Original subtitles

If a man wanted to hurt you, he could.

You've been walking around for eight days with a tag that you can take off.

Eddie, you haven't told that detective about our war.

It's just between you and me.

And he went for Matias, didn't he?

That's right, he went to grab it.

He was reaching for his phone to show her his log.

A man who's hurting is a man who's dangerous.

I'm pregnant.

I bet you made her give up her work too! The stories!

What are you talking about?

She was a cam girl, weren't she?

I guess she didn't trust you as much as you thought.

She changed everything.

It's not an exaggeration to say that without Varu Rashid, there'd be no curfew.

She campaigned tirelessly to make this country safe for women.

Not that everyone appreciates it.

What do you mean?

I've had angry calls from parents about that display already.

Saying it's prejudice against boys, but it's not.

It's history. Our history.

Do you think the renewal vote will pass?

Yes.

I hope so.

Sometimes I worry the tide is swinging against us.

Well, you'd better wrap this up.

It's six o'clock. You need to head home.

Is that enough to make a start on the essay?

Yeah.

What is it?

Still getting used to the curfew?

It's just so weird.

Seeing all the men, heads down.

Rushing to get home by some arbitrary hour.

It's not arbitrary, Max. It's the dark.

Without curfew, bad things happen at night.

Come on.

Yeah.

Sorry.

Now, should men be made to stay at home at night in order to keep women safe?

That's the issue being debated in the House of Commons today.

The Women's Safety Act is a law that protects women.

Does this pit women's rights to safety against men's rights to freedom?

It's discrimination against 50% of the population.

Well, that's it.

In a hugely significant vote, Britain has become the first country in the world to introduce a curfew on all men.

The tag is worn at all times and requires men to remain at home between 7pm and 7am.

If men learned how to behave themselves, then we wouldn't have to have these extraordinary measures.

The crime statistics demonstrate that the curfew is working.

We've lived through a period of segregation.

No progress comes without pain or reaction.

A group who call themselves alphas is spreading online hate and misogyny.

Huge protests have sprung up across the country calling for an end to curfew.

If we lift the curfew, how do we protect women?

Oh, Helen, it's hard to find someone these days.

Are you sure you're not lonely?

Of course not, Mum. I've got friends.

Patrick's lovely.

Your father and I always hoped you two might get married.

Is there someone else?

No. Don't be silly. There's no one else.

It's like they've made romance illegal.

It's OK to want someone sweetheart.

It's OK to be vulnerable.

Helen?

Helen?

Helen!

We do worry about you, you know.

Well, if you're really worried, you wouldn't have moved to France.

Your dad couldn't live under those draconian rules, Helen.

And he shouldn't have to.

Do you want to talk to him?

I know he misses you.

No.

I know he misses you.

No.

He doesn't get to tell me what to do anymore.

Helen, please.

HE SIGHS

Woodbang.

Woodbang.

How did the activist Valerie Rashid

contribute to the establishment of curfew?

Woodbang.

Definitely would not bang.

James, you've got the same essay, man.

Oh, Billy, listen.

The line between education and brainwashing is very thin.

All right, now shut up about the essay.

Woodbang.

Yeah, well, would they bang you, then?

You forget who you're talking to.

What about you and Cash Jackson?

There's no banging there, eh?

Oh, let me guess.

She's keeping you tucked away for a rainy day.

Or friend-zoned forever.

Billy, when's it going to occur to you that there must be a reason

that this is literally the only, only class you're struggling in?

What do you mean?

I mean Miss Jones.

Men's re-education. It's not right.

She's sowing the seeds of vast subservience.

Wake up, man. Do you not listen to the Duke?

Yeah, well, it sounds like you've been on those alpha chat rooms, bro.

And so what if I have?

The Duke is a serious political thinker

and he says that this shit... Yeah, OK.

..Billy, is there to build us into compliance.

Yeah, and Miss Jones is in on it.

In fact, she's front fucking line.

Well, listen, tell her not to give those chancellors a penny, OK?

And I can come over Saturday.

Oh, will you, sweetheart?

Yeah. Yeah, of course, Mum. It's just a patio.

It's no bother, honestly.

How are you having fun with the right woman?

Well, I've got a date tonight, actually.

Ooh! Yeah, she's coming over for dinner.

But it's curfew. You can't break the law, Eddie.

You're about to be a detective.

She won't be coming inside, so we won't be breaking any laws, Mum, OK?

I've put a table outside my flat

and we can share some chicken escalope and a nice bottle of wine.

Well, she can have the wine.

I can't. I'm on call.

It's all perfectly legal. Romantic, even.

Oh, I'm sure she'll love it.

Yeah.

Yeah, let's hope so.

Besides, I'm not a detective until next week.

Did you find out who your partner's going to be?

Yeah. Yeah, a DI, Pamela Green.

I haven't met her yet, but apparently she's a tough nut to crack.

You'll be brilliant.

SHE SIGHS

Mum? It's ten to seven, James.

Yeah, sorry, Miss, called you. I was just heading out.

I don't want to see another C, Billy,

although we know more after-school study sessions.

You know this is where Cass ain't going to shag you, eh?

You're a pussy.

Mate, what do you mean?

Because you buy into all this.

Bill, you just lie to him and you take it.

Mm.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

I'm not lying to you.

You buy into it and you take it.

Listen, women want to put you in a box.

All right?

Don't let them.

Watch this.

You need it.

Why do women friendzone you?

The answer is easy.

Women have forgotten that relationships are transactional.

They desire safety, food, company, which we men provide.

In return for having our own needs met.

But if you give a woman these things for free, she'll give you nothing in return.

Remember, women respond to power.

You have to show them that you can exert your own power.

Oh, my darling, my pretty angel, I don't know where I'm going to.

But I hope that you'll stay, so I know I can find my way home.

Oh, my angel, my sweet, pretty darling, I could fall in love all over again.

But I won't be lonely, my dear, if you wait for me.

Won't you wait for me?

We can wake up, shake up, break up, make up, and everything.

The moon and the stars and the sun.

Bluetooth connected.

Women don't do charity.

Look at yourself.

Really look.

Are you everything you can be?

You're asking this woman to accept you into her body.

You have to earn it.

You have to show them you can be a man.

It's a romantic little spot.

All candles and twinkling lights.

It embraces the night like restaurants used to before.

But there's no curfew here.

And we are free to do what we like.

You hold up my chair for me like a gentleman.

And all throughout dinner, you're flirting with me.

Telling me how wonderful I look.

You really do.

And then the bill comes.

I'll pay it.

Of course you do.

I like that you treat me well.

The dinner is cooking in the oven.

The smell of roast meat hanging in the air.

No.

No?

I'm not really interested in the food.

Tell me about what you're doing.

What are you doing for me?

I'm washing the dishes.

And what?

And I'm lent over the sink.

Yes.

And you're moving in behind me.

No.

Not yet.

So do you want me to tell you the story or not?

I've come here to be schooled by yet another woman.

This is my fantasy.

Okay.

Not yet.

Don't take no for an answer.

Perseverance is key.

Women can smell weakness.

You have to exude strength.

Women don't want you to be their puppy.

They want you to be a wolf.

They're your prey.

We haven't caught up in a while.

I know.

It feels like you're keeping secrets from me.

I've just been busy, that's all.

I saw Ben Williams today.

He was in a supermarket buying spinach and pineapple.

Apparently he was going to put them both in an omelette.

Isn't that odd?

I think it is a little odd.

Is his wife still on at you to change your testimony?

Yeah, she keeps putting her business cards through my door.

God, she's persistent.

I've tried to talk to her, but I've told her to leave me alone.

What is it?

Nothing.

Just men don't know how to hear the word no.

She wants you to be the hunter.

How will you catch her?

She wants you to be the hound that wants you captive.

Wants you caged.

But you must resist.

You must break free.

You need to show them that you're not their lackey.

Or their friend.

Or their toy.

And you won't allow this oppression anymore.

You won't be complicit.

Charge.

Your demand.

Her respect.

Hi, Mum.

Hi, darling. I'm not interrupting, am I?

Only Bethany said could you come in the morning to do the patio

as she has a doctor's appointment in the afternoon.

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. It's fine.

Did she like the escalope?

It's not until nine, Mum.

Who's that?

It's just Eddie, darling.

You want to say hi?

We don't want to say hi to that Judas.

He's wandered off.

How is he?

He's fine.

Mum...

It's Alzheimer's, darling. You never know from one day to the next.

I've been waiting so long

For a chance I could show you

I'm gonna take you in my arms

Are you still there, darling? Can you hear me OK?

Listen, I've got to go, Mum.

Because I wanted to...

Oh...

KNOCKING

Come on, Helen. Open up.

Helen.

What are you doing here?

I've been trying to get hold of you for days.

You've been ignoring me.

Can't you just walk in here?

I just want to have a proper conversation.

Has everyone lost their understanding of the word no?

A man is dead, Helen.

I don't have to talk to you about that.

I'd like you to leave now.

All right, well, I didn't want to have to do this, but...

What the hell?

Why would you show me this?

His daughter is in your class, Helen.

Don't you think she deserves to know what happened?

Leave. Now.

No, come on, Helen. My son assures me you're not made of stone.

Go.

OK, fine.

But I'm sure you'll do the right thing.

HE SIGHS

Yo.

Brother, you ain't going to believe what I've just found.

Listen, turns out Miss Jones' middle name's Ava.

I've been using that to dig up all her nasty little secrets.

Good for you, James.

All right. That ain't the only thing I've been digging up.

Oh, look at you. You're best friends forever.

All right, leave it, man.

Oh, and you're so nice.

Honestly, are there any other chores you can do for her?

Have you done them all already?

Oh, and pink!

It's your colour.

Why'd you let her do this to you, man? It's embarrassing.

I don't know, she...

She's just, um...

Yeah, got you whipped.

No, I'm not whipped.

Oh, fuck me.

I mean, she says jump and you say, all right, how are you, Cass?

Look, she doesn't tell me what to do.

I tell her, so...

She walks all over you, mate. You let them all just walk all over.

You know what? I told her to take my tag off, didn't I?

Hmm?

Billy, holy shit.

Yeah, not so whipped now.

No way, man.

I mean, in the kingdom of the blind, the fucker without a tag is King Bill.

Oh, and this is great. You could be so cool.

If you use this just right...

Use it for what?

What do you mean, harassing you?

They just won't leave me alone.

I keep blocking them and they...

They keep setting up new accounts.

But I don't understand new accounts on what?

Just...

Instagram.

Just report them and ignore them.

People love to be jerks.

Jerks?

Sorry.

Spending too much time with Ben.

You're not sleeping with him, are you?

No, of course not.

He's married.

Look, I know that, Helen.

It's just, like...

It's been ages since I felt...

anything.

So you are sleeping with him?

No, I'm not, but I want to.

Oh, Jesus.

I really want to.

You'll end in tears, Sarah.

I've got to go.

Wait, Helen.

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

What's happening?

Are they messaging you again?

Yes.

I don't know what I've done.

And I don't know why they're doing this.

Mum?

Mum?

Mum?

What do they say now?

Nothing.

So they've gone?

Helen?

Helen, are you still there?

Helen, are you listening to me?

Helen?

It's all right, darling.

Mum, can you just tell me what's going on, please?

He's having a bit of a...

Maybe worse, he's popping over.

I know, I can't come over, OK?

The curfew.

Mum, do you want me to call the police?

No, don't call the police!

We'll fire you, stupid!

Don't!

Don't!

No!

Is everything OK?

Mum?

Mum?

He's gone!

He just ran out the door!

Don't arrest him!

Do you think I know that?

I'm going after him!

No, no, no.

Just, you stay put, OK?

I'll...

Mum?

Oh, fuck.

Fuck.

Shit.

Hello, which service do you require?

Police, please.

There's a suspicious character walking the streets.

Do you suspect a man of breaking curfew?

I...

I...

I...

I don't know.

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

Do you suspect a man of breaking curfew?

I...

I...

I...

I don't know.

What can you describe the nature of their suspicious behaviour?

Um...

They...

They're...

They're peering through people's windows.

What's your location?

Garland Road.

OK.

We'll dispatch an officer to meet you at your home.

Could I just check the house number?

Mum?

Are you there?

I need to know your house number.

92.

We'll be with you shortly.

Stay away from the window and call back if anything changes.

Fuck!

Fuck.

Awww.

Hey.

Are you receiving PC Wilson?

Come in.

PC Wilson.

Er, Dispatch this is PC Wilson.

We need you to attend a disturbance call in your area.

Your tag will be remotely deactivated in one minute.

Hi, you're receiving PC Wilson. Come in, PC Wilson.

Dispatch, this is PC Wilson. We need you to attend a disturbance call in

your area. Your tag will be remotely deactivated in one minute.

What's the address? 92 Garland Road. You know it?

Yep, I know it. Heading there now.

Why are you doing calling me? I need to talk to you.

I'm with my wife and kids. I'm sorry, I just...

Have you been messaging me? What are you talking about?

Did you send me a sexy school teacher outfit?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Someone who knows who I really am sent me this.

Bit of a coincidence considering you saw me tonight.

Yeah? Well, I don't really care, OK? And I do not appreciate this.

I am not your boyfriend, Miss Jones. Keep me out of your self-inflicted drama.

Don't you ever call me again. I know who you are.

Who you are? And I know who you are, you old pig.

Evening, Mom.

We've had a disturbance call from this address.

Oh, well, who are you?

I'm PC Wilson, Ma'am. I'm with the police.

We had a call about some suspicious characters wandering the streets.

Oh, yeah. They still aren't there, you know.

Who are, Ma'am?

The men.

They said... They said they'd locked them up. They lied.

You've seen a man outside, Ma'am?

I mean, not including myself.

No, they never locked up Henry, you know.

And they should have done. They should have done.

Listen, you've got family inside, Ma'am.

Should we pop you back in and I can have a wee wander about?

Yeah, but what if it's Henry out there?

I'll sort it, Ma'am. I'll check.

Don't worry.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

Huh.

How's it going up there?

Fuck's sake, man.

Dispatch, this is PC Wilson.

A disturbance on Garland Road. There's a confused elderly woman.

There's a false alarm.

Copy that.

I'm PC Wilson.

All right.

And I'm in my own house, PC Wilson, yeah?

This is still my perimeter, so feel free to move on.

You don't look like you're planning on staying that way for long.

How come you're allowed outside?

I've got special dispensation.

That's... All right, cool.

So, um, well, you don't feel like that makes you complicit or whatever?

You've been listening to the jerk?

I don't even know who to listen to any more, man.

PC Wilson, this is dispatch.

Your caller has been logged as complete.

You have 15 minutes to return home before your tag is reactivated.

Yep, copy that.

So, you're just as controlled as the rest of us, yeah?

What's your name?

Billy.

I'm Eddie.

Wait, hold on. What are you doing, man?

It's just easier to talk this way, that's all.

So, what's got you so upset, then, Billy?

Do girls like that you're a... fed?

Sorry?

Do girls like that you're a cop?

Well, I've actually got a...

PHONE BEEPS

Oh, shit!

What? What's wrong?

Er...

I had a date, but I forgot.

Right, so you forgot, er...

Yeah, yeah, oddly busy night.

Do you know who doesn't like me being a cop, Billy?

My mates.

Not that I have many of them any more.

They all think that I'm... complicit.

Where was it you were thinking about going?

Um, do you know Valerie Rashid?

Yeah.

Well, um, there's this display of her at my school,

and my mate wanted me to tear it down,

mess it up or whatever, I don't know.

And he wanted you to break off you to do it?

I don't know, man, I...

Sometimes I just feel like life's...

everyone else's business.

I don't know, man, I...

Sometimes I just feel like life's...

everyone telling me how I'm supposed to be a man, but...

none of it adds up.

Do you ever go to the Alpha chat rooms, Billy?

Not like that, OK?

But I do go there. Sometimes.

To listen.

And to...

I don't know, save them.

Give them someone to talk to.

Someone who doesn't spit bio back at them.

Sounds pretty lame when I say it out loud.

But I've seen what happens, you know,

to men who nurse their own resentments

until there's nothing but swallow them whole,

and I can promise you, Billy, they're not happy.

I don't know if there's a right way to be a man.

I know that if it involves tearing women down,

then it's probably not it.

You don't happen to have a phone that I could borrow, do you?

It's just, um, I need to call my mum.

Thanks.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Who's this?

This is PC Macau with Curfew Enforcement.

Eddie, is that you?

Listen, he's got dementia, OK?

I know he looks young, but it's early onset, and...

He's been placed under arrest, I'm afraid.

Oh, God!

He's sick, OK? He just needs help.

He must have received a black eye.

It was an accident, son.

Hold on just one second, I'm passing over.

It's fine, darling, don't stop.

What did they say?

Leave him alone.

No, leave him alone.

He'll be gentle.

Is he the doctor, Mum?

No, they won't let me go with him, John.

Not if they're arresting him, though.

I've got to go, they're taking him.

PHONE BEEPS

HE SIGHS

Thanks.

Is everything all right?

Yeah.

Yeah, no, it's fine, it's just...

No.

No, actually, it's not.

I've got to go.

You don't want to be listening to the Duke, Billy, OK?

Or anyone who speaks about women like they're not human.

HE BREATHES HEAVILY

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

I thought I don't get to see you.

Take the mask off.

Who are you?

Take the mask off.

No.

There's no secret here, Helen.

I know who you are.

And I want you to take it off.

I'm keeping it on.

Then I best begin my email.

PHONE BEEPS

Fine.

Better.

I already know the story I want to hear.

I can't say that.

Yes, you can.

You can.

And you will.

You know I like to teach young boys I like the way they smell.

Say it like you mean it.

Say it like you mean it.

You know I like to teach young boys I like the way they smell.

Like fresh-cut grass and innocence.

I like the way their cheeks flush red and hot.

Their hormones racing in the air.

I like the way they look at me.

Like I could teach them how to please a woman.

Oh, my God.

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS

Fine, then. Fuck you, too, I guess.

PHONE BEEPS

You know I like to teach young boys I like the way they smell.

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS