Original subtitles

OK, that's good. Let's go. Push!

-Go for it. -Breathe now. Let's go.

There we go. That's good.

-Push. -You're almost there.

I can see the head.

We're almost there.

-One more push. -A bit more.

Happy birthday, dear Andréa

Happy birthday, buddy.

That's for a different birthday. That's a group gift.

CLIMBING THE HIMALAYAS IN FLIP FLOPS

Yes, yes, yes... nice job, baby!

OK, will you look at me Andréa? Will you blow the candle out?

Happy birthday, Andréa.

Happy birthday to you

-What's the matter with him? -He must just be a bit tired.

Where's the toy? Where is it? Where's the toy?

Here it is. Look at me, darling.

Let's see if it works with Mommy.

I'll grab her toy. OK, Pauline, look at me.

-Where's the toy? -Stop it.

Pauline!

I can't believe you let these papers get so messed up.

If we don't do the paperwork we won't get the disability card.

Alright already, he's not disabled.

If it's just to get a seat on the bus...

We're entitled to it. He's autistic.

Don't talk like that. He's right here.

But he is autistic.

-Stop it! -He's autistic.

Goddammit!

A FILM BY JOHN WAX

I'll be there to support Andréa during school hours

and I'll provide parental guidance at home.

That's Montélimar nougat. It's really good with coffee.

-Really good. -Thanks.

Don't mention it. It's just a gift for the school year.

Hello, I'm sorry.

This morning's been quite a rush.

The bus was so busy, it was impossible to get on.

We had to let the first two go.

It was total chaos. All good?

OK, I just wanted to touch base before the new school year starts.

Last year was quite challenging, because of his behavioral problems.

-I mean... -It was, a bit.

This is his last year in kindergarten,

so this is crucial, for his future education.

I'm not trying to stress you out,

I know it's hard and you're doing your best,

but bear it in mind.

Yes... be careful, Andréa.

Andréa turned six this year,

so we were able to get him on Ritalin,

to help with his hyperactivity,

and he's certainly a lot calmer now.

-He's totally different. -Totally different.

And now that Samia's here, which we're delighted about,

this year should be a lot better.

And I'm really pleased too to be supporting Andréa this year.

I know it's going to involve a lot of change for him,

with a new class, a new teacher and new friends,

and change isn't easy for him,

so we'll stay on the case.

Andréa will need stability,

to make progress and move into the next year.

So this year is going to be all about stability.

Yes, stability, of course.

I have two houses, a big one with Dad

and a small one, with Mom and Uncle Valentin.

I have two houses, a big one with Dad and a small one...

Let's talk a walk, Andréa,

while you finish talking.

Will you come with me?

I'll show you some great anime pictures.

No.

There we go. Thanks.

See you shortly, darling.

I have two houses, a big one with Dad...

So, he has two houses.

Yes, because we didn't...

Pauline and I decided...

We made a few changes over the summer vacation.

We decided...

Not to live together anymore.

Though we'll still be together. For Andréa, I mean.

Of course. We'll be sticking together, for him.

-Yes. -And with him.

Of course.

It's going to be really important for him to calm down this year.

It'd be a shame if we couldn't keep him.

-No, we're not there. -No we're not. Not at all.

No, we're not. And he's a lot calmer now.

I think he was just stressed out, because they arrived late.

No, there were loads of people on the bus.

We'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

It won't happen again.

I think he should sleep at mine,

so he'll be on time for the first day back at school.

No. It'll be fine. We'll be on time.

It's my week. We can't mix everything up.

He needs stability.

No, let's stick to the plan.

By the way, isn't your health insurance working?

What do you mean?

I sent them a...

Then do what everyone else does and get some health insurance.

-Are you looking for an apartment? -Stop stressing me out.

I don't think he'll get the stability he needs,

living with your brother.

You haven't seen him in a long time. He's changed a lot.

And Andréa loves him.

I'm coming!

Sorry, I lost my keys.

Ah, no, I didn't lose my keys.

-You're so annoying. -I was looking in the wrong pocket.

What time is it?

Go back to bed. It's barely seven o'clock.

I needed to get up.

Do you want a coffee?

I'll make you a coffee.

What were you doing?

The drinks for Michel's birthday ending up going on a while.

Michel's birthday drinks were two days ago.

Yes, as I said, they ended up going on a while.

Just a bit.

Did it go well?

Here, Pauline.

You can't smoke in the living room.

Andréa's about to get up. Put that joint out.

Sorry. Sorry, sorry.

You forgot to put the coffee in.

I didn't break my bed.

I didn't block the toilet.

What goes with your t-shirt? Your pants do.

Grab your pants. There you go. Put them on.

No, that's not right.

That's not the right leg. It's the other leg.

Wait, Andréa, we're not done yet.

Look, it's that leg. It's that one. Are you listening to me?

Like that.

Will you put your sweater on?

OK, let's get your sweater on.

I'll put your socks on or we'll never be done.

Two more buses.

-Shall we get on that one? -No, I want to get on the third one.

Look, that one's so nice. And it's a big one too.

It's a bendy bus. Shall we take it?

No, I want to take the third one.

OK, let's go, darling.

Hello.

Be careful.

-I'm sorry about that. -No manners.

Are you OK?

It's his favorite seat.

He didn't mean any harm.

Andréa, say sorry.

It's not his fault.

It must just be back-to-school nerves.

Sorry, Mrs. Hippopotamus.

He just loves animals.

Hurry up, darling.

The hippopotamus is going to catch us.

Right on time. Hello.

Sorry I'm late, there was a problem on the bus.

That's OK, Jacqueline.

I was just talking about you.

These are Andréa's parents. Andréa will be in your class.

This is Samia, his aide.

-Hello. -Nice to meet you.

I'll let you get familiar. I have to run. Have a nice day.

Have a good year, Andréa.

-Hello again. -Yes, hello again.

Andréa, will you say hello, darling?

-Hello, Mrs. Hippopotamus. -There you go.

It's great to meet you.

Yes, it is.

Here's a gift, for the new school year.

Oh, you shouldn't have.

It's nothing, just some Montélimar nougat.

Wonderful. It's great to meet you too.

It's going to be a wonderful year.

Don't worry about anything, the principal filled me in.

I'm used to working with disabilities.

Ah, great, have you taught autistic kids before?

No, not at all,

but we had Hugo last year, who was in a wheelchair,

and that went really well.

Everything's going to run smoothly.

And... does he play the piano?

I know that autistic kids often have a musical talent,

which would be great for the end of year show.

No, he's not particularly into music.

-He is a bit. -And he's a bit young, anyway.

OK.

But... doesn't he have an aptitude for anything in particular?

Maybe he speaks several languages or can count really fast?

No, nothing like that. He's into buses.

He loves buses. And animals.

And the flute.

-No he doesn't. -Yes, he likes the flute.

On the other hand, I'm sorry, but toys aren't allowed in school.

Oh, that's not a toy. It just helps to keep him anchored.

Yes, seeing it helps him to position his body in space.

That's right.

Ah. OK. I see.

Well, that's great then.

There it is.

He's weird.

Ah, Dad.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

This is my monthly visit,

to check that your brother didn't choke on his own vomit.

Nice.

This is still my place, as far as I remember.

And what are you doing here?

Fabrice and I have split up, more or less.

Don't tell me that.

We'd stopped getting along.

You'd stopped getting along?

You stop getting along once it's been more than 10 years.

I mean, really...

What are you going to do now?

I'm sorry, but you're 40, with a disabled son and no job...

Unless you went to end up alone, like your old dad,

you'll need to stop being so picky.

First of all, I'm only 39.

And I have a new job.

So I need to get going.

-You have a job? -Yes.

Doing what?

I'm a production assistant at a big TV company.

I don't like TV.

Fools, constantly giving you their opinion about everything.

And apart from that, how's...

the little guy?

Andréa. His name is Andréa, Dad.

I know his name's Andréa.

How's he doing?

Oh, he's doing just fine.

He's at school, in the last year of kindergarten.

We're hoping he'll move up next year.

That's all good.

And how are your cats doing?

The cats are great.

If you saw them! Ah, I have photos. I'll show you.

That's Gina. And that's Pompon, her brother.

Yes, they're sibs, I can see. They're beautiful.

Yes, look.

Pompon looks quite a character.

They're amazing.

Yes, they look it.

By the way,

I just started a new job, so money's still a bit tight.

I was wondering, I used to be on your insurance,

could you put me back on it?

When it's not one of you, it's the other.

Yes, Pauline,

you used to be on my insurance when you were 12,

but you're 40 now.

It's time to get up on your feet.

I'm already letting you live in my apartment.

I'm 39, but OK, you're right.

The apartment's already a lot. Thanks, Dad.

Yes, alright.

And isn't your brother here?

Yes, he's sleeping. He's in his room.

With a girl?

No, I don't think so.

I'd be surprised.

-Shall I wake him up? -No, forget about it.

-Is he still breathing? -Yes, I hope so.

Then tell him I stopped by.

These are the papers that you asked Valentin to sort.

Don't worry. They'd have gone in the trash.

Then why ask him to sort them?

To keep him busy.

I don't want him wasting the whole day.

OK, see you later.

One lasagna, one special.

So, the lasagna.

Your coffee.

Thanks.

There we go.

-Hey, Pauline, fill that up. -I'll be right there.

I'll be right there.

Two coffees, please.

Oh come on, you can't fool me.

You don't come here for the coffee.

Then why do I come here?

You come to see Uncle Serge.

See, you're blushing.

Here, your tips.

-Do we share the tips? -Yes, why?

I was the only person out there serving.

You think I wasn't working?

I was working on a little project the whole day.

Not bad at all.

Here you go. This one doesn't count.

-No thanks. -Oh, come on now.

Go ahead.

Go ahead.

Who put these vegetables in the beer compartment?

Hi, Samia.

Sorry I'm late. I got held up at work.

No problem. Your brother let me in.

-Are you sure you don't want a drink? -No, I'm fine.

Pauline, a glass of red?

Oh my, sorry for being a good host.

All good, darling?

How was the first day?

-You smell funny. -I do?

You smell like Uncle Valentin.

There we go.

That's great, Andréa.

Ease up on his hand, Pauline.

Yes.

-Like that? -Yes, go ahead.

Yes...

There we go. That's great, Andréa.

That's great, darling.

Here you go, one last token.

You can do three minutes on the iPad.

Then you gradually cut down on guiding his hand,

till he can do it by himself.

OK, just a circle?

Yes, just doing a circle on his own would be huge progress.

Working on those fine motor skills

will help him to get dressed, draw and write.

I got some picture cards, for bath time and getting dressed.

And I brought the emotions volcano.

When he's starting to rise, show it to him

and point out the stages, to help him calm down.

Help him find the right picture in the solutions suitcase -

"take a rest," "ask for time alone," "punch a cushion."

It's really important

to nip the crisis in the bud or it'll be too late.

And plan his schedule together, before you go to bed,

so he'll know what's coming up.

When you do the sequence pictures, always do them in the same order.

Do them with some verbal guidance and then do them again without.

And with the pictures,

you'll have to make some, for his schedule.

You can use a photo or a drawing.

-Pauline? All good? Are you with me? -Yes, that's fine.

-OK. -Yes.

With that, I just need to... I can stick that straight on.

OK.

Yes, no...

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

I should be able to do that.

I'm sure you will.

You got a pretty good set-up. You're lucky you're my sister.

You're such a pain.

And you could have told me you were going out.

I'm sorry.

Dad asked me to go to the property owners' meeting.

I'd have preferred to stay home and watch Andréa.

There are two apartments in the building.

Everything he asks you to do is completely pointless.

Do I sense a bit of jealousy?

Jealousy? Of what?

That he chose me as his representative.

Those property managers are like sharks.

You'd get eaten alive. You're too nice.

Mom, you're as beautiful as an Odobenus rosmarus.

That's so sweet, darling.

What's an Odobenus rosmarus?

That.

It's beautiful, with those beautiful tusks.

There's Dad.

-Hi. -How you doing, champ?

He smells of smoke.

What? Ah, someone was smoking on the bus.

-On the bus, yeah, right. -OK, at the bus stop.

Right.

And what do you do with the clothes I give him?

Sell them?

Whenever I take him back, he's dressed like a bum.

He loves his hoodie.

Pauline, that's a pajama jacket, not a hoodie.

OK, his pajamas. You're just nitpicking now.

And you're going to work in that?

No, I'm not helping you out so you can go to parties.

Yes, I'm going to work.

OK, darling? Mommy's going to work. See you tomorrow. OK, sweetheart?

-I love you, baby. -OK, work hard.

OK, these are on me.

What's your son's autism like?

Is he like a genius?

Does he count matchsticks or not at all?

No, he doesn't really count matchsticks.

It's just regular autism.

He speaks, but he learns slowly.

That's heavy.

Life put you to the test, because it knows you can handle it.

I believe in karma, big time.

That's not really how karma works.

You're beautiful, for a girl with so much trouble.

Thanks, that's nice.

Yes, I'm a nice guy.

I saw a report about that recently.

About Down's syndrome?

Yeah, right.

It was really interesting.

My son was walking at the age of one.

Cool.

But your son wasn't walking at that age.

He's wasn't behind the curve with things like that.

What sort or weird stuff did he do?

My son scratches his head with his left hand, like a tic.

He acts funny.

With his left hand.

Right, that's weird. You should keep an eye on that.

I can get with that.

I saw a report. It said that could be a sign.

Ah, that interesting report about Down's syndrome.

Exactly.

Right hand: Down's syndrome, Left hand: autism.

Are you having me on?

We're just joking. Your kid just has lice.

Excuse me.

You think that's funny?

Hang on, no, no.

There we go.

I swear, I'm not saying that to try to crash your apartment.

I really have lost my keys.

And no one else can help you out?

I don't know that many people. I'm from Vendée, originally.

I moved to Paris three months ago, to open a bookshop.

-You did? That's so cool. -Yes, very cool.

There are better ways to meet people. I'd have done better to open a bar.

At least you don't get old drunk guys coming on to you at work.

Hey, I'm not really drunk.

And you were pouring it.

Hold it, are you coming on to me?

Huh? No.

I don't know. Maybe. What do you think?

I don't think much of your technique.

The "I'm interested in your son" bit is pretty cool.

That makes you seem like a nice guy.

But who wants to sleep with a nice guy?

OK, I get it.

You prefer bad boys, right?

Ah, right, so you're a real thug.

-Who's Michel. Is that you? -No, my name is Thomas.

That's a buddy.

He got shot.

I'm kidding. That's my dad's name.

Oh my. What, is he dead?

No, he's fine.

But we're really close, so it's a nice way to keep him near.

-Stop - you're really turning me on. -I am?

No.

No, wait, I seem like a nice guy,

but once you get to know me, I can get pretty crazy.

I can go wild. Things can get heavy.

Sorry.

Once I've had a few drinks...

But give me two or three hours and...

Pauline?

I'm ready.

I'm hard.

Could you give me a minute, to brush my teeth?

I think I can manage three minutes.

Valentin, you're such a pain.

Who's Valentin?

He's my brother.

-What are you doing here? -Mommy!

How are you, darling? Wait, go to your room.

You weren't supposed to come so early.

There's a man in the living room.

He's a friend. He lost his keys.

He's naked!

Are you for real?

Is that what your work's about?

No, it's not like that.

Ah, Fab!

How are you?

Sorry, the owners' meeting dragged on a while.

No, you're right, he's really changed.

I need to be at work.

Otherwise, I'd never leave the kid here.

What a joke.

He's all naked! He's all naked!

What's he doing with the duvet?

That's his stereotypy.

His stereo what?

I'm sick of you smoking in here!

Let go of the duvet and go to your room,

so Thomas can get dressed.

Mommy slept in your uncle's bed, not with Thomas.

No, you enjoy yourself.

Then at least change my sheets.

Mommy slept in Uncle Valentin's bed!

Pauline, I'll get going.

Not with the naked man!

Bye, Andréa.

You're treading on my shorts.

Huh? Ah, sorry about that.

I got a bit of ash on them.

Thanks.

-I'm done! -Listening, darling...

Look, that one's nice. We'll do one circle, then we'll play.

Let's do it the way Samia showed us. Do you remember how she showed us?

There you go. You know how to do it.

-That's good. -We're done! Let's play!

Where's Andréa?

Andréa?

You're the cat!

Mommy broke the bed!

Here.

No, I don't want this!

Paquito!

-Paquito! Paquito! Not this! -No, darling!

The supermarket didn't have Paquito.

-Paquito! -That's the same!

-Wait, Andréa, look. -Paquito!

-Not this, I want Paquito! -Look, baby.

If you're having a problem...

Not the volcano!

-Stop it, Andréa. Calm down. -Not the volcano!

Not the volcano!

Nasty Mommy. I want Paquito!

You're a liar!

They have Paquito at school!

Nasty Mommy!

-Mommy! -How are you doing, darling?

-Did you have a good day, sweetheart? -No.

-Things were a bit difficult. -Ah.

-Hello. -Hello.

I wanted to talk to you about the end of year show.

Hold on a second, I'm talking.

I think it'd be good for Andréa if you got him to work a bit at home.

We've been rehearsing for two months, but I'm afraid...

he's not really making any progress.

Oh no.

I filmed the rehearsal and I can mail you everything -

the movements, the words - everything.

Shall we do that?

-Er... yes, OK. -Very good.

Start with the thumb and the index finger.

Doing that

will be great to help him build up his fingers.

A little bit every day.

That's good, Andréa.

There we go.

Shall I give you a token?

You can take the iPad.

Very good.

Now then...

-Did you spill wine on this? -No, Andréa did.

And who filled out the schedule, you or Andréa?

I did. Why?

Because it's all wrong.

You need a picture of us two.

Why did you put a banana, a yoghurt and a trash can?

That's for trash bags. It's my shopping list.

Ah, I see.

OK...

He won't understand like that.

You need each picture in the right place.

Otherwise there's no point. It'll just confuse him.

-Is there a problem? -This is a drag.

Nothing's ever right. I get everything wrong.

OK, I put the wrong pictures up. Quick, call social services.

My God.

My ex already treats me like I'm an eight-year-old alcoholic

and my dad thinks it's my fault that my ex left.

I don't need you pitching in too.

I can take care of my son.

The tools I give you are there to help.

Well they're really helping. Do you want me to show you?

Here's your emotions volcano. It's going in the trash.

And the solutions suitcase went in the toilet.

Thanks for the tools.

OK.

I can see you're annoyed. Let's leave it there.

No, no, I'm sorry. Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Things just...

things haven't been easy.

The palm trees in the desert wind.

The river. Nice job. That's good.

Samia! Samia!

Let's stay focused now.

This is no good.

Let's stop there. That's enough.

Look, you move your arms like that. Do you see?

Like that, like a palm tree. Look, Andréa.

Look. Like a palm tree, Andréa.

Look. Did you see?

Let's concentrate for a minute.

Let's do the palm tree.

Once to the right,

once to the left.

Oh, look at your uncle. He's doing a great job.

Is that all yours?

Look at that.

That's the way. That's good.

Like that.

Hello?

Hang on a second.

Yes.

No, we're not at a party.

At home. Why?

I'll put him on.

Darling, it's Daddy.

Daddy!

All good, champ? Where are you?

We're in the little house,

partying, with Mommy and Uncle Valentin.

You are? It's a bit late for a party.

-No, we're... -Daddy?

We're rehearsing...

Daddy, did you know hippos and whales are cousins?

No, I didn't know that.

And that in Africa,

they kill ten times as many people as lions do.

I didn't know. That's great.

Let's not just talk about animals. Did you go out with Mommy?

No, I watched the iPad, with the hippos.

-We did go out. -Daddy, is Justine there?

Yes. Yes, she's with me.

Hi there, champ.

Hiya, Justine.

We can't wait to see you, in five bedtimes.

I love you, champ.

I love you.

Who's Justine, darling? Do you see her a lot?

Yes, she's a vet. She knows all the animals.

Can I watch the iPad?

Is she Daddy's girlfriend?

I want the iPad.

Answer me and I'll give you a five-minute iPad token.

-Is she Daddy's girlfriend? -Yes, she sleeps in Daddy's bed.

Can I have the token?

But... how old is she? Is she pretty?

She's very pretty, with nice teeth. Give me my token.

Yes, here you are.

Watch out.

I hardly touched your tooth. Relax. You're all tense.

I want some TLC. I need taking care of.

Let's stop there. There's nothing we can do.

You can't save the tooth?

You left it too long.

That tooth is dead. You need root canal work.

I left it too long. It's too late.

I'll never get my teeth fixed.

It's never too late to get your teeth fixed.

-It's not? -It'll cost about 2,000 euros.

No, I'm OK, thanks.

Come on, we're having fun. Have a drink. What's wrong?

Take it easy. I tell you, I'm fine.

Do you want to come to my place?

I found my keys.

Ah, that's why you're not drinking.

You want to get it up.

No, forget it. I'll get going.

No, I'm sorry. Stay a bit longer.

Who knows, maybe this time we'll manage to...

I'm going to get going. Don't worry about it.

I'm tired. That herbal tea really did me in.

Listen, let's get on the phone and get together soon.

Have a nice evening. See you soon.

That door's closed. You need to go out that way.

Faithfulness is a rare thing,

other than in swans and beavers too, I think.

I see myself as a sort of wolf.

-You know what I mean? -Yes, I know.

Wolves are monogamous too, I think.

Pauline, do you want another drink?

-No, I'm going to go. -Yeah?

I'm going home.

Hey, gorgeous, do you want me to take you home?

We can play wolves.

-JP! -Huh?

Go home now. It's time.

-One for the road. -Stop saying that.

You've been saying "one for the road" since this morning.

Go home.

Hello.

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

-Hello, Pauline. -Oh, hello, Jacqueline.

Are you not with Andréa?

No, it's his week with his father.

I'll pick him up tomorrow.

No, I'll pick him up today already.

What time is it?

-It's 8:05. -Oh my word.

I'm glad I ran into you,

because I wanted to mention the end of year show.

The school's not rolling in money,

so we're asking everyone to chip in.

And we'll need some helping hands for the costumes too.

Do you know how to sew?

My mom was great at sewing.

She was great at sewing.

I remember, she made me an Indian costume...

She did me an Indian headdress, with feathers.

That's great. So do she think you could help out?

She's dead.

Oh my, watch yourself.

Sorry, I need to get off here.

We can talk about this next time.

-Have a nice day. -You too.

My key doesn't work anymore.

Of course not, that one's for the mail box.

What were you doing?

We had a drink after work.

It went on a while.

Ah, right.

So, was it good vibes?

Did you meet someone?

Here.

Oh my God!

Oh no.

Yes?

-Mommy! -Hello, darling.

How are you, Samia?

We were waiting for you at school.

Yes... I had a bit of a problem.

Here, darling.

Yes, I can see.

How are you baby? Did you have a good day?

Yes, I had a really good day.

You did?

I didn't fill out the schedule. Something came up.

Here.

-Aren't you coming in? -No, I won't stay.

You won't?

Listen, Pauline,

I'm not Andréa's babysitter - much less yours.

I'm here to work together to set up a way of doing things

that will enable Andréa to progress.

But together.

If you won't make the effort, there's no point.

-I'm wasting my time. -Hold on a minute.

I know I haven't really been on top of things recently.

The start to the year was tricky, with the separation and work.

-I know. -Right.

It's tough with Fabrice and your dad's not very nice.

Enough already.

Did they make you go out drinking last night?

Jacqueline said she saw you on the bus this morning.

Yes. So stop making excuses.

You have two arms, two legs and a working brain,

so just get a grip.

I'll keep supporting Andréa at school and doing the guidance with Fabrice.

Then you can work something out between you.

If you want to keep doing the work, he'll explain it to you.

I have things to do.

-Andréa, see you tomorrow. -Goodbye.

Sub-Saharan Africa's waterways

are home to one of the world's most dangerous animals:

the hippopotamus.

Here, darling.

A hippopotamus can weigh more than four tons.

There's medicine on my bread.

No, there isn't.

You know what it is? I added vitamins, not medicine.

Naughty Mommy. Never put medicine on bread.

Come on now. Stop it, Andréa, that hurts.

Andréa, that isn't funny. That's enough.

Andréa, stop it.

Let go. Andréa, let go.

Andréa, that's enough.

That's enough. It's not funny.

You're hurting Mommy. Stop it now.

Mommy puts medicine on my bread!

Mommy puts medicine on my bread!

-Mommy puts medicine on my bread! -He's just joking.

No, come here.

I'm sorry.

Thanks.

No, leave it.

Sorry, we had trouble with the bus.

For a change.

Here's your bag.

-Hello, Andréa. Go with Samia. -Have a nice day, darling.

Have a nice day.

I'm glad you're here. I need to speak to you.

Er, yes, I'm in a bit of rush, but tell me.

-It's about the end of year show. -Ah, the costumes.

I forgot to answer the email, but I'm on the case.

I'm not much of a seamstress,

so any major creative work would be tricky,

but I can put together a few elf hats.

No, some of the other moms were more responsive.

The costumes are completely under control.

It's about Andréa.

Yes?

I'm afraid he's still not making progress.

He is, a bit.

I have him rehearse it at home. He's coming along nicely.

We need to face the facts: it's been a tricky year.

The show rehearsals will be much too tiring for him.

It'd be better if he didn't take part.

No, not at all. No, it wouldn't be better.

What will he do, while the others rehearse?

Don't worry, he loves the library corner.

He can go there with Samia and his toy.

He'll like looking at the books and the murals.

No, but we can still try.

Trying would set him up for failure.

He has to be a part of the end of year show.

I don't know... there must be a small part for him.

There are no small parts, Pauline. The play's not like that.

There must be a little rock.

-No. -He could be a rock.

It takes place in the desert. Everything's sand.

I'm not going restage the whole play six months before the performance,

just for him.

It can't always be our job to adapt to the situation, you know.

Excuse me, but the children are getting impatient.

Have a nice day. See you later.

Maxime, sit back down. That's enough. It's always the same.

"But when it grew up,

"the duckling that didn't look like its brothers and sisters

"turned into a magnificent white bird.

"People made fun of him when he was little,

"but now he was admired by one and all.

"'I never thought I could be so happy when I was an ugly little duckling,'

"he thought."

And that's the end.

Read it again.

"People made fun of him when he was little,

"but now he was admired by one and all.

"'I never thought I could be so happy when I was an ugly little duckling,'

"he thought."

I never thought I could be so happy when I was an ugly little duckling.

Darling,

you're the best little boy in the world.

You're already the finest swan.

I'm not a swan. I'm Andréa.

I'll introduce myself, for those that don't know me.

I'm Mrs. Gauthier, the disabilities case officer.

We're here to review Andréa's personalized plan.

We're going to look at the first semester

and then see what we'll be doing about next year.

I'd like to hear first from Jacqueline, his teacher.

Thanks.

The start of the year hasn't been easy for Andréa.

He's very sweet,

but he's still quite restless

and his noise intolerance can be difficult, in the group.

I think it's still proving hard to make good contact with him,

so even though it's a pleasure to have him with us,

I think Andréa would have a quieter time

somewhere with medical specialists, where his needs could be met.

Sorry, excuse me,

but you mean as a hospital day patient?

He's six and a half.

Exactly, he's already a year behind.

We can't put Andréa in hospital at his age.

Hold on, no one's saying that at the moment.

I'm just giving you my opinion, that's all.

We know your opinion, Jacqueline.

I'm surprised to hear this. Andréa's very communicative.

In his own way, of course,

but you're the only worker that hasn't bonded with him.

Are you telling me I'm doing a bad job?

No, that's not what she's saying.

Because if anyone's competence needs to be questioned here,

it's not mine.

What does that mean?

I have 20 other students in my class.

-I can't personalize everything. -Is that a joke?

Samia's there all day for Andréa.

It's not as if this is an unbearable workload.

And Samia does a great job.

How are things going at home, with Samia?

The start of the year was a bit tricky.

We had to stop the home guidance at Pauline's place,

due to some scheduling problems, to do with her work.

But I'm still supporting him at his father's place

and I have every belief that Andréa can progress

and acquire the skills that he needs to move up a year.

His such a radiant little boy, with so much to offer.

I believe in him.

It'll take a bit of work, but we're not far off.

As I see it,

Andréa doesn't have

the cognitive and social skills for elementary school.

It's only December.

We have time to see how things develop.

But if Andréa moved to a medical institution...

A day hospital.

Yes, we'd need to act fast,

because the waiting lists are long, everywhere.

We can still change tack at the end of the year,

if he makes progress.

He won't be able to progress if he's excluded from activities.

Andréa's there throughout the school day.

No, he's been excluded from the end of year show,

so he won't disturb the others and not to set him up to fail.

I've been rehearsing him for weeks. He knows the moves by heart.

Wait, no, stop.

You'd think this was the Théatre du Soleil.

Jacqueline Mnouchkine needs to come down to earth.

This will be no different.

It'll all end up as usual,

like every school show.

They'll all be off the beat in shoddy costumes.

And we'll be there, like idiots, smiling and taking photos,

and we'll be happy.

We'll be happy.

We'll be happy to see them get it wrong,

to see a set that's not too bad, but pretty sub-standard,

and to see Jacqueline in the wings, thinking no one can see her,

trying to hold things together, as the kids get all the moves wrong.

We'll be happy!

Because that's OK.

It's what we expect from our kids.

Jacqueline's clearly very involved in preparing the end of year show -

maybe a bit too much -

but I'm sure she'll find something for Andréa in the show.

Right, Jacqueline?

Yes, of course. We'll find him a small part.

Ah, great, there we go.

OK, listen,

we'll send out the request, we'll see how Andréa gets along

and then we'll touch base in a few months.

-Does that sound OK? -Yes, very good.

-OK, enjoy the holidays. -Enjoy the holidays.

Enjoy the holidays.

Enjoy the holidays.

"Enjoy the holidays."

Why don't you just screw her?

Maybe she'd be nicer to Andréa.

Maybe I should copy you and treat her like crap.

-I was defending my son. -And I wasn't?

-I didn't hear much from you. -I was trying to calm things down.

Do you think she'll pay more attention to Andréa

now you've humiliated her?

I don't care about her dumb end-of-year show.

I just want Andréa to do well, so he can get to elementary school.

If that means screwing Jacqueline, then I'll do it.

Saying he's well-behaved and does well with you isn't true

and it's not sticking up for him.

They feel under attack, like they're doing a bad job,

not that Andréa has potential.

Not everyone has to make everything about themselves.

That's how things work. People make things about themselves.

Don't be scared.

They'll be nice.

Henry really likes cats.

Your human grandson is here too, if you're interested.

-Hi there. -Hi.

I'm a bit late.

It was a nightmare.

Your Orléans oysters were impossible to find.

Orléans isn't on the sea.

Maybe they're freshwater oysters.

You owe me 13 euros.

You can get someone great, who loves sharing knowledge or...

You can get someone like Jacqueline, who just wants to offload him.

She mentioned a day hospital.

You know it's unlikely he'll ever be independent

and you can't keep him with you forever.

What are you talking about? And what would you know about it?

They mostly end up institutionalized. That's a fact.

Not all of them. Things have changed. And he's only six years old.

His own doctors can't tell us, you never see him, but you can.

Right, here we go with the reproaches.

You were nicer when you needed a place to stay.

Can't we just have a nice dinner, for once?

OK, shall we do the presents?

-Happy Christmas, buddy. -Oh my, what is it?

-Shall we open it? -Yes.

-What a nice tie! -You can play at being an inspector.

That's great.

Look at that.

Grab the big one.

Not him. The present.

Thanks, Dad.

Look at that.

If you press the button, the siren goes on.

Look, look, look.

Look, darling.

Oh my, Uncle Valentin's present is so great.

Doesn't he like trucks anymore?

No, he likes buses.

That's like a bus, but with firemen on board.

Here, this is for you.

That's from both of us.

Ah, yes, that's us.

Thank you.

-Merry Christmas. -Thanks.

Merry Christmas.

Even if you are a bit old for me to pay your dental bills.

You'll need to stand on your own feet someday,

if you want your son to.

Do you think that putting us up and giving us money

entitles you to talk to us like that?

You want to talk independence?

When Mom was around, you never lifted a finger.

You never took care of us.

You wouldn't have known how and you still don't.

Did you ever take any interest in us, in me?

Did you ever ask how it was, splitting up or being with Andréa?

Did you ever offer to help?

Yes, you buy stuff and you give us money,

but you're still a dad and a granddad.

If I can't stand on my own two feet, as you put it,

whose fault is that?

Henry really likes cats.

Yes, that's true.

He loves his cats, Gina and Pompon.

They're a big deal.

Your cats are ugly.

Andréa, we're leaving.

Come on, baby.

Are you coming?

Merry Christmas.

Don't go. It's Christmas.

What are you going to do,

walk out of my house to go to my apartment?

Stay here. It comes to the same thing.

How ridiculous.

Do you want some cake?

It's exhausting, having to fight for everything.

I can't take any more. I'm exhausted.

And there's nothing for them, for people like Samuel.

Now that he's an adult,

I could go on hunger strike or hang naked from a crane.

There's nowhere in France that can handle him.

So I'll have to take him to Belgium.

We'll be far away.

Great stuff.

Thanks, Clothilde.

Pauline, do you want to share something?

Yes.

Hello, my name's Pauline.

I have a young son, called Andréa.

He's going to turn seven.

He was diagnosed with autism four years ago.

And I'm separated from his father.

I have to admit, joint custody isn't that easy.

Every other week I screw up.

When things are bad I tend to drown it in alcohol,

which is happening a lot right now.

The weeks when I have Andréa,

I'm on my own, so things aren't that easy.

I get so fed up sometimes.

He pushes me so far...

I could hit him.

And I hate myself for thinking that.

But I can't get mad at him. I can never make a mistake.

I'm tired.

I feel like I'm...

at the foot of a mountain that I can't get over.

I don't have the right kit.

-Here. -Thanks.

And where's Andréa?

At his dad's.

No, I don't mean where is he now. I'm talking about how you see things.

Where does he fit into it?

With me?

So, what do you need to do to scale that mountain with him?

Carry him?

Exactly. Because you're kitted out for it.

Your son has the disability, not you.

-Do you want a Xanax? -No.

She's already alcoholic. Don't get her hooked on pills.

Yes, sorry.

Thanks, Pauline.

Isn't it hard, working in a bar, with a drink problem?

I'm not really alcoholic. Samia said that as a joke.

Sorry, but you said you like to drown things in alcohol,

so I thought...

I like to forget the daily grind, from time to time.

No, I don't have a drink problem. What do you do for a living?

Nothing that exciting.

I work at the office

that selects people for social housing.

So you get to choose who gets social housing?

Well, I don't decide on my own, but, yes, basically, that's right.

-That's great. -Yes.

-Do you want a coffee? -No, I don't drink coffee.

-Some juice then? -No, I already have some.

There are cakes?

No, I already ate. I'm off. I need to catch my bus.

-Bye. -Bye.

THOMAS

BAD NEWS: I LOST MY KEYS

Am I that bad?

No, I'm turning 40 today.

Happy birthday.

Will we ever get there?

Yes, that'd be nice.

My God, I'm 40. How horrible.

I'm over the hill now.

When I think that my ex managed to get a girl like Justine.

Little Miss Perfect.

A vet, with a tight ass and nice teeth.

What a bitch.

In three buses.

I want to watch the hippos on the iPad.

Yes, but we have to work first.

OK, back to the beginning.

That's the way.

That's good.

Pauline, do you want a drink with your buddies?

No thanks.

SPEECH THERAPIST

Two more buses.

-We'll go shopping. -No, not shopping.

Yes, you know what we're going to buy?

We're going to buy pasta

and we're going to eat the pasta with lots of Gruyere.

One more bus.

INDEPENDENT SKILLS

Clothilde!

I kept a seat for you.

-I got you an orange juice. -No, it gives me heartburn.

I have apple too.

Thanks. That's kind of you.

Empty the jam out

and fill the container with a different brand.

If he doesn't notice, then he's just resistant to change.

If he does, it's a sensory problem.

That's my job contract and my family and disability papers.

I don't know if I can do this. I feel bad about it.

If I had any other option, I'd take it.

You're my only hope.

I swear, I really need this apartment.

Are you still alcoholic?

No, those days are over. I never touch a drop, I swear.

Please.

If we don't help one another, then who will?

OK, close that up, before I change my mind.

-Get a move on. -Thanks.

-Thank you, Clothilde. -Yes. There it is.

-I love you. You're so great. -Of course.

-You're so nice. -Yes, don't take advantage now.

Do you want a drink?

-No, I don't drink alcohol. -I meant an orange juice.

You've met someone.

I don't get it.

Weren't we doing well, the three of us?

Did you think about Andréa?

Hey, Andréa, do you want to live with Mommy in her new house,

without Uncle Valentin?

Stop being such a bore. This is hard enough as it is.

Stop, darling. Don't unpack what I put in the box.

Wait, you know what we'll do?

We'll pack one box with animals and another with the buses, OK?

Here, look.

You ought to move out of here too.

Aren't you sick of being Dad's stooge?

He only asks you to do stuff to keep you from idling all day.

You know that, right?

I got that impression, with the oyster thing.

Right.

When I'm doing his daft jobs, he's not asking me to find work.

And is that helping you?

-I'm taking all the weight here. -Then you go where I am.

-Watch the paint. -Yes.

-Yes, yes. -You need to turn it now.

Yes, yes.

Watch the paint, Valentin.

No, screw those ones together.

Take that one out and screw those together.

That one's stuck.

-Shall we take a break? -Yes, after. Go ahead.

Tighten that one up.

That's good. Then put that one in.

It's thirsty work.

Don't wipe with the whole roll or you block the toilet up.

Andréa?

Can you hear me?

No.

No, no, what did you do, Andréa?

It's the same color as my bus.

-Did you do that? -Yes.

You did that, darling?

Darling...

-Your circle's so beautiful. -Yes.

-You did it yourself, like a big boy. -Yes.

My darling baby.

I'm so proud of you darling. Your circle's so beautiful.

-Do you want to see? -Yes.

Are you busy tonight?

OK, I saw your new tooth. You can stop smiling.

We're going to the zoo, in one bedtime.

Yes, you're going tomorrow, but you need to eat now.

I'm going to see the rhinoceros hornbills.

Yes, that's great.

Now eat a little bit.

Don't put the carrots in the peas.

I separated everything out. The carrots aren't touching the peas.

I'm going to see the rhinoceros hornbills.

That's great. Now eat a bit.

Can I put you down to close on Tuesday?

Tuesday? No, I can't, I have Andréa.

OK.

Hello?

Yes.

Yes, Samia, told me that she was sick this morning.

What?

But...

And?

No, you can't do that.

Why is he with the nurse? He's not sick.

It wasn't me, it was Jacqueline.

Darling?

Do you want to go to the zoo?

I want to see the rhinoceros hornbills.

Mommy will take you.

Come on, children!

Let's move on and carry on with the visit.

-Come on. -Hello.

Ah, Pauline.

What are you doing here?

He really wanted to go to the zoo,

so here we are.

It's great that you could come. We hated leaving him on his own.

Then we'll carry on with you then.

-Yes. -Let's go.

Carry on. Let's move along.

-Move along. -Don't repeat what I say.

Look, it looks like Jacqueline!

Very funny, Maxime. Your mother will hear about this.

So, what are these? Look carefully. Oh, there are a few of them.

Those are antelopes.

That's a Hippotragus.

They're from Africa.

Yes, he's right. It's a Hippotragus.

Good job, Andréa. Nice work.

Yes, they're a sort of antelope.

Let's get a move on. There's lots more to see.

What are you up to there?

We don't steal.

Do you want me to hit you?

-What are you doing? -Are you crazy?

Don't touch my son!

Don't touch my son!

Don't touch my son!

No, no, no!

Darling, darling, it's alright, sweetheart, I'm here.

Everything's fine.

It's alright, darling.

Calm down.

OK, Jacqueline?

Wait, Jacqueline.

Let's go.

In two buses.

Come on, let's get on.

-No. -We're getting on this one.

-No! -Andréa, we're getting on!

Stop.

Get off me, Andréa.

That's enough! Get on the goddamn bus!

I'm sorry, darling. I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry.

Stop. I'm sorry, darling. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, darling.

I'm sorry. Forgive me.

Calm down. Calm down. Calm down, darling.

Take a deep breath, darling. Take a deep breath.

She'll do anything she can to get rid of Andréa how.

-You think so? -Yes.

It's my fault.

I messed up, big time.

You're acknowledging a mistake. That's progress.

But you didn't do anything wrong.

I'd have done the same. How dare she touch my son?

You just defended him. That just makes you a good mother.

Hello. Hey, champ.

-How are you? -Good.

Hi, Pauline.

It's nice to meet you.

Yes, likewise.

It's good to meet, after all this time.

Yes, it's great. Andréa talks about you a lot.

That's nice.

It's so great to see you for real. You have no idea.

What's the plan tomorrow?

I don't know. Why?

You need to take Gina to be groomed.

Ah, right. No, I can't tomorrow. I'm going to work.

-Is that a joke? -Yes.

You're joking too. Your cats? Grooming? Seriously?

I'm not a complete idiot.

You wouldn't take an eight-year-old to get her bikini line waxed.

I'm talking about his cat, because it doesn't have any hair.

Not the kid.

My dad's cat, Gina. She's a cat.

Does anyone want some cake?

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Andréa

Happy birthday to you

Shall we blow out the candles? One, two, three...

Hello everyone.

We're here to discuss Andréa's personalized plan.

We'll review the year so far

and then we'll see

whether Andréa has acquired the necessary skills

to move up a year.

Let's hear from Jacqueline.

Sorry, I'd like to say something, before we start.

Yes, go ahead.

I wanted to apologize to Jacqueline,

for the way I behaved at the zoo.

I got carried away and I'm truly sorry.

I know your job isn't easy.

And I know how tough the children can be,

even nasty sometimes.

But I also know that Andréa is never nasty.

When he compared you to a hippo, it wasn't to make fun of you.

He loves hippos. They're one of his favorite animals.

I don't know if you knew, hippos and whales are cousins.

And in Africa,

they kill ten times as many people as lions.

I didn't know, but Andréa told me.

I mean, he likened me to a walrus, stranded on the ice,

which might sound nasty,

but when he says it, it's quite the opposite.

He's being nice.

He's into buses and animals, but people too.

He loves people. He loves contact.

It's true, sometimes he's a bit clumsy,

but he really loves people.

And he's really come on.

Please don't punish him.

I didn't get all of that. Did something happen at the zoo?

OK, good...

Jacqueline.

Yes,

after a difficult start to the year,

I have to say, Andréa has made great progress.

He's a lot less unsettled and much more independent.

But, still, it's not enough.

As it stands,

Andréa doesn't have the necessary social skills

to move on.

That's why

I think it would be good to maintain his current situation.

That would help Andréa to develop the progress he's made

and then to move to elementary school in the best conditions.

-There it is. -Good.

Samia, do you have anything to add?

Not much. I agree with Jacqueline.

If everyone agrees, we can officialize that,

if the parents agree.

Sorry, but what does that mean?

-He'll do the year again? -Yes.

That's possible?

Yes.

But we don't like to use the words, "doing the year again."

-He's redoing the year. -He's doing it again.

We rarely see a reaction like that when someone has to redo a year.

Thanks a lot.

Jacqueline, I brought something, for if things went well.

You're lucky.

-They're calissons d'Aix. -Ah, calissons.

-Darling. -How are you, Dad?

This is Thomas.

-Hello, Thomas. -Hello, sir.

Stop with that. You can call me Henry.

Hello, Henry.

Ah, here he is.

That must be his guy.

-What? -Hi.

How are you? This is David.

Hello, Pauline.

Is he your guy?

No, he's my roommate.

-Your roommate? -Yes.

It'd be daft not to make the most of the spare room now.

You're subletting a room

in an apartment that you don't pay rent on?

Yes, I'm not a total fool. I wouldn't give it to him for free.

With that plus my welfare, I'm almost making minimum wage.

And that makes me independent. Isn't that what you wanted us to be?

So we're all independent. OK? Shall we go now?

Come on.

So are you still working in TV?

No, that's all over. I'm working in a restaurant now.

Ah, that's good. People will always need to eat.

My feet hurt!

-I'm hot! -I'm thirst!

Look over there!

It's water!

It's water, it's water

And we're sailors, out on the sea

We're all in the same boat Hoist the flag high

It's water, it's water

It's water, it's water

And we're sailors, out on the sea

We're all in the same boat Hoist the flag high

It's water, it's water

A baby, patiently awaiting

His momma's first smile

Which keeps him nice and warm

It's water, it's water

Subtitling: TransPerfect Media