Original subtitles

She's a perfect match, I'm telling ya.

- She needs to fix her hair. - Yeah.

Yeah. But she's good, right?

There's something about her, I suppose.

Chill, girl! These whities, they don't know jackshit.

We're all one and the same to them.

Mum don't sound like that.

SHE LAUGHS

- This is serious! - I know, babe.

You got them sniffing about cos your mum's run off with some fella

and they're going to call the social.

I feel you, babe.

Can't we do something else?

Ms Jenkins is going to think that we're related.

Ain't that the point?

Problem is, Ms Jenkins is going to ask questions.

- That's her name. Yeah? - Ah! Ms Jenkins. Yeah, yeah.

Mmm. So, what you going to say?

Learn it, yeah?

She needs to know things!

About who? Jackie?

- No, Tanika! - Tanika!

Chill, girl! I got ya.

I was just messin'.

Listen, I got five kids, nine grandkids.

I've been through it all. They're just trying to tick some boxes.

They ain't even going to know who little Tina is.

- Tanika. - Tanika. Her name is Tanika.

Yeah. Sorry.

Tina's my girl.

Big wheels keep on turning

Proud Mary keeps on burning

Cos we're rolling, rolling

Rolling on the river!

SHE LAUGHS

Some people are blessed with good looks and shit.

I've been blessed with this.

OK. OK.

She's great, isn't she? She performs down the Swan on Saturday nights.

I've vetted her. She's all right.

This can't be the only way. Mum's way more sophisticated than that.

She's fine. She's a professional.

- I think I should be there. - No, we've already discussed it.

- No, if she fucks up... - Alarm bells are going to ring if you come.

They want to speak to your mum, not a fucking entourage.

Trust me. I've got this.

Just don't say nothing stupid.

SHE SNAPS FINGERS

My time is money, peoples!

SHE SCOFFS

If she messes up, it's on you.

What? I'll give you the rest when I'm next paid.

Just don't make a habit of it.

I'm doing you a favour.

Don't you run when you hear the sirens coming

When you hear the sirens coming

You better not run cos the siren's not coming for you

What have you done? You went to school that day

Was a bit late, but it was a Monday

Kept after class for answering back

You apologised Any harm in that?

What have you done?

There's no need to run

If you've done nothing wrong

Blue lights should just pass you by...

- The job said minimum wage. - Not for cash in hand.

You don't like it, you don't come back.

Default white headphones flooding the auditory

Subconscious waves you accept

You're sitting on the 4 back home

Where you at, G? Answer your phone...

HORN HONKS

Pause the poison to answer his message

Your boy sounds rushed, fears for his adolescence...

You're stalking me now.

- You told me where you work. - SCOFFS: When?

Over one of our lengthy text exchanges.

- I'm going to check my messages, you know. - All right.

Right. Sorry.

Excuse me, but this lady seems to think I'm stalking her.

She don't remember telling me where she works.

So who agrees? Am I a stalker?

- SHE LAUGHS - It's always the clean-looking ones.

Them's the serial killers.

THEY LAUGH

So?

So?

Dinner at mine, tonight?

- What, just dinner? - Yeah.

I got a new place. I think you'll like it.

No, I can't. I'm working tonight.

Right. Well, after, then.

You don't...

Come on, I'll pick you up.

- You don't have to! - Yeah, I know, but I want to!

Just text me. I'll find it.

Do you ever let anyone do anything nice for ya?

So it's a date?

- It's a date. - It's a date.

Freddie! Eden!

No, no, no, no, no!

You know you're not supposed to do that.

No, just... I got the balls out.

- Look, they're over there. - TANIKA: Mrs Jenkins!

I got this.

Ms Sutton! I-I-I've left messages on your phone,

but we've never managed to meet.

So... So you wanted to talk?

Yes, I do.

I've so much to discuss with you.

Er, have you made an appointment?

No.

Look, I'm here now. You can see me.

We all good, yeah? Yeah.

- Yeah. - Ms Sutton.

I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation.

Could you come back later this afternoon?

The meeting will be with me and another teacher.

I have been trying to call you for quite some time.

I'm afraid things have become a bit more...formal.

OK, yeah. Let me...

Let me see what I can work out, yeah?

Great.

Come on.

- How did it go? - Yeah, great.

Yeah, good. What did you say?

Me? I never said nothing.

It's them saying they want another meeting with two teachers and shit.

Two teachers.

Honey, that's double.

Double? Where am I going to get the money for double?

That's not my business.

Tanika, is your mother OK?

She's fine.

Who's that man she's talking to?

It's just Dr Feelgood.

Dr Feelgood?

Is that his...real name?

We just call him Dr Feelgood cos he gives Mum medicine,

to make her feel good.

Anyways, I'm also learning ballet.

Maybe we can talk about this in...lunch break?

- In moments of losing myself... - A-men!

- ..I finally uncover a truth that I've always known... - A-fucking-men!

..deep down.

You have the power to become anything you dare to dream!

- You're a God! - So dream boldly and keep dreaming until...

- Girlfriend, we need to talk. - Not now! We're already late as it is.

Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

A band called Janbochi. They're about to be signed.

They sent a call-out on Insta. Their MUA bailed or something,

so I sent your portfolio and gave it some Shanice magic, and, boom!

No, you never! Sh! N-...

- Here comes the hotstepper - Murderer

- I'm the lyrical gangster - Murderer

Excuse me, Mr Officer

Still love you like that!

Oh, we're going to be big, fam! You visualising?

Listen - manifest, innit?

So, the shoot's at 4.00, Manor Park Estate.

What, four o'clock?

I can't.

I got that meeting with Miss Meg'han about that internship,

then I got work.

Fuck Miss Meg'han and her Simon Cowell "pick me" mentality.

You won't need this job after you've done this.

- Then you can ditch the cleaning. - I can't ditch cleaning.

We are our future.

We have to be who we want to be, right now, today.

- Yeah, I know. - Do ya?

Cos I've been feeling like I've been manifesting for two lately.

I am manifesting.

So you're saying you're your future self, right now?

Yes. That's what I'm saying.

Mmm...

PHONE VIBRATES

Wait, I got to get this. One sec.

Who's this?

It's Fake Jackie, girl! Listen...

I ain't going any further with this gig until I cut me a new deal.

What "new deal"? Look, what's going on?

Chill, girl. It's nothing I can't handle.

But they need me to come back later today for another meeting.

What meeting? Wait, is Feelgood there?

Let me speak to him.

Why? He ain't my manager.

Can you just put him on?

Look, just give her what she wants. Our hands are tied.

Look, what do you mean, "what she wants"?

I need an extra 120.

SHE SCOFFS

- I knew I should've come! - Look, it's going to be fine.

Oh, so you're going to pay it?

I'll sub ya, cos this has come at us a bit left of centre,

but I'm taking it out of your next pay cheque, OK?

But, listen, I'm going to be there, so there's no need to worry.

- I'm going to go as her boyfriend. - No, that's not a good idea.

Look, I know Tanika inside out, OK? And...

Look, I'm going to make sure she doesn't fuck up.

So just trust me, all right?

Who's fucking up?

This girl has done Tina in Dubai for an Arab prince.

That's a whole lot of pressure in that kind of heat.

Listen, I got to go. Just call me.

You all right?

Yeah, fine.

How much is it?

Still finessing the deets, but a few hundred at least.

- OK. - Really?

- Yeah. - OK.

But we've got to prepare, know what I'm saying?

- I don't want no self-sabotaging. - Listen, I ain't sabotaging shit.

Do you think I want to be doing below-minimum-wage cleaning?

That's what I'm saying, fam! So, we're doing this?

We're doing this!

Swear on Naomi's head.

I fucking swear.

THEY LAUGH

10.

It's 18.

I take it that ain't revision.

Don't you have drugs to deal and people's lives to destroy?

Actually, no. I'm a trader now - crypto.

- And I've actually made a fair bit. - Gambling?

You're going to crash and burn.

It ain't gambling. I know what I'm doing. Oi! Oi!

I got this.

WHISTLING

It's something to do with bubble gum.

HE IMITATES EXPLOSION

Oi. Oi!

Jackie'd be turning in that grave you dug

seeing you throwing it all away. Your mum...

HE WHISTLES

..thought you were

going to be someone.

Fuck you, Feelgood!

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

HE GROANS

Why is he still here,

with his big face and his fucking, stupid armchair?

I hate him!

- Come on. - Just chill! Tina's got this.

Again.

OK.

I just can't do it!

What can't you do?

- A pirouette. - A pirouette?

Yeah, I told you, I'm doing ballet now.

Those are pretty.

Thanks.

I bet YOU could do a pirouette.

- CHUCKLES: - No, I can't.

Haven't done ballet since I was a child.

You look like you're a really good dancer, Miss.

I bet you'd still remember.

I don't know.

Please, Miss?

PIANO MUSIC: Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin

You have to spot.

Keep your focus on something when you turn,

like that window over there.

Spin your head round quickly to look at the window,

and then turn your body afterwards.

SHE LAUGHS

That's so cool, Miss.

This is sick! You're right.

- Sorry? - You're right about the competition.

I want to be in it.

Oh, right.

And I'm not going to let Disney and Kimone stop me

from doing what I want to do.

Exactly!

Tell me again what he said.

"Do you allow anyone to do anything nice for ya?"

That is so hot.

I wish someone would pursue me like a fucking Unabomber -

someone mentally well, that is.

Jamie is mentally well.

OK, but he likes plantain chips, plays our music, likes our girls.

You know that's a "Hell no", right?

How's that a hell no?

It's like a fetish.

You're an individual, not an idea, a stereotype.

OK, well, so what if he likes my skin?

It ain't a fetish when black boys like white girls' skin.

No, that's a bigger problem.

Every time I'm near him, Shanice, it's like I'm being pulled into him.

Like there's this magnetic force.

Shut up!

You're making me sweat.

So how was it? You did it, right?

- No. We ain't even kissed yet. - Why?

Don't tell me it's true what they say

and that you couldn't find his lips.

- Why you got to be so racist? - How's that racist?

It's prejudiced and small-minded and there's a bit of jealousy thrown in.

Yeah, well, we better kiss tonight

cos I ain't got time for breddas with no game.

- Do you know what I'm saying? - Yeah. - What the hell?

OK, so we're going to take a break and continue after lunch.

Go on, talk to her.

Miss Meg'han?

About the extra interview practice for my internship?

OK, I'm only going to say this once...

OK, if this is the "Black girls got to work

"ten times harder" speech,

I've just got to say, there are other ways of making it.

Oh, you think you know what I'm going to say?

OK, you do you, but please, if there is another way to capitalise

on a life-changing opportunity like this, other than doing the grind...

..let's meet in ten years' time and you can tell me.

- Wait, Miss Meg'han, I didn't mean... - Honestly, fam,

once you're trending on Insta, you won't need that internship.

Come on, we've got to go.

I don't know, Paul, living with these kids has changed me.

It's given me a sense of purpose. I'm like...

I'm like a lioness with her cubs.

So it ain't just cos you fancy the big one, then?

- Don't be a perv. - What? Some people like em' younger.

And nobody said anything to Billie Piper

when she was with that ginger git.

No, it's deeper than that.

I want to give these kids the start that we never had.

You know, guide them.

And what about when Jackie comes back?

She won't. Trust me.

How you going to live, though, hey?

You never paid any rent at your mum's.

I did pay rent.

Besides, crypto's doing OK.

- What?! Yeah, you cashing that in now? - No, I'm still accumulating it.

Do you know anyone who wants two ounces of C and one of brown?

- Three ounces? - Yeah, I'm getting rid of all my shit so I can invest -

cos right now with crypto, it's buy, buy, buy.

You want to shift it all at once?

I can offer it at a slight discount.

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I'll put the word out.

And ask if they want any ketamine or weed. I'll throw it in.

Just want to set a good example for these kids.

Wait, if you're giving up dealing, what am I going to do?

Don't know.

But you can't play second fiddle to me all your life, can ya?

When it's their verse, yeah, they're going to come out, lean forward,

swap round, circulate like that.

I'm so sorry we're late! Lesson ran over.

As long as you're not like this all the time.

Cos I'd be like, "Somebody's fired."

Cos that's what happened to our last MUA.

Look, you've got nothing to worry about.

- I'm a complete professional. - 100%.

We love your portfolio and your make-up tutorials.

What you offering us?

- With me, I accentuate your uniqueness... - OK...

- ..instead of diminishing it. - Cos I love my nose.

And I don't want you making it look pointy and shit,

- like I don't love me. - Exactly.

- We're all about loving our uniqueness. - Mm-hm.

You ready to work?

We was born ready!

MUSIC STARTS

Sugar, sugar, too sweet Caught you looking at me

You wanna lick my ice cream

Well, sugar, sugar, too sweet, too sweet

Sweet like honey so these men buzzing me like bees

Fresh like veggies, rich in vitamins, green peas

You know you wanna have it, so get on your knees

It really tastes so good, like some Chinese

Fresh out the shower, feels like a debut

Good for your cells, you don't need a review

I like it when you lick, I don't like it when you chew

So sticky, you can't move cos you're glued...

Cut!

I love a man that's so melinated, the whites of his eyes is yellow.

- The whites of my eyes aren't yellow. - They're close enough.

Shanice.

That little piece of fire single?

No idea.

- But your girl's work is lit, Shanice! - Like I told ya!

I want you to do more with us.

Janelle and Bola do too.

THEY LAUGH

- Shanice, this is...lit! - Lit! They fucking love ya!

Oh, think of all the Insta pics,

all the photo shoots you're going to do.

- It's happening. I can feel it. - SHE LAUGHS

Hey!

Oh, we love you and want to use you again.

Oh, thank you.

- We'll message you if anything else comes up. - OK.

- Cool. - Right, so...

Were you forgetting payment?

What payment? There ain't no payment.

- We're going to tag you, like I said. - Yeah.

Tag and pay us.

That's not what I said.

Listen, if there's been some kind of mix up, then...

Listen, I really need that money, like, today.

Well, let me handle this.

- You ain't professionals. - Yeah, you ain't professional.

You need to sort your money with your manager,

cos that ain't what we agreed.

Let's go.

I'm sorry. I thought it was paid.

Did you even discuss it, an amount?

Well, yes! I discussed it.

I just assumed it would be the going rate.

That's the difference between me and you. I would never just assume.

OK. Let me explain what happened.

No, what happened is you talked me into ditching a meeting

with Miss Meg'han where I have a real chance of getting somewhere,

Shanice, and now I've missed my shift at work!

I really needed that money. Shit!

I mean, who don't check if they're going to be paid?

It was one mistake!

You play about with your life, never taking nothing seriously.

I take my life very seriously.

Yeah, until it all goes wrong

and you call Daddy to pick up the pieces.

I've got no-one to carry me, Shanice!

I have to carry me - me!

God, play another record, please!

Do you know what?

Just fuck off!

Fine.

Fuck's sake!

Hi, Petra.

Erm... It's Tiana Sutton.

The chicken videos are great and, like, really funny.

But that first TikTok you did...

You were, like, lit.

People like you, Tionne.

That's what people want to see - you.

The next Stormzy and Maya Jama.

Together, that's what we could be.

Although...it can take time to get big...

..and we might not be together by then.

You don't think we'll be together?

Yeah, I do. It's just...

I ain't met your mum or your dad or anything.

That's cos my mum's away on business.

But she would love you.

So why would she love me?

Cos you, like, know what you want,

and she's always telling us that's how we should be.

And she's funny like you are.

She's, like, inspiring.

What about your dad?

What about him?

He's your typical dad who comes around once every four years,

whenever he wants to feel better about himself,

and he's like, "Oh, we're really cool, right?"

As if that one visit makes up for all the time he's missed

my birthdays, my sisters' birthdays, my maths tournaments, my prize days.

You know, when I told him about the scholarship, he was like,

"Did you watch the City match?"

Like, do you know what that scholarship means, Dad?

It means I'm going to get to go to a brilliant sixth form college

or go to Oxbridge or somewhere good and get a brilliant job

and marry a brilliant wife, who I'll never leave,

and kids who I'll love and be there for no matter what,

whatever they're like.

It's OK.

You got me now.

You got me.

The ballet shoe's meant to represent the naked foot.

That's why, historically, it was pink or flesh-coloured.

But, of course, pink is not everyone's flesh colour, is it?

I'm so happy you're helping me.

You're like the best teacher in the whole wide world!

Well, we don't know every teacher in the whole world.

We can say in this school.

Sometimes I wish my mum wasn't my mum.

I wish you were.

Oh, Tanika, that's...

That's so sweet. But, you know, we all go through that stage.

Would you adopt a kid, then?

Yes, of...course.

If the circumstances were right.

Who wouldn't want to give a child a home?

May I?

Right!

We should start with ballet, but then we should break out

into something that appeals to the judges' tastes and sensibilities.

Tap.

Fred Astaire.

All that. Fosse.

The classics.

No! No, it has to be something original.

We have to find that sweet spot between originality and familiarity.

West Side Story.

That's the film that made me want to become a dancer.

- You wanted to be a dancer? - Many moons ago.

Why didn't you?

Breasts, Tanika. I grew breasts.

But this isn't about me.

This is about you and making sure that you shine.

MUSIC PLAYS: Overture from West Side Story

SHE PANTS

What do you think?

That was shit.

I'm afraid we don't use profanity in this school, Ms Sutton.

MUSIC STOPS

Well, it's...

..just a rough sketch.

Aren't we supposed to be having a meeting?

I was just helping Tanika with her dance.

Right!

- BREATHLESSLY: - Take a seat.

Well...

..it's nice to finally talk to you, Ms Sutton.

And Mr...?

Gavin. It's just Gavin.

Gavin.

And you are her legal guardian?

He's her partner, Ms Jenkins.

Ms Sutton, Gavin and I have already established that.

Right, right. It's just that Tanika never mentioned you had a partner.

Tanika ain't probably told you a lot of things.

But when you're in love, you know it.

You don't have to explain anything, Gavin.

So, what are we here for?

Mrs Kitley said that Tanika's doing really well in school.

Yes, as Mrs Kitley is aware, this isn't about Tanika's academics.

This is about her emotional wellbeing.

- Why are you showing them that for? - It's something we need to discuss.

On top of everything else, I'll think you agree,

we should be concerned.

It's just that Tanika, when I spoke to her further,

she told me they were the remains of her mother.

Well, it ain't her mother, is it? She's right here.

It's just that "remains" is such a sophisticated word.

Sophisticated child.

You don't need to tell me that, Dr Feelgo-... I mean...Gavin.

Sorry, it's just that when Tanika told me

that's what you were called, it must've...

Ms Jenkins? You OK?

I'm sorry.

- I think we've met before. - I don't think so.

Yes. On the estate, when I was with Tanika.

No, no...

- You remember, Tanika, don't you? - No, it weren't me.

Yes, you see, I-I am sure.

Listen, he said it weren't him, so it weren't him.

OK, she's drawn a picture of me dead? My daughter's clever.

Seems like you've got a problem with that, though.

You ain't got no problem when she's dancing.

You're actually giving her extra lessons,

like that's the only thing she can do.

Likkle Tina wants to be more than just another booty shaker.

Or is that all you think she's good for?

You don't have to tell me how talented Tanika is, Ms Sutton!

Take your hand off her!

I thought that we were coming here for a serious discussion.

Instead, all we've got are accusations about lying

- and disbelief... - Incredulity.

- Mmm. - ..that me and my partner are together.

What is it that you find so hard to believe? Go on.

Tell me!

- Exactly. - No-one is calling anyone a liar

or doubting your relationship.

Let's just all calm down.

I'm going to make a complaint to the school governors.

Gavin, Tanika, let's go.

What just happened?

When I saw him on the estate, why didn't she tell me who he was?

Even today, why didn't she say he was her mother's boyfriend

when I asked?

What kind of name is Dr Feelgood?

When Tanika told me what it meant, do you know what she said?

What is it you want?

What is it YOU want?

I-I-I... I don't understand the question.

If this man is not Ms Sutton's boyfriend,

which is what you seem to be saying, then what is it you think he is?

Well, I don't... I don't know.

I-I just think that something is amiss.

And then what?

I... I-I...

What is it you expect to find if you keep on digging?

What do you expect to happen?

Be careful you're not developing an inappropriate relationship

with the child.

- Inappropriate? - Yes!

The word is not the sole reserve

for paedophiles and gym knickers, Ms Jenkins.

Why'd you say that for? You've ruined everything!

She was getting on my nerves, Likkle T.

And what's she touching your hair for? Like she likes the texture.

Why not? I like it! I like her touching me.

I see your likkle crush, you know, and I get it.

But don't let that Miss Honey vibe fool ya.

- She ain't going to be there for ya. - And you are?

If Ms Jenkins has gone off me, I'll never forgive you.

- LAUGHS: - They're not going to be bothering you any more.

Yeah. You were pretty good.

Blindsiding her from all directions.

You weren't so bad either.

- IMITATES FAKE JACKIE: - "All we've had is accusation,

"disbelief me and my partner ain't together!"

THEY LAUGH

Right. Well, thanks. Yeah, I should...

- So, I want the rest of that money transferred, yeah? - Yep, yeah.

And give the poor child something to dance to.

She ain't going to win jack with that shit.

SHE LAUGHS

Right. What are we going to do about you?

Good stuff.

You forgot?

Dinner...

I'm sorry. Today's just been so shit.

Do you mind if we just reschedule?

Yeah.

Could've texted me, though.

I'm sorry.

There's been so much going on.

- Listen... - Do you know what?

Nah, you first.

OK.

I really, really, really like you.

But I don't think it's going to work.

- There's just too much going on. I-I don't have time... - No, no.

I was...

I was going to say the same thing.

- What? - It's just, I'm...

..too busy with my gigs.

I've got a guy coming from a record label, so...

And do you know what?

I don't have time for girls who mess lads about...

- No, Jamie, that's not what... - ..no matter how pretty you are.

- No, Jamie, that's not... - No! Leave it.

Fucking hell!

MUSIC ON PHONE: Proud Mary by Tina Turner

Thanks!

HE LAUGHS

I knew that would make you smile.

I don't know what's going on, but, you know, I thought you were happy -

considering the circumstances.

I am.

So why'd you tell your teacher that my name was Dr Feelgood?

- People are going to ask questions. - It came out.

I just...

I don't know what to call you.

Maybe...

- ..call me Uncle? - I don't want an uncle.

I want Ms Jenkins to adopt me.

- Ms Jenkins? - Yeah.

Then she'll be able to take care of all of us.

Now, cos of Fake Jackie, we're nowhere.

- Well, I thought I was doing a pretty good job. - You?

Can Ms Jenkins make fish finger sandwiches,

or do the weird voice, or do your hair or make you laugh?

I don't think so.

You can't make me laugh.

HE MOCKS HER TONE

What do you think of Miss Tina?

She's OK.

But the moves ain't difficult.

HE SCOFFS

Can we drive to Peveril Lane?

After? I want to see the houses.

Why? They're all owned by posh twats.

What if I want to be posh, one day?

RAIN PATTERS

OK.

Just wait here a minute, all right?

You got the gear?

You got the cash?

MUSIC: Proud Mary by Tina Turner

Left a good job in the city...

BLOWS LAND, GRUNTING

Workin' for the man every night and day

And I never lost one minute of sleep

And worryin' about the way things might have been

- Big wheel, keep on turnin' - Turnin'

- Proud Mary, keep on burnin' - Burnin'

- Rolling, rolling - Rolling, yeah

Rolling on the river

Rolling, say we're rolling

Rolling on the river

River, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do!

Woo!

All right!

I cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, y'all

Pumped a lot of 'tane down in New Orleans

But I never saw the good side of a city

Till I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen

- Big wheel, keep on turnin' - Turnin'

- Proud Mary, keep on burnin' - Burnin'

- Rolling, rolling - Rolling, yeah

Rolling on the river

Say we're rolling, rolling

Rolling on the river

River, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do!

Woo! Yeah!

All right!

Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, y'all

Pumped a lot of 'tane down in New Orleans

But I never saw the good side of a city...

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