Original subtitles

"In the beginning was the Word.

Then light was made.

Then the Lord said:

'Be fruitful and multiply!'

My friend closed the Bible and resolutely said to me:

Let the children come!

The continuity of the lineage is an inheritance.

A gift."

A sacrifice.

It's always been like that.

The afflictions of pregnancy

are the price we have to pay to give our husbands children.

I've never felt so afraid in my life.

Of course. You almost lost that child.

And you're very weak because you've lost blood.

You need to get well soon. You can't be too careful.

I'll do anything.

Even if I have to lie in this bed until I give birth.

"What my friend didn't seem to understand

was that this gift could cost a woman too much.

But I couldn't tell him that.

So I just agreed.

Because there really is a miracle in every new life."

And when I can't hide my belly anymore?

I'll look ugly.

My parents will throw me out. And you won't want me anymore.

Even if you wanted to, you wouldn't be able to be ugly.

As for your parents, we'll find a way.

"And with every miracle, one more proof of the existence of God."

They'll kill you.

When I get over this wound, I'll talk to them.

Dying as I am, if I ask for your hand now,

it may lessen their desire to kill me.

"But miracles don't always arrive where they can be received."

I'll be right back.

"There are women who are healthy. But they can't have children...

To bring into the world someone who is blood of your blood.

Flesh of your flesh.

That's all my friend and his wife wanted.

However, she was what they call 'unfruitful'.

But she never stopped trying.

She prayed to God, to angels and saints.

But for her, as for many women,

the divine gift never came.

Men tend to disagree with me.

Even my friend.

But I believe that God grants miracles of a different kind to certain women

so that they leave their legacy in the world.

Their mark.

Art is born from the soul of the creator.

After all, what is a woman?

If not a being born to create?

To create a life,

a song, a book.

Or even a myth.

The myth.

A truly unique creation."

Who do you think you are? To go through my things like that?

I'm sorry. I just wanted to...

"Only myth can overcome time and space.

And that's how, like magic, it becomes greater than its origin."

MADAM BEJA

You've barely arrived and you've already got to go?

If it were up to me, I'd never get out of that bed.

It looks like they're going to set up a Parliament.

And to be part of it, I need to rebuild ties

with the colonels who supported me.

Didn't your uncle help in the last election?

After I left home, he gave me the cold shoulder.

Do you regret choosing me?

No.

Never.

I can help you.

I know all the colonels of Minas Gerais and they're my clients.

I'd rather make my own way. Alone.

Every time you leave I feel heartache.

It feels like life could tear us apart at any moment.

That'll never happen again.

I promise. It'll be a short trip.

I'll be back soon.

I bumped into Antônio.

A man, a woman and a goodbye.

It'd make a good novel title.

You mean I've become my own character? Is that so?

It's not for the faint of heart.

But what people really want is the real Madam Beja.

Another offer has come in to work outside Araxá.

No.

Madam Beja only works at the Estate of Jatobá.

With the money from these trips, we could buy another farm.

But if you've decided, that's that.

I already miss Antônio so much.

Beja...

I know you're having a special time with him.

But be careful.

The women of Araxá already hated both of us.

And now they hate you even more.

Don't they call themselves "friends of God"?

-Let them complain to Him then. -And that's exactly what they're doing.

They've started a novena in the church to finish off the Estate.

Dear Saint,

don't leave the Lord's sheep at Satan's mercy.

The harlot's estate is the devil's dwelling place.

The serpent must be expelled.

Ladies, come on.

Even the saints need a little silence.

Father, it's our duty to send the harlot to the fifth hell!

Pardon me.

So you'd better bite your nails.

Because prayers from hypocritical people

have the opposite effect.

You'd better know

that we're going to defend the good families of the village

-whatever it takes. -Ladies.

You should spend your free time...

in other ways.

Don't you think?

Your only job is to give me pleasure.

Is that too much for a whore?

I swear I tried.

I don't want any tries! I'm paying. I want to fucking come!

Sorry, Colonel. There's someone looking for you.

I wouldn't have come if it wasn't serious.

Angélica could lose her baby.

You sent someone to the bitch's house to look for Antônio?

He traveled to seek support from the colonels.

He gave up on his family, but not on politics.

Nor on his mistress. I don't understand.

Why did he want a woman he couldn't have?

If it was Candinha's girls, nobody would know them outside Araxá.

But Beja? Beja is known all over these hinterlands.

-They talk about her in the capital. -Who'll support a candidate like that?

A man that left his pregnant wife for a courtesan?

This bitch may cease to exist.

They've already tried to kill Beja. It didn't work.

This woman must have a pact with the devil.

What makes this woman not a whore? Just any ordinary whore?

Her clothes.

Her jewelry. Her mansion.

Her estate.

The Estate of Jatobá is what makes her Madam Beja.

Putting an end to an estate shouldn't be too difficult.

There's no reason for me to handle her estate through legal means.

Then close it outside the law.

-Do whatever it takes. But do it. -My hands are tied.

By the colonels themselves, your friends.

I can't close down the favorite establishment of the region's strongmen.

I'm sorry.

Enough! Go and pray at home!

You can't do that!

The church is God's house!

God doesn't like visitors who don't know when to leave.

Visitor who needs to be escorted out. Go and pray at home!

Have a nice day, ladies.

Don't forget the carrots.

They're delicious, I guarantee it.

Laugh while you can, because this joy is about to end.

The estate from hell is going to close.

You go pray with your wife to see if you can close my business.

Who let you leave the house and join this gang?

Genoveva was just looking out for moral standards, Colonel Felizardo.

Did I speak to you, Mrs. Augusta? I'm in charge of my wife.

If your husband has a loose rein, that's not my problem.

Come on, let's go!

Is that any way to treat someone?

Severina.

I'm feeling a bit...

What else are you feeling, Beja?

A taste of metal in my mouth.

-Horrible. I've never felt that before. -And she's been eating a lot too.

Anything else?

I've been waking up to my own snoring.

What about your period?

What could it be, Fortunato?

A baby.

I have no more doubts.

You're pregnant, Beja.

May the Great Serpent of fresh waters heal you of all evil.

May the Great Serpent of fresh waters protect you from all evil.

I'd rather do it the right way.

In church, kneeling. Praying.

Grandma Lueji trusted Mrs. Chica a lot.

And when the danger is great, you don't refuse help.

I hope that priestess can help your sister keep the baby.

God, please, forgive me.

I just don't know if Mrs. Chica can manage Antônio's absence.

He didn't even come to see Angélica after she bled.

Antônio does not know.

I thought it best not to tell him and avoid any more fuss.

The important thing now is to save the baby.

Do you think Antônio will come back?

He'll return when your sister gives birth.

Especially if it's a boy.

-How is Mrs. Genoveva? -Doing what a good woman does.

Dusting the furniture,

giving orders to the black women in the kitchen.

Some people live in captivity even though they're free, right?

I agree. You're right.

And it's up to us to put an end to at least one of these captivities:

The Estate of Jatobá.

It imprisons so many good men, doesn't it?

We need to find a loophole in the law.

Forget the law, Sampaio!

Let's tear that loophole to shreds.

That damned estate won't open today.

The whores are off duty. It'll be easier.

If you want to use force, don't count on me.

Every little thing is so cute.

A child.

Mine and Antônio's.

I've always dreamed of this, Severina.

I just never imagined it could be like this.

-Without being married? -Facing a dilemma.

How can I be Madam Beja with a baby swelling in my belly?

How am I going to look after the boy?

I thought you were sure you wanted this child.

I do. I want the baby, I want the father.

But if it's to kill Madam Beja, I don't feel ready.

It's the Estate or the baby.

-Excuse me. -Olivia?

Didn't you enjoy your break?

I don't know anyone in town. I'd rather stay.

There's a visitor downstairs.

I should have done this before.

In a place like this, with a lot of people,

you have to smoke every week.

The way I am, I should smoke here every day.

Why is that? Has something happened?

I'm pregnant.

Beja...

I'm so happy for you.

I'm so scared, Josefa.

What will become of Madam Beja after a few months?

And will this estate end too?

After everything I've built to be independent and free.

I know, It's very hard to stop being who you are.

But it seems that for women, giving up their dreams is practically a duty.

I made my ex-husband sign my paintings.

Can you imagine the artist I'd be if I'd thought only of myself?

-Does Antônio already know? -No.

I need to think more about what I should do.

Putting an illegitimate child into the world with the life I have...

And I don't want to give up on that. I don't know what to do.

Think about it.

You, unlike us, have a choice.

And it depends entirely on you.

You'll come back soon, right?

Of course.

Why wouldn't I? We're getting married.

I'm sorry about that.

It's just that sometimes I don't think anyone wants me around.

I will sort out an issue at the office.

And get everything ready

for us to move to the capital after the wedding.

It'll be quick.

I'm sorry, I'm so insecure.

Costa Pinto, where's Carminha?

She's in her room, she's not feeling well.

God forbid. I must be star-crossed, you know.

No.

Why didn't you make your daughter eat with her family?

The girl is unwell, Augusta.

She hardly leaves her room.

-No indisposition lasts that long. -But...

Carminha.

May I ask why you don't sit at the table with your family anymore?

Like every good girl does?

I'm fasting, Mom.

You should fast more often.

It cleanses the body and the soul.

Not sure there's a way for your soul.

But the body,

with rigorous fasting, could be solved.

Hey, mom!

If you eat one meal a day, you'll soon get into your dresses.

What a great idea, Carminha! Keep fasting.

Forgive me, my child.

I nearly disturbed your fast.

The smell of meat is great.

So...

I can't stand eating fruit anymore.

That's what I was able to steal.

The estate seems to have lightened up.

I hope you're feeling lighter too.

If I decide to have this child, would you be the godmother, my friend?

Of course. It would be an honor.

Thank you for everything. The wagon is already waiting for you.

I want to get home in time to see my son.

But there weren't any fallen trees before.

That's right. The road was clear when I arrived.

-I thought it was suspicious. -The men went to remove the trunk.

-So we could get home. -And for the clients to arrive tomorrow.

Shoot, Colonel.

And the letter

I left with a friend of mine, telling him all about you,

it will be read at my funeral.

Wait. Nobody does anything.

I need to check something first.

Beja!

Damnit!

Come back here, Beja!

Wait, Beja!

Beja, come back.

Wait.

I shouldn't have put you at risk.

I wouldn't have let you take a risk like that. Especially now.

Sorry, I overheard you with Josefa.

Speaking of Josefa, did they make it?

If you get up, you'll be shot!

My men are going to finish you off, bitch.

Your men...

are grounded.

And guarded by two women.

I just came to defend my nephew.

And if you don't want to destroy his political career,

close this fucking estate soon!

You whore!

Watch your words, Colonel.

I'm in charge here.

You think you're in charge, don't you?

You're nothing but a harlot.

A whore who will soon be old.

I want to see it.

I want to see what Madam Beja is going to give.

Apart from shriveled skin and a dry pussy.

Madam Beja is not a woman, Colonel. Nor a whore.

She's a myth. A legend.

You can kill me.

But a legend...

never dies.

The Magistrate should have finished you off.

You belong in hell, Beja.

The Colonel might get there first.

Tasting his own poison.

Where are you going? Come back.

Come back here, you bastard!

I'm going to kill you.

Come back here, bitch!

Beja?

Beja, get me out of here.

Get me out of here.

Get me out of here, bitch.

I'm not going to die in this whorehouse.

Get me out of here, bitch!

I'm going to...

Voilà.

Look.

You pee in your pants?

You're too old for that, Colonel.

It's our imagination that takes us to hell.

This is horrible.

I've never seen him like that. He looks like a caged beast.

And he's waiting for you.

If he only knew how angry I was

after seeing the way he treated his wife.

Yeah.

I'll tame him right.

-You're a wet rag. -Shut up, bitch.

When I get out of here, you'll see.

Bitches don't talk. Bitches do what I say.

But in bed, I'm in charge.

Without a whore, you have no pleasure.

Without a whore, you can't live.

Without a whore, you're not a man.

Have you had enough?

What a weak dick.

My Saint Dominic, a baby?

Am I pregnant?

No.

Not at my age, right?

Although Saint Anne became pregnant in her old age.

Carmem da Costa Pinto!

-Mom! It's not what you think! -No, it's not.

I mean, it is. But it wasn't that night. It was just the other nights.

-Calm down, honey, let me explain. -"Honey"?

Get away from that beggar, my dear!

Don't take her like that!

-But she's my daughter! -And her son is mine too!

-Son? -You're going to be a grandmother.

Still in doubt, Beja?

I have to decide.

Madam Beja and the baby...

I'll have to give up one of the two.

I know it's not the best time, but...

Col. Magalhães has sent a coachman to pick you up.

Well, if he wants to meet me, let him come here.

I think he can't hear a "no".

And he's offered a fortune.

What do I say to the coachman?

Oh, my God... You look the same.

Colonel Magalhães has never seen me. He won't even suspect.

Especially when he's overshadowed by the biggest diamond in Brazil.

Which only Madam Beja possesses.

It's going to work.

-Good luck, Olivia. -Do your best as me.

In fact, just do what you want, darling.

Thank you so much for trusting me.

I'm going to be an impeccable Madam Beja.

Is the bird crying, mom?

It must be a chick.

It seems to have fallen out of the nest.

Listen. The loud cry was the mother.

Is she going to save the baby?

May I?

I didn't think there would be people here so early.

What woman doesn't come to cry by the river from time to time?

I like...

to pray to the Lady of the Waters.

Ask her to wash my heart.

And take the sadness away.

Are these flowers for her?

On that one night.

That cursed night

when I was forced to lie down with Colonel Botelho,

I got pregnant.

It wasn't long before I found out I was pregnant.

And I hated that life inside me...

with all my might.

An intruder.

Just like the father.

But it wasn't long before I discovered that I already loved that child.

And what did you do?

Dona Nena didn't give me a choice.

To have my child, I was going to lose my roof over my head and my job.

Didn't you think of putting that child up for adoption,

so the nuns could look after him and maybe a family would take him in?

What family would want to take in a black baby?

He would end up on a slave quarters.

I saw a better fate in the arms of the Lady of the Waters.

The flowers are for my baby.

He was never born.

But there isn't a day that goes by that I don't dream about my baby.

I'm pregnant, Candinha.

I don't know what to do.

-I'm scared. -Scared of what?

You don't need this.

You have your own money. You have your house.

You own your business, own your body.

Own your choices.

Olivia came back.

Did it work?

Madam Beja was a great success.

I knew it.

Madam Beja is much more than a name.

Estate of Jatobá doesn't have to die

for my child to be born.

No.

You deserve it.

No, I didn't do it for money.

These coins are from the Estate.

Posing as Madam Beja,

to be respected,

everyone at my feet

seeing me, listening to me.

The pleasure I had already earned me much more than I deserved.

I loved being Madam Beja.

Count on me whenever you need me.

Excuse me.

Well...

Everyone knows themselves.

And what makes them happy.

I'm going to have my baby.

I'm so happy...

with my decision.

Now I just have to wait for Antônio to come back from his trip and tell him.

Is this all for me?

I've missed you so much.

I've missed your kiss and your scent.

And your touch.

What's the reason for this celebration?

You.

Me.

This place.

Let's eat, I'm starving.

I got the support of most of the colonels.

The trip would've been perfect, if I hadn't missed you so much.

To life.

Life is so good sometimes, isn't it?

Yeah.

You're different.

You are...

Even more beautiful.

Is it nostalgia that makes me see you like this?

Or has something happened?

It happened, Antônio.

This is the ultimate proof that our love is forever.

And it's multiplying.

You're going to be a father.

I'm pregnant.

What's wrong?

Aren't you happy you're going to be a father?

Antônio?

After so many men...

who says this is my son?