...
Melancholic music
...
-She told us
Don't go out, Margaux.
I'll go get her. You wait for me there.
-I'm coming with you.
-OK, but stay close to me.
Circulation
...
Margaux !
-Mom !
-What are you doing here?
You were supposed to be waiting for me
in the car.
-Where were you?
-Well, I'm here.
Come on, let's go.
-How old is she?
She thinks. -She is 42.
42 years old.
-Does she have wrinkles?
-No, not too much.
-Less than you?
-Nice.
The children laugh.
-Hm...
-Will you give me one?
-That? I thought you didn't like it.
-I want to try again.
-OK, you go.
-Hm...
-Still nothing?
-Non.
-I love it.
-Are you not hungry anymore?
-Not for peaches.
-And if it was you I was eating...
Cris Laughter
... ...
-No! Stop! Mom!
-Excuse me, did I wake you up?
-Are you leaving?
-Yes, I have to go.
Sigh -I'm going to make you a coffee.
-No, I can't digest coffee.
That's kind.
Sorry, I didn't mean it that you would wake up.
I feel a little uncomfortable.
-It doesn't matter.
I'll do something else for you.
-I prefer to keep it simple.
That's better if we don't eat breakfast.
That way, we don't get attached.
-We had dinner together yesterday.
-But breakfast, It looks very couple-like.
Okay, bye.
He is trying to open a door.
-Sorry.
The door opens.
Squeaking
There's a knock at the door.
-See you in 2 weeks?
-Good evening, Lucien.
-You still haven't asked anything?
-Non. I might work remotely,
But at that moment, I didn't want to move.
-Did I tell you where we were going?
Did I tell you about our ordeal?
-Uh... no.
But right now, I'm working on an estimate.
-Ah.
-I need to stay focused.
-No worries.
Good evening.
-Hi, have a good holiday.
Thunder
-Have we arrived?
-Yes.
Come on.
Doorbell
-Suzanne ?
-Hello.
-Hi. What are you doing here?
-We wanted to come and make you a little surprise.
-Well... You should have called me.
How are you, children?
You are grown up.
-Good morning.
-Hello.
-We're crashing the party.
Does that bother you?
-Do you want to sleep here?
-Yes.
Do you have a bed in the workshop?
-Well... It's more of a workshop.
It's a guest room.
-Very well. We'll squeeze in.
-Yeah, of course.
Everything is fine ?
-Yes, why?
-No, I don't know, I...
-I can't come see my sister without an appointment?
-Yes, you can.
You're right to do it. I'm just surprised. Come in.
Uh... Hi.
(-One.)
-I'm going to prepare something. I do the shopping on Mondays.
So I have almost nothing left. But we'll manage.
Television
You too sweet?
-Don't you have a beer, instead? -And.
-Gaspard, Turn the volume down, please.
-I'm going to make pasta.
Is that alright with you? Does Margaux eat it?
A little laugh
-Yes, she eats pasta.
That has changed.
-You think so?
-There were more things, the last time.
-There were quite a few things that belonged to her.
You haven't come back since? Didn't you see the house like that?
-Well, no.
How long has it been? That we didn't come? For two years?
-Yes. That's it. You're right, it's been 2 years.
It goes by so fast. It's terrifying.
-You didn't come to see us either.
-I wasn't criticizing you.
A little laugh
(-I know.)
Are the children on vacation? Suzanne acquiesce.
-That's not why we came.
-And you, how are you? On the phone, You had told me about an interview.
-Yeah. It didn't work... It didn't do it.
Do you ever see each other?
-With whom ?
-With Nicole.
-It happens.
We sometimes cross paths. Why?
-I don't know.
You told me she lived Not far away, I wondered.
Is she alright?
-Why are you asking me that?
-Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
-It doesn't matter.
-Can I take a shower? before eating?
-Of course.
-I feel dirty.
She knocks on the door.
-Suzanne, it's ready.
...
May I come in?
Suzanne ?
(Suzanne ?)
Suzanne ?
Suzanne !
-What ?
-It's ready.
There are many.
(-OK. J'arrive.)
She sighs.
Sad music
...
-Are you all alright? Are you comfortable?
-Yes.
They are asleep.
-It's been a while that I have furnished the guest room.
I should have told you.
I didn't see the time go by. I believe.
And all that wasted time
To say that there is
so many beings on Earth
Do you remember?
A little laugh
-Who, like me...
-TONIGHT THEY ARE ALONE
-It's terribly sad
-WHAT A INSANE WORLD
-A little...
-I WOULD LIKE TO SLEEP
-And to stop thinking
Jeanne hums.
I light a cigarette
Sigh
(I'm tired, Jeanne.)
-Shall we talk tomorrow?
We'll take our time.
(-Good night.)
Ominous music
...
-Are you already up?
-Yes.
What are you drinking?
-Coffee.
Do you want anything?
Don't you want to go back to bed?
It's early.
-Where is my mother?
-How so ?
-Isn't she with you?
-No. Isn't she asleep?
-She's not upstairs, I looked for it everywhere.
Tone
-You are well via Suzanne's messaging app,
Leave me a message. I'll remind you.
Bip
-Our suitcase is near the sofa.
...
Where did she go?
-Did you see her leave, Gaspard?
-What ?
-Did she say anything to you?
You were awake
When did she leave the room?
-No, she wasn't there when I woke up.
-She wasn't there?
I'm going to call him, okay? I'm going to...
You stay there, you wait for me.
Suzanne, I'm not kidding. Where are you?
What are you doing to me? Are you crazy?
You can't just leave like that.
I don't understand anything. What is this suitcase?
I want you to call me back Right away. Okay?
I want us to talk. Call me back.
...
-Gaspard ?
-Go back to sleep, Margaux.
I'm coming with you.
-No, you're waiting for me here.
-We don't know her!
-Yes, it is.
You just don't remember anymore, that's all.
-Are you coming back with Mom?
-Let me come.
-Gaspard, stop! I said no.
We take the stairs.
Gaspard, please hurry up.
The elevator isn't working? -It's broken down. Is everything alright?
-Not too much, though.
-Do you want a coffee, something to eat?
-That's fine, thank you. Be kind to Nicole.
-Do you remember me?
-A little.
-Come on, go home.
Will you call me when you're there?
-Yes. Thank you.
Horn
-So, at school, do you have any friends?
-I have Marie-Louise which I still quite like.
-Why "still"?
-Because she doesn't really like me.
-Ah good ?
-She says I'm annoying And sometimes she pulls my hair.
-That's not very nice.
Did you tell your teacher?
-Non.
She told me that if I told her,
ses parents, They're going to kick me out of school.
Marie-Louise's father, He's the director.
Nicole sighs.
-And outside of school?
In your neighborhood? Don't you have any girlfriends?
-No. But I have Lola that I like about the building.
-Who is Lola? Is she your neighbor?
-That's the caretaker's dog.
-Ah... OK.
-You're the one who draws The paintings over there?
-Yes. Did you go to my workshop?
-Do you only draw naked people?
-Especially, but not only that.
I also take orders.
-What are commands?
-It's when you paint pictures
for people,
for places, for example.
-Where?
-I don't know... The waiting rooms.
-You draw naked people in waiting rooms?
-No not at all. These are two different things.
Aren't you hungry? Aren't you hungry? Are you hungry?
-Suzanne ?
...
Circulation
...
She sighs.
-You are definitely on the right track...
You are well via Suzanne's messaging app,
Leave me a message. I'll remind you.
You are well via Suzanne's messaging app,
Leave me a message. I'll remind you.
Bip
Sad music
She sighs.
...
-There's a smell...
as if we never opened the windows.
Then it's chaos. I don't know how they can live in there.
-When was the last time you went there?
-I don't even know anymore.
A long time.
But now that I think about it,
since David's death, She hasn't invited me back to their place.
We always saw each other at the restaurant.
She was the one who made the reservations. She was determined to do so.
As if to keep me at a distance.
As if she were ashamed.
Do you think she was ashamed?
-I don't know.
-What is this word?
Why is it mine? that she entrusts the children to?
What am I supposed to do?
Should I wait? Should I look for her? Should I call the cops?
-There is no decision to be made.
It hasn't been 24 hours. What you really need is sleep.
(You'll think better tomorrow, won't you?)
-You're right. I'll recover Children. We'll let you rest.
...
Nicole sighs.
(I don't dare wake them up.)
Jeanne expires.
Jeanne sighed.
(-You can sleep here.)
Jeanne kisses him.
(I wasn't implying that...)
-Pardon.
Excuse me, I don't know what I'm doing anymore.
(-How are you ?)
-Let me explain.
In the case of an adult,
his disappearance must have
a suspicious or worrying character
so that an investigation can be launched.
Jeanne acquiesce.
I'll give you some examples:
suicidal tendencies, domestic violence,
a counterfeit letter, That sort of thing.
Do you understand?
-Yes, well...
-What I mean is that here, and especially with this letter,
I have the impression that your sister...
She was at her wit's end and she left.
-Yes.
-It looks more like a disappearance voluntary rather than worrying.
-So you're not going to Go get it?
-Non.
We can't launch a search as it stands.
We can remain vigilant, to see how the situation evolves,
or if your sister makes contact, But apart from being patient,
There's not much we can do.
What I recommend to you, if you want
Contacting her means you can find out more. via relatives
or open sources.
Social media.
-I'm talking about a single mother 37 years old
who lives in a situation very precarious
who has just abandoned her two children.
Doesn't that worry you? Isn't that worrying enough?
-She entrusted them to you, It's written in black and white.
-Is there a real difference?
-Yes.
There is a difference between leaving without warning
and leave his children alone in his apartment,
or entrust them to his sister asking him to take care of it.
-You can't launch A procedure for child abandonment?
No. The Penal Code provides
an offence for child abandonment
unable to protect itself. That's not the case here.
If your sister has decided to leave,
What she says is her right.
-I don't understand,
you let people go like that ?
I have two children who ask me
when their mother comes back. What do I tell them? And what about you?
-Let's try to remain calm.
-You don't see The absurdity of the situation?
-Let me explain Why we can't act.
I can't, it's the law.
-I am in the process of telling you
ask for help.
Do you understand that?
And if I don't want to Taking care of the children?
What if I'm not capable?
Are you going to get it?
-In this case, I can contact the prosecutor
who will alert social services
to place them in a home, but they could be separated.
I can do it, but...
if I make this call and that your sister decides to come back,
There is little chance that she sees her children again.
She didn't have a boyfriend. Suzanne ?
You have to tell me.
-For what ?
They will only help us if they think that your mother needs it.
Nobody came to the house?
-Non.
I'm sure nobody was coming.
-Did she sometimes go out?
-She was in it all the time.
Sometimes we went to school alone because she didn't want to go out.
-We'll take the bus, but at least, It doesn't make Mom scream.
-What do you mean, "shout mom"? Why was she screaming?
-When she is angry
or that she is sad.
-Why was she angry?
-For nothing.
She was angry for no reason.
She was angry.
-Can we watch television?
-When you're finished, yes.
-We would sometimes cross paths.
When I get home from work, Suzanne is coming home from school.
When that happens, we smoke a cigarette.
-When was the last time?
-Two, three weeks. Maybe a month.
She would have spoken to you of something
which might have a link with his disappearance?
-A link, I don't know exactly.
We didn't have any discussions very long or very deep.
But she was talking about a trip. That's why I commented.
-A trip? What do you mean?
-I didn't react to it immediately, but she was talking about a trip.
She hadn't planned anything yet. Not even a specific destination.
It was more of an idea, A desire, I think.
Perhaps it has nothing to do with it. It was just a conversation like that.
But I wanted to tell you.
-Hm.
-Sorry, that probably won't help you.
-Don't apologize.
-Are the children with you?
-Yes, she dropped them off at my place.
I'm not asking you to monitor,
but if you see or hear her If you want to talk about her, let me know.
-Of course. I'll be careful.
-THANKS.
I can ask you One last question?
-Yes.
-Was she alright?
When you crossed paths, She seemed to be doing well?
-I don't know.
I don't think we can say that she was very happy.
-What makes you say that?
-No, his life... Well, I don't know, but...
She wasn't complaining. But you can feel these things.
I'm just saying, We weren't really friends.
I think that You knew her better than I did.
Panicked breathing
...
-Jeanne ?
-Yes, Gaspard?
-What were you doing on the ground?
-Nothing. I was hot.
Coup
-Ouch.
-Is it okay in there?
-Yes. I bumped my elbow by taking off my t-shirt.
But I'm not in pain.
-OK.
-I don't like sleeping with Margaux. She moves too much.
-It's temporary.
-What does that mean?
A little laugh
-That means that it won't last long,
that you will soon be back in your bed.
-I open the door. You're not watching, you promise?
-Promised.
-Hey. It's wet, it's disgusting. I'm sorry.
-Does that happen to you often? This kind of accident?
-Non.
-Is this the first time?
-No, but it had been a long time.
You... Can you pass me your t-shirt?
I am completely naked.
-Ah yes. Here. Sorry.
-THANKS.
-I'm going to wash your pajamas, You'll have it tomorrow.
-All right.
-You're all clean.
-It looks like I'm wearing a dress.
-I'm going to change the bed sheets.
-Are you obligated?
-Well, yes. You're not going back to sleep in your pee.
What is it?
-I don't want to wake Margaux.
-We'll do this discreetly.
Soft music
...
Groans of exertion
...
Margaux moaned.
...
Okay, I'm done.
-Thank you, Jeanne.
-Go back to bed now.
-How old were you? When did your mother leave?
-10 years. But she didn't leave. She has passed away.
-That's not how we say it.
-Yes, that's true. You can say it like that.
-It's pretty much the same, then.
-Your mom will come back.
-I'm going to bed.
-Gaspard.
-Good night.
He closes the door.
Doorbell
...
-Good morning.
Excuse me, am I bothering you?
-Did you find her?
-Non.
Perhaps now is not the right time...
-I can help you ?
-I wanted to talk to you for 2 minutes.
Do you have the time?
-Outside. I don't want to that children hear.
-I wanted to apologize.
We're not used to it of this kind of situation, here.
I tried to be pragmatic...
-I'm stopping you.
If you come to apologize,
It's not worth it.
I'm busy right now.
I understand, you do Your job, you obey.
I'm managing.
I don't need your apologies.
-No, actually. I would like to help you.
-I don't understand.
Do you have the right now?
-No, not yet.
But I can do things in a less...
less official.
If you can put it that way.
I won't have the resources of the gendarmerie,
but I have a friend in the Paris Criminal Investigation Department.
I will be able to consult his statements. banking and telephone.
That's not very legal. It's going to take me some time, but...
I'm going to do it.
I believe this is important. I'll try.
-THANKS.
What is your first name?
-Sébastien.
-Can I send it to you by email? I am on leave.
If you can take it, that's still Better. It's on my desk.
in an orange pouch. His name is on it.
I'm warning you, he's persistent.
It works. You... Will you call me when you get it?
OK, thank you. Have a good evening.
Still nothing?
Margaux. The water is freezing.
You need to go out, You'll catch a cold.
Phone ringtone
Wait. Shh.
Yes. I'm in the middle of a meeting. but I wanted to tell you
that I transferred the file to my colleague. He'll take care of it.
I just got off the phone with him.
He will review the file and remind you.
That's it. That's it.
He reminds you
Within an hour, maximum. I have to leave you now.
Goodbye, Mr. Brunet.
Okay. You can leave, please.
Do what I ask. or I'll go crazy.
-Your work looks rubbish.
-For what ?
-You're always on your phone or your computer. What's the point?
-This is a little different. I don't usually do just that.
I'm going out into the field.
-Land of what?
-If I answer you, will you leave?
Good.
When someone is facing a disaster,
I'm going there.
I am examining the damage, I am assessing the losses
in order to activate the insurance policies.
-You're using grown-up words. That doesn't mean anything when you speak.
Phone ringtone -He's an idiot.
-Why did you want to do that?
-I don't know. I didn't know. What to do? I let myself be guided.
-Do you like it?
-Let's say
that we ask ourselves less This question, as an adult.
-I want to be an illustrator, Like Nicole. I like to draw.
-Hm.
-You see, it's not complicated?
-Okay, go on. You're leaving now.
-Non.
-Margaux, I'm losing patience. I answered you, you're out.
-Non.
The bathtub is emptying.
You're mean!
-No. I asked you 20 times to go out. I have things to take care of.
-I don't like it here, I want to go home!
-Stop that right now. I'm counting to 3. One.
Two...
-I'd rather die of cold!
I hate you!
Phone ringtone
-Yes ? -Can I talk to you?
-Yes, just a second.
Yes ?
-Excuse me, am I bothering you?
-No, I'm at the opening From a friend. Is everything alright?
-Yes, it's fine.
-Are the children alright?
-How are you.
It's complicated.
-What happened?
-I don't know how to behave around them.
I don't have the patience.
I won't be able to do it. I won't be able to hold on.
Something is going to happen to them...
-Jeanne.
Breathe.
Jeanne sighed.
-Sorry, I didn't know that you were busy.
-Stop apologizing.
Please.
Do you want to bring them to me on Saturday? I'm not doing anything.
-Does that bother you?
-No way.
Bring them over.
And let's be honest, They prefer me.
They laugh.
-You have to go, don't you?
-No, I can stay a little longer.
(-THANKS.)
-Heh.
I am here.
She expires.
-Do you know why you're here?
-Yes, because my sister has disappeared.
-I mean here, at the CIDFF.
-Oh yes. It was on Sébastien's advice.
He told me you could help me with the children, while waiting.
-OK. Actually, here,
We are on an information mission. listening and support.
I, for example, am a lawyer. My name is Leila.
I will accompany you in procedures for children.
It's probably not your priority for now,
but their situation is complicated in the eyes of the law.
Their father is dead?
-Yes.
-That's it. Their mother being absent,
she cannot practice his parental authority.
As an aunt, You do not have that authority.
-Non.
Which means that...
-Without that, the children cannot exercise their rights.
We'll have to go and see the family court judge
to request a delegation
of this authority.
If you wish.
-What's going on? What if I don't want it?
-Do you have any close family?
Parents, Any other brothers and sisters?
-Uh... My father, But that's impossible.
-May I ask why?
He was never able to take care of a child.
It was very complicated when my mother died.
My sister no longer speaks to him.
-Why was it complicated?
He wasn't violent.
but he lost interest in us when she died.
He was there, but he was busy You're welcome, he wasn't paying attention to us.
-You are always In contact with him?
-Me, yes.
He had a stroke two years ago.
I placed it in a medical institution.
Things were very tense with my sister.
She was angry with me. She didn't understand why...
I was taking care of him. She said that I forgave her...
what he had done, or not done.
But that's not it. I just didn't the energy of being angry.
Excuse me, I'm telling you all this...
-You are answering my question.
What you're telling me is very helpful.
-What was the question?
-If you had relatives.
-Oh yes.
-The judge favors the family to welcome children.
You are wondering about this reception?
-It's very sudden.
-Hm.
-I never wanted children...
-On the other hand, just,
parental authority That doesn't make you their mother.
This is important to make a difference.
You're not taking his place.
-Yes, yes. But even temporarily,
I don't know if I'm capable to welcome them, to raise them.
I don't know if I want to.
-Do you live alone?
-I was married 2 years ago, We separated.
It's precisely because of a child's issue.
-The disappearance is legally complex for children.
Suzanne is their mother. It will remain so.
but she can't to exercise his authority.
It's important to address to this legal gap,
They're going to need it soon.
If only to enroll them in school.
I can accompany you in the procedures.
You can hire a lawyer. but you can take the matter to the judge without it.
-You're talking about taking me to court, to hire a lawyer
but the situation is temporary.
I need help in the meantime.
-That's to say ?
-Suzanne will come back.
Summer is coming to an end.
she will become aware of what she did,
She will come back down to earth.
She will come back.
-It's a bit long, My buttocks hurt.
-It hasn't even been 5 minutes.
-Why don't you paint us completely naked?
Like your other drawings?
-We don't paint children Completely naked, already.
-For what ?
-Because it's not normal And besides, it's not legal.
-What does that mean?
-That means which is not permitted by law.
-You speak like Jeanne.
-You think so?
-A little, yes.
-Is that a compliment?
What are these heads?
-Jeanne is a little strange, anyway.
-Do you find her strange? -Ben...
She doesn't talk much, you know.
-She never smiles, either.
-We must let him time to open up.
-That's why That you stopped loving him/her?
She clears her throat. -You are curious.
-We can't move. If we don't talk, we get bored.
She takes good care of you. anyway ?
-Cooking isn't really his thing.
-I agree with you on that. They laugh.
...
Rights. We stand upright.
-Look for the one with two 6s. There and there, there is a 6.
There's a knock at the door.
The door opens.
-Sorry, I'm late.
-Don't worry, we just ate. How are you ?
Are they ready? Are you in a hurry?
-I don't want to take up too much of your time. -No way.
I need to tell you something.
Gaspard is asking for dessert. He says your fridge is empty.
-He says the same thing about yours.
-Ah good ?
Margaux, Gaspard, Shall we get some dessert?
-YEAH !
-An ice cream!
-Caramel, perhaps?
-But when in doubt...
-And this? No.
I'll have vanilla.
-Me too.
Conversation indistinctly
...
-Where is he, Gaspard?
-I'll go get it. Are you staying with Margaux?
Gaspard.
Let us know when you turn around.
-Pardon.
-Do you want more of your ice cream?
-Non.
-Do you want to change your perfume?
-No, I want this.
-Peaches in syrup? Do you like them? Don't you want some fresh fruit?
You can buy real peaches. I'll eat one with you.
-Aren't these real peaches?
-Well, yes, but...
-I'll take that, then.
-OK, whatever you want. Come on, let's go.
Intertwined conversations
Soft music
... ...
Television
-Daddy
Do you remember?
When did Suzanne run away from home?
Father?
-What ?
-Are you listening to me for two minutes?
-What is it?
-When I was about 16 years old. Suzanne must have been 12 or 13.
She had climbed over the wall. Do you remember?
-Why are you talking to me about this? I don't know.
...
-Do you remember?
He sighs.
Was she gone for a long time?
-She didn't run away, Suzanne.
-Remember. We had a fight, You and me, very strong.
She was scared. She left in the middle of the night.
I looked for it all weekend.
-I don't remember.
-When you lived that both of them,
when I left, Has she started again?
...
-You're not confusing Suzanne's escape With yours?
-How so ?
It wasn't yet daylight. when you left.
-When did I leave home? -You never came back.
-I didn't run away, I had finished high school.
I left, it has nothing to do with it.
-You've made your decision the night before.
It was in the middle of summer. I remember that.
-I brought my departure forward.
I followed some friends. I couldn't have predicted it.
He sighs.
-It's a bit like running away. Don't you think so?
You left us.
Overnight.
-Is that what Suzanne thought?
Is that what she was telling you?
-I don't blame you, Jeanne.
Piano
...
-How much longer?
-She said two hours, Margaux.
She arrives at 6pm. It's soon.
-How long will it take? NOW ?
-I've told you a thousand times. I'm not replying to you anymore.
-Tell me on the clock when it is.
-When the small needle is on the 6.
Jeanne explained it to you, But you're not listening.
-Yes. The proof is, I hear. that you don't know how to play the piano.
-That's true.
...
Phone ringtone
-Who is it ?
-I don't know.
-Shall we pick up?
-It might be private.
-Take the phone and see.
...
-Hello ?
Is anyone there?
Oh, oh! Is this a joke?
I'm hanging up.
-Who was it?
-Nobody. The robots that call to sell their windows.
...
Hello ?
Mom ?
Is that you?
Can you hear me?
-Mom ?
This is Margaux.
Mom ?
There's nothing there.
(-Yes, listen carefully. It's breathing.)
-Mom ?
There's nothing. I can't hear anything.
Stop, it's not funny.
(-Chut.)
-Gaspard, stop. It's not funny.
You're a liar, you idiot.
-I'm not lying.
-Yes, you're talking nonsense.
Fracas
That's not mom!
-Why did you do that?
-She's gone!
-It was her.
-It wasn't her, it was the robots. You're talking nonsense!
-You're the one talking nonsense!
Mom ?
I know it's you.
(Mom.)
Beep
-Gaspard ?
What are you doing here?
Gaspard, stop!
Sad music
Gaspard !
...
Gaspard !
...
Gaspard, stop. -Let go of me!
-Stop, please. Calm down.
Calm down. Calm down.
-Let go of me!
Calm down. Calm down. Calm down.
-She called, I need to go get it.
-Stop. Stop.
(Please.)
What are you talking about ?
-She called me. I need to come and get her.
I want to be a mommy.
-I know.
I know.
...
-His behavior foreshadows Nothing suspicious.
She didn't empty her account all at once. She withdrew reasonable amounts of money.
before stopping using his card.
-And his phone?
-It's no longer limited.
We were able to follow the 3 days after his departure
and then she cut it down or destroyed it.
It was very close to Belgium, Perhaps she was going there.
Will she stop there? Going further? Impossible to say.
-But she still has her phone
and that she turns it back on, Will we be able to find out where she is?
-I will no longer have access to his phone line, I won't be able to do anything.
But honestly,
I don't see why that would happen.
When you don't want to be found,
We use prepaid phones, Fake accounts are being created.
-And that's not suspicious?
-And.
Of course, yes.
But not in the eyes of the law.
Everything indicates that she is in the middle of possession of his faculties,
alone, and that she chose this departure.
-So there, She can be anywhere?
How can I search for it?
What if I don't know which country she is in?
(What can I do?)
-You're already doing a lot.
There are families who exhaust themselves searching,
who are ruining themselves without ever finding anything.
If I can give you One piece of advice is:
Focus on what's most important. NOW.
Think of the little ones.
They need you. -What should I tell them?
That their mother has left? That she left without them?
-That we must keep hope alive.
We are unable to say where she is.
but nothing tells us that she will not return.
That's it, that's the unknown in the equation. It may sound crazy,
dizzy and even terrifying, but...
the fact that his disappearance be voluntary
It also means that she can come back.
-I don't understand. Do things like that happen?
-That people come back?
-Let people leave.
I took the children to see the ocean.
Not for long, just a few days. But it makes us feel good.
We were feeling a bit stifled at home.
August is a long month.
I've always found that summers They went by quickly, but that one...
It seems endless to me.
We're at the campsite where Mom had taken us
when we are little.
You had barely turned 6 years old. Do you remember?
The three of us had left. We had so much fun.
Not much has changed since then.
We fly kites,
we go swimming,
We play badminton. We eat ice cream.
Lots of ice cream.
The amount of ice cream is staggering. that Gaspard can swallow.
And Margaux draws all the time. She never stops.
Nicole gives him lots of advice. She's making a lot of progress.
You would be proud.
Where are you, Suzanne?
Don't you want to see them?
I had sworn to myself that I wouldn't finish The message was like that. Sorry.
Listen, we're here until Sunday.
Afterwards I have to go home, I have work to do.
Hm... I also wanted to tell you,
I spoke with your landlord.
I'm going to pay the rent again a few months.
Finally, as long as I can. Like that...
Finally, everything is ready. Everything is here.
Okay, I'm going to find the children.
This is the Le Rivage campsite.
near the lake.
I know you remember.
I send you a kiss.
Upbeat music Brouhaha
... ...
Shall we go to the beach?
-Yeah.
... ...
-Shall we sit here?
... ...
-What do we do now?
-On attend.
... ...
Conversations indistinctes
...
Fireworks -Here we go, it's starting!
...
Soft music
...
-Now you've stumped me.
You haven't heard anything? Nothing?
-No, none.
-We need the agreement of at least one of the two parents
to enroll children in school.
That's what's causing us trouble.
-I have a note from Suzanne saying that she entrusts them to me.
-But you don't have Parental authority. Yes?
-No, I haven't asked for it yet.
We need it. Without it, Registration is not possible.
Weren't you informed about this?
The lawyer you saw Didn't he tell you?
-Yes. Yes, she told me.
-Why didn't you do it?
-Is... She breathes a sigh of relief.
-At the same time,
School is compulsory. We can't refuse you the children.
Sorry, but I'm not used to it.
to deal with this situation,
So I'm composing here.
-I suspected as much.
-Okay. So...
We pull ourselves together. She thinks.
We will proceed step by step. The documents, first.
We can take care of contacting your sister's old town hall
to obtain birth certificates.
You did well Children's identity cards?
-I have them. She entrusted them to me.
-OK. We have that.
-I think we have...
Wait, underneath...
-There's nothing underneath.
Are those hats?
She agrees.
I've found !
That's what I was looking for. -Did you find it or did I find it?
-I've found. -Oh...
-I'm kidding. -Serious...
-Seriously... Yeah...
Laughter
Soft music Printer
... ...
-The pens?
-I'll take them.
-OK.
-Can I take this one?
-Do you need it?
-It's nice for drawing.
-Okay, fine. But afterwards, we stick to the list.
Let's stop with the gadgets.
Gaspard, are you taking 5 notebooks?
-One for each subject.
-Do you have that many subjects in CM2?
-Well, yes.
-And the colored cards?
-No. It's to revise for the baccalaureate exam. You don't need it.
-But it's beautiful.
-There are many beautiful things.
-You're not funny.
-Gaspard, two erasers?
-I make a lot of mistakes.
Suzanne knows it.
-"Suzanne" ?
Why do you say Suzanne?
-The hill.
-Take it. Why are you calling her Suzanne?
-Because that's what I call it.
-Don't you find that strange?
-I'll call it whatever I want.
-What did I say? For colored sheets?
-Please, they are beautiful. -Non.
Have you seen everything we have already?
Gaspard, what are you doing?
-It's a gift for Margaux.
-Are you paying for it?
-My mother would have bought them for me.
-You're not saying that.
-Mom would have done it To please myself.
-Margaux, that's enough. I don't want to hear that.
-Please !
-No. I said no.
-Suzanne would have bought them.
-Stop calling her Suzanne!
You're going to drive me crazy. I don't want to hear from you anymore.
-You're rich, so what? To buy the index cards from him?
You're always saying no!
What's left on the list?
(Margaux, you need to wake up.)
(We are going to school today. T'es contente ?)
(-Yes.)
(-Me too.)
(-I've lost a tooth)
(Tonight.)
(I put it in the secret box) For mom?
(-Yes, please.)
(-You're not going to cry at school, Today ?)
(-No. Promise.)
-It'll be alright. You'll get... Lots of friends.
-I can lend them my rainbow style.
-Yes, that's a good idea. That's kind.
You're going to be late.
-Can I give you a hug?
-Yes of course.
See you tonight.
-See you tonight.
-See you tonight, Gaspard.
Ringtone
Brouhaha
-Is that your sister?
-Yes.
-What's her name?
-Margaux.
-And you ?
-Gaspard.
-My name is Juliette.
-Hello.
-I repeated the year.
All my friends have gone to college.
Are you new here?
-Yes.
-Where are you from?
-From another school.
-In which city?
-There, but from a different school.
-OK. I didn't know. that there were other schools.
-Well, yes, there are some.
Sad music
...
The children are talking calmly.
... ...
-Come on, children. The break is over.
Let's start the lesson again. Everyone sits back down in their place.
Okay. Let's refocus.
on his photocopy. Let's start again.
The negative transformation.
All declarative sentences are... or...
The negative form... There's a knock at the door.
-Hello. I need to borrow Gaspard from you. 5 minutes. Can I?
-Yes. Gaspard?
You get up, you follow the lady?
-Should I take my things?
-It's not worth it.
-Hello, Gaspard.
-Good morning.
-She is in the break room.
I'll let you go.
-How are you ?
What's going on?
-I didn't do it on purpose.
-What ?
-I said "Mommy" instead of "mistress".
Everyone laughed.
I said that because when the teacher's back is turned,
Her hair looks like her mom's.
-It doesn't matter.
-It's not me you should be yelling at. I'm here to help you.
Do you know what we're going to do?
We'll hang up and talk again later. when you have calmed down.
Okay, I'm hanging up, ma'am.
I'm hanging up. Goodbye, madam.
She sighs.
-Do they find their balance?
-I don't really know.
They're not telling me.
Margaux, I think you're okay.
Gaspard, on the other hand, I...
I have absolutely no idea.
Maybe I'm not asking The right questions.
Don't worry. You'll see.
Soon, you'll be fed up. stories from school.
-Thank you for your help these last few days weeks on my files.
-That's normal.
It's the least we can do.
-Your eldest daughter always Are you babysitting?
-How are you ?
-Yes.
It's very chic. I didn't remember. It was so chic.
-That's weird, isn't it?
Tell me a little bit about it.
-What do you want to tell me?
-All.
It feels like forever. that I didn't ask you for anything.
-I don't know. What can I tell you...
-Tell me about everything. I want to know everything.
Are you able to paint?
-I paint a lot, yes.
-Are these commissions or original works?
-Me. I'm going to spend more time on it. Sometimes, I get tired of the scenery.
They laugh. Actually, it's... Well, it's...
It happened there. It just happened, I...
-What is it?
Nervous laughter
-A great gallery owner in Paris made me understand that she wanted
even my works.
I showed him and we talked quite a bit
And yes, she will...
Normally, she's going to expose me.
-That's great!
-It's a small gallery.
It's a double exhibition, I am on the 2nd floor.
There will be an artist on the 1st floor.
-Stop! That's great.
-Yes. Yes, it's great. I'm happy.
-Come on, let's have a drink.
-Non.
-Come on.
-We are not obliged.
(-Come on.)
She sighs.
Bravo.
I can hear The good news.
-Why do you say that ?
-I can see you're uncomfortable.
That touches me deeply.
But don't stop it to be happy when you see me.
I want it so badly to be happy for you.
Look, I'm happy.
THANKS.
I can say one thing... What shouldn't be said?
-What ?
-It makes me feel incredibly good, An evening without children.
I have the impression to become one, sometimes.
I live with them.
So I start talking like them,
I want to eat like them. So it's always the same thing.
-You're managing somehow?
-I think so. I don't know. You will ask them.
There's all the time Things to think about.
They have so many needs,
We need to anticipate everything. each disaster.
I say that, but they're great.
I'm lucky.
I almost understand Why did you want it?
-I still want some.
-I'm here. I have two For the price of one, if you want.
Excuse me, that's not elegant at all.
-I have something else to tell you.
I met someone.
-What's her name?
She doesn't have a first name.
-Yes, yes.
Her name is Emma.
I'm telling you this because
We've been seeing each other for a while now.
but it's only recently that...
I have the impression
that it's going somewhere.
A little laugh
-I really messed up.
-How so ?
-No, I...
I just got my ideas in my head, that's all.
-Jeanne...
What was I supposed to do?
We shared 12 years of our lives, I wasn't going to let you down.
The door closes.
-Good evening.
-Are you okay? Did it go well?
-Everything went very well.
-Margaux, how did it go to put her to bed?
-Yes, it was.
-Did she fall asleep right away?
-Yes.
-Thank you so much.
-THANKS !
You're welcome. Have a good evening.
She is crying.
...
-Jeanne ?
-Gaspard !
What are you doing here?
-Are you crying?
-How many times have I asked you To knock before entering?
-Excuse me. I can...
-This isn't the time. It's late.
You should sleep.
-Do you want a tissue?
-I would like you to go to bed.
She sighs.
Gaspard.
What did you want?
-Nothing.
It doesn't matter.
-Tell me.
I'm going to buy you You'll be better off with two single beds.
-You smell strange.
-I drank alcohol.
-Didn't you take a shower?
-Non.
-Yuck.
She laughed.
Why you and Suzanne, You didn't see each other very often?
-How so ?
-Well, we didn't see you much.
-Oh yes.
We already live far away.
And then...
I work quite a bit, you know.
-Is that all?
-It's a whole bunch of things.
Sometimes we love each other, We don't have time to say it.
We don't take the time to tell each other.
-It's not our fault?
-Of course not. Why do you say that ?
-I thought that maybe, You didn't want to see us.
-No, not at all.
-It's possible. The proof is,
Suzanne doesn't want to see us.
-What's going on with your mom has nothing to do with you.
It's not because of you.
-She didn't leave for nothing.
She had no job. It's not because of that.
She had no boyfriend. It's not because of that.
She only had us.
-Perhaps it's my fault.
If I called him more often, if I had invited you...
If I had taken the time to come and see you...
Perhaps our father's fault.
If he had done things properly, if he had asked her for forgiveness...
Perhaps it's their fault of a job she didn't get.
Perhaps it's because bad weather.
I don't know.
-Or from the car which was always broken down.
-Perhaps, yes.
-The overflowing coffee machine as soon as she used it.
-Yes, that's right.
-Perhaps it's the fault of everyone.
-Yes.
-And...
Perhaps it's nobody's fault.
(-Perhaps Nobody's fault.
Soft music
...
Schoolyard hubbub
... ...
-Touch ! -TOUCH !
... ...
-Pass me the ball! Pass him the ball!
... ...
-TOUCHED!
-Touched! -You're eliminated.
... ...
-TOUCH !
... ...
-You have a better chance on the side to catch the ball.
-Aren't you going to try?
-No, I'm fine here. I am safe.
Laughter
What activities do you do? Apart from school?
-I'm not doing it this year.
-I play tennis. Have you done it before?
-No. Is that okay?
-TOUCH !
-Attention !
-You know, Mother,
She works at the gendarmerie.
I won't tell anyone.
I promise you. She moaned.
-There's a fight outside!
-What's going on? Easy now, children.
Brouhaha
...
What's going on?
Phone vibrator
...
-Hello ?
Yes.
(-You know it's complicated, This provisional registration?
(-I'm aware of that.)
(But we can't put back (in question his entire start to the year)
(due to an isolated incident.)
(What happened today) (That's not the only problem.)
(According to his mistress, he has difficulty to concentrate, to integrate.)
(One day, he is attentive and kind, (available, and the other one)
(It's the opposite.)
(Have you noticed that at home?)
(-You know what their life is like
Right now ?)
(-Yes I know (what happened to them.)
(-Why are you talking about it in the past tense?)
(It's barely
He's been here for a month.
(He helps his little sister) to do his homework,)
(He is showing goodwill.)
(You just have to let him (a little time.)
(-Of course.)
(But in the meantime,)
(it needs to be regularized) the situation as quickly as possible.
(-I understand. I'll take care of it, I told you.)
(I made the request to the judge, I'm waiting for a court date.
Jeanne mutters.
...
-You're hurting me.
-And what about you? What came over you?
Talk to me!
I'm not going to punish you, I just want you to explain it to me.
You owe me an explanation, don't you?
-I don't owe you anything, you're not my mother.
-I know.
Doorbell
-Is that Juliette's mother?
-Yes, definitely.
-She's pretty.
Do you think she will Should I slap him?
She laughed. -I hope not.
They laugh.
-Non !
Come on, friends, come back up.
I'll go get them all.
Splash!
(Take her with you.)
He murmurs.
...
-The number you requested
is not assigned or is not accessible.
Your call could not be completed.
The number you requested
is not assigned or is not accessible.
Your call could not be completed.
Tone
-Madame Manin, you have filed a request
with a view to obtaining of a delegation of parental authority.
You have contacted us
because your sister, Suzanne Manin,
disappeared almost 5 months ago. on July 10th,
by dropping off his two children at your place,
Gaspard, 9 ans, and little Margaux, 6 years old.
I have a photocopy of the word
that she left you on the morning of July 10th,
indicating that she is entrusting you childcare.
Is what I'm saying correct?
-Yes.
-OK. Is this still relevant?
You have no news From your sister?
-No, none.
-And you have no idea Where is she located?
(-Non.)
-GOOD.
That corroborates my information.
Our time in the audience is limited.
I have quite a few questions,
So I'm going to get down to brass tacks. Right away. Will that be okay?
-Yes.
-Alright.
I need these answers to make a decision.
The hearing is used to make a decision in the best interests of the children.
I suspect that
This is an exceptional situation
and very difficult for you.
So, first of all,
That's the first question. that I wanted to ask you,
Are you alright?
-Yes, it's fine.
She stutters.
Do I need to give short answers?
-Non.
Not necessarily. I need clear answers.
How do you take it? Your sister's departure?
How are you feeling?
-I feel...
Sorry, I'm not really sure what you expect
And I'm a little unsettled.
-No problem. I understand.
We have the image of criminal justice,
very solemn, rigid.
But here, we're dealing with a civilian case. No one has committed an offense.
The framework of this oral procedure leaves room for spontaneity.
There are no good ones or incorrect answers.
Answer honestly to the questions I am asking you.
Anything you tell me will be used to evaluate
if you can exercise the role entrusted to you by your sister.
Is that clearer?
-Yes.
-SO.
After a few months, How are you feeling?
Regarding your sister's departure?
-Honestly...
Hm...
I thought that with time, I would eventually understand, but no.
There you go. I...
I think that she was tired, that she...
that she felt very lonely.
That she felt unvalued.
-All these reasons
are not elements Any answer for you?
-No. I'm the one trying to rationalize the situation, but...
There were other solutions.
We don't make such a decision
without considering Gaspard and Margaux. Impossible.
That's where I'm missing something.
I think I knew her better.
But if we knew
where she was, if I could talk to him, even by phone...
If I could ask him questions...
-What would you ask him?
-"For what ?"
I would ask him Simply why.
-A response from him Would that be enough for you to understand?
-How so ?
-I don't know
your sister,
But imagine if she told you
that she did that
for the sake of the children, that she...
is convinced that they are safer with you,
that she trusts you.
Would it help you to hear that?
Upon reading his note and while listening to you,
That's one interpretation. that I make for myself.
This is purely speculative. I don't know your sister, but...
would you be willing to accept What if this answer were his?
-Let her justify what she did In this way?
-It's hard to imagine, but...
Sometimes, we leave the people we love romantically.
Sometimes, we don't see any other choices.
than to move away for what we believe to be their property.
Can you hear that?
Madame Manin?
-I think so, yes.
(-OK.)
Okay. I'd like to ask you questions about children.
How did it go? the last few months with them?
Ringtone
-Gaspard, wait for me!
Margaux laughs.
Conversations indistinctes
Soft music
...
Alarm
...
Okay, that's 2 minutes.
"Two days later, they had amassed an incredible mess.
"Broken doors were intertwined, "Outdated windows and old shutters."
...
-It's snowing !
...
-Happy birthday.
-THANKS.
-Are you blowing?
Bravo !
-Happy birthday, Gaspard.
(-THANKS.)
-There's wax on the cake.
-Ah yes. It's not very pretty.
Tonight, there will be a real one.
-Or ice cream.
-Or both.
-Don't move, I'm going to pee, I'll be right back.
-Do you want to do something? Anything special today?
-I don't know.
-I didn't know what to get you, But if you tell me what you want,
We can go get it together.
-All right, But I'm telling you this in your ear.
...
-Good morning. -Good morning.
Are you in good shape?
-It's on the 5th floor.
-We're following you.
There is no problem With the elevator?
-There's the kitchen, the living room,
And there are two bedrooms, right there.
Um... There you go. Then, here,
There is a first bedroom, the mother's room.
I'll take care of... to finish emptying.
And... -OK.
-Here is the bathroom. It's not very crowded.
-So we throw everything away then? -Yes.
Indistinct remarks
...
They pack up their belongings.
-Guys, let's remove the coffee table.
It's fragile. -OK, that works.
Fracas
...
-How are you ?
-Yes.
-Did you choose what you were going to keep?
-I put it in the corner, over there.
-Do you want to show me?
-There aren't many things.
But look, I found this.
-What game is this?
-The game of 7 families.
-Ah!
Should we put it in the box?
-Can I keep it in my pocket?
-Yes of course.
Are you managing, Gaspard?
-I'm almost finished.
-Do you want us to leave you alone?
Are you coming to help me?
-It's good ?
-One two three.
...
-Is he still in the room?
-I'm going to see what he's doing.
I left the glasses of water there.
-THANKS.
-Gaspard ?
Gaspard ?
-What ?
-They finished their break, They need to come into the room.
May I come in?
-I'm going out. I'm looking for one last thing.
-All right.
So I'm not going in?
-Just 5 minutes and I'll be there.
-Take your time.
He sniffs.
...
Margaux talks to herself.
...
-You count to three.
One two three.
Oh!
Okay, we're making up.
-Margaux, come on, let's go.
The door closes.
We lock the door.
Soft music
...
Subtitles: VDM