Original subtitles

A SHADOW OF DOUBT

Pierre, come on.

- I heard something in the tree. - Impossible.

It's here! Listen! They're the squirrels.

They're in an elevator going up to the top.

You're nuts!

I'm not, I went there too.

But... Where?

- There. Through the hole. - There?

No way. You can't get in.

- Why not? - You're too fat.

I can make myself tiny.

How?

I look for a sunbeam...

A big sunbeam. And when it touches me...

I get really tiny.

Is that magic?

I heard something.

I want... I want to turn into...

... a tiny dot to go inside.

Come on, quick.

Attack! Attack!

Alexandrine! Pierre!

Attack, Dad!

Come on, it's going to rain.

Let's have a race back.

First one back...

Alexandrine!

Can't you be more careful?

Alexandrine, you're a bad loser.

What's wrong?

Because...

I caught her in the forest, her ladyship's sulking.

She's in a foul mood. You're so touchy...

Hey, you won in fact.

Children, want a cookie?

Alexandrine?

No thanks. I'm not hungry.

You don't eat a thing.

Jean, stop filming everything.

Yes, Marie.

- Put your sweater on. - No!

Alexandrine, this is good for once.

Very good even.

What's it from?

Perrault's story.

But the end as you tell it isn't in the book.

No...

Can you explain?

Do you remember?

There's a king's daughter, very pretty, too pretty in fact;..

...and her father wants to marry her.

To get away from him and make herself ugly...

...she hides herself inside the skin of a donkey.

But...

...a prince loves her and saves her.

Is that it?

But your version of the tale is horrible.

"All she sees of life is the blue sky and passing clouds."

"The princess stops eating" ...

"and she gets so thin that after a few years" ...

"she slips through the small window".

"She throws herself" ...

"into the air to fly away" ...

"but she's too weak" ...

"and falls into the moat at the foot of the tower".

"She sinks into the thick, black water" ...

"without a trace."

Why did you write that?

It doesn't have to be a happy end.

She's little. Her father's the king, so he can do what he wants.

Yes, but she's not a little girl, she's a young woman.

Yes?

Can't anybody help her?

Alexandrine.

Can't anybody help her?

For real?

You get fourteen.

Emilie Layani...

Hopeless... Two

Do you have any mint liqueur in your car?

Just a few miles and she's already sick.

I just spoke to your wife, about Alexandrine.

Marie said she was seeing you. I know what's bothering you.

I don't know if you'll last long as a teacher...

Meaning?

You have children?

No... But...

If you had, you'd know they have all sorts of pains.

They aren't perfect, nor is she.

If you panic each time one acts up...

Alexandrine isn't doing well at school. She doesn't work or study anymore.

I know. So what?

She doesn't always have to be a good student.

You're a teacher, we're parents. To each his own.

Everything will be fine.

I was like her at her age. I refused to study.

But luckily I had a teacher who controlled his pupils... My father.

Alexandrine.

Tell me if I'm wrong.

But I think your father treats you...

...like the king in The Magic Donkey.

Alexandrine.

If your father's doing something, you mustn't keep it secret.

You must talk.

I can't let you go on like this.

He comes at night? Is that it?

What do you do then?

I don't understand.

I mean, what do you do?

Push him away? Scream? Call your mother?

No.

What does your father do to you exactly?

He touches me.

Be more precise. Where does he touch you?

On my bottom...

Right on your bottom?

Or near there?

Does it happen often?

How many times each month or each week?

I depends, if Mom's at work or taking sleeping pills.

Your mother's a nurse in a maternity hospital.

She works nights, right?

Yes...

How long did you say it's been going on for?

Since summer holidays last year.

Have you got a minute?

I'll be right back. See if you've more to tell me.

And the third missing painting ?

- A sky, isn't it? - Yes, a beautiful blue sky.

More green than blue.

Well, sea-green.

Like water.

- What size? - Size 40, marine.

Could one person have carried it away alone?

Yes.

If you've nothing to add, let's go to your father.

My father's here?

We have to hear his side.

Why is he here?

We have to check if it's true. He says you're lying.

We have to get it clear.

You're making a serious accusation.

From what I can tell, I believe you.

But your dad could end up in prison.

Come on.

I don't want to go. I don't want to.

Come on.

I lied. My father didn't do anything to me. I lied...

Come and explain it to him.

No, I don't want to.

I don't...

Alexandrine, what is all this?

Leave her...

Sure, stand up for her now!

What do you want? Do you realise what you've done?

I can't believe a daughter of mine could do such a thing!

Are you crazy or what?

Get in! Tomorrow, you'll be in a new class.

I want her away from that teacher.

What about Alexandrine?

What do you mean?

I hope you'll change her school.

That one you used to go to was very good.

Mom, you know Jean doesn't want her to go to a religious school.

Nor a boarding school.

I'm against it too.

Silly prejudice! There, she could go...

...to the pool every day.

She doesn't want to swim anymore.

She's not interested. I can't force her.

Well, considering the circumstances, it might be an idea...

You really want to get me angry?

My back... Look, be a dear...

My back's so painful... Here, help me.

Jean, don't film me. I look awful.

- She's been saying that for 20 years. - Not 20 years, 50.

Look, Dad. I zoom in...

...and the image is still good.

He's crazy about that camera!

We've got some lovely films of the children though.

Let's go steal the wheelbarrow.

You know, it wasn't always easy for us with our daughter.

But...

I'd like you to confirm that Alexandrine did lie.

But, Dad... Yes, of course... You know, I...

Jean, that's all I wanted to know.

Forget it now.

From the top.

It's annoying, the world's so big...

It's so big, it's so big... And I'm waiting, waiting.

It's annoying

The world's so big And I'm waiting

It's a nuisance to be a child all the time

Before, I was like you. Well, almost...

I was like Doudou. I was a little dog.

But one day I was very bad...

...so they chased me out of the world of the little...

and I became human.

That's what you have to do to grow.

The badder you are, the more you grow.

Then, when you get old...

you're wise and so you shrink...

and if you're lucky you go back to the world of the little.

What are you doing?

I'm throwing pizzas to make monsters slip up.

They slip and crash to the ground!

I've never seen any monsters. There's no such thing.

There is, I swear. In the cities!

Pierre, leave that alone.

Alexandrine, stop him.

I want to know what it is. Is it a present? Is it for me?

I told you children that we'd open it later. Just wait.

Excuse me.

My husband loves antique shops.

We'll unwrap it over there.

Alexandrine, can you help? You too, Pierre.

I'll help! I'll help!

Frankly...

I'm not questioning your competence.

...but your making a social inquiry into Alexandrine,

I'm not fond of the idea.

Focusing on something she made up won't help her.

I always pay a lot of attention to what children say...

...however unlikely.

Meaning?

Sometimes children have reasons for making things up.

Pierre, Alexandrine, come here.

I'm coming, I'll bring my picture.

That's kids for you. Do you have any?

- Children? - Yes.

No. Is it important?

Yes...

You'd see then...

...how kids use anything they can. This proves it.

"Proves it"? What does?

Look at what Alexandrine did. Is that really innocent?

All's fair in love and war. Maybe she had a bone to pick... I guess.

Kids love to tell tales and the worse they are...

...the more they like them.

Alexandrine has a lot of imagination.

She's a whimsical child, she always has been.

She's an Alice in Wonderland.

She looks a lot like a Lewis Carroll girl.

You've seen the photos?

Those photos of nearly naked little girls?

Job conditioning!

That's not the striking thing about these photos.

It's the beauty of their gaze, the purity of childhood...

I'm sure the sessions left them with happy memories.

They were with a great artist.

You can't look at art with blinkers.

I have to get ready for work.

Can I look round the house first?

- Yes - If you like...

Alexandrine will show you round. Alexandrine, take Miss...

Berger, but you can call me Sophia.

Let's go.

Upstairs?

Fine.

Let's go.

This is my room.

You won all these?

Yes, when I did swimming and surfing contests.

You don't anymore?

I don't have time. Too much work.

At school?

Yes, at school, 7th grade is hard.

Are you with the police?

No, I'm a social worker.

I work in social services under the juvenile judge's orders.

I'm here because of what you told the police.

I don't understand. I said it wasn't true. I lied.

When did you lie, Alexandrine?

When you said what your father did...

...or when you said it wasn't true?

Mom said to take down the dirty laundry.

You take it.

Why did you bring the dog up? You know we can't.

I'll follow you, let's go.

I don't know what you see in that painting.

You should take more interest in art.

Sure!

I'm going to be late.

Alexandrine, don't go to bed too late.

Don't let Pierre watch too much TV.

When will you be back?

Look, Alexandrine...

You know I'm on duty till midnight. I'll be back just after.

Put your dog in the garaga. Don't forget, please.

Don't move.

You mustn't show them you're alive.

Otherwise, the whole room starts moving.

I know in the dark...

...if you don't watch, the furniture starts moving.

I know when I'm asleep at night...

...the chair starts moving when I'm not looking.

And the mirror...

when I'm not looking...

...becomes enormous and swallows me up inside it.

Hush!

Listen...

Why did you do that?

You're making your mother and me look ridiculous.

That social worker coming here makes us look like we can't raise you.

Alexandrine... Look at me when I speak to you.

If something's wrong, tell me about it. Do you understand?

Get undressed now.

You can't stay dressed like that all night.

What is all this? I scare you now?

Come on.

You think you're an unhappy little girl?

Can't you see how you're hurting your father?

Alexandrine, get undressed now.

Please.

You're not hungry?

No.

Remember when you stopped wanting to eat?

It's since I stopped believing in God.

Before, when I went to church with my parents, or to sunday school, I prayed.

Now, I don't know what to say. I've stopped believing.

Why?

It's because one day, I felt really small, like nothing.

I was nothing at all.

Just a dot lost in the universe.

I saw I was a dot lost in the universe, about to vanish...

I realised no one cared about us anymore and...

...that God didn't exist.

Was that long ago?

Last summer.

Is your work almost over?

I thought at first you'd only come once. It's taking a long time.

My father says you're using us to get ahead.

Who thinks it's long? You or your father?

I want you to know I've met children like you before...

...who felt like tiny dots lost in the universe

I helped them feel a little bigger and stronger.

To do that, they helped me a little too. Understand?

What did she say to put you in such a state?

More cheese, anyone?

Have a bit, you've hardly eaten.

Why can't she answer me? And don't lift a finger!

I'll do it. Go up if you want.

I never knew it was so hard raising a daughter.

You can leave the table, Pierre.

I can see why Mom had trouble with me.

Leave it, I'll clear up.

Alexandrine, put your dog in the garage right now.

I want to sleep. If something wakes me up...

;..it's all that barking!

This dog business has gone on long enough.

It's as if she enjoyed making it bark to wake us.

Can't the children put their stuff away?

She'll drive us all crazy. From now on, that dog gets a kennel.

Doudou... Doudou...

Your dog's got an appetite! Fancy kennel!

- Great. - A real 5-star one.

I'm pleased with it.

How old are you today, Pierre?

One, two, three, four...

Happy birthday to you, Pierre.

Again!

Well done, Pierre!

Pierre, look at me...

Hey, sweetheart, look at daddy.

No, don't film me!

- I'll show you! - Let's go!

He's a wild one.

Less trouble than his sister, though.

He's getting heavy, a real boy.

Come on.

She fell in the water.

Know why she fell in the water?

- What's wrong? - Leave me alone. I don't want you!

That's good, you have to fight back.

That's it, shout louder, Alexandrine.

Alexandrine, you can fight back. Go on, scream!

You have the right to fight back.

Leave me alone, stop it!

Stop bothering me, go away.

Mom! Mom!

Hey, kids, you have to get off. End of the line.

Is this the city?

Yes.

Are there monsters in the city?

Yes there are. I'm a monster!

You're not a monster, you're old.

Come on, Pierre.

Children, where are you two off to?

It's not my problem.

Pierre, don't do that!

St Martin social services.

Please call back during office hours, from 9 to 5.

This machine doesn't take messages.

No one there.

I love you.

That's sweet.

You forgot Doudou?

Come on...

Aurore...

Let's go home.

See that?

Do you think they sleep upside down?

Yes.

Alexandrine, are they going to speak to me?

When do we go there?

Soon.

Hear that noise?

It's a bird on the roof.

Walking up and down.

Thinking...

He's walking, thinking about food.

- He'll eat worms. - Maybe.

Because birds eat worms.

- They eat jam too. - Not much.

I think...

...they like oysters and chocolate and worms...

...and shrimps...

...and a bit of mosquito and a bit of wasp...

...and a bit of tar and flowers...

...and a bit of sugar and a bit of ... meat.

And a bit of rabbit.

Yes, that's very good, for the eyesight.

He's wondering about tomorrow...

...whether he'll find a friend...

Lend me a gun?

- What? - Lend me a gun, please.

You want to borrow my gun? Later.

Who are they for?

- For you, the juvenile brigade. - I'll take them.

Come on. Is that your dog?

Well, if you won't tell me your name...

...tell me why you're alone in Bordeaux with your brother.

A family fight?

It's because father puts our dog outside.

- We don't want that. - And there's a monster in the corridor.

Is that why you left?

Is it better to sleep outdoors with your dog?

Yes, he's not alone now.

I can tell your parents that. They're bound to understand.

And your mom. Where is she?

Can i reach her?

Does she work?

Mom's at the clinic.

Yes, she's sick.

She's sick...

She's sick.

Who did you come to see in Bordeaux?

Do you know someone who lives here?

Yes, you know Sophia, the social worker.

I want to go home. I'm fed up.

Well, I don't want to!

Come on!

Hold on, wait, I can't let you go. You're children.

I need to know your name...

...and who this social worker is.

Maybe I know her.

Dad sure knows her.

Our name's Leblanc.

Alexandrine and Pierre Leblanc.

The social worker's called Sophia. This is her number.

Wait!

That's Sophia's number. I have to write it down.

You can have it back

What's Captain Hook's moustache like?

It's very long like this, with a big curly bit...

A big curl like that?

Let go of me! Fucking fancy shoes he's got!

Okay, cut it out now. Get a move on.

Hi there... What are you up to? You're a cutie...

Leave the kid.

Still in pyjamas? Cradle-snatchers! You're monsters!

Okay, cut it out.

Look!

This time you heard, or thought you heard...

...he was bothering your brother.

Yes.

Actually, you ran away to protect him.

You never told your mother?

I did... the first time.

At the seaside.

When I got back to the beach, she saw I looked strange.

I told her my father had hurt me...

...on my "wee-wee".

But she got angry and slapped me.

She said I made it up because I'd been in the rocks after she said not to.

Then...

...when my father got back, he asked why I was crying...

...and my mother said she'd slapped me for going near the rocks.

He laughed and said girls my age always disobey.

Then he lay down on his towel as if nothing had happened.

Your father...

Has he ever hit you?

No.

He squeezes my arm tight. Here...

Got anything for my hair?

No, but I'll braid it for you.

I'm a world champion braider.

You've got lovely hair.

When I was little, I wanted hair like this.

All I had was rats' tails.

She never said anything to me. I'd remember otherwise.

Jean couldn't do that.

He couldn't hurt a fly.

She says that since your husband aggressed her in the water, ...

...she's stopped swimming.

Didn't she say anything about that?

Alexandrine never says anything.

She's not easy, you know.

She keeps her distance.

Never comes when she's called...

I can't control her.

Could she have left in the night for any other reason?

Look, I don't know!

You believe everything she says!

I didn't say that.

What are you trying to get her to do? Lie, is that it?

That won't help us!

Do you make love often?

It depends... Like everybody else. I don't know.

I'm often asleep when she gets in. It depends if we're on holiday.

- So, it depends! - It depends.

Fellatio?

- What? - Fellatio.

Do you ever ask your wife for a blow job?

Thats what they say, huh?

Right.

Not really. I'm not into that. Our sex life is simple, normal.

Simple!

The victim states you made her perform fellatio.

Is that normal?

You've decided I'm guilty, ...

...that my daughter's a "victim". Let's not waste time.

Make me sign a statement.

I'll write guilty. Guilty of being a father.

Guilty of having children. This is madness. It's unbelievable!

I'm a father, I could never do a thing like this!

Look, your daughter may have exaggerated.

But there may be some truth in it.

But you, Mr Leblanc, can tell us exactly what happened, even if it's not much.

We're all men, we can understand. We're not judging you.

Now hold on... Nothing happened. Is that clear?

No, it's not.

Tell us what you do in your daughter's room at night.

I don't go in her room at night.

Not even to get the dog?

Okay, once. But that's it.

Really? Why does she stay dressed at night, she's so scared of you?

We didn't make that up.

No, she told us that.

She even told us exactly what happens.

It's not too painful for you? I'll read it.

Do you have sex with your husband?

I don't see what that's got to do with it. Why?

How often, each month, say?

I don't believe this!

I don't count things like that!

You want to know if we love each other?

Well yes, we do!

I built a kennel so we could get some sleep.

Millions of dogs sleep in kennels.

Yes, but few kids have a dog in their room...

...to protect them from their father's assaults.

Alexandrine, do you realise how awful this is?

So why do you think Alexandrine said these things.

I don't know... She must have a grudge against me... us, for something.

We're parents, not perfect.

Children always want parents to be perfect.

Maybe we made mistakes, got angry, asked too much.

She's taking revenge.

I don't know...

It's terrible.

How could you have let that woman into your home?

The whole thing is absurd.

Dear, I don't want to go on... But your mother's right.

If you were at home with your children more often...

...instead of working in that clinic, it wouldn't have come to this.

Let me call Henri.

He knows the chairman of the local council. He'll help.

Yes, and everyone will know about it.

All that money we lent you for his mirror store...

You'll get your money back. Don't worry.

I never asked for it...

You think he's guilty.

I don't!

Jean's in custody tonight.

Do you realise? Is that all you have to say to me?

Don't be nasty to your mother.

It's not our fault Jean's in prison.

They can only keep him for 48 hours.

They examined your daughter, everything's fine.

I'm not worried.

But I don't understand how an 11-year-old could say that.

So there is a problem somewhere.

A problem in upbringing. She gets it from you.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

You can't imprison my client over a child's ravings.

I hope, your honour, ...

- ... that Amandine's credibility... - Alexandrine!

Yes. Alexandrine's credibility should be checked quickly.

The way I see it, this is mythomania on an epic scale.

The investigation will lead to its conclusion.

Mr Leblanc, as you know, you're charged...

...but I don't plan on prison yet...

...even though the assistant public prosecutor requested it.

But I'll place you under supervision during the investigation.

During that time, you won't be allowed...

...contact with your children, even by phone.

You must change districts.

Move at least 13 miles away.

Failure to comply could result in your imprisonment.

Leave me alone!

Doudou!

I'm going away with Daddy too.

Children, go to your places. We're going to start.

Hi.

What's wrong?

- I can't talk to you. - Why not?

My parents said you're a liar.

You told me yourself that you lied. So...

Let's go.

Everybody ready?

Mommy, can I blow the candles out? That candle?

No, Pierre, every candle is somebody's secret.

You see?

Alexandrine...

Remember granddad's coming for you.

Why can't we go home with you? Where are you going?

You're going to stay with grandma and granddad. Okay?

See you tomorrow.

This place is awful. We'll put up some posters...

...have a pretty lamp here.

Don't you start too. You don't think I'm moving in?

I have a house. I'm going back, quick.

That's not what I meant. Meanwhile...

What? Meanwhile they're all turning my daughter against me...

...the social worker first.

I know.

But the investigation's not over yet.

What investigation? You saw what they're capable of.

Make a mountain out of the least thing.

Like the kennel.

It's not worth moping over.

It's like something out of Kafka.

Your lawyer's optimistic.

Alexandrine's credibility test is in your favour.

The psychiatrist says kids can make things up.

Of course! I know I'm not crazy.

He didn't say Alexandrine is crazy.

She's anorexic.

Look, I read this... to understand.

They say so, it's in here. It's called mental anorexia.

It can be cured. Some are locked up for less.

Jean! Don't exaggerate! Our daughter's not crazy.

There must be other reasons for her anorexia.

That's why I need to talk to her, to clear it up...

...or they'll drive her nuts.

Encouraging her to lie. That's what scares me.

We have to get out of this fast.

I want to see Alexandrine.

She'll soon realise what she's done.

Marie, I miss you all, you know.

Not seeing the kids.

Not kissing them in the morning.

Watching them play, laugh...

Marie, I...

I have to see Alexandrine.

Look, Marie, our happiness is at stake here.

Everything we've worked to build.

Bring her here.

What if she tells the social worker?

She won't. She never wanted her father to go to jail.

She won't tell because she loves me.

Alexandrine...

I think we need to talk, don't you?

Well, I'm going to run an errand.

See you later.

I feel helpless.

I am defenceless before you.

You're my child that I love.

I never wanted to hurt you.

What can I do?

I remember when you were very young.

I would take you out with me in your stroller when I went shopping.

I was so proud of my pretty little girl.

I thought you were happy.

Aren't you?

Yes.

Aren't you happy with your little brother?

Don't you think he misses his daddy?

How can your mother and I explain it to him?

Do you want him to lose his family?

No.

Lose his house...

Alexandrine...

Let's make up.

Your hand...

You won't give it to your father?

Yes.

We have to stop this.

Really!

Have you come to an agreement?

You can't fight forever.

It has to stop... I can't stand it anymore.

Understand?

Not now, Marie.

Our daughter needs us to be strong.

Well, let's go. Are you ready?

What happened?

Nothing. I lost my mother, so I went for a walk.

That's all.

Well, your walks sure don't help.

I'm only the juvenile magistrate.

If you do something stupid, it'll go into your file.

And your father, has he tried to see you?

- Does he leave you alone? - No, I haven't seen him.

Are you going to bother us for long?

My husband's right, you're a pest!

I've been told that before.

Pests like me are needed to help children.

Listen.

We save children here every day.

Go help the ones who really need it!

Who are you angry at? I didn't put you in this position.

Your anger's misplaced.

Mrs Leblanc, I'm here to help you!

Is it 65 for the little R�mi?

Yes, 65.

Happy birthday!

So, you hang up on me when I call?

Here, it's for you.

My little Pierre. You miss me, huh?

I tried to reach you at the clinic.

You'd disappeared.

You don't look happy to see me.

Jean...

Why did you come? You know that...

I want to wish our daughter happy birthday.

Yes, but not here, not like this.

- You'll be seen! - Enough with this.

We can't live in fear forever. Do you want me to leave?

Marie, I'm at home here. This is my house.

And these are my children!

What right do they have to keep me away from you?

Stop it, Jean!

You're all I have and they want to take it.

Never! Do you hear me?

All this is mine.

Why am I being treated like this?

I gave you everything! Everything!

This and this!

And that!

So, what am I? Nothing!

- Calm down. - But I'm being treated like a criminal!

No one, no father could stand that!

Why should I have to stand it? Why am I treated like this?

I'm going crazy! I can't stand it!

What am I paying for? My children?

My daughter, you have a father?

You have a father who loves you, but maybe not for long.

Jean, wait!

Look what Eric gave me.

One of your prot�g�s.

- Are you against it? - On the contrary. It's a good idea.

I'm being called a pest, now they can call me an alcoholic too.

Sophia, it's better to be a pest, than to be incompetent.

Like my nice colleague, the one who only drank carrot juice.

And never touched alcohol.

Yes, the clear-sighted judge...

...who sent the Prouvin kid back to his home of monsters.

- You see monsters everywhere. - Where they need to be seen? Yes sir.

Well...

... what do you want me to do about Alexandrine? Is it that bad?

Yes, and I don't understand why, she was doing much better.

Now... she's anorexic again.

She must be under pressure.

We have to clear this up, or she'll retract her testimony.

That's what I fear.

Well, I'll order family therapy.

Someone in the family will have to move.

The secret is still well guarded.

We'll have to be crafty devils, Sophia.

They sent us to this therapy to talk, right?

We didn't want her to marry Jean. He did not know what he wanted.

Well, yes, he did want to be a sculptor. You can't feed a family that way.

For once, I agreed with her father.

You were happy that I met Jean.

You found him charming, you kept telling me.

I never said he was a monster.

Do you believe the child?

We usually believe what children say...

...concerning incest.

Especially if they don't eat.

But her medical examination was normal.

According to her description there can't be any proof.

Do you really want the details in front of your granddaughter?

I have...

...a question.

Why isn't she eating, if she isn't seeing her father?

It's easy to say it's all Jean's fault.

And you, why do you say these things in front of the children?

It didn't matter who I married. You're never happy anyway.

No one's perfect enough.

No one!

Oh yes, Jean-Marie.

He would have been perfect, and made you happy.

That's enough!

Daddy, it's true.

She spent her life at his grave-side.

Do you know what it's like to lose your child, your baby?

You always hated him.

You never loved me.

When was the child born?

Yes...

We lost Jean-Marie on May 8th 1957. He was 8 months old.

It's hard losing a child.

Marie...

you were born 2 years after his death.

You can't have known your brother.

- Of course not. - It's ludicrous! It's...

My daughter was as happy as anyone.

It's my wife who's suffering.

No one can ever bring back our Jean-Marie.

I'll get it.

- Hello. - Is that you, sweetheart?

Who was it?

I don't know.

It was Daddy!

- No it wasn't! - It was Daddy.

It's hot out. Let's play in the garden.

Let him be.

I don't want to.

- Come back here. - No!

Yes. I give the orders here.

Stop. Let him be.

Don't use that tone of voice.

Look. You're hurting him. You can't hit him.

I'm not.

I want to go upstairs.

Not the stairs, I just waxed them.

Grandma, you're poo-poo!

You're worse than your mother and father together.

Nothing's changed. The file is empty.

I can't arraign a man on a child's word.

The child is the victim.

Maybe, but where is the proof?

I need something concrete...

...irrefutable.

Isn't her testimony concrete, your honour?

Miss, this is a criminal case, you know.

This man is accused of a crime.

From the beginning, he's kept to the same story.

He says he's innocent.

He still is.

She is too. How could you believe that a child of that age...

...would say that her father made her perform fellatio, if it isn't true?

It's not for me to believe. I'm a magistrate.

She already retracted her testimony once.

And the psychiatric appraisal...

It's possible that she's making it up.

Or that she's telling the truth.

Maybe! But what proves it?

She does.

That's not enough.

Can I have an ice-cream?

- Do you have money? - No.

- Well then. - Let's...

Let's go to the bank and buy some.

It's too far away.

Let's take the bus.

You need money to take a bus.

I don't have any. I'll ask my sister.

Again?

Yes, I want to buy a toy and a cone.

Here.

More, two, two.

- Here. - Thank you.

Did your father give you that purse?

Is that it?

For my birthday.

Alexandrine...

Alexandrine...

You saw your father.

It's not my fault. He's the one who came.

Will my father go to prison?

I think so.

Empty your suit pockets.

Lift your arms.

Get undressed.

Get undressed, I said.

What's going on?

Trouble? What brought him in here?

A pervert!

Get undressed.

You were there the first time? That's not what your daughter said.

She said you went shopping...

...and left her alone with your husband.

You went to buy white ham.

Yes, well, I was there. I went out for 5 minutes.

So, you weren't there.

Yes, I was there...

No, and your daughter says it wasn't 5 minutes...

...but almost 30.

That's a long time, in certain situations.

Do you know what you're doing, sending Jean to jail?

It's a disaster.

Listen, Mrs Leblanc. I've reread the statements carefully.

The night you admit to having seen your husband...

...leaving Alexandrine's room with the dog.

Where were you exactly?

I already said, near the door... of her room.

Near, or in front of the door?

She says you saw her. So...

...you must have been in front of the door.

Did you see your daughter?

I don't remember.

My husband came towards me, looking at me, he spoke to me...

yes.

And what did you see?

Your daughter... in her bed, maybe...

...looking at you?

Alexandrine...

...looking at you, closely, in fact.

She was looking at me... She was in her bed...

Good. Did you notice anything unusual?

No.

Mrs Leblanc...

...your daughter says that she didn't undress at night...

...scared...

...of being abused. Didn't you know?

You saw your daughter...

and you saw that she was dressed...

...in her bed.

Mrs Leblanc, why do you insist on...

...covering up for your husband.

Does...

...your daughter have to scream for you to hear her?

That examining magistrate is a scourge! You'll see!

Charging your wife! I've never seen that.

You haven't helped, by seeing your daughter.

We must be careful.

We can't know what your wife will do to vindicate herself.

She'll get a lawyer now, and he may blacken you to defend her.

Are you ready to take that?

Will my daughter have a lawyer to defend her on Tuesday?

No. The magistrate didn't think of that.

Lawyers for children is absurd.

A child's word.

What's a child's word?

Imagine me defending a child who can't put a sentence together?

It's a joke.

Don't worry. She won't have a lawyer.

The magistrate needs to clear things up.

How's it going with the other inmates? Don't tell them why you're here.

If there's a problem, I'll try to change your cell.

What could happen to me? Things couldn't be worse.

Will you be alright?

I'm not a Jean Leblanc for nothing.

What do you mean?

You don't know Jean-le-Blanc?

It's a bird of prey that my father hunted.

That's why he called me Jean.

Half eagle, and half falcon.

A kind of white kite, very rare in Europe, and hard to shoot.

I hunted it several times with him.

I was young, I remember.

We spent hours in forests south of the Loire...

...waiting for it - the Jean-le-Blanc.

Does your father know you're here?

No, I want to spare him. It would hurt him too much.

Enough damage has been done.

Oh yes, you should write to your sister Christine.

I need testimony in your favour. A letter from her.

She'll be getting plenty of mail.

My wife's therapists already got her to write to her.

What could she write?

I haven't seen her for ten year.

I was nine when she left home.

Your father came to your room at night?

Is that it?

He came in the middle of the night? When you were asleep?

Yes, no... I couldn't sleep. I was too scared.

But it was the middle of the night? Everyone else was asleep?

And then?

I didn't dare sleep. I'd watch the door.

Sometimes for hours.

My ears would buzz, I felt sick.

I couldn't sleep, I had to keep watch for her.

If she came...

I haven't finished, I'll see you in an hour.

She, who?

What?

You said "she came". Who?

The black shadow.

A black shadow? Excuse me, your honour...

she already told the psychiatrist that she saw a snake looking at her.

Now, isn't this just a child's wild imagination?

Be careful.

Be careful.

If she's inventing this, as the credibility report implies...

...what's happening here is serious.

The black shadow.

Be more precise. Was it your father?

- Or a snake? - Come on... Please.

You can continue. Go on, I'm listening.

Well, there we are!

See the state my daughter's in!

Do you realise what you've done?

What you're putting us all through?

Stop it, or I'll have you thrown out.

She doesn't know what she's saying.

Explain yourself, at least. Why do you invent all this?

Tell me.

I'll understand. I'll understand. Tell me!

Look what they're doing to your father. Look at me!

Let me go! I want to talk to my daughter!

Well...

...it didn't go very...

... didn't go very well.

I was wrong. I should have had you take a lawyer.

Will you take a lawyer?

You need a bit of help, huh?

How can you expect me to picture Jean abusing Alexandrine?

It's unthinkable!

Everything will fall apart and me with it.

Do you know where you're falling?

Onto your children's side.

If only you'd told me what was happening!

I did tell you, the first time, by the sea.

You slapped me and wouldn't believe me.

And last time, why did you leave me alone with Daddy?

You knew...

Marie, you can give her a Kleenex and sit next to her.

Pick it up.

Pick it up.

You see? Look, this is a Jean-le-blanc.

This is it.

Look, you see? Look.

This is a Jean-le-blanc. You see? Look!

You see? You see? This is a Jean-le-blanc.

This is it.

I'm sick of waiting for the trial.

I'm sick of doing nothing like an idiot in isolation.

Jean...

Why did the magistrate let you come?

You want a divorce, right?

Go ahead. It won't make much difference. Divorce.

No, Jean, listen.

You'll do it some day.

Here, I wrote this card for Alexandrine.

Give it to her. Let her read it.

She doesn't want you to write to her. You know that.

She won't read it.

Why bother?

I see your therapy's made you cold and selfish.

Jean...

If something happened...

...I have the right to know.

Tell me.

I believe Alexandrine now.

But until you talk...

I don't know the truth.

Go away, Marie... Go away!

We have nothing left to say.

I'll fight this alone.

It's a horrible recurring nightmare.

My baby brother, I feel terrible for never...

...talking to you.

I thought silence healed all wounds. I was wrong.

Now I have to tell you a secret.

Only to you, baby brother.

The general repeated...

that hostages will be killed in retaliation for attacks.

The Foreign Ministry stated this morning

...that 40 French citizens are held on strategic sites.

Did you get your milk, this morning?

With cornflakes?

I don't think that kids in my country get cornflakes.

Jean...

Come here.

Come here.

Impressive, huh?

This is what a criminal court's like.

Imagine the lawyers, the judges...

...the court clerk, the prosecutor, all dressed like me.

There, the jurors looking at you.

The foreman in the middle...

As your lawyer, I'll be there.

You'll be right behind me, there.

I'm here to protect you...

...to stop them making you contradict yourself.

That can happen, you know.

Your father's lawyer will try.

He could get very nasty. Don't let him frighten you.

I'll intervene if they try to twist what you say.

I believe you and I'll try to convince the jury too.

Any questions?

Where will my father be?

There, just opposite.

Your mother will be there too, on the defendant's bench.

No police with her.

She's accused of a misdemeanour, not a crime.

She isn't in custody. She is free.

Who'll be there?

Experts.

Witnesses will sit there after giving evidence.

And there, the public if it's not in camera.

- What's that? - In camera?

It means the public isn't allowed in.

If often happens with minors, in cases like this.

It's requested by the Court or by the victim... that's you.

If the public is allowed in, it's to set an example...

...so people learn the truth.

If people don't believe me, it's no use.

It's worse, they'll all say I'm a liar.

Listen... I think you and I will convince them.

Then there's that second credibility test...

...that says you're not a liar. It's a solid case.

There's the kennel, your water phobia, anorexia, bad school record...

It's not evidence but it'll make a difference.

Thousands of cases of child mistreatment have been tried here...

...without the children being heard.

Many people still think children don't deserve lawyers.

They find it intolerable.

Believing children changes a lot.

It changes the world.

However, a 40-year-old...

has had 40 years to practise lying...

...whereas a 12-year-old has little experience...

...of lying.

Which one can lie the longest?

The 40-year-old.

What if he gets violent?

You can never tell what will happen.

But I'm confident.

All I want is for him to say I didn't lie.

Until he does, he might try again.

That's why he's in jail.

Jean's a mystery to me now.

What I don't understand is why he doesn't talk.

I'm not sure he can.

Usually "abusive" fathers are unable to justify themselves;

Some even beg us to help them understand why they've become criminals.

What can you tell them? That's not justice's role.

All you can hope for your husband...

...is that the trial snaps him out of it. We'll see.

Alexandrine, remember he's on trial, not you.

Alexandrine...

Hello, can I talk to you?

Come here... I wanted to tell you we're on your side.

And I don't think you're a liar.

My mother and I watched a programme on incest.

With Miss Martel at school we studied children's rights.

We talked about it in class.

Eveyone knows at school.

Will you be my friend again?

The trial's going to start. I know I can't be there...

...but I'll think of you.

Thank you.

You wanted to see us.

Your wife said you wrote to the magistrate... to confess...

Yes.

It's important you admitted what you've done...

...and that Alexandrine didn't lie.

For her, it's a shame you didn't say so sooner.

At the trial, I was stunned.

I didn't think...

I didn't think I'd be sentenced.

I thought I'd be released.

Anyway, I couldn't talk.

I just couldn't.

Every night I'm terrified, haunted by the feeling...

...that someone is coming to kill me.

You've brought a letter?

It's from my sister Christine.

She says I'm here in in my father's stead.

That I'm paying for him.

Does she say why?

Is it hard to say?

The first time I realised...

I was a little girl.

A girl?

I saw him do it to my sister once.

I didn't understand at first.

Then I was terrified.

And you'd forgotten that?

I didn't know who to talk to.

I was ashamed... I felt guilty.

That's why Christine left so young.

When it happened, our mother was already dead.

I must have been 8 or 9.

We were alone with our father.

Do you think...

...your father did the same to you?

That he... abused you?

When I did it, I wasn't well.

As if I wasn't there.

I thought, "Why are you doing this?" But I couldn't stop.

Why did I do it? I did the same as him.

I did the same...

I hoped...

...Marie would notice.

The night I came out of the room with the dog.

But no... She saw nothing.

Marie never saw a thing.

Marie never wanted to see.

That's why she was given...

...a suspended sentence.

I know you won't be able to come back.

Could we stay in touch?

I want to get better...

...and stop this horror.

Currently, in the USA and Europe

only 2 cases of sexual abuse out of 50...

...are brought before the courts.