Original subtitles

What are you doing here? Are you nuts? It's 5:52, for God's sake!

I need to talk to you. About what? Now?

It's 5:52! Are you crazy? Fabienne's pregnant, man!

Sorry, I know it's early, but it's important, I have to talk to you.

Do you have cancer?

No, no. Not at all, it's not about health. I'm fine, but…

actually, it's way more important than cancer.

Let me in, please. I need to talk to you!

V E R T I G O

Did I tell you Bourdon died?

Your cat? Yeah.

Oh, damn.

You couldn't care less.

No, no, not at all. Why would you say that?

Forget it, you don't care, I don't even know why I told you,

I can see it on your face.

So what's more important than cancer?

No, I swear! I care about your cat. It's just…

Go on, I'm listening. OK, what I'm about to tell you

will help you see the bigger picture.

So your cat's not exactly the main concern here, but…

OK, go ahead. OK, so… Bruno.

I'm here. What?

At first this is going to sound

completely absurd… but you have to trust me.

I trust you, you don't need to warm me up. Just say it.

This didn't come out of nowhere,

I've been thinking about it for a while, so don't take it lightly.

I'm absolutely certain that the world we live in isn't real.

That we're actually living in a simulation.

Everything you think of as reality. Everything around you is an illusion.

Nothing is real. We're in a fucking simulation, man.

Did you take mushrooms? I'm completely sane.

You're the first person I've told. It's insane.

I haven't slept in a week. Trust me, Bruno.

I hacked the system.

Everything's fake, nothing is real.

What?

No, wait. Give me a sec to process this.

I'm not following this story of yours at all.

So according to you, everything's real.

No, the exact opposite.

OK, sorry, not everything is real.

Nothing is real.

Nothing.

You don't get it, do you?

Yeah. I get it, I'm not stupid.

It's like The Matrix, right?

Sort of. I haven't seen it. I don't know.

It's exactly the same, you have to watch it. That's what the movie's about.

Who cares! That's a movie, I'm talking about the real world, Bruno.

Everything is fake.

That's really scary. Everything's fake?

Everything!

OK.

Take, say, this glass.

This glass, which I can hold in my hand,

I can pour water into it. You're telling me it's not real?

Everything around you. Everything you see or touch.

Nothing is real. Nothing.

Damn, man, you've really lost it.

I told you it would sound absurd.

You're not even trying to think about it, you just say it's absurd.

Put yourself in my shoes. You drop something like this on me.

Is this real or not?

No. It's worth 8,000 euros, of course it's real.

Money isn't real either. Make an effort, man.

Listen to what I'm telling you. I'm listening, calm down.

Let me think for a second. I just woke up.

There's nothing to think about. What I said is the conclusion.

What else do you want to think about?

And is this real or not?

Bruno, we're not going to go through every single object, are we?

I already said nothing is real, so don't give me 50 more examples.

Then let me ask you something. Can I ask you something?

I'll take it all without complaining.

No, you can ask. It's pointless, but go ahead.

It'll help me understand.

I'm holding a scooter engine, see?

Yeah. It's heavy, see?

It's heavy, it stinks of gas, it's even got oil on it.

Hey, you'll get your hands dirty.

You see it? I see it just fine, yes.

So you're still saying

this engine isn't real? How am I supposed to believe that?

Listen to me. Our reality is a simulation. Everything's fake, your engine,

your apartment, the city, your dead cat, the whole world, everything, even us two here.

Why does it smell like gas if it's not real?

It smells like gas because the simulation is well made.

Everything was designed to look as real as possible.

There are smells, light, temperature, gravity, weather.

It all looks real, but nobody even notices,

because we've been stuck in here forever.

But I hacked the system.

I've got solid proof that it's all completely made up.

You can put the engine away. That's enough.

By the way, what's it even doing in your kitchen… seriously?

Can't I keep my stuff wherever I want?

I put it there because that cabinet is exactly the right size.

Look, it fits perfectly.

You take apart scooters now?

Hang on, don't change the subject. It doesn't matter.

I already took one scooter apart.

Whatever, but there's one thing I don't get about your story.

If you're so sure about it, why are you telling me?

Why don't you tell the police? The police?

Yeah, the police. Are you serious?

I'm telling you this world doesn't exist and you want to call the cops.

Yeah, they must have a department for this kind of phenomenon, right?

It's not just a phenomenon, Bruno,

the police are in the simulation too, don't you get it?

Sure, you're right.

Why am I even telling you? You're way too rational, I knew it.

Wait, me, rational?

I'm rational? Look at the nerve on this guy.

Did you forget I'm the musician and you're the banker?

I'm the rational one.

Actually, I'm the only one.

Everything OK?

Am I interrupting?

Say hi to Jacky.

Hi, Jacky.

Hi.

Sorry, it's early. Did I wake you?

I wasn't sleeping, so it's fine.

Is everything OK? Yeah, all good.

What were you talking about? You're acting weird.

Nothing special. We were just chatting.

Yeah, nothing special.

You were talking about money, weren't you?

No, come on, are you serious?

You think that's all we ever talk about?

That's true, why do you say that?

You're acting weird, that's all.

What do you mean, weird?

Yeah, what's so weird about us? I don't care if they talk about money,

it doesn't bother me. You could just say so, it's no big deal.

Stop it, we're not talking about money. It's about sex, OK?

Really? Definitely.

Just say it, it's simpler. Why all the suspense?

There's no suspense, you're the one who's upset. What's going on?

Are you in a bad mood?

You want to fight in front of Jacky, is that it?

I'm always left out when you talk about money.

So it's starting to get to me, that's all. I have opinions. I'd like to be included.

We're not talking about fucking money! Hey, hey, easy!

Shit! Oh my God… my water just broke.

Seriously? Right now? Yes, it just broke.

Shit. It's happening.

No, what? Oh, yeah…

Are you sure? Come on, can't you see?

Oh, it's a girl!

Wait, we're parents now?

Oh, I'm so happy, a little girl! Wow, this was my dream!

Oh my God!

I'll wash her in the tub. She's all sticky.

Should I come with you? No, I've got it, relax.

Damn, I'm a dad now. Did you see that or not?

Wow, this is insane.

It hasn't sunk in yet.

It's unreal. I don't feel anything. It's actually weird.

Didn't you see it? What?

Just now… you didn't see anything strange?

It's not strange. She gave birth. That's how nature works.

No, man, wait.

It's not possible. Didn't you notice your baby was just born without an umbilical cord?

It had no umbilical cord, damn it!

It's impossible, no baby is born without an umbilical cord!

What do you mean, no cord? Maybe she cut it without us seeing, who knows.

It was fast. We didn't notice.

Bruno,

I watched that birth from start to finish without blinking. There was no cord.

OK?

And you know why? Because we're in the fucking simulation!

More proof! Fuck, are you still going on about that?

You want to ruin this precious moment? No, I want you to believe me!

Babe, I'm stepping out for five minutes with Jacky. He really wants to show me something.

It seems super important to him.

I'll get rid of him, be right back, and we'll take care of the baby together, OK?

I don't know where I put it! I'm in shock. I can't find it!

What do you mean? What can't you find?

I picked a name, I wrote it in this fucking phone and I don't know where.

It's driving me crazy. I keep looking and I can't find it!

It's OK, sweetheart. I'll help you find it, calm down!

But this poor baby has no name!

What are we going to call her? Five minutes in and I'm already a terrible mom.

No, no, not at all, hey!

Take it easy, OK? Come here!

It's just the shock of giving birth. It happens. It's the baby blues.

You're going to be the best mom in the whole world. You know why?

Your parents didn't look after you properly, so you'll make sure it never happens again.

I don't know if it works like that.

It works like that, I know it. Your parents treated you horribly.

Don't you remember? Your parents are assholes.

Don't talk like that in front of her, poor thing.

Relax, she doesn't understand a thing.

You don't have to teach her swear words yet. It's way too early.

And they say babies actually understand everything.

Sorry, Daddy's saying bad words, but it's OK. She'll cope.

Hey, listen, I'm telling you, you're going to be a great mom.

I'm pleasantly surprised.

Really? A hundred percent.

Today we'll just relax…

get a pizza or something nice and pick a name together, OK?

No! I want to find my note. That name was perfect, I don't want another one.

I'll look for the name, wherever it is, but I have to go now, OK?

Hey, are you talking about money or not?

No, I swear we're not, nothing like that.

Sorry, I'm being annoying. It's fine, I'm going.

Sure, see you. Love you.

Yeah, I'd like to quickly ask your opinion on something.

Do you think everything here is real,

or that not everything is necessarily real?

Or maybe you don't have an opinion on that?

I'm a bit weak after the birth. I'm not really sure.

Yeah, I get it, sure.

Forget it, it's not important. Bye. I'm off.

I find new proof every day now.

The proof keeps piling up. There's so much that I made a list.

It's unbelievable. Why am I the only one who sees it?

That's really scary. A list?

Yeah, I wrote everything down.

I've got 264 pieces of proof. So with the umbilical cord, that's 265, man.

265, it's absolutely certain.

We're in a simulation. There's no doubt anymore.

Do you have the list on you? No, I've got it hidden.

I'd like to see it sometime,

to understand it better, because, to be honest…

Hey! Are you out of your mind?

What?

You just hit me. Watch where you're going.

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.

Sorry. Yeah, I know.

I couldn't care less, you moron.

So get lost and go get drunk.

Hey, that was too much. You can't talk to him like that, poor guy.

He hurt me. He has to watch where he walks.

I don't bump into people. Aren't you paying attention?

He's an old man. He might be blind.

That's not OK. It really hurts.

He's sick.

My wife just gave birth.

Am I allowed to be a bit on edge, or not?

Do I have your permission?

I don't like that aggression. Not when it's for no reason.

It's not cool. Look, you have to make up your mind.

You say we're in a simulation

and now you're upset that I was rude to a blind old man.

That makes no sense. That has nothing to do with it.

What do you mean?

If we're in a simulation, the way I see it, we don't have to worry about it, right?

It's not real, so nothing's serious. See? This doesn't matter either.

Come on, don't be such an idiot.

So we can trash the whole world just because it's a simulation.

Your logic is crap, Bruno.

We don't know who's running it. Someone might be watching us.

We have to be careful. That's the scary part.

Someone must have created it.

OK, so you're having paranoid delusions.

Maybe it's… God.

A guy who creates simulations and watches how things play out.

So it's God, huh? Damn, you've gone nuts, man.

Or the devil, I don't know.

I'm not sure. I keep asking myself. Maybe it's some kind of alien interference.

Sure, like they've got nothing better to do.

If we'd created the world, we'd be watching nothing but idiots.

You don't get how deep this goes. Forget it, shut up.

Look, here it is.

See that toilet… right there in front of us?

So what?

See the bush next to it?

I see everything, yes.

The sky, the kids, the ground, the trees. I have eyes.

I see things, yes.

OK, listen, here's what we'll do.

We'll go up to the bush and sneak behind it, we have to be careful

that nobody notices us, OK?

Wow, what a hilarious plan.

We hide behind a bush, seriously.

What is this, huh? And then we have to get undressed?

You won't be laughing for long. Are you ready or not?

Let's go.

I don't even know what I'm ready for, but I am.

OK, let's go. Follow me.

Those kids will see us. I'll take care of it.

Hi! How's it going, guys?

Could you do me a favor and go play somewhere else, over there?

Why?

We need some peace, me and my friend.

We want to sit here and talk about important grown-up stuff.

We were here first. So don't tell us to leave.

This place is ours. We've always played here.

Sure.

I'll give you 100 euros to go play somewhere else. Deal?

We can't split 100 euros three ways evenly, man.

You get a fraction, and then we'll be all confused.

That's not OK. Give us more.

More?

No, but… Wow, the ginger kid's got some nerve.

Don't talk to my friend like that.

Come on, get out of here and don't argue. Beat it!

OK, we're going. Chill out.

Yeah, yeah.

I'm chill, but in two seconds I'm gonna explode.

So get lost before I call the orphanage.

100 euros, are you crazy? Who cares. It's just a simulation, come on.

So I was right. You can just ignore it.

Stop looking at it like I don't care. It's way more of an adventure, come on.

OK, great.

Damn it, Jacky! What are you up to now? I'm not climbing into a sewer, just so you know.

You're the first one I'm showing. Come on, come closer.

What? Come and look. Don't be scared.

Look in there, please.

OK…

I don't get it.

But you can see it.

No, I swear. I don't get it. Are you keeping a bird in there?

No, it's a glitch, notice how it's not moving.

Holy shit, it's true!

That's insane!

Do you believe me now? You doubted me.

There's no way that bird can fly in place like that.

Hey, that makes no sense.

It's not moving?

That's really weird. Yeah, it's not moving at all.

And look, I can touch it. It's not an illusion, it's really there.

It reacts a little, see? Yes.

It always goes back to the same spot. And it keeps flying.

Did you try grabbing it?

Of course.

That was the first thing I did. I thought it was stuck.

I wanted to free it.

Exactly.

I tried 45 times. It always goes back to the same spot.

That's one hell of a glitch, I'll tell you!

I even tried taking it home in a bag. I let it go 500 meters from here.

It came straight back here and hid in there again. I even came to check at night.

It's still there. Flying nonstop.

Amazing. Yeah.

Can I just ask you… Sorry, but how did you find it?

What were you doing behind a toilet in the park? That's a bit suspicious, isn't it?

Doesn't matter. One day I needed to pee.

The stall was taken. I couldn't wait, so I hid back here.

Damn,

I show you something this amazing and that's all you ask about, seriously?

Well, I don't know. When did this happen?

Three weeks ago now. It's been flapping like crazy for three weeks?

No, I found it three weeks ago.

Maybe it's been there longer, I don't know, maybe forever.

Look, I'll be honest, OK?

This story of yours is giving me a headache.

We're in a simulation. I'm telling you, it's the only explanation.

I've looked at it from every angle.

We live in an artificial world and there are a few bugs. That's all.

That was the first thing I discovered.

It got me thinking, and then I noticed others.

Do you believe me now or not? Look, for now, I

believe there's a bird in there, OK?

That's true.

But I don't know what it means. Honestly, I'm confused.

What about the umbilical cord?

I didn't see that. I can't comment.

OK, do you still want to see my list?

Thank you, sir. Bye.

Is it just me, or was his driving really awful?

Ugh. The braking, it was terrible.

It bugs me. How can he be a cab driver and drive so badly?

You've got one job, at least do it properly.

Seriously.

And it's a really crappy job, by the way.

Well, it's not that bad.

Yes, it's normal for newborns to cry.

And have you tried feeding him?

Oh, right.

So it might be… Put some clothes on him, how about that?

No, I mean, dress him so he stops shaking, or I don't know.

No, so she stops shaking. Yeah, I have to say her. It's a girl, sorry.

Have you found the name yet?

So we don't have to keep saying she. It's really annoying, right?

We stopped off here… at Jacky's place for a minute.

I know, I'm coming.

I'll be right back. He just wants to show me his new TV.

He got a flat screen with 4D.

It's brand new, it's amazing. It's more than 3D, it's 4D.

Yes, I swear. He just wants to show me…

I know, I know. Well, he's happy.

Yeah, calm down. I'm coming, sweetheart.

I won't be long. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Deal.

OK, bye.

I can't leave her alone for long. She's struggling with the baby.

Just show me so we can get it over with. Get it over with?

Wait. You know this is going to change how you see life forever, right?

You can't say let's get it over with like it's some silly little thing.

No, sure, sorry.

I'm sharing a very important discovery with you.

Are you sure?

Come on, I'm really curious. Show me.

Want to enjoy 5 more seconds of ignorance?

5 seconds of ignorance before it floors you, or shall we dive right in?

Let's get right to it.

Come on, I can't wait. Come on, show me.

Great. Go on, read it.

I suggest you start from the beginning. In the order they were discovered.

Yes, please.

Sure. Number 1, the bird trapped in the drain.

OK, I just saw that with you.

Great, you get it, so keep going.

Number 2, the hands of the baker on Rue Mazan.

I saw a baker who had eight fingers on each hand.

What? That's awful.

Shit, the poor woman!

No, she doesn't even notice. It's not a disability.

It's a glitch, like the bird.

Sorry, but no.

You'll see, this time it's probably not a glitch.

Maybe she's disabled, poor thing, what could she do about it?

No, forget it, that's got nothing to do with it.

Eight fingers doesn't exist. Not even in India.

No, it's impossible. It's a glitch! I'm telling you. Go on.

OK! So number three. The elevator at my grandma's building.

Totally insane.

It's an elevator that's always on every floor at the same time.

It works perfectly.

You can get in and go wherever you want, no problem at all.

It's available all the time on every floor.

Open any door, it's there.

It'll drive you crazy!

Wow, that's creepy. Totally terrifying.

It's so crazy it gives me a headache. I spent four hours testing it.

And who's the old lady?

My aunt.

OK.

An aunt you call Grandma? That's a glitch too, isn't it?

Never mind, go on. Come on.

You don't find it funny? I'm fine.

If it bothers you, let's drop it. It looks like you're making fun of me.

No, sorry. You know I like joking around.

Yeah, but now's not the time. Damn it, I'm telling you this insane secret.

Sure, I get it. I'm not taking it as a joke.

Let's go then. So, number four, the hat.

Yes.

There's a hat floating on the Seine, always in the same spot.

Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not.

I see it four times a week when I walk along the riverbank.

So what? So what? It's impossible.

When a hat floats on the water, usually it, I don't know…

sinks, or the current carries it off.

It can't stay in the same spot forever.

So another glitch? It is a list of glitches, isn't it?

Sure.

Number 264, the dog poop on Rue Régis Courant.

Exactly.

Two days ago, near the office, I saw a blinking dog turd on the ground.

Like it was blinking nonstop.

And after five minutes it vanished completely.

And that's it.

Now you know everything.

Damn.

And now I can add number 265,

the umbilical cord of Fabienne's baby.

That's it.

Man, I'm in shock. Seriously.

It's unbelievable. I've got goosebumps, you know?

I can't believe it, man.

265 pieces of proof, man.

Do you believe it now, or are you still skeptical?

Then listen to me carefully.

Not only am I with you,

I want to understand this mess too.

You've got me curious. So yes, you can count on me 100%.

I'll help you till the end of this investigation. I don't know how we'll do it.

Or what, or how.

But we'll figure this mess out together.

Really? Look me straight in the eye.

I've never been more serious in my life.

You can count on me, man.

Great. Thanks.

I'm touched. Easy.

Don't tell anyone, OK?

It stays between us. It's our secret, you can count on me.

I won't tell anyone.

So what do we do next? What do we do?

I don't know.

Yeah.

I have no idea.

I'm on my way, sweetheart.

I'm on my way. It's just…

Listen, he locked me in here. He wanted to watch all three Star Wars in a row

on his ridiculous new TV…

I swear that fucking 4D wrecked my eyes.

You know me. I hate that kind of movie.

Anyway, never mind. I'll be right there, sweetheart.

I'll be right there. Calm down.

Kisses.

It's empty today, huh?

It sure is.

You idiot! You think that's funny?

You see this guy?

Yeah, sure.

You're an idiot.

Wait.

I've got some for you too. And there you go!

You need to get help, huh?

Calm down, idiot.

We're in a simulation. None of this exists. It's all bullshit. Give it up.

You don't exist either.

He doesn't know.

He doesn't know anything.

Good evening, I've been on the street for four years. I'm trying to get back on my feet.

Would you happen to have some spare change to help me out?

Well, you know what? I don't usually give.

But today I'm seeing the world a little differently.

Hang on a sec.

Hey, it's your lucky day.

Premium card.

What am I supposed to do with that?

You can withdraw up to 12,000 euros a month. The PIN is 65-65.

Easy to remember.

Go on, enjoy it.

Idiot.

Hey! That's my card.

You could buy some designer clothes with it and take a shower instead of stinking like that.

Yeah, fine. Tough luck for you.

I'm keeping it.

Come on, get lost.

Here you go.

Whatever, who cares.

That's really a bit much.

I like it.

Oh, she's asleep.

She's so cute.

You took way too long. Tell me about it, I've had it up to here.

He wouldn't let me go. It was hell.

Look, all three Star Wars.

And the old ones too. Not even the new ones! You can imagine what torture that was.

Endless.

You can tell my eyes are tired, right?

Bruno, I looked it up online. It doesn't exist.

A 4D TV is made up. You're messing with me.

What? Tell me the truth.

What were you two doing?

Of course it exists. It's a Dutch product. It just came out.

No! I've been searching for two hours. 3D exists, but 4D doesn't.

The Netherlands has never made TVs. That's nonsense.

That's not true at all.

You won't find it because for now it's only on the dark web. It's not for sale.

It's bad for your eyes. It's banned here.

Jacky managed to get one because he has a hacker friend.

If you don't believe me, call him.

I'm not calling Jacky, I can't stand him. I know you, you're lying.

Don't treat me like an idiot, tell me the truth.

I am telling the truth. Why don't you believe me?

You were talking about money, weren't you?

That's so stupid! You're totally obsessed with it, seriously.

I'm right, aren't I? No.

I'm right, aren't I? No, I already told you no.

I am.

Fine! You're right, that's it, you figured it out. Happy now?

Damn, I knew it! You really piss me off.

Why am I never there when you talk about money with that moron?

Shh, you'll wake her. I don't care.

And he's not a moron. He's my best friend.

Yes he is, you idiot. No.

And you're getting on my nerves.

Congratulations! Happy now?

You ruined her first night's sleep. Great job.

15 years of therapy. It's your fault. Don't talk crap.

Wow! You're so annoying, there's nothing anyone can do about it.

What are you doing, if I may ask? You're letting her cry?

I've been looking after her since she was born. Let her deal with it.

Deal with it yourself, I've had enough. And what am I supposed to do?

Hey! I can't believe this.

Come here, sweetie.

Easy, it's no big deal.

Yeah, it's no big deal. Everything's fine.

Daddy's here.

The baby's fine.

Look. You're in a simulation, so just relax.

Nothing's going to happen to you. Calm down.

Pretty good, huh? We don't care.

This mess isn't real. Look.

It's nothing. It's nothing.

Oh, you think it's funny.

Let's go, then.

Cool, huh?

Go ahead, help yourself.

Look.

We couldn't care less.

Oh, who's that?

Look at these two idiots in the simulation.

Claude? You don't like it?

It's more of a boy's name, isn't it?

It's unisex. And I think it's really cute.

I don't know.

It doesn't feel like a baby name to me. It sounds like a grown-up's name.

Good morning. What can I get you, sir?

To read my paper without being disturbed.

Got it. I'll leave you in peace.

Thank you.

Listen. About what happened last night… I've been thinking about it a lot.

Between the first and second night feeds, it was a rough night, I fought with Fabienne.

Oh, damn. Yeah, it sucks.

Anyway, never mind. I'm used to it.

So I'm tired, I'm looking after the baby, and with everything else,

I was thinking I'd drop our investigation.

We'd never solve something this huge, just the two of us.

We're not qualified at all… But whatever…

No, wait, wait, calm down.

I thought about that for a while.

But then I lay down and suddenly I had an idea.

Damn, you scared me. No, I'm with you!

You can count on me. OK, great.

Come on, what is it? So I was thinking, quite pragmatically, actually,

that we just take a camera and film all the glitches on your list.

We take two or three days off, go around to all of them

and get it all on video, get some quality footage, you know?

We'll do it properly, OK?

We edit it all together so it really captures the whole thing.

And then we show it to the police.

And prove that something crazy is going on.

No, Bruno!

That's your plan, seriously?

What?

I already explained it to you, man. The police are part of the simulation.

Are you stupid or what? It's pointless.

They won't help. They're not real.

You still don't get it, do you? I do get it.

The point is the police at least know how to investigate.

We don't.

You don't understand what's going on.

You haven't understood a thing. You don't get the concept of a simulation.

Of course I get it. OK, fine.

Everything's real. I'm not stupid. I get it.

No, the exact opposite, nothing is real.

Damn, this is driving me crazy.

Yeah, sorry. I always mix it up, whatever.

I totally get it.

And I've seen The Matrix, OK, unlike you.

You think you get it, but you don't.

Stop thinking I don't get it. It's insulting.

Excuse me, gentlemen?

What…? It's fine, is everything OK?

What are you doing?

Shit!

The guy with no legs on Rue Chirac. He's number 95 on my list.

He has no legs, but he stands perfectly.

It's fascinating, isn't it? It is.

I know exactly what you're talking about.

Were you listening to our conversation?

That's great.

My name is Christophe Bourgeois. And the problem

you're interested in, I've been working on it for more than 5 years.

I'm a bit ahead of you.

I believe I can give you some answers to the questions you're asking yourselves.

If you're interested, of course.

Yes, yes. Of course!

Yes, we're very interested. I've got a bad feeling about all this.

I understand. Come with me.

My office is just around the corner. I'll explain everything.

What an unbelievable coincidence.

Holy shit!

Wait, wait, wait. It's all a bit fast, I think.

Hang on a second. Sorry.

May I have a quick word with my partner before we join you?

Your partner? Yes, my partner in this investigation.

You've been giving me trouble since yesterday. I'll wait across the street.

Thanks. It won't take long.

Is he an idiot or what? This guy fell from the sky.

Did you hear that? He has answers.

I want to think it over first before I follow him, Jacky.

Because actually he's part of the simulation too.

See what I mean? Doesn't it seem a bit suspicious to you?

We talked about it yesterday and then the very next day we run into a guy who has the answers.

Hey! That was way too easy, right?

It could be a trap. A trap set by who, for who?

No, but… What if someone's controlling the simulation,

like you said, God, an alien, or who knows…

Yeah.

So maybe they've caught on to us,

because they noticed we're investigating. So they sent this guy to take us out.

But… You watch too many movies, Bruno.

Forget The Matrix! You know?

OK.

Even if it's a trap, it's worth it.

At least we'll learn something. It'll move the investigation forward.

OK.

And what if he's some pervert who just wants to take advantage of us?

We'll smash his face in. Look at him. He's tiny and there's two of us.

Yeah, you're right. Exactly!

Welcome, come in, make yourselves at home. Don't mind the mess.

Yes, sometimes you need to air things out, right?

Have a seat.

Thanks for having us. That's very kind of you.

I've been racking my brain over this for three weeks. So I'm really curious.

Excuse me. To speed things up,

I'll try to be as brief as possible.

I have a massage in 15 minutes that I can't postpone.

OK.

It's a bit weird to talk about your massage.

Sorry, but it's a bit personal, isn't it?

Who cares, Bruno. What?

We don't even know him. Who cares.

He's allowed to talk about his massage. Go ahead, Christophe.

You can talk. OK.

Gentlemen, I have a question, a very simple question.

Yes?

Have you ever asked yourselves what's on the other side of the mirror?

Sorry? Would you like me to repeat that?

No, we heard you.

No, well…

Me, yes, sometimes I wonder about that.

Anyway, I find the whole idea of mirrors pretty mysterious.

It's true I've often wondered how they work, yes.

Wait, it's just a material that reflects light, isn't it?

What's mysterious about it?

You didn't answer my question.

I'll repeat it. Listen carefully.

Have you ever asked yourselves what's on the other side of the mirror?

Personally, I brush my teeth,

comb my hair, and then I don't think about the mirror anymore.

No, sorry, I haven't.

No, me neither. Honestly, no.

I don't know. Usually there's a wall behind a mirror, right?

You don't understand at all.

Let's do a little test. You'll understand.

Look at your reflection right here and tell me what you see.

Well… us?

Well, it's us, isn't it?

Exactly, it's you.

You can't imagine how accurate that answer is.

You're absolutely right.

What you see in that mirror, gentlemen, is yourselves.

Sure, that's normal.

And? Yeah, what kind of test is this?

When I say it's you, I mean it really is you.

I don't get it…

Yeah, me neither, I admit.

They're the real gentlemen, not you.

No, well…

What do you mean?

You two are just a reflection of those two people in the mirror.

The world we're in is actually the reflection of every mirror.

We don't live on the right side of the mirror, gentlemen.

I'm sorry to have to tell you.

We are just reflections.

No, wow… But what's so amazing about that?

Wait, you're just going to accept that… without even thinking?

It's true, it's insane.

I see…

That's why there are glitches everywhere.

Some mirrors are defective,

damaged or just dirty, which causes lots of inconsistencies around us.

Exactly.

We call it the echo of the reflection.

You could also call it a bug. Yes, if you like.

Wow.

Well, we'd never have figured that out on our own.

You can take a moment to let it sink in, if you like.

You hear that, man?

Yeah.

But…

Never mind…

No.

You know what? I'm not buying it.

Your story doesn't add up. I don't want to be rude, but…

Bruno, think about it. It explains everything. We have the answer.

Case closed. No, sorry. I'm not falling for it.

If we think about it for a second…

Let me go through it, just for fun, assuming it's possible.

So the real me would be the guy in the mirror.

Exactly.

And you're just his reflection. He's the real one.

Sure.

Except right now, at this very moment, he,

who is supposedly the real me, is saying exactly what I'm saying.

And I'm supposed to be his reflection. I can see him right here.

He says everything I say in real time.

Look, he does everything just like me. Which means…

he's also just my reflection.

See what I'm saying? Your theory is total nonsense.

We're going around in circles. It's impossible.

That's an excellent point.

You're absolutely right.

I call it a disproportionately evasive answer.

The real people on the other side

are having exactly the same conversations as us.

At this very moment, exactly the same, yes. That's the whole paradox of infinity.

It's very unsettling at first, I'll admit.

But it's the sad truth. We are just reflections.

The real people are on the other side.

That information has completely blown my mind.

The real me is that guy?

No, no. Jacky, don't be fooled.

Listen to me.

The guy in the reflection is noticing the same thing.

He's saying the same thing as you at the same moment.

So the real me is that guy?

Well, that makes no sense at all.

If HE thinks YOU'RE the real one, then it makes no sense.

It's an endless loop! He's right.

That's exactly it… a loop.

Yes, sorry, Christophe. I'll take the reasoning even further.

If we added a second mirror to the living room, what would happen?

There'd be two more of us, so what?

In the end, how do we know who the real people are?

And we could even put 50 mirrors in there if we wanted.

You've perfectly captured the complexity of the problem.

Your analysis is brilliant.

You've touched on a fundamental concept, which I call the vertigo of existence.

When we realize we're all lost in this terrifying infinity,

we automatically feel the deep vertigo you described so aptly.

That's actually the subject of all my research.

I work on it day and night.

I'd like to reveal this truth to the public, but it's still a little too early.

People aren't ready yet.

In any case, congratulations.

What you just said is very insightful.

You're quick, aren't you?

I'll say it again, you're a genius.

Really? A genius? Yes, a genius.

I feel dizzy. My head is spinning, this is crazy.

Hey, you hear that? I'm a genius.

I've rarely met anyone with such analytical ability.

Are you a scientist?

That's kind of you, thanks, but no. I'm a musician.

I compose jingles, mostly for commercials.

Maybe you missed your calling.

I'm not bad at composing tunes either. Hang on.

I have a question, or rather, I have a thousand questions.

Can we communicate with our real selves on the other side?

Can we get over there too?

Do we die at the same moment they do?

Are we stuck here forever? Holy shit!

Well, unfortunately I'm out of time today.

I have to rush to an appointment.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Here's my card.

OK.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to continue this conversation.

We would. We have to meet again. This is so frustrating.

Are you free tomorrow?

Have a nice day.

Goodbye.

Thanks, Christophe, yeah. And enjoy your massage, yes!

Oh no! Whoa!

Oh my God, no, no! Shit!

It's horrible, he's in a thousand pieces! Now he'll never explain the rest!

Call for help, quick!

What? Help!

Yes, of course.

Please call me an ambulance,

to my exact GPS location, as fast as possible.

And a professional cleaning crew, if possible. It's urgent.

Thank you.

I couldn't brake in time. He came out of nowhere.

Why? Why?

But you were going way too fast.

I was running late, what was I supposed to do?

My life is over because of some beggar. He wasn't a beggar.

You just killed a genius! I'm so sorry! What have I done?

I'm sorry…

What a mess.

It's my fault!

I didn't look when I was crossing.

I'm such an idiot…

What a fucked-up way to go!

All those years of research, thrown in the trash.

It's terrible. Keep thinking.

You're on the right track.

You're brilliant.

Continue the work I started.

Please! It's very important.

And finish it yourselves.

Your friend's reasoning isn't as good as yours.

He'll hold you back.

Don't rely on him so much. He's not at your level.

Carry on without him.

You really are a genius.

Carry on. Do it for me.

Fuck.

15 YEARS LATER

Bruno…

you're on in a minute.

Fuck off!

Thank you, Sandrine! Fascinating, as always.

Well, my next guest needs no introduction.

Everyone knows him,

because he's behind the biggest upheaval in the history of our world.

Thanks to his research and his immense talent,

we were able to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were.

Thanks to him, and it's a sad thing,

we had to open our eyes and accept that we're just reflections of ourselves.

Since this incredible discovery,

our relationship to existence has been shaken, questioned, turned upside down and transformed.

Tonight my guest has decided to honor us with his presence

in order to unveil his latest discovery as a world premiere,

which, I believe, will once again change our perception of reality.

A big round of applause for the brilliant Bruno Moulin.

Thank you, thank you very much.

That's very kind of you, thank you.

Who among you has never dreamed of crossing to the other side and living a real life?

Seeing reality as it truly is, feeling real emotions,

touching real matter, getting drunk on real scents,

tasting real flavors, or even just truly being yourself?

Who among you can say you've never dreamed of all that?

No one, of course. No one.

Since my discovery, we have all been …and it's completely normal…

obsessed, tormented and even haunted

by our pitiful fate as mere reflections.

That's why…

I came up with the idea of developing what my critics call…

a gadget.

But personally I prefer to call it a revolutionary remedy for the mind.

Allow me to present to you tonight, exclusively,

Reflecto!

Sorry, my apologies. It's the emotion. I said it wrong. Let me start again.

Allow me to present to you tonight, exclusively,

Reflectus!

Take a look: a technological marvel.

This little device fits in the palm of your hand and, thanks to its simple

and ergonomic design, even a five-year-old can use it.

It was designed to help people overcome their fears and anxieties.

This little mirror you see in front of you allows Reflectus to scan

every emotion of your real self, which is… as you know,

on the other side of the mirror.

The scanned metadata is transmitted to your brain in real time via a sensor,

giving you the illusion that you're on the other side of the mirror

and that you are yourself, in real time, of course.

Enough talk. Demonstration.

First, I put on the sensor like this.

Then I switch on Reflectus by pressing this little button.

I composed that tune myself.

Reflectus is ready. So here we go, the experiment can begin.

I just need to look in the mirror for a few seconds, and…

There it is.

I just need to look at myself in the mirror for a few seconds, and…

…there it is.

I'm starting to feel it, yes. It's here.

Yeah. Yeah… Wow.

I feel so much better.

I feel like I'm completely myself.

I feel good.

Really, I'm on the other side.

It's fascinating. It's truly amazing.

Excellent.

Amazing.

And that's all.

The battery lasts 24 hours. It's waterproof.

Available at the end of June in 4 colors.

Launch price: just 999 dollars.

Thank you.

Congratulations, darling.

Congratulations. I tripped over my words a bit.

Did you notice? When I meant to say Reflectus, I almost said Reflector.

It doesn't matter. Nobody noticed.

It was amazing.

Pre-orders are going through the roof. It's going to be a huge hit.

That's great news!

Congrats, Dad.

You were great, as always. But today you were even better.

I think you impressed me even more than usual.

Seriously, congrats. I'm really proud of you.

I know you don't care. You find all of it a drag.

Do you need another 500 euros? Yeah, I'll take it.

Then I can go digital bowling with the gang later.

Yeah, go ahead, here.

You don't have to stay. I know cocktail parties are boring.

You can go. No, I'll chill here for a bit.

And there's food.

I'll get something to eat.

Can I borrow your Reflector for five minutes, just to try it?

The Reflectus!

Yes.

Can I borrow it?

Here you go, go on.

Be careful. Don't do anything stupid.

No problem, I'll be careful.

Thanks, Dad.

I'm going to say hello to the President. He's arrived.

Go on, darling, go. In a minute.

That's great.

Bruno, just a moment.

Aglaya is a pop singer. She's dying to meet you.

Hi. Could you sign your book for me?

Of course.

I loved it. I've read it about 200 times.

It's my bible. I know it by heart.

That's good.

Here.

I'm going to use Reflectus to write songs

that are more connected to the emotions of my real self.

I'd love to explore that.

Could I get it before everyone else

and promote it to my followers in return?

Yes, that can be arranged.

Great.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Hey, damn!

Wow! Surprise!

Jacky?

Hey, you still remember my name. That's nice, you walking porta-potty.

Wow, you've gotten old.

What are you doing here?

I came to get a close-up look at the great genius. I'm curious.

Hey, cut it out.

Jacky, I'm not kidding.

I can have security throw you out in two seconds. So watch it.

Was it that hard, all these years, to answer my messages?

I never got any messages, OK?

Stop the emotional blackmail, Jacky. We just lost touch, that's all.

It's as much your fault as mine.

You must have sent them to the wrong number.

I did nothing of the sort. Sure, sure.

You picked the worst moment to come at me. Can't you see this is my big day?

I don't care at all. Forget it.

I don't want to spoil your glory. Relax.

I just came to tell you something. It'll take five minutes.

Not even. OK, great.

Let's set up a meeting. I think I'll have time next month.

We can arrange that, yeah. Now's not a good time.

No, right now.

Jacky… Now!

If you say no, I'll turn your fucking party into a bloodbath.

How the fuck did you find me here? What are you doing in New York?

Karen paid for my plane ticket out of her savings.

I've wanted to talk to you for a long time.

By the way, I haven't introduced you yet. That was rude of me.

Please say hello to my best friend, Karen.

Hi.

She could've found someone her own age, no?

She's beautiful, isn't she? Doesn't she remind you of anyone?

No.

Try harder, look. She doesn't remind me of anyone. I said that.

What do you want, Jacky? You and your young girlfriend?

I don't have time. People are waiting for me, so spit it out.

Tell him your last name. That'll definitely help.

My name is Karen Bourgeois.

Doesn't ring a bell? No.

Say it one more time.

Karen Bourgeois.

Christophe's daughter. Christophe?

You really want me to believe you've forgotten Christophe?

Christophe?

Yeah.

I know everything, Bruno. Thought you'd get away with it? Too bad.

Jacky knows everything.

Everything?

Go on, Karen.

Your turn. Let him have it.

The day after my father died, I went to the apartment with my nanny to get my things.

I had a little room there in the corner.

I mostly went there on Wednesdays.

I heard a noise coming from the office. And then I saw you.

You were messing with my dad's computer.

My nanny thought you were cops.

And since she was here illegally, she didn't want to get into trouble.

So we hid in my room and waited for you to leave.

You were there for 4 whole hours.

Four hours going through every file and taking notes in a notebook.

I know what happened that day.

You stole all of my father's work.

I was 5, but I understood everything.

Before he died, he asked me to carry on with his research.

I was just fulfilling his last wish.

OK? I did it all for him.

I didn't steal anything. Hey, don't take us for idiots.

Her father died in that accident. He was splattered into a thousand pieces.

Sorry, Karen. I have to.

But he spoke to me. I swear it's true.

Stop it. Have you ever seen a hamburger talk?

Doesn't matter, Bruno. We've got you, you're done.

Betraying a dead man's memory after stealing his work, that's disgusting.

But cowardly abandoning your best friend is unforgivable.

I didn't abandon you, Jacky. I'm the one who put you onto the glitches.

You owe me a lot. How could you forget me so easily?

I didn't abandon you, Jacky. You're the one who lost it, remember?

After the accident you stayed in bed for two months.

You looked like a zombie, man. I didn't even recognize you.

I came to see you every day, trying to cheer you up.

To distract you, make you laugh.

But you just stayed like that. Blank stare, unwashed, silent.

It was a shock!

I didn't want to see you like that. It was just too hard, that's all!

Wow.

That's a real shame.

What?

Your Reflectus is a scam. It does nothing at all.

No experience, it's just a fucking mirror.

Now, now.

Well, my dear, now's not the time.

You don't know how to use it, so stop talking nonsense and go back inside.

I'm busy.

I know how to use it. It's done nothing for 20 minutes.

All I see is my face in the mirror, it's crap. You're crazy to sell it at that price.

Of course it doesn't work. Your dad's a fraud, sweetie. Didn't you know?

I'm talking to my dad, not you. Who's this guy?

I saw you being born, you know? I was there, in your parents' kitchen.

You didn't even have an umbilical cord.

Your dad was over the moon!

It might be the last good memory I have of him.

Yeah, man.

Holy shit!

Hey, why have you got a gun?

It's nothing, sweetie, relax.

I've got it under control. Everything's fine.

Go ahead, play the smart guy. If you knew how little I give a fuck.

Come on, shoot me. I've said what I wanted. I'm done, you can kill me.

What?

Shoot, I've got nothing left to lose.

Have you seen the state I'm in?

My life is wrecked. So enjoy it, man.

Come on, get it over with.

No, you're not getting off that easy.

No, that would be too easy.

Claude! Listen, sweetheart.

You're going to help me, OK? I need you here.

Go downstairs, call security and tell them

that some criminal tried to attack me with a gun,

but I managed to disarm him, OK?

Move! Go downstairs, come on!

Go get them to arrest this loser.

Dad, there isn't even any electronics in this thing.

It's just an empty box with a mirror stuck on it. Are you serious?

Leave it!

I'll explain later. You'll understand when you're older.

For now, go hide. Hurry.

I'm old enough to understand that you're scamming people.

You're a real bastard to do this. It's shameful. Damn it! Claude!

This really isn't the time.

He's been scamming people for ten years with books he didn't even write.

Hey! Wake up, sweetheart.

About time you figured it out. Shut up.

Shut up!

And he even has it made in China.

You make me sick!

I hate you! I don't want to be your daughter!

I'm so damn sorry.

I'm sorry.

It must be a drag being just a reflection.

Did you see how they seem to suffer?

Don't get me started, it's pathetic.

Everything always seems so complicated, so dramatic.

Look, mine's crying.

What an idiot. It's crazy.

What's actually wrong with them?

I look at them less and less.

It's all nonsense.

Yeah, it's depressing.

Depressing, that's the word.

We should get rid of the mirrors so we don't have to watch those idiots anymore.

Guys, we're not going to spend all night changing the world.

Did you finish your cigarette? Just now.

Let's go. Shall we get something to eat?

I'm hungry. That means yes.

By the way, I know an Italian place near here. What do you think?

Great. Let's go.

Claude!

Are you coming to dinner with us? Coming, Daddy.

Let's go. Come on.

Scene five-seven, take eight.

OK.

Do you still want to see my…

Do you still want my…

Do you want to see my…

Damn.

Do you still want to see my list?

Do you still want…

Why can't you get it?

It's too hard.

Say it.

Do you still want…

No.

Not at all, not at all.

Do you still want to see my list?

Do you still want to see my list?

Too bad.

That awful accent.

Bad.

It's normal. It's the baby blues.

It happens. It's the baby blues.

It's just the shock of giving birth.

Yeah.

It's normal. You've got postpartum depression.

Suddenly you're a doctor.

It's normal. Your parents are assholes.

Great diagnosis.

We'll take care of it for you.

OK.

Action.

…forgot. He was splattered into a thousand pieces.

Sorry, Karen, I have to.

Karen?

He said her name is Karen.

It's a better name, isn't it?

Karen, it's me, Yves.

He picked Karen as the name.

Karen Bourgeois.

It's a bit much to take in.

Yeah, it actually took my breath away, I get it.

Unbelievable.

Breathtaking performance.

Yeah, sure, sure, breathtaking performance.

Excellent.

Great point.

So, no?

So no. No breath, no breath at all.

I'm breathing out absolutely everything I've got.

There's nothing left in my lungs.

OK, let's start from the top.

V E R T I G O