's a noble cause.
[Ula] Yes!
And we'd absolutely love it if
[woman 2] Of course. You want our support.
[Ula] Yes. If you ladies have time.
Unfortunately, not all parents
will be able to attend our event
because they're working.
- [woman 2] We can attend.
- [woman 1] I'll gladly help.
[Ula] Great. Because we really want
[Tola] Boogers in your nose.
[automated voice]
You've reached your destination.
HAIRDRESSER
- Come here.
- No.
- Come on. I'll just cut one hair, okay?
- No.
Snip. Come here.
Let's try this.
- Come here. Sit up straight. Sit straight.
- Hello. What are you doing?
- [stylist] Hello?
- What is this?
- Uh uh
- Jasiek.
- Did you wanna do this?
- I'm terribly sorry. I didn't know.
[Jaś] He did it.
He did it.
He he did it.
[Kama's dad] He can't walk around
all shaggy like that.
People will think he's crazy.
- Really, I thought you'd appreciate it.
- No, that's it.
- You used to force me into things too.
- [Kama's dad scoffs] Here we go again.
[laughs]
You think this is funny?
You know what's funny?
That you actually think
you're father of the year. That's funny.
You have that championship photo up,
but you know what I remember that day?
I was writhing in pain back in
the locker room with my first period.
Afraid to go out
because I bled on my judogi.
I was ashamed to even tell you.
And then your comment.
That I shouldn't have won
'cause laid down in the third round.
- That's what I remember from that day.
- That's not true.
You're making me a monster.
This ridiculous MMA idea was your plan,
and you could've been an Olympian.
But did I stop you?
That's because it's the only thing
in my life that you somehow didn't ruin.
But you know? I can give that up too.
I didn't ask you to.
I apologize for my daughter.
I'll pay by card.
Things get a little tougher,
and you give up right away.
Although, if you prefer
to be "Mother Teresa,"
and hide behind Jasiek,
that's not on me.
[scoffs]
Because for you, raising a child
is about having expectations.
Expectations, expectations, expect
Stop all the yelling!
Hair, hair.
[stylist] Hold on, Jaś.
I have something for you.
Look, kiddo. We can put the hair in here.
[Kama's dad] In order to win,
you need character,
and that's all I was trying to teach you.
Let's go, Jaś.
[Kama's dad] Just admit
that you're afraid of losing.
[device beeps]
- [stylist] You're paying, sir?
- With a card.
[sighs] Come on, Jaś. Let's take a sec.
Sit down.
[sighs]
Jasiu, I'm sorry for leaving you with him.
I didn't know he'd do that to you.
Were you upset?
Aw, your pretty hair.
I've still got some hair left though.
Kiddo, you don't have to be so brave.
I'll fight for us.
No, but you can't. You have a sick leg.
[phone chimes]
TOLASWORLD IS NOW LIVE
Hello, darlings!
Today, we're going to be protesting
against exclusion at school.
'Cause we refuse to allow this allegedly
inclusive educational institution
to get rid of children like Hela Lejman.
Oh, Tola!
Tola, sweetie, we're gonna fight
for your friend, Hela.
- Yeah, yeah!
- That's right!
Um Uh So Oh! This is Piotruś.
Piotruś could be next.
Thank you very much for being with us.
There's nothing strange about this child.
Piotruś, you love going
to our school, right?
- Yes.
- Uh, Jerzy!
- [Jerzy] What?
- Can you hand me a sign, please?
We can't allow the school
to get rid of our children,
its students, in this manner.
- They're allowing segregation.
- [Jerzy] Here are your T-shirts.
- And listen
- Ho, ho, ho, ho.
Beep, beep.
Well, there it is. Look.
It's obvious that not all of us
have the courage within
to protest against exclusion.
[Iza] You're being childish!
- [Grzesiek] So this is your entire class?
- [Michał] Yes, almost everyone is here.
There's not really
anywhere to park here, Michał.
Look, there's a spot right there.
And you wouldn't rather do something cool?
This isn't cool enough for you, Dad?
Let's get out there.
[crowd chanting] Where is the headmaster?
- Where is the headmaster?
- [Ula] My dears!
- Hold those banners high!
- Where is the headmaster?
- Even more energy!
- [chanting continues]
[Ula] We're here
for a very important cause!
Thank you for coming out
in such great numbers!
[chanting] Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Where is the headmaster?
Thanks a lot.
- Is it too loud?
- Mm
We'll just go for a bit.
[chanting continues]
Where is the headmaster?
Mom, is that
Mamo!
My penguin.
Hey!
What's going on there?
Grandpa did it.
We had to drop by Dad's office.
But it's cool 'cause he's buying him
a dog with long hair.
I don't wanna act like Dad.
[chanting stops]
You're not even close.
[Ula] My loves, this is the moment!
Let's go!
- The Mothers of Penguins!
- So are we going in?
- Mm-hmm.
- [crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
[Kama] Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Would you please excuse me? Sorry, guys.
- Excuse me. Ulka!
- [chanting continues]
Kama just arrived!
- What?
- [Kama] Ulka!
[Ula] Kama!
I had a feeling you'd be here.
I just knew it.
Look how many people are here.
- Ulka!
- He's coming out.
- Ulka! Ulka!
- Yeah?
You are so fucking great.
Please, don't.
[Kama] Come on.
Let's take a selfie for Instagram.
- Are you serious?
- Of course!
- [Kama] Come on.
- Jurek!
Take our picture, okay?
[Kama] Jasiek, come on! Come take a photo.
Here, Franek.
[chanting continues] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Excuse me, folks.
- [woman 1] Disgrace!
- Please, folks, okay?
- [woman 1] Disgrace!
- Okay?
You need to go, folks.
[woman 1] Disgrace!
- [chanting continues]
- This is absurd.
- We weren't able to teach normal classes.
- [chanting subsides]
Anyone who has a problem
or doesn't like it here,
feel free to leave the school.
- [woman 1] We don't like it!
- [man 1] Boo! Boo!
Let's go.
[chanting resumes] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
- [woman 2] He's running away!
- [woman 1] Let him run!
[man 2] Disgrace!
[Marcel] Hold on, hold on, Dad. Come on!
You're not going anywhere.
- Come on now, Dad!
- [woman 3] Is that the headmaster's son?
[chanting stops]
[Ula] Quiet! Quiet!
[Marcel] You're wasting your life
sitting here, right?
[headmaster] So now you wanna talk to me?
Let's go home.
We're not causing a scene here.
No! Dad, relax. Come on, really.
After all, you can still have a future.
You don't wanna put in the fucking work.
- [woman 3] Language!
- I'm sorry, everyone.
There's really not much of a discussion
with my old man, is there?
You're seriously sick.
[crowd] Boo!
[Marcel] No!
Because you're the one
who's sick, all right?
[booing continues]
- [man 3] Get out!
- [woman 4] You better run!
Where you running off to? Vacation's over!
- [woman 3] Yeah, vacation's over!
- [chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
I hope you packed your bags!
- [chanting continues]
- Daddy! Hello? Aw, no!
Come back! Daddy!
Hey! Your vacation's over. Come here!
Mama, do something to help him.
[chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Pack your things!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Hey. Hey!
Hey! Calm down before you get hurt, kid.
Fuck off, lady.
No kids
[Kama] You see my son over there?
When you do that, it scares him.
[Marcel] So go give him a hug.
Dad! Hello!
[megaphone feedback]
- Calm down!
- [Jaś] Mama!
I'll get it figured out.
[Marcel] Dad!
No kids are leaving!
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Michał, we should get out of here.
I can't take any more of this!
[Kama's mom] Kama, wait!
- Michał, do you hear what I'm saying?
- [Ula] Kama!
[Michał] We need to help.
[Grzesiek] Michał, get back here.
- A meter short, huh?
- [woman 5] Kama, what are you doing?
[Kama] Park it here.
[Grzesiek] Michał, come back!
[Kama] Jasiek, let go. Mom, take him!
Jasiek, it'll be okay.
Everything's gonna be fine. Let go.
[wheelchair motor whirring]
[Michał] I'll give you a boost
on my chair. Hold on!
- [Kama] Mom!
- [Grzesiek] Damn it, Michał!
[Kama] Okay, come on, Michał.
As high as you can take it. Go on!
[Ula] Kama!
Kama! I've got other ideas. Hang on!
[man 4] What are you doing? Do you know
how much that wheelchair costs?
[Kama grunts]
[Jerzy] Kama, Kama!
- [Ula] Kama, wait!
- [Grzesiek] What is going on here?
[Ula] Be careful up there, please!
Kama's leg is all better again.
[chanting continues] No kids are leaving!
[Ula] Kama!
[Ula] Um, ladies and gentlemen,
let's remain calm.
Please, sir, let's all just
cool down our emotions.
We won't forsake the land we came from ♪
[crowd chanting] Headmaster is a monster!
Hello, sir?
[crowd chanting] Headmaster is a monster!
Headmaster is a monster!
[Jerzy] Ladies and gentlemen,
please calm down! People!
[Marcel] Everyone, together!
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
This was Marcel's desk,
where he sat in first grade.
[headmaster sighs]
You know that I used to be a journalist?
And I really liked the job.
I founded this school for Marcel.
And now I also run it so I can
finance his needs.
I just wanted
him
to to be
self-reliant, to
to manage in this horrible world.
I worked my guts out, and why?
He still
He blames me for everything.
My dad tried to force
my happiness as well.
Maybe it's all pointless.
[Marcel] Ladies and gentlemen!
[headmaster] All this sacrifice, maybe
maybe we don't really have that big
of an influence on our children's lives.
[Marcel]for your children,
but today, he's hiding from you
like some kind of ghost!
Well, they sure influence ours.
[Marcel] What kind of man
hides from parents?
What kind of man hides from his own son?
There's one thing we know for sure.
You've raised one stubborn son of a gun.
[Marcel]man from whom I was hiding
in a mental institution this entire time!
[Kama] I'll go let him in, okay?
[Marcel] And that's why today,
neither you
[Kama] Or he might blow up
the whole school.
[crowd chanting] No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving!
No kids are leaving! No kids are leaving!
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
TO: GRZESIEK
10ML, OR HE'LL PEE. BE OUT IN 1H
[doctor] Mrs. Tatiana,
please pack your things.
You're switching rooms.
Excuse me?
Why?
Uh, it's because, um
We have the blood test results,
but we still need the biopsy results.
Uh, for now, mm,
you'll need potassium and iron,
so we'll pump you with IV supplements.
I explained that I have to leave today
to return to my son.
Mrs. Tatiana, if you leave today,
I guarantee
you'll be coming back here real soon.
Please pack up.
Someone will show you to your room.
[metal handrail clanking]
Come on, honey.
[Hela whining]
Come on. Come on. Quickly.
Helutka.
Come on.
Let me see.
[Hela whining]
[doorbell rings]
[Hela babbling]
[door lock clicks]
Uh, a penguin's not a chicken
because males and females
actually switch roles.
And when one is incubating the egg,
the other goes for food,
and sometimes,
a penguin can go even farther
than 500 kilometers from his offspring.
He doesn't know if he's coming back,
or what he's coming back to,
or if his offspring will love him.
He takes the risk though.
Dad, "gimkiss"!
Don't you teach art history?
What?
[laughs] Yes.
It's just Hela keeps talking about
nature movies, so we have a lot at home.
So when will you be back?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Tom and I have a surprise for you and Dad.
Mm-hmm.
Oh, tell her we're all good.
- Yeah. How are we doing?
- We're good. Tell her.
- Yeah, Dad's managing.
- Tell her we're good!
No. Jeez, we haven't picked up the girdle.
We'll do it tomorrow.
Yeah.
I love you too.
Bye-bye.
Dad, Mom wants a word with you.
- What is it?
- Don't know.
Uh, hey.
Yes, everything's fine.
No, we just got back from the protest,
so there was traffic.
We didn't have time today.
Uh-huh, yeah, but we'll get it tomorrow.
Everything's okay.
Did we what?
Yes. Easy-peasy, honey.
Well, I'm gonna feed him now.
We're all good.
- Yes, I'm feeding him now.
- Hang on, my legs.
Can you adjust my glasses?
- Thanks.
- [Grzesiek] Yeah.
We're managing. Relax.
Yes, you have nothing to worry about.
Yes. Bye, bye, bye. Kisses, bye.
Oh Jesus.
[Michał] I need to take a piss.
[Grzesiek sighs]
[urine splashing]
[toilet flushes]
[tap water running]
[phone app chimes]
[Michał] Take off my girdle!
- By yourself, Tola, or you want help?
- [Tola] No.
- By myself.
- [Franek] Tola, get out.
THANK YOU!
Go on home.
YOU'RE OUR ROLE MODEL!
[Tola chanting] No kids are leaving.
No kids are leaving.
- No kids are leaving.
- [siren wailing]
Headmaster, you're a monster.
- Stupid.
- [Maciek] Hi, Tola.
Ula. Hi, Franek.
Hi there.
I'll be right with you. I'll explain.
Could I talk with my wife?
- Hey there.
- Talk with your wife? Why?
- Please, have a seat.
- Ula, it's a misunderstanding!
- Always is.
- [Ula] Maciek!
Watch your head. All right!
Ma'am, your husband's gotta rest in jail.
Poor guy's overworked himself.
And you can call and speak
to the officer on duty.
He's a really cool guy.
Really cool.
But you two can have a little chat,
all calm-like. Know what I'm saying?
- See ya.
- Kaśka!
- [Kaśka] Coming!
- But wait a moment
- Goodbye.
- [baby crying]
Hang on! Why didn't you give me
another computer to carry?
- We'll see ya.
- [Ula] Mom!
Ula.
[car engine starting]
Ula, sweetie. Please tell them
there's some kind of mistake.
- Maciek!
- Sh.
- [Ula's mom] Quiet, quiet, hush, hush.
- Oh fuck.
[soothing pop music playing]
[Jaś groans]
You are crazy ♪
- You are ♪
- [music stops]
[Jaś] Mama, don't change it!
I like this song!
[music resumes]
[Jaś] It's a good thing
your leg grew back.
[Kama chuckles]
So now I won't have
to take care of you anymore.
Can I also go back to school?
[Kama] You can.
You wanna come for dinner?
I have milonga tonight.
You're gonna get felt up at tango, right?
[Kama] Jasiek, please, honey.
- Repeating what you said.
- Well aware.
- Grandma doesn't go to, um
- Hey!
Buddy, your your grandma
likes dance lessons with older folks
the same way you like combing hair.
[Kama's mom] Yes.
Wow, Mama!
You're so gigantic!
You can fight now.
CAROLINE
PANTYHOSE
[Kama] Okay.
Worst case scenario, I lose.
[Jaś singing] You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
[Jaś continues humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[Jaś humming]
You are crazy ♪
[music continues]
[music ends]