Original subtitles

-(thunder rumbling) -(upbeat Afrikaans music)

-(crowd cheering) -(Freddy singing in Afrikaans)

(speaking Afrikaans)

-(Ilse) Where's Rosie? -(Jana) Taking a pee.

That girl's got a bladder like a watermelon.

(Freddy) Rascals, heroes, please welcome on stage,

my beautiful family, die Greylings!

This is my granddaughter, Lucy,

that's my boy, Eben. This is Ishara, the other redhead, that's Jana.

And where's Rosie? Rosie! And my beautiful wife, Ilse Greyling.

-(upbeat music) -(Freddy singing in Afrikaans)

(crowd cheering)

(Freddy/family singing in Afrikaans)

(upbeat guitar riff)

He's married, Rosanna.

You're gonna make a total doos of yourself.

Hey, I love you.

(Freddy singing in Afrikaans)

(upbeat Afrikaans music)

(thunder rumbling)

# Artist: Neil Sandilands # # Tracey-Lee Oliver #

# Title: Desert Rose #

# There are legends in the sky #

# Desert Rose, she only knows #

# You've never tasted water # # My friend #

# Where the gemsbok stands alone #

# In the koppies shines the throne #

# Namaqualand # # My rose of diamond stone #

# And the rain, yes, the rain # # Will see us kissing once again #

# For the Desert Rose to bloom # # In heaven's name #

(Ishara) It bucketed down when Pa came out for the encore.

And then he brought us out here, and we danced in the rain.

(seagulls cawing)

It was the best day of my life.

But Pa left. Wandered into the desert.

Same old sad Greyling story.

(mysterious music)

(tense music)

(panting)

Eben.

(rooster crowing)

(Rosanna) My name is Rosanna Greyling, everyone calls me Rosie.

Eben!

(Rosanna) Desert Rose is my town. And this is my farm.

It actually belongs to Ma and Pa,

but seeing as Ma's in the graveyard and Pa's disappeared,

no one really knows who owns it.

Well, this guy in the double cab,

Eugene van As, he thinks he owns it.

Lucy?

(sighing)

(Lucy) Here, Toshak. Are you hungry boy?

Hey, here.

(Rosanna) Pa got into debt...

same old Greyling story.

(suspense music)

(Rosanna) It's the last Friday of the month.

And Van As is coming to collect his debt.

(birds chirping)

(suspense music)

(car hooting in distance)

(Rosanna) You could say all of this is on Pa,

but he's not here right now.

Neither is my sister, Ishara.

But the rest of us are.

My other sister Jana, Eben, my brother,

my daughter, Lucy and me.

We are here now.

But come the end of today, one of us will be dead.

(sheep bleating)

-(Rosanna) Morning, Eugene. -(Eugene) River's full.

-Hey, lucky day. -Ja.

Oh, thanks, Rosie.

-Just the way you like it. -Ja.

Mmm.

-How's things? -Oh, same.

Hm. Barend Els reckons the catfish are back.

-How's his diabetes? -Wilma put him on a diet.

Urgh. (chuckling)

I wouldn't argue with her either.

Oh.

Eben is on his way.

(Lucy) Eu-gene.

"I caught a fish, it was this big." Or was it this big?

Lucy.

Eben!

-Eben! -(laptop chiming)

(insects buzzing)

(sheep bleating in distance)

Eben!

Maybe he slept in.

Excuse me, Eugene.

(Piet snoring)

-(gasping) -(Jana laughing)

Girlie.

He's here, Piet.

Rosie's serving coffee so, we've got about 20 minutes.

Okay. (clearing throat)

(Lucy) You want to help me feed Toshak?

-Where's he? -In the tank.

-Well, what does he eat? -Rats.

-How often? -Once a week.

That's not normal.

-Ja, well, he's my spirit animal. -Ja, well, it's dangerous.

People get bitten all the time out here, Eu-gene.

Why do you call me that?

-What? -Eu-gene.

Well, how do you want me to say it?

Eugene.

Okay.

(knocking on door)

(door opening)

-He's had his coffee. Come on. -Did you renew the subscription?

Wildlife Adventures.

River's full. Barend Els spotted a catfish.

Let's go. He's waiting.

You know, I've never left the Northern Cape.

There's that one Christmas you all went to Bloemfontein?

-Aunty Emma. -Ja, I stayed.

You could've come.

Pa wanted me to keep an eye on things.

-I remember. -Ja, you all had a great time.

It was okay, I mean.. We missed you.

-I wanna go to Rwanda. -Eben.

-I wanna see the gorillas. -One day.

There are only 800 of them left in the world.

You'll get to see them, okay? Gorillas are not extinct.

-Soon they will be. -Ja, okay, Eben, but not today.

I'm not going.

-You have to. -Tell him I'm feeling sick.

-No, Eben. We have a deal. -Who has a deal? You do. Not me.

-We do. -No!

Eben, please.

-No. -Eben, please

-Rosie, I can't. -What am I supposed to do?

He's not going to just let us off the hook.

This is Pa's debt.

Ja, and Pa's not here right now, okay?

We are. It's up to us, It's...

It's...

It's up to you.

(whispering) Please, Rosie.

Okay.

Okay, okay, okay.

I'll speak to him.

-(sighing) -(panting)

(footsteps approaching)

Sorry I kept you waiting.

Listen, Eugene, Eben has a fever.

He wants to go fishing, but the poor boy is burning up.

-What's his temperature? -I.. We don't have a thermometer.

So, how do you know he's got a fever?

I can see. I mean, he's pale and sweaty.

-Looks half-dead. -Hm.

Ja, well, if he's not up to fishing,

we'll just go to the Norfolk for breakfast instead.

Oh, no, shame he has no appetite.

-Let me speak to him. -It could be catchy.

It looks like flu. You better not risk it.

I'll take him to town today. See if Doc's open.

Rosie...

-It's the last Friday of the month. -I know, Eugene.

River's full, he's excited for the catfish but...

This is not right.

(suspense music)

Where's Freddy?

-Have I ever let you down? -No.

-So? -Where's your father?

I don't know, Eugene.

-Well, who does? -No one does.

What about your sister?

-Jana doesn't know anything. -No, not Jana. The other one.

-Ishara. -Will she know?

No. She works in Port Nolloth.

Look, please, I'll make this up to you.

You make sure you let me know when Eben's fever breaks.

(car engine starting)

(dramatic violin music)

(suspense music)

(suspense music)

I can go as low as 50 grand.

I'll throw in my father's old piano.

Tretchikoff is a true artist.

Of course it's an original. What do you mean they're all reproductions?

Two grand? It's a family heirloom and...

And for my father's piano?

Oh, you've got to be joking!

(cellphone beeping)

(sighing)

(crickets chirping)

So, last night, did we, you know..?

You don't remember?

-How was it? -Best ever.

It might be.

Not if you were the last person in Desert Rose.

Okay, no need break an old man's heart.

I love you, Piet.

(wind whistling)

-You ready? -Ja.

-We just gonna scare him. -Mm-hm, ja.

-No crazy s***? -No crazy s***.

-And you make sure Eben's unharmed. -Of course, man.

Eben refused to go fishing.

-What? -He won't come out of his trailer.

-Where's Van As? -He left.

(insects chirping)

(Jana) Hey! Eben! What are you doing? Van As was here. He came.

-Ja. -What do you mean, "Ja"?

Why didn't you just go with him? Last Friday of the month.

-I know. -What the hell's Piet doing?

Errands.

-Hey, boet, what's up? You sick? -No.

Then what?

(scoffing) Bloody f***. Don't just feel sorry for yourself.

-Couldn't you have just gone today? -Hey. Leave him.

We need to make payment. The debt needs to be paid today.

I can call Eugene. Tell him you're feeling better.

-Sorry, Rosie. -Hey.

You've got nothing to be sorry for, okay?

We're family. We'll...

-We have to find Pa. -Good luck with that.

-I mean it. -Okay. Where is he?

-I have no idea. -You see?

-This is his problem. -Okay.

Not anymore.

Take Lucy to school. I'll handle it.

Okay. Shut up. And stay here.

Piet's gonna scare the living kak out of Van As.

He's not gonna f*** with us ever again.

(light-hearted country music)

-Can't wait to see Mack. -That today?

Ja, Ma, get with the programme.

I know you like him, Lucy, but let's just take it slowly, okay?

-Hey, he's not my boyfriend. -I'm too old to have a boyfriend.

What? No. Don't say that. You're beautiful and amazing.

I'm sorry about this morning.

-Are we in trouble? -No, love.

Why do you ask that?

I know about Eugene.

What do you know?

-He owns us. -He does not own us.

-Okay, let's go with that then. -Lucy.

-So which river do they fish at, Ma? -I don't know. The Orange.

You know how far away that is? It's like...

That's why they go for the whole weekend. Okay.

Right.

-(schoolbell ringing) -(indistinct chatter)

-(knocking on door) -(Gus) Principal Greyling?

-Yes, Gus? Come, have a seat. -Thanks.

So, we've confirmed the dates for the annual flower festival.

It's set for two weeks time.

-And netball camp. -Where are you going this time?

-Upington. -Ms Jantjies going with you?

-She's sitting this one out. -You taking the girls alone?

-I don't mind. -What would we do without you, Gus?

Hey, it's fun for me too.

Well, I'm sure you've got better things to do.

I'll ask Mrs Stassen if she's available.

No, no. It's fine. I promised we'd get revenge on the Pofadder A team.

Those girls are mean.

-What? -Oh, I'm sorry.

-I'll come back later. -Lucy.

Your manners?

-Morning, Mr Dolly. -Morning, Lucy.

-I loved your water project. -Oh, thank you.

Very smart use of resources and space. Excellent effort.

(ominous music)

And?

(ominous music)

Hey!

-Who the f*** are you? -(Mack) I'm Mack.

I'm Rosie's friend from Port Nolloth.

And what do you want?

-Nothing. -Lucy invited me.. for tea.

Tea?

(Gus) Reset.

It's okay, it's fine, reset.

(cellphone ringing)

Hey. Who?

No, no, don't shoot him. I'll be two ticks. Okay?

Lucy!

(indistinct chatter)

(Gus) Three seconds.

Can you come see me first thing tomorrow?

-Sure. -My office.

-Will do. -We okay?

Ja, I hope so.

Lucy!

Come Lucy.

(Gus) Okay, that's it for practise today, ladies. Well done.

-(dramatic music) -(cows lowing)

(sighing)

(Lucy) Here.

Let's go for a walk.

(Lucy giggling)

Oh, my G**.

Yes! Say it, yes! Yes!

Yes!

Oh, my G**.

What? No, no, no. No.

What the actual..?

Mack, wait! Please don't leave.

Lucy, stop.

She loves you. I know she does. Please don't.

She said no.

She doesn't know what's best for her.

-You were wrong. -I thought she'd say yes.

I have to respect her wishes.

What? No, you don't. Mack, please. Will you come back?

Goodbye, Lucy.

(cellphone buttons beeping)

(ringing over cellphone)

-(Man over cellphone) Hello? -Hey. Hello.

-May I speak to Freddy please? -(Man) To who?

Greyling. Freddy Greyling, this...

This is a very old number. Maybe he doesn't...

-(Man) Who's this? -His daughter.

(Freddy) Ja?

Pa? Pa, is that you?

-(Freddy) Rosie? -Yes. Ja, it's me.

Where are you, Pa? I...

We need you. Please, just...

Just tell me where you are and I'll come get you.

(cellphone disconnecting)

Pa?

Pa!

-(sobbing) -(cellphone buttons beeping)

(Woman over cellphone) The number you are trying to reach,

is not available at the moment.

(cellphone beeping)

(people laughing over TV)

(knocking on door)

(Suzanne) Who is it?

-(knocking on door) -Okay.

(tense music)

Take the TV. Just.. Just don't hurt me, please.

No, please.

No.

(screaming)

Listen, you f***ing.. F***ing pig! Get off me!

(screaming/whimpering)

(birds chirping)

(Patti) My geraniums are coming along nicely.

Joanie called, to say that your brother's just got a promotion.

And they've put in an offer on a new house with a jacuzzi.

Gus?

-That's very irresponsible. -What is?

-A jacuzzi. -With our water restrictions.

-Nonsense. -It's wasteful, Patti.

I don't know.

Bubbles, champagne, sounds heavenly to me.

Maybe I married the wrong brother.

-Don't say that. -He lives, Gus. You, waft.

-Waft? -Yes, waft around.

You know my mom warned me, before we got married.

Don't get too attached to that science teacher of yours,

-he'll bore you to death. -Okay, Patti, take that back.

Or what?

Yep. That's what I thought.

(dramatic guitar music)

(Guitar instrumental)

(front door opening/keys jiggling)

Lola?

Lola?

Are you hungry?

(calling cat)

Lola?

(Ishara in Afrikaans) What the f***?

You don't recognise me?

No.

I'm an old friend of your sister's.

I like your place.

-Well, make yourself at home. -You weren't here.

You could've fed the cat.

Cats don't like me.

I can't imagine why.

Where's Freddy?

You tell me.

You know we met, many years ago.

You were just a little girl.

Try saying that again without it sounding so creepy.

I know your whole family, very well.

Good for you. I didn't catch your name.

Eugene.

Van As.

Okay, Mr Van As.

Look, I'm a good person.

I don't want to make waves with Fred.

-I don't know where he is. -I think you do.

Last I heard he found G**.

-(laughing) -I know, right?

Just when you think you know someone.

We had a debt between us. Do you know this?

-No. -Freddy owes me a lot of money.

Great. Join the queue.

What's important...

is that your sister, Rosie,

she made a deal with me.

And she kept her word.. until today.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Oh, you'll work it out.

-I don't know where my father is. -Find out.

-It's been years. -Blood ties.

Pull that thread, Fred will come.

Find him yourself.

I have nothing to do with this deal.

(suspense music)

If Fred owes me,

you owe me.

Get out of my apartment.

You get your old man to come out of hiding,

or I am going to crush every Greyling in Desert Rose.

And I'm going to start with that mongrel little granddaughter of his.

(intense music)

(phone ringing)

Ishara, where are you?

Listen I...

I really need to find dad.

If you know where he is just call me, okay.

(Rosie in Afrikaans) Hey, love. Come sit.

I want you to trust me, okay?

-I do. -Don't be scared. I love you.

Okay.

What is going on between you and Mr Dolly?

What do you mean?

-Has he touched you? -No.

-In any way? Lucy. -No. He hasn't Mom.

I can see what's going on. I'm just trying to help you.

See what?

I can understand if you're scared to talk to me, okay.

But I will find out what's going on.

I have a meeting with him tomorrow morning.

There's nothing going on.

Gus is my friend.

He's not supposed to be your friend, Lucy. He's your teacher.

(Lucy) Well, I can talk to him.

-About what? -Anything.

You speak to me, okay. I'm the one who keeps you safe.

-Please, we're not safe. -Hey.

Why do you keep saying that?

Because there are no rivers in the Northern Cape, Mom.

The Orange is like hours away.

The closest water is the Atlantic Ocean,

and I know they're not fishing for catfish in the sea.

The whole fishing thing with Eben is b***s***.

And you're part of it.

That's why I know we're not safe.

-Eugene will never hurt us. -You don't know that.

I do. I promise.

I promise.

(car approaching)

(gun cocking)

(door closing)

Damn it, Piet. What the f***?

Eugene wasn't there.

-Why not? -(Piet) He didn't go home.

Sorry man, Suzanne.

Where's your hubby?

I don't know.

-(Jana) Geez, Piet. Take her home. -Okay.

(Jana in Afrikaans) Wait!

(camera shutter clicking)

(Suzanne) Classic.

(engine starting)

Safe travels.

S**t.

(Jana in Afrikaans) I'm a tough girl.

(Eugene urinating)

(phone chiming)

(wind blowing)

F***.

(whispering) F***.

(sombre music)

(car starting)

# violin playing #

(Patti) Some more rice?

No, thanks.

You seem,

-a bit... -I'm fine.

Big day?

Meeting with Rosie tomorrow.

What about?

Netball camp, I suppose.

You going again?

I'm coach, Patti. Yes.

Which girls are going?

The same.

Rosie's daughter?

I assume so.

(Patti) You know, I don't think that Rosie appreciates

what you do for her daughter.

Thanks, Patti.

Maybe, she's going to give you a raise.

I mean that would be nice.

(mellow music)

-(branch snapping) -(Piet) Geez!

Why do you sneak up on me?

(Rosie) Where did you go today?

-Nowhere. -Piet.

-Yes? -Where?

(Piet) Springbok.

(Rosie) Why?

(Piet) I had a meeting. AA.

(Rosie) That's good, Piet.

Have you seen Eben?

(Piet) No, that boy hasn't come from his trailer the whole day.

(Rosie) Will you look after them for me please?

-You won't find him. -I have to.

(Piet) He's gone.

(Rosie) I heard dad's voice on the phone today.

He's not dead yet.

(Jana in Afrikaans) Gosh, lady.

Sexy.

-Hey. -Oh.

-Hey. -What you doing?

-Nothing. -Off to the hotel bar?

-Got a date. -Come on.

-With a rich guy. -Oh, is he paying you by the hour?

-You're just jealous. -Cause I have someone to talk to.

and you,

blew the best relationship you ever had because you're scared s***less.

I'm trying to keep this family together.

We're going to be fine.

Not without Dad.

I don't need Dad to fight my battles.

Just Piet?

-Van As won't stop. -Maybe.

A deal's a deal.

So we sell the house, clear the tab. Get the hell out of here.

We are not selling the house.

This is ancestral ground.

Okay.

Thank you.

I love you.

We are Greylings, okay.

We stick together.

-Enjoy your date. -I will.

(knocking on door)

(Rosie) Sleep tight, darling.

I'm going for a drive.

-Piet is here. -Okay.

-Mom? -Mm-hm.

Be careful.

(melancholy music)

(singing in Afrikaans)

(groaning/panting)

(melancholy music)

(phone vibrating)

Rosanna.

I'm in the middle of something.

(Rosie) I'm sorry about this morning, it won't happen again.

The debt will be paid okay. I promise.

So, just you know, be gentle.

(Jana) Piet.. Piet!

Van As is in the house!

My family, we're doing our best, okay.

Listen, Eugene. There's something I need to tell you,

something I've kept from you for a very long time.

Rosie.

-Dad? -(dramatic music)

(car hooting)

(sombre music)

.