Original subtitles

What are you doing here?

I don't know.

- Enric knows you're here? - No.

- And he can't know! - No, sure.

Sit.

He doesn't want a baby made in a lab, and I...

I don't know, I think I don't either.

But I can't run around stealing babies either.

- Stealing babies? - Blanca, I can't wait anymore.

You know I've always wanted kids.

I remember. You were so taken by that doll. What was her name?

- Carmeta. - Right.

You combed her hair, took her for walks...

Remember that day

when you threw a fit because she was sick?

Yeah...

She was colicky. Poor thing.

Yeah...

Here's your right ovary,

your uterus,

and

your left ovary.

Your follicles...

Everything looks normal.

Everything looks fine.

- Right? - You have plenty of antral follicles.

And a uterus in good shape.

Endometrium is also normal.

- What does...? - It means...

That fertilization is entirely feasible because all is fine.

- Are you a gynecologist now? - Oh, sorry.

She's my little sister...

We'll do some blood work to check your AMH levels

and see your ovarian reserve, and do a hysterosalpingography.

- Hysteria-what? - Your husband will have to come in

to give us a sperm sample.

Laura, schedule him an appointment.

Does he really have to come in?

He's a lawyer and he has all these meetings,

trials, lunches...

And paddle tennis.

Maybe we can start with Cristina's tests and then...

How should I put this?

You have to inject yourself with AMH during your cycle.

Then we inject a contrast media through your uterus

and take an X-ray to check if your fallopian tubes are open,

which is a painful test and can cause contractions.

Your husband really can't spare a little time

to come in and...

Give us a sample?

He'll come, no problem.

But if your husband can't come in,

he can do it at home and bring it in.

Lots of men feel weird doing it here.

Thank you.

What time should he bring it?

He goes to work really early and leaves late...

Any time from 9 am to 7 pm. But he needs to hurry.

Sperm samples only last 45 minutes at room temperature.

45 minutes. Okay.

Or just tell him to come by.

We have a rubber vagina with Bluetooth. Really tight,

with a suction effect.

He'll love it. Tell him.

Sure, fine, I'll let him know.

Ginestia Clinic, good morning.

Okay, perfect.

The phones haven't rung like this since...

I don't know, ever?

Awesome.

Hundreds of premenopausal ladies hoping for a miracle.

Maybe they're not hoping for a miracle, but for understanding, support...

Exactly. That's the attitude we want at the clinic.

But miracles too.

You brought a woman to accept she couldn't be a mother.

But don't get used to it.

Most feel cheated if they leave here without a baby.

It depends on how you treat them, Angela.

The girl's proven she can manage emotions better than anyone.

Thanks to her, we're seen as a clinic with a true heart.

One that puts patients first.

We're shaping a national reputation,

and now we have the chance to go international:

With Valerie and Jan,

our first French patients.

After several failed attempts with her ova,

they want to start with... Angela?

- IVF. - IVF!

With donor eggs. Here's their record.

Why don't they look for eggs in France?

I asked Angela the same thing,

and she said that in France

the law prohibits donors from being anonymous, right?

Which greatly reduces the number of donors.

And you might spend 3 or 4 years on the waiting list.

Hector, got a donor?

Oui . It was tough because the lady

wanted to know all about the donor.

Level of education, her looks...

It's normal to want as much information as possible.

But illegal.

In Spain, we disclose age and blood type only.

So I say to her, "Madame, Stop asking me,

or I'll get you a 46-year-old who never finished elementary school."

Luckily, you're not on it anymore.

I'm sure Blanca will find a way

to make them happy and still obey the law, right?

Sure.

Any question?

Yes. What does it say here?

"The patient has a wild alienness?"

A mild illness. It's perfectly legible.

Okay, as of now, Angela will write her records

in our management tool, like all of us.

- What? Andreu... - And Blanca will work her magic.

- I forgot to ask: do you speak French? - Oui, un petit peu.

Oh la la ! And she speaks French too.

You'll have them wrapped around your finger.

Allez, allez!

Bonjour.

- Bonjour. - Bonjour.

My name is Blanca.

I'm the new embryologist.

I'll be working on your case from now on.

So...

You can speak to us in Catalan if you like.

I'm from Terrassa and Valerie is from Toulouse

but always spent her summers in Cadaqués.

- Perfect, is that okay with you? - Yes, yes.

So, as you know,

you've already been assigned an egg donor.

She's between 26 and 29 years old and her blood type is A Rh+.

Very good.

Is that it?

Is that it?

Yes.

I'm sorry, but...

I understand you may be upset.

In fact, what you're going through has a name.

It's called genetic grief.

But I can assure you that, to assign a donor,

we looked for a phenotypical and immunological match.

Right, to not look out of place physically but

what about sensitivity?

And what about tastes?

- What if he or she doesn't like music? - Music?

- What if there's no musical talent? - Yes,

Sorry, the thing is, Valerie is a pianist

and comes from a long line of musicians, the Lupins.

And she's a bit obsessed, she'd like to...

I'm not obsessed, it's not that. It's just that...

When I got pregnant for the second time through IVF,

with my own eggs,

I composed some kids' songs.

Very simple stuff

that we could play together on the piano,

but...

I had my first miscarriage.

Valerie, my love...

I've had a wretched period every month for 26 years. What for?

To get pregnant with someone else's eggs?

- What if I don't love it as much? - No, no.

Valerie, we've already talked about this, my love.

I mean, you might not pass on your genes,

but you'll pass on your values, your world view,

your outlook on life - Enough. That's very poetic, Jan.

But it's easy for you to say.

It'll have your genes and will look like you.

So what should I do?

There's nothing I can do about it. What can I do?

Well, maybe there's one thing you can do.

What do you mean?

You could renounce your genes, too.

What?

Cristi.

Hi, honey. How are you?

Good, flooded with work. How about you?

Fine. I went out, went for a walk, went shopping...

and went to Blanca's clinic.

You did what?

But we talked about it, it's not what we want.

I know but...

But you just do as you please,

in one ear and out the other.

No, honey.

I just went to say hello.

To say hello?

Yes. That's all.

- I'm sorry, honey. I freaked out. - It's OK.

So say, "I went to say hi to Blanca."

I went to say hi to Blanca.

I'm sorry, honey, I... Forgive me.

- Let's talk later, okay? - Okay.

Bye.

You could go with an embryo donation.

From couples who've already finished their treatment

and have decided to donate their surplus embryos.

This way, there would be no genetic load from either of you.

Yeah, but then neither of us would put anything in.

Exactly.

But we'd be in the same boat.

Neither your genes nor mine.

- Okay... - Wait, one thing.

What?

I'm not sure that's necessary, right?

Now you understand, right?

Now you're scared.

- No, no... - Yes, you're scared.

But why should I have to renounce anything,

I'm fine.

And, frankly, I find it a bit selfish of you.

- So, I think... - Just a moment, sorry.

Valerie, I'm so sorry your ova are atrophied.

But if my semen is healthy...

Do you know why they're atrophied, Jan? Do you know?

Yes, endometriosis. Your diagnosis came late...

Right, because we waited too long.

We waited because you wanted to fulfill yourself

before having children.

And we waited 3 years

so you could finish your fucking novel.

I'm too old now.

So it's my fault?

What about your entrance exam for the conservatory?

Thanks for the suggestion. Very helpful!

Where are you going? Valerie?

I don't know if I want this anymore.

Valerie, wait!

I think I can find a donor with musical talent.

I don't think it'll be that complicated.

Are you sure?

Yes, of course.

Does the donor you selected for Valerie

play an instrument?

- Excuse me? - I don't know,

the violin, the piano, the harpsichord...

Here's the file...

Let's see. Background...

Can you tell me why you want to know, please?

Because I promised Valerie.

You did what?

Patients can't choose if the donor plays the violin or likes knitting.

It's important to her.

Besides, there's no evidence that musical skill is genetic.

Not true.

The Danes did a study a few years ago, I think,

on identical twins separated at birth

and found a 70% match in musical abilities.

They were Finnish and it was 80%.

University of Helsinki, 2014.

There you go.

It was just one study. It's not conclusive.

How can I find donors with musical training?

It's on the desktop

in a folder called "Superior Race".

You know what you're doing is selective breeding...

Andreu will love the publicity.

"Ginestia Clinic practices Nazi eugenics."

Look! This one took piano lessons for 3 years.

Wow. Just like any 7-year-old.

How can you tell whether she has musical talent?

Hello, good morning. I'm calling from Ginestia Clinic.

I see you donated ova at our clinic a few years ago.

I was just wondering, for example, if you like music,

or play an instrument?

Yes, the data is anonymous

Yes, I know this seems crazy...

Hello?

Come on.

- Hello, Maite. - Hello, Cristina.

- I'm here to... Can I? - Go on in, he's alone.

Thank you.

I'm calling because we're conducting a small,

completely anonymous, internal study.

We said we wouldn't call...

But I haven't explained it yet...

Yes, but it's just a few questions

and if you want to help out...

Come in.

Hello!

What are you doing here?

I was shopping nearby and I suddenly just had to see you.

What a nice surprise...

Come here, I want to show you something.

Hi, Claudia. So, my name is Blanca...

Look what I bought.

What is this?

- For fun and games... - What?

No, I don't need a toaster, no.

- I can't see. - Yeah, that's the fun of it...

Hello?

It's sexy, isn't it?

The bankers are coming...

Well, 5 minutes is more than enough time for you.

No, no...

We always do it the same way, at home, in bed...

Always trying to make a baby. We forgot to have fun.

No, no, no!

I'm sorry, honey, but it's too much... They'll be here any minute.

The number you've dialed has been disconnected or is out of service.

We can't do this. I mean, it's awesome, but we can't.

I wanted to surprise you. I thought you'd like it.

And it did surprise me! But you get it, right?

Sure, never mind.

Sorry, no... I don't even know...

Honey, but...

Sorry.

No worries. I'll take care of it.

Yes, the auditors from Banc de Sabadell.

- Shall I let them in? - Holy Mary...

Yes, please come in.

- Hello, hi! - How did it go? Good?

- Yes? - And how are you?

Wonderful. Please, have a seat.

And good morning.

Hey, when you're done harassing donors,

could you help me clean the laminar flow cabinet?

Thanks.

- Laura - Yes.

Is this really so hard to read?

I can read it perfectly: "In metropolis..."

"In menopause"!

Menopause...

You have a distinctive handwriting, but like any creative intellectual.

- But if the director asked you to... - The director.

The director doesn't know left from right, he's in diapers still.

My cousin also had urinary incontinence until he was 36.

He only wet the bed.

My aunt got tired of changing sheets.

I've been writing reports by hand for 30 years

and no one ever complained.

- And these boxes are small. - They're so small.

I add notes and details about the patients that don't fit.

You're very meticulous.

Which is why I thought you might like this app.

- What app? - Look.

Just dictate the story, as if you were telling it to me

and the AI does the rest. - The AI? No, no.

It's really easy.

You talk, and if you want to publish it, you say, "Okay."

Let's try it. Read the story.

Valerie Lupin, 37 years old, from France!

You don't have to shout if you don't want to.

Endometriosis and low ovarian response!

PUBLISH THIS?

Okay!

Very good. If you want to email it to the patient, say "Yes" or "No."

No!

Very good!

- You did that perfectly. - That's all?

And on your first try, too, doctor!

Wow.

- Very good. - Very good.

I love when we meet for lunch and you just work.

We should do it more often.

Sorry, I'll stop now...

I have to find a donor for a patient

and it's tough. - I'm not surprised.

There may not be many girls willing to sell their eggs for pennies.

There's plenty of eggs, just that this woman has special needs.

What special needs?

She wants a donor with musical talent.

Oh my god, seriously? That's nuts.

If I had to resort to a donor to become a father,

I would be eternally grateful for the help.

But not the wealthy. It's never enough for them. Some balls they got...

They want someone just like them or better looking, even.

And why can't the wealthy adopt?

It's funny how you talk about the wealthy as if you're from a slum.

True, I was born in Sant Gervasi, but on the edge of Gràcia,

which isn't so...

Besides, like I can't be progressive because I'm from Bonanova?

I come from a broken home.

Your parents got divorced, Alex, like half of mankind.

But an ugly divorce. It still hurts inside.

Aren't you in a fighting spirit today!

Because I made a fucking amazing Pad Thai,

and you haven't even tried it, all you do is...

You're right, sorry. I'll stop, that's it.

I'm coming.

- Let's talk. About what? - About what?

Didn't you see the email I sent?

- No. - I thought you already had.

- What email? - It's great, isn't it?

Look at it!

A listing for a house?

- In Vallcarca? - No, damn it, in Vallcàrquera.

Where the hell is Vallcàrquera?

It's a small village in Montseny.

It's super close-knit.

I've been looking and this is a bargain!

Look at the photos.

Five rooms, land for an organic garden.

We could have chickens.

Imagine eating those eggs every morning, seeing that yellow...

I don't want chickens.

We'd have to renovate, but in our style.

I thought we could go with a Le Corbusier vibe.

What's wrong with this apartment? We're fine...

Fine? We're renting.

No elevator, just one room...

You'll carry the kid on your shoulders? What if he falls?

But what kid, Alex?

We said it's not the right time, and it isn't.

Yes, but we can think about it, and start preparing.

- We'll see it today. - Today?

Yeah. If it were up to you, we'd never move. I've been here since college!

And we have to think about the future.

Things don't just happen. You make them happen.

- Make it happen, right. - What?

Yeah, honey, but not now...

Where are you going?

I have to stop by somewhere before work.

Yolanda?

No.

- Enric. What are you doing home? - I snuck out early.

- I wanted to talk to you, listen... - Me too.

I'm really sorry about earlier.

I don't know what's wrong with me but...

I'm a bit lost... - No, you're right.

We can't obsesses over making little Enriques or Cristinas.

It's not helping.

So...

We have to relax.

Have a good time.

Yes, and, really...

I think it's okay to venture outside the box

if it's for a good cause.

- I don't... I don't follow. - Yes, I know that you...

you like...

I don't want you to think that I don't...

So...

I bought a few things.

What things?

Well, a whip,

a rope, which the girl told me is for strangling...

Handcuffs...

They're soft, actually...

- Do you like it? - Well...

Didn't you want a little transgression?

Yes, a little bit...

I've gone too far.

I went too far. I told her, "this is too far out,"

but she started selling me things

so I started buying... - No. No!

No, honey, it's fine.

But, how about we start with the blindfold

and leave the strangling for later?

That's what I thought and...

This was for you.

- Not the paddle either? - No.

Thank you very much.

- See? I think of you. - Yes.

I'm already horny.

- Ready? - Yes, yes.

- Up, up we go... - It's already up...

The beginning of a new life

What do you mean my ova are "ugly"?

It's what it's called.

They're of poor quality and your reserve is low due to age.

So I can't get pregnant with my own eggs?

We can try ovarian stimulation with hormones

but the chances of success are low at your age.

What do you mean?

I'm 38 years old.

My friend got pregnant naturally at 43, so I don't understand.

And I'm paying you enough for you to put it a little more delicately.

- "Ugly ova"? - It's what they're called.

Maybe she prefers "diverse ova."

Patient is 38 years old, no relevant findings upon examination.

Evaluation: low ovarian reserve.

Recommendation: antagonist protocol in the case of IVF,

and discussion of ova donation option.

So? Is it going well?

Yes, yes. Now I just need another app

to spare me the interaction with idiotic patients.

You really put up with a lot.

I'm sick of these snobs, Laura. They exhaust me.

I've been thinking,

maybe if, instead of "old eggs," you said "vintage ova,"

they might like it better, it sounds like...

They just can't accept that they're past their prime.

Because first they have to find themselves and feel accomplished

and take photos on elephants in Thailand.

Bouncing on an elephant is awful for your pelvic floor...

I was 15 when I'd already figured out I didn't want kids.

Period. - Period.

Anyway, why bring even more people into this world?

We're a plague.

There's good plagues too.

There are ants and butterflies.

I like mice too.

But not them. No. They want it all.

And what's more, they demand it.

I'm tired of it.

Tired.

Of them and their vaginas.

Well...

Don't stew on it, okay?

Okay.

SEND TO PATIENT?

How about some diazepam?

Oh, yes!

SENT TO PATIENT

Barcelona School of Music

Hello.

Sorry, do you have a second?

Hello, excuse me. Have you heard of ova donation?

I'm not interested, thank you.

No problem.

Hey, girls.

How are you?

- Do you want to... - No, sorry. We don't do drugs.

No, I don't do drugs either. Well... No.

It was just in case you want to earn a few euros to go on vacation.

or buy a new violin.

How?

Well, you see, it's a bit random, but I work at a fertility clinic

and we're looking for egg donors. It's a way to help other women,

who can't get pregnant, for a financial compensation.

How much?

About 1,000 to 1,200 euros.

"I'm tired of them and their vaginas." Olé.

- And the patient read this? - The patient, yes.

What did you call her? Snob? Idiot? Well...

She was about to start a shitstorm online,

but luckily I was able to calm her down with a generous discount,

which should come out of your salary, but I don't want more bloodshed.

What I want to know is why, Angela.

Why?

If you don't want to do the damn digital records, then don't.

But humiliating patients?

I didn't want to send it, but the app...

What app?

Laura installed that crappy app that types out the report.

But I don't get it, I'm confused. - Maybe that's the problem,

that you're stuck in your old-school world.

It's always worked for me.

Sure, but not anymore.

Do you think I haven't had to adapt?

You know too well I was selling LED TVs and air fryers before this.

And how my father never let me set foot in this clinic:

"What are you doing here? This is no flea market, son!"

It was a joke, sure. But he said it.

But what did I do?

Sit around scared and crying?

Like hell I did! I got my act together.

I've learned a ton about ova, sperm...

But, you have to want it.

And you... You're exhausted, aren't you? You said so yourself.

But maybe...

I don't know, maybe...

Maybe you've done your thing. Maybe this is it.

What are you saying, Andreu? That I take early retirement?

You make it sound like a tragedy, but with 2 years left...

Seven.

- I have seven left. - Seven.

How old are you?

Fine, goodbye.

Andreu,

if your father were still alive he'd still be working here,

and I'm the same.

Do I hate my job sometimes? Well, yeah, but...

I wouldn't know what to do.

Fine, then all I'm asking is for you to change your attitude.

For the patients, for the clinic, and for yourself.

And above all else,

don't talk about vaginas on the internet anymore, okay?

Hello!

What?

Find the Mozart you were looking for?

Mozart, no, but Clara Schumann maybe.

And not just one. Three.

And where did you find them, at a conservatory?

A music school.

Very good.

Andreu will be proud of you.

Recruiting young women to buy fresh eggs at a good price.

It's not just that.

The girls understood that it would help other women.

Yes, the famous ovarian sisterhood.

And when Angela tells them

about injecting hormones and having surgery?

- Are you sure about this? - Yes.

When you leave, please fill out the form with your details

and we'll schedule an appointment. - Excuse me?

Blanca, what is it?

I made a mistake.

I recruited these girls myself.

promising 1,000 euros, but I gave them no info.

You didn't, but I did.

I just explained how it all works,

the procedure... - Girls,

the ova retrieval process is very tough...

Come with me for a second?

Hormone injections for 15 days,

for the retrieval we'll... - If you'll excuse us?

- I'll be right back. - ...anesthetize you,

...which has risks, and then the...

Think carefully.

Have you lost your mind?

In case you didn't know, fertility clinics need donors.

It's how we make a living.

Yes, but they had no interest in becoming donors

until I told them about the money.

And now I feel awful. I took advantage of their naivety.

Why did you go recruit them? Are there no donors in the bank?

Yeah, there are but none that play an instrument.

- What? - I know.

I shouldn't have, but I promised Valerie

I'd find a donor with musical talent.

Blanca, your job is very simple.

It's to join an ovum and a sperm.

Can you do that without destroying the business?

Or was it a mistake to call you?

I'm just saying that these girls are very young,

and the egg retrieval process is very painful.

Yes, life is painful. Painful things happen.

Even at this clinic. And not just to the patients.

Getting old, people wishing you were gone... it's all painful.

You're not that old, Angela.

Oh, Blanquita.

Don't be condescending.

Anyway, we all get old.

We see it every day here.

Women under the illusion that they're still young.

Look at Valerie.

She's 37 and she can't get pregnant with her own ova.

How old are you, Blanca?

37.

There you have it.

- Sandra. - Yes?

- Have them fill out the form. - Okay.

Girls, whenever you're ready...

Girls, think about it, okay?

- Don't feel obliged, go home... - No, no, no.

We've thought about it and we want to do it.

Are you sure?

Yes, we want to travel this summer and we need the money.

Maybe you can get it another way?

1,000 euros? You've got to be kidding.

Guys, we're going to Thailand!

- It's so crazy! - I can't believe it!

Thank you!

- Thank you so much, really. - You're welcome.

- Bye. - Bye.

Bye! Thanks.

- Goodbye. - See you around, maybe...

Where are you going?

- Weren't you asleep? - I was. But...

Where were you going?

Well...

I'm so hungry...

Do you want a banana?

- Oh, come on. - No, we have a ton.

- And they're going bad. - Oh, yes.

No.

I just need...

What you need

is to come back to bed, and let me blindfold and pleasure you.

Because I came too fast and you didn't.

I'm fine.

You could be better...

Not really.

Didn't you want to get pregnant?

Exactly.

Then, come here, Domina Cris.

You're going to love this...

Can you pass me the sheet music,

sorry, I mean your donor records?

Thanks.

What's wrong? Isn't this what you wanted?

I don't know.

I got Valerie what she wanted but at what cost?

1,000 euros.

For the donors.

It will cost Valerie more, overall.

If...

it makes you feel better, just remember that...

one day, one of those girls might want to get pregnant and can't.

So she'll have to resort to donor eggs.

It's like...

a circle.

The vicious circle of capitalism.

That too.

Valerie has endometriosis.

If she hadn't waited so long, she wouldn't have to buy ova

from younger women.

It sucks.

True.

But that shit pays our rent.

Bonjour.

I have good news.

We have three potential donors with musical sensitivity.

- Yes? - Yes.

Now we'll have to see which one is the best biometric match.

We'll do your genetic screening,

and some interviews with them.

- Thanks so much. - Really.

- See? It'll all be fine. - I don't know what to say.

It's my job.

No, it isn't.

Anyone else would have thought it was the absurd whim

of a woman brimming with hormones.

But...

You understood me.

And...

You don't know how grateful I am.

It's the donors you should thank.

- Yes, them too... - Yes, I know.

Sorry, I forgot.

I wrote a short letter

that I would like you to give her.

It's just to express

my heartfelt gratitude.

I'll give it to her.

Thank you.

That didn't take too long. Half an hour.

45 minutes on the beltway.

If it weren't for the phone-fair traffic we'd have been a lot faster.

- Hi. - Hello.

Good afternoon.

- Sorry for the delay. - No problem, I understand.

- Yes, yes. - Nice to meet you.

- Come in. - Is this the place?

- Yes. - Yes, yes...

- The air is so fresh here. - Isn't it?

- Go ahead. - Right.

Your lungs blossom, right?

Let's see...

This house is a real gem, honestly.

Spacious, quiet,

surrounded by nature.

Far from noise and pollution.

Yes, far from most anything, kind of...

Like I always say: a coat of paint and it will look like new.

Does it smell a little like pee?

No, I don't smell anything.

On the contrary, I feel my lungs like never before.

Yeah, sir. No contest.

And if you're thinking of a family, as you said,

this house is ideal.

Five rooms, endless choices.

And here's the other living room.

Spacious, bright,

opens up to the garden.

Look at those views.

That wild garden.

- Look at that view. - Just wonderful.

You'll have to weed it out, but hey...

Imagine eating here, in this quiet,

disrupted only by birdsong.

What was that? Is that a wild boar?

No, no way. I'm sure.

It needs a little redoing,

but there's plenty space for kids to run around.

And two schools in the village.

An under-served public school... oh well,

and La Guineu de Vallcàrquera, alternative but highly recommended.

- What do you think? - Wonderful.

I feel a bit dizzy.

Maybe you're already, you know...!

No...

With a little work, the garden could be perfect.

Yes, perfect! Yes.

And perfect for kids to run around!

Can he ever shut up?

Are you okay?

This is an opportunity, honey.

And I have an idea for the dining room layout.

Got some paper? I can sketch it for you.

I don't know, Alex. You sure about this?

I just don't know if it's the right time.

Or maybe it is, I don't know. Maybe later will be too late.

Well, yes, later might be too late,

because I have other buyers who are a little more interested.

So, what?

I'm not saying no.

Come on... Say yes.

Cris. Sorry, it's my sister.

Hi, Cris.

Blanca.

Can they still use the sperm after 1.5 hours at room temperature?

What?

I stole it from Enric.

What did you say?

I gave him a hand job blindfolded but on my way out with the container

he tied me to the bed and started doing things to me...

He tied you down?

Never mind, just answer me.

Can the sperm sample still be analyzed?

Wow.