Delinquents, The (2023)

[bunniefuu]

THE DELINQUENTS

PART ONE

Twenty,

twenty,

twenty, twenty,

thirty,

sixty.

Twenty.

Done.

Six hundred.

What do you have there?

I have to give you...

some statements for Del Toro.

Box 2: $485,225.

Beardy.

Box 4: $511,511.

Del Toro, how do you do?

Marianela.

Del Toro.

- Go on, Morn.

- How do you do?

- Isnardi.

- Del Toro.

- Ivanchuk.

- Del Toro, how do you do?

Anything wrong?

Romn!

I don't get this.

- Hi.

- How do you do?

- Let's see...

- Maybe the name is wrong,

because it matches the signature of...

of another client. Look!

Just a second, ma'am. Thank you.

Marianela...

A client brought in this check.

Isnardi, excuse me...

Send me the table for these,

there's a problem with boxes 3 and 4.

They don't match?

Three and four don't match,

there's an error.

You'll speak to

the assistant manager, ma'am.

No, you're welcome.

Here she comes.

- Hello.

- How are you? How do you do?

All good, my dear, all good.

- I'm glad.

- Well...

Here's the question...

Do you need me at all?

No, you go, no problem.

Thank you.

This signature...

are we completely sure it is yours?

Yes.

Yes, absolutely.

I don't need my glasses.

- I know it by heart.

- Right.

And you don't have, maybe,

another one?

No, no, just that one,

for years,

I've been signing

like this for years.

Could you wait here for a short while?

Where?

- Sit wherever you like.

- Alright.

Sit down here, and I'll show you in.

Check this out.

The bank's signature registry

shows these two

identical signatures, here.

- Yes.

- Under the name...

Jos Marzio Crivilone.

The signature is identical

and she endorsed the check,

and it's the same here.

It is the same signature.

Is he still a client?

Yes.

Did you call him?

No.

Call him.

Hi, this is a message

for Jos Marzio Crivilone.

I'm calling you from the

Social Cooperative Bank,

please get in touch with us urgently.

My name is Marianela Barbaj,

and the bank's number is

4361-7252,

extension 748.

Thank you very much.

Incredible!

Let's see...

hand me some paper, please.

Please, madam, be so kind,

and sign for me here, please.

Sure.

They are identical.

- Sure, that is my signature.

- No, madam.

We won't be able to receive this check

until we clarify the situation.

We have another client,

with the same signature as yours.

Do you understand me?

The bank records show

the signature of this gentleman,

of another client, let's say,

in lieu of yours.

But I don't think it's my problem,

it's yours, because, in truth,

I've always signed like that.

There are people

with the same handwriting,

others can have the same signature.

But that's nonsense!

Madam, this is

the first time this ever happened.

Some people have the same voice.

What does that have to do with it?

Some people have the same life...

Enough, Marianela.

Madam, listen to me

we have to investigate this.

Do you understand?

Leave the check with us,

we'll solve the issue,

and then you can deposit it.

Excuse me, but I have to leave.

My pleasure.

- Show the madam out, please.

- Yes, sure.

Alright.

Come with me, madam.

- Would you like one?

- No, I quit.

When did you quit,

if we smoked after lunch yesterday?

Right then.

What a will!

I made the decision.

Did you take any pills?

Patches, anything?

No, nothing.

I'll have one.

Sure?

Yes.

I was thinking...

nobody listens to voice mail anymore.

I'll have to keep on calling.

Yes, you better call him.

Another one?

You're going to die, Del Toro!

Oh yeah? And what about you?

You're immortal, Morn.

I love to smoke two in a row.

Especially now that you have

to go out to smoke.

One could smoke at the bank,

restaurants,

on planes, at the office.

Everything was a big cloud of smoke.

Real toxic,

and nobody cared.

Do you know why?

Because everybody smoked.

I don't know.

I'm a former smoker.

I'm from another generation.

I am an old-timer

who longs for that era.

We had more freedom.

Would you say

there was more freedom, Rolando?

No, you're right.

There wasn't more freedom,

but you could smoke anywhere.

Tell me something, Morn,

When did you quit smoking?

This is my last one.

Isnardi, won't you back me up?

Can't you see I'm busy?

I have to go to talk to Del Toro.

Can it wait?

I have to go downstairs with Morn.

Close your counter

and let them wait.

There are eight people,

I have to get this thing off!

It's been ages

since I was a teller, please.

Come on, just until

closing time, I beg you.

- Is there change?

- Yes, there is.

Thank you!

Romn.

Morn.

Yes, come in.

What is it, Romn?

Excuse me, Del Toro,

I have to leave.

And why is that?

I told you before,

I'm getting the collar removed.

At last!

How long have you had it?

Not so long, but I can't stand it.

I can't sleep.

Who'll cover for you?

- Isnardi, he's at my counter.

- Okay.

Will he sign the statement?

Yes.

What are you doing this weekend?

I'll stay in town.

- See you on Tuesday?

- See you.

- Have a nice weekend.

- Thank you.

$12,996 dollars...

by 25 years...

$324,900 dollars.

$324,900 dollars.

Isnardi, I'm leaving.

- Thank you.

- You owe me one.

Fifty, counter number 4.

- By two.

- Morning.

I want to make a deposit.

- To you...

- Thanks.

Thanks.

Isnardi, shall we make a deposit?

I can't.

I have to be here until closure.

You go.

I'll be right back.

- They f*cked me, huh?

- Sign here, please.

- Hey, what's up?

- What's up?

- Fine?

- Follow me.

- Whats up?

- Follow me.

All good.

- How are you? Fine?

- Yeah.

What happened?

Cheers.

- What's up?

- I have a proposal.

What?

Business?

Yes, business.

Look down.

- Huh?

- Look down!

Between my feet, you see it?

Yeah, the bag.

I need you keep that bag

for three and a half years.

Why? Three and a half years?

I don't get it.

It has $650,000 dollars.

I took it from the bank today.

You can report me if you want,

it's okay.

Go to the station,

say that a coworker stole it.

I'll turn myself in anyway.

I need you to hold onto it

and look after it.

Are you insane?

Someone has to look after it

while I serve my sentence.

In three and a half years,

when I get out, we split it.

Half is yours,

and we never work again.

Your sentence?

Are you going to jail?

Three and a half, not more.

And how do you know

it's three and a half?

Well, it's six actually.

But for good conduct,

three and a half years.

Listen to me.

Have you considered how many

years it is until you retire?

Twenty-five years.

Look, here.

I have $650,000, all in dollars.

In the backpack,

I've got some pesos, not much,

$330,000.

I'm going to need them now.

$325,000 dollars is the equivalent

of our salary until we retire.

Not a penny more, not a penny less.

That's what we get, if we go

to the bank every day of our lives.

$325,000 dollars, each.

That's what I have here.

$325,000 dollars

between two.

I want a modest life.

I don't want to work anymore, Romn.

And if you do what I say,

you can do the same.

You'll get your salary every month

without having to work.

Three and a half years in jail,

or twenty-five in the bank.

Why me?

Why me?

You are lucky, Romn,

you don't have to do anything.

Just be careful,

keep it safe.

When I'm out, we split it up

and that's it, that's all.

And if I go to the bank

and return it?

Everyone would know it was me,

I'm turning myself in.

But listen,

I can say you're my accomplice.

You went to take off your collar

because I had to go down to vault.

You left me a clear path.

Isnardi went to the counter,

I took the dollars with ease.

It's nothing, Roman,

I'll say it.

I will say it.

But what are you saying?

Have you gone mad?

You can rest easy.

No one, absolutely no one,

will suspect you, Romn.

You are an excellent employee.

It's on your face, brother.

What are you going to do now?

Nothing.

There's some furniture in the flat,

clothes that I don't care about.

In a couple of months

the lease is due.

Nothing to lose.

Listen to me, look...

I have a present for you.

The only thing I took with me.

No, I can't.

It's a great album.

Yes, I know it's great

but it implicates me, Morn.

I can't accept it.

What's the next step?

I'll leave now,

we'll meet again

in three and a half years, okay?

Look,

that's to pay for the pizza.

It's about time

I invited you, right?

What are you doing?

Turn it off Flor!

Why are you awake at this hour?

Coming?

Shall I carry on?

Where are we?

Kilometer 530.

Drive for another 200 kilometers

and drop me off.

Good morning, sir.

- Good day.

- Driver's license?

- Of course.

- Vehicle registration card...

Check the lights.

- Vehicle ID.

- Okay.

- License.

- Very well.

Are you licensed

to carry passengers?

Yes.

ID, please.

Check it.

- I'll check.

- Go on.

Is there any problem, officer?

No, routine check, that's all.

Nothing to worry about.

Alright,

here are your documents.

Thanks.

Where are you heading?

Alpa Corral, officer.

No news.

- You may go on.

- Thanks.

Can I play?

Sure.

Which team?

- What's up?

- Chief,

this man is here to report

that he committed a crime.

What has he done?

Bank robbery.

A bank?

What's up?

He robbed a bank.

You robbed a bank?

Sir, what's your name?

Morn.

Ponce, stay with Morn,

you, step in my office.

- Ponce.

- Yes?

- Come here with the gentleman.

- Come with me please.

Sit down.

Sir, I'll cuff you,

put your hands up.

Isnardi!

Are you okay?

What happened?

Oh, my chest hurts!

He's having a heart attack!

No, not a heart attack! No!

- Calm down!

- My chest hurts.

Not the key!

Leave it with me.

What's going on?

- What's up?

- He's unwell.

No one's answering.

Lift him up, sit him here.

Don't take off my shoes.

Sit him down.

What happened?

Oh, forgive me, Del Toro.

Tony, turn that around, please.

Why are you watching that? Why?

No one's answering.

- Are you calling the emergency number?

- Oh, my chest hurts.

Oh, my hand is numb.

- Sit back.

- Some water?

No, it's okay,

oh well yes. I don't know.

Alright.

Sorry.

He fainted.

You fell backwards.

We have to talk.

I have strict orders

that this must remain between us.

If we want to keep

our clients' loyalty,

this robbery never happened.

We will make you sign

confidentiality statements

issued by the insurance company.

They will repay the missing amount.

That administrative issue

doesn't concern me at all,

but the internal situation is serious.

Really serious!

What we know so far

is that he took dollars.

It was quite a sum,

but it could've been worse.

Huh?

And the security cameras show,

as you can see,

that Morn was the perpetrator.

But there is

a chain of responsibilities here.

And we are all,

each one of us, involved.

There was a breach

of the trust that the bank

had in each of you.

I had to put up with

yelling from head office.

And you should know,

I won't protect anyone.

I think that any of you could be guilty.

Excuse me, Del Toro, but I think

what you're saying is really unfair.

- Unfair?

- Yes. Unfair.

Oh, unfair, sure, unfair.

One of you, and probably,

certainly more than one,

committed a felony,

and put my job at risk.

Not just mine, but everyone's.

I agree.

Everyone's, yes.

And you call me unfair.

Do you know for how long

I've been working here?

Huh? Any idea? No?

55 years.

55 years.

How old are you, Del Toro?

In a manner of speaking.

A whole lifetime devoted to this!

And you have the nerve

to call me unfair?

Because you're only looking at me.

Our colleague is right though?

Because there's a perpetrator here

who's clearly identified.

I don't care.

All I say to you is that, as of today,

every one of you is under suspicion.

I want you to know that.

We had worked peacefully until now,

and after this situation,

that is over.

I believed in you,

and I don't believe anymore.

Morn, you f*cking son of a b*tch!

Well, I just wanted to

introduce myself,

my name is Laura Ortega,

I am a national CPA,

but in this case I am acting

as an investigator.

The insurance company asked me

to lead this internal investigation.

- Perfect. What, what...?

- What investigation?

Investigating the chain

of responsibilities

that Del Toro was just talking about.

Nothing else.

What do we have to do with it?

The perpetrator has been identified.

That's the thing,

we should see...

if he had any accomplices...

If I'm not wrong,

he's the bank's treasurer?

Yes, the treasurer.

For the treasurer to carry out

such a felony.

I am offended by what you say.

- Laura is your name?

- Laura, yes.

It offends me because

we are here and we don't...

You know? It f*ck us all...

I understand that my arrival

is unpleasant.

But it's the right thing to do

in a case like this.

The idea is for you to trust me.

To cooperate with me.

I will take your statements.

And you can keep calm.

We will work together.

The more information I gather,

the quicker we resolve this mess...

What do you think?

You agree, right?

- Yes.

- Do you agree?

- Are you Ivanchuk?

- Yes.

- Come with me, please.

- Where to?

To Del Toro's office.

I'll come back for you all.

Okay, the one we did last class.

We can be quieter,

and you improvise.

We'll wrap up.

Good.

Shall we use instruments?

The melodica?

Ready, Auro?

You look at me,

and we start together?

That's it...

shorter now.

One more time.

Can I have a glass of water?

Yes, just a second.

Tap water ok?

Yup.

There.

Can I have another one?

Sure.

Here.

And another?

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

No, not that way!

It's this way.

What are you doing?

Are you awake?

I woke up just now.

Just now, when?

Just now, where were you going?

I was going

to fetch a glass of water.

We are forced to do this...

It is because

of the bank's status.

We are in a critical situation. Honestly.

But, well, please...

Go on.

Let's keep on working.

Sir!

Sorry, is this counter open?

- Come over, please.

- I want to change 500 dollars.

ID please.

- Withdrawal?

- Yes.

From my savings account.

Perfect.

Signature and name, please.

There you go.

- Thank you.

- No worries.

What are you doing here?

Where's Tony?

Laid-off indefinitely.

They sent me to work the counter.

Do you know why Marianela is crying?

Because her salary was cut.

You got lucky.

You weren't here when it happened.

I feel guilty.

No, why should you feel bad?

The problem is this Ortega b*tch

who's k*lling us all.

So unfair!

Guys!

It's my last day!

Thanks so much for everything.

So...

Ortega?

Yes, could have been any of us.

A lapse in security.

Well...

It's been a pleasure.

Come on in, have a seat.

Were you friends with Mr. Morn?

Friends?

I don't come here to make friends.

But you were aware

of Mr. Morn's plans?

Is that a question or a statement?

I don't get it.

As you like it.

No, I wasn't aware.

You were aware? You weren't?

Sorry, I don't understand.

No.

No, comma, I was not aware.

But you met with Mr. Moran

after the robbery, didn't you?

I thought I came to answer questions,

not accusations.

It's Laura's style, Romn.

Some people ask questions

as if they were affirmations

but don't think of it

as an accusation.

It so happens, Romn,

that all statements agree

that you requested to leave the bank

on the day the robbery was committed.

Please understand that

this is a coincidence

that is quite outstanding.

I understand that

it draws your attention.

Mr. Del Toro knows

that I had asked for this in advance.

No, no, I don't remember, Romn.

I asked you as soon

as I got my appointment.

Is your wife pregnant?

No, not at all.

No, comma, not at all.

Do you know that Mr. Morn

turned himself in to the police?

No, I knew nothing.

Yes,

he is being held in jail.

- I didn't know that.

- You didn't.

We were informed today

by the District Attorney's office.

This means

that one issue is complicated,

and another one is solved.

That this man has turned himself in,

partly answers

who is guilty of the crime.

What it doesn't answer,

is what happened with the money.

What do you think about that, Romn?

I don't have a clue.

It seems that all the bank's staff

has come to an agreement

and no one has a clue.

What do you know about that, Romn?

About what?

The money, of what Morn

could have done with the money.

I don't know.

Coming!

I was taking a shower.

Want to take a shower with me?

Well, okay.

We're thinking about going away

for the weekend, with the girls.

Three days, somewhere outdoors.

The idea is to go and

write some songs.

Record them, maybe...

What do you say?

Cool, isn't it?

The idea is to go on our own.

Get away from the city,

a breath of fresh air.

Come on, Morn!

I like it with lentils, right.

But red sausage...

Tell him.

Tell him "Don't use red sausage."

It gave me an upset stomach,

that sausage.

Time!

Kid!

Again! What's

wrong with him? Hey!

Can't you see I haven't called yet?

No!

Where do you think you are?

- Huh?

- And what do you...

Walk straight...

This isn't like outside.

In here the time to talk

on the phone has to be short.

There is only one thing, you see,

about jail that saves you.

Do you know what it is?

The little screen.

Outside, everyone

is watching their phones.

The messages, pictures,

the comments.

Everyone thinks they're free,

and they're constantly

refreshing web pages, do you get it?

That doesn't happen here.

We have to find

some sort of advantage.

Outside, they don't have any.

And in here we have

plenty of it. Time.

Except...

at the communal phones.

There we're all nervous, in a hurry.

Better not to insist...

So if it's busy, nobody answers...

best to give the chance to a mate.

Do you understand?

Come with me.

I'm Garrincha, what's your name?

Morn.

So, you came with money, Morn.

I wouldn't be here if I had money.

How so?

I mean, I wouldn't be here.

I'd be somewhere else.

I think it's the other way around.

If you're here it's

because you have it.

The thing is that

you earned it unlawfully.

Look...

those who end up here,

it's because they earned it.

And if they earned it,

then they've stashed it somewhere.

What do you want, Garrincha?

Ah, he's quick, this fellow.

I want to know.

Let's cut to the chase.

I offer

certain assurances in this ward.

Let's say I'm the boss.

Do you like soccer?

Sure.

Believe it or not,

I was born in Brazil.

When I was a child I was given

to an Argentinean family, and well...

I crossed the border.

And in Brazil, the best is not Pel.

It's Garrincha.

The one we love the most,

we respect the most.

So, pretend you're in Brazil.

If only we were in Brazil!

You don't know

what a prison is like in Brazil.

I assure you that you wouldn't last

a second in a Brazilian jail.

Look, I'm offering you protection.

So if you are with me

and pay me every month,

you'll have a quiet life,

you'll be able to do what you want.

What you want inside

these walls, right?

Let me think about it.

Do you see, Morn?

There's not much to think about.

Go.

Steady now, back to your cell.

He'll give you the amount,

and payment method.

And... I'm expensive, my friend.

Morn!

Come here.

What happens?

That

is an account number, Garrincha's.

For you to pay him.

- Next, please.

- Good afternoon.

Good, it would be...

Good afternoon.

I wish to withdraw some money.

How much do you wish to withdraw?

Four hundred

and sixty thousand, please.

Well, sign here.

Much obliged.

Signature, name and ID.

- Well, sign here.

- Who's that?

The new guy.

Ortega is preparing briefs

for some of us.

On top of that,

the main office sends this new guy.

His name is Vespucio.

Thank you very much.

And here's the cabinet, see.

I'll leave it here.

So here are the keys.

Thank you.

Well, if you need anything...

you let me know, ok?

Great Ortega, thank you.

Good.

Go on.

What are you doing here?

Are you mad?

I need to talk to you.

But you can't see me!

Didn't you think of that?

How would I call you?

There's no other way.

I don't know if you're mad

or dumb.

He didn't even bring me

yerba mate!

Home-made food he said...

I quit smoking.

Leave me alone for a while.

Why are you here?

I can't stand it anymore, Morn.

What can't you stand?

The pressure.

What are you talking about?

I haven't slept for days.

Do you think I can sleep here?

You told me they weren't

going to suspect me.

They sent a woman to the bank

who's asking me questions.

Say what you need to say,

then maybe I can understand.

I can't have it at home anymore.

I have to get it out of there.

Do you want me to snitch on you?

Huh?

I'll call Del Toro.

Easy, Morn.

Or I call the judge,

you'll be in here within two weeks.

Please calm down, I beg you.

You want me to send someone

to k*ll you?

Stop it Morn, please.

There are plenty of people here

to crush you, as*h*le.

I'm gambling my life for this,

you know?

What can I do?

Do you have a lighter?

You've got it all, right?

You will deposit $30,000

in an account.

I have to pay for some stuff.

It's like an insurance

to stay alive in here.

In which account?

Pesos or dollars?

Dollars.

Then you'll go to Alpa Corral.

In Crdoba.

You'll cross the only bridge there.

And you'll take the dirt road

that runs along the river, upstream.

There is a pine forest to the left.

You'll walk through it.

It ends in a ravine.

Down there, you'll find

the Talita river

There's like a lagoon,

it's pretty, you'll like it.

Just in front of where you're standing,

there's a cliff.

Then you'll climb down the cliff,

cross the river,

the water is quite cold there.

And you'll start climbing the hill

to it's peak.

Once you're there,

you'll turn your back to the river.

There are stones of all sizes there.

Small, big.

One of the stones is loose.

If you lean on it,

you'll see it move.

It's supporting a smaller rock.

Place the money there,

take out the small rock,

and that'll cover it.

END OF PART ONE

PART TWO

Ouch!

Ouch.

Do you want us

to take you to the emergency room?

We have a motorcycle.

No, no need, I'll be fine.

Hi.

What were you doing up there?

It's dangerous without a guide.

I wanted to climb to the peak.

You're quite overloaded

to be climbing up there.

Do you always wander around in

your underwear in front of strangers?

Are you from around here?

No.

She means if you are from here,

from planet Earth.

Because this is an apparition zone.

There's always "visitors."

Do you want some water?

No, thanks.

Bye.

Bye.

Don't you want to stay for lunch?

No, thank you.

Bye.

But we brought good stuff!

Thanks, but no, I have to leave.

I have to catch a bus.

The next bus comes at night.

Yes, I'll take that one.

We can take you to the stop

on our bike tonight.

- No, thanks, I need to leave.

- Don't be so unfriendly,

we have lots of food.

Go on, come here!

What's your name?

Romn.

Morna.

Ramn.

Norma.

You had no breakfast?

Just a little.

Plenty of cicadas.

Plenty of heat.

Cicadas are summer creatures.

That's the female,

and there's one that goes:

That's the male.

I'm here now sh**ting a movie.

It's about gardens.

A movie that I started in...

in Via, my hometown,

I am from Via.

Have you been there?

I've never been there,

but I know where it is.

Via is known

as the "garden city."

So, in truth, I started filming

like... gardens.

Numerous different gardens in Via.

And...

well, then I met Morna.

I didn't manage to finish the film,

but in the end,

it transformed and I continued

sh**ting it here.

Like in this landscape

of Alpa Corral that has lots of...

of varieties of...

it's very unique,

it has all these stones.

And...

and well, I'm here, filming with her.

Wine?

And here we are.

I've been doing it

for a year and a half.

More wine?

Just a bit.

That's enough!

- Just that?

- Yes.

The important thing is

"With wine and bread,

the path is laid."

After me:

"With wine and bread..."

"the path is laid."

Exactly!

"With wine and bread,

the path is laid."

To your health, and welcome!

Well,

I'll tell you about the movie later,

I'm going for a swim.

Here we go!

Bombs away!

Oh sh*t!

Half spin!

Like a stick!

A little dove!

More wine?

When I was nine, I was going

with my mom once through a square,

and I heard two girls playing

something that started like this

"They were three...

two Poles and a French."

We kept walking and I wondered

how the game might continue.

Was it a song, a riddle, a story?

I don't know.

Or was it a game?

I asked some friends,

but no one knew it.

No, thanks.

"They were three,

two Poles and a French."

As an adult I searched the internet,

but nothing.

That phrase meant nothing

to the internet.

There's a world of memories

that internet doesn't understand.

Yes, but for any of you,

does it ring a bell?

Do you know what it is?

- Not at all.

- It was...

"They were three,

two Poles and a French."

No.

Can we make something up?

Yes, but I'd love to know what

those girls were playing.

Right. Best to make up

what you don't remember,

leave it like that,

like one of life's mysteries.

For example,

"They were three,

two Poles and a French..."

"one went and got a wine."

Everything Ramn says

it's about wine,

especially when he's drunk.

Oh, such a bad vibe.

"They were three,

"two Poles and a French,

- he fell in love with a..."

- Colonel!

- The French?

- Yes!

Why do I still remember that?

If it's nothing...

Paramaribo.

Osaka.

Amberes.

Santiago de Chile.

Esteban Echeverra.

Yes, great.

One point for me.

Is he on my team?

No, you're wrong.

Do you know the game?

Yeah, I got it.

Shall we start again?

No, let's carry on.

Okay.

Esteban Echeverra, where is that?

Esteban Echeverra is...

a town in the province

of Buenos Aires.

Okay, with an "A"...

Athens!

Stuttgart!

Tristn Surez.

Zanzibar.

Remedios de Escalada.

Abu Simbel.

- Luanda.

- Amman.

Nremberg.

Gonzlez Catn.

New York!

I said it first.

Hmm... Kentucky.

That's a state.

Yacanto.

No, you've lost.

Someone else start.

- You made me lose!

- Nairobi.

Iguaz.

Ulan Bator.

Rome.

Ancona.

Avellaneda.

Amsterdam.

- Maputo.

- Oklahoma.

Addis Abeba.

Antananarivo.

Oaxaca.

Andorra la Vella.

Avils.

Seattle.

La Plata.

Seattle, with an "e."

Ok, Escobar.

Rabat.

Tel Aviv.

Via.

Via del Mar, the garden city.

I'm from there.

With an "r."

Riga.

Alabama.

- This way, right?

- Yes.

I'll give you a ride on the motorbike.

Give me your bag,

so you can travel light.

Okay.

Well...

Thank you.

Don't leave.

I have to.

Come on, don't leave,

stay the night.

I can't.

I'll go with you.

No.

We barely know each other.

I can't!

I'll go and we'll get

to know each other.

No...

You're beautiful.

Romn...

Come here.

Are you going to tell me

where you were?

I had to do a favor

for one of my colleagues.

Yes, but you haven't

been home in two days.

You could've told me.

Yes, well...

I've been calling you,

I couldn't get through.

There was no signal.

I was worried, I called everyone.

- Everyone? Who did you call?

- Everyone.

Everyone? Who?

You called the bank?

Of course I did.

It was the first place I called.

What did they say?

That you had called in sick.

I think I need some time.

I need some time on my own.

Some time? Like?

Some time.

What do you mean with "some time"?

Exactly that.

How long?

Some time

without seeing each other.

Three days, a month, a year?

A month, a year...

A month or a year?

I don't know.

What are you going to do?

Where are you going to go?

I thought of staying here.

I think you're the one

who should leave.

Romn...

- Come here, please.

- Yes.

Well...

We got word that you went

to the prison

to visit Mr. Morn himself,

of all people?

Can you explain that?

Yes, I did, what's the problem?

So you accept that

you are complicit on some level?

Complicit? Me? Why?

I went to visit a former colleague

to see how he was doing.

I also wanted to ask him

why he did what he did.

Is that so?

And what did he say?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Look, Romn...

we believe that you were involved

in one way or another.

But we're not going to fire you

because that would mean

acknowledging the robbery.

Besides, we would have to pay you

a big compensation

that you clearly don't deserve.

So, we decided

to keep you in your post.

The idea is to make

your life miserable, Romn.

Next!

ID, please.

Vespucio...

- Marianela.

- Yes.

Here.

We're to continue

helping clients on a single counter.

We have new orders.

You can take the day off.

The day off? It's payday today.

Look at the line!

It's under my responsibility.

Yes, but...

- Two people are not enough and...

- We're at our limit...

if it's just me, it's impossible.

Ladies and gents, please form

a single line here at counter 5.

Next.

ID, please.

There.

No, stop, look...

you entered "2, 6, 5"

instead of "5, 6, 2."

The ID, see? It's "5, 6, 2."

Here is your ID.

Give me some space.

I can't work like this.

Signature, name and ID, ma'am.

Faster.

Very good, it's okay.

That's it, that's it.

Where do we go? Your home?

No, I don't have a home.

- So what?

- To a hotel.

I love it.

We can just lie there all day.

No, I have to work.

- Where do you work?

- At a bank.

- For how long?

- Seventeen years.

Leave your bag here if you like.

Ok.

Nice home!

Ha! Yeah.

You have a nice view.

That's a school, right?

It is.

Well, that's it. This is it.

Yeah, there's nothing more.

- I like it.

- Yes.

Me too.

Well, what else do you need?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

Are you ok?

Marianela.

Laura.

We did what we had to do.

I wanted to tell you

that I was deeply hurt

by everything that happened.

I understand, I'm very sorry too.

Well, yes, me too.

Well...

- Laura!

- Del Toro, I'm leaving.

Yes.

As soon as I file this,

it goes into the archive.

What are we going to do?

It's a lost cause.

Indeed.

Still, your work

was excellent. Many thanks.

Thank you so much.

Hello?

Hello?

Who is it?

Morn, how are you?

Hello.

Hello.

Your boyfriend is here.

He's my lawyer, as*h*le.

Come forward, counselor.

What's up?

You look older.

- What?

- I need a favor.

Go back to the hill.

More money?

No.

I want you to get in touch

with someone.

Who?

A girl.

Give this to her.

I fell in love with her

when I was there.

I think she fell in love with me too,

even more than me with her.

She has black hair,

is in her forties...

Which team?

This one!

I was told that

you have rooms for rent.

I do, come in.

Thank you.

And how long are you staying?

I'll pay for three nights.

- It's $9,500.

- Okay.

And the room?

It's comfortable, it has a bathroom,

hot water all day long.

If you're staying

you'll need pay to me upfront.

Morna?

Morna, could I get

some eggs for breakfast?

I'm Norma.

Morna is my sister.

What's your name?

- I'm Morn.

- Oh.

Could I have some eggs then?

Sure.

What are you up to right now?

Nothing.

Could you help me, with the horse?

'Cause the motorcycle broke,

and my sister is up there.

Up where?

There, near Romo's place.

- You're not from here, right?

- No.

Can you come?

We need another set of hands.

- Alright. You need help?

- Yes.

Hold this...

and untie the horse.

I know how to ride a horse.

People from Buenos Aires

can't ride horses.

I'm not from the city.

Where are you from?

I'm from Salta, ever been there?

Never been.

Let's see, salteo, hop on!

Easy, Mancha, easy!

Steady Mancha, Manchita.

- Where to?

- There, in that direction.

Go Mancha!

Battery.

Done?

- What were you doing?

- Recording ambient sound.

Do you need anything?

Yes, we need to pull focus.

- First position here.

- Where?

And...

Over there.

- Here?

- Right there, yes.

Done?

Stop, don't cross the...

- I'm going to sh**t now.

- Ok. Come on.

Let me know...

Stay back.

- Shall we mark it?

- Morn has to walk behind you?

- Where do I go?

- Yes, go here.

Behind Ramn.

Done?

- Let's mark it.

- Fine.

Morna?

Which one is this? 53?

Fifty-three, one.

Let's see,

I'll take a test shot.

But then, when...

You'll pan over there.

I'll pan from there to here,

to the flower.

I won't arrange it that much,

I'll do it when you get here.

My hands are in shot.

Yes, but when I get there,

that's when your hands appear.

Ok.

Let me know.

Let's do a dry run.

Shall we sing at the end?

No, no.

Let me see how can I get there.

Wait.

- There?

- That's it.

Wait a bit more, I'll get there and...

when the camera stops,

then we see it.

Ok.

Well, we're ready now.

And what are you doing here?

I've been looking for some land,

maybe move and live here.

All the people from the city

say that.

And then, they leave.

I told you I'm not from the city.

And who will you come with?

All alone.

It's tough out here.

That's why I like it.

How much?

It's on me.

Bye.

It's like nature

in its purest state,

without human intervention.

There are kilometers

and kilometers of pastures

on which suddenly,

a tiny flower appears, and one asks

why?

Why is it there?

Some approaches to gardening

attempt to imitate

all that, that surprise.

I think of English gardens.

They have...

even when they are man-handled,

with gardeners in charge,

they try to pretend they're unkempt.

As if there were no intervention,

just nature abandoned to itself.

It's a much more melancholic

and romantic garden.

Another concept, right?

It tries...

At the same time, this is a reaction...

to French gardening,

which is gardening

prior to the Revolution.

The King, at the Versailles palace,

with all his...

symmetrical gardens,

geometrical.

Right? Like the concept of parterre,

of having a place where

you can see the whole garden.

Having control,

control over nature.

Different to what we see here.

For me here is more...

in line with the Japanese garden,

which is more austere.

Also because of the mountain,

the importance of the stones,

which have a sacred value

for Japanese gardening.

They are some kind

of representation of the mountain.

Ramn is a filmmaker.

Videomaker.

Film as such is dead.

He is the best videomaker around.

I am also the only one.

We've been making a video

of all this for about two years.

It is a film.

Well, he's a videomaker

that makes films, not videos.

Format doesn't matter,

they are films.

But didn't you say

that film is dead?

Maybe it didn't completely die.

Well, we're off.

- Can you take my things?

- Ok.

Take the flashlight.

Give them your stuff.

Have a good time.

Well, let's go home.

- See you.

- Bye.

- Bye.

- Grab the mare.

What?

Okay.

Norma, tell me about you.

About your life,

if you have a boyfriend.

Boyfriend?

Who told you I have a boyfriend?

No one, just asking.

And why do you ask that?

You like gossip, salteo.

Just making conversation.

No, let's not talk.

Where would you build your home?

I like it there, up there, see?

You'd come and live here?

Yes, with you.

Let's get married Norma.

- What?

- Let's get married.

Live together.

But we haven't even kissed!

Let's kiss then.

Sage.

There's rosemary here.

Good.

I won't work anymore.

How come?

I want to live like this, like you.

But I work.

I mean, I want

to work like you, with plenty of time.

If you and your sister

don't have any work, you don't work.

Instead, if I don't have work to do,

I still have to go to work.

I have to wake up at the same time,

wear the same clothes,

take the same subway.

Do exactly the same

as the day before,

surrounded by the same people.

Where do you work?

I clock in every day.

And for what?

To pay for the apartment,

buy a suit once in a while,

a new shirt,

get the newest cell phone,

save money to take 15 days off...

Fifteen days per year!

Fifteen out of 365 days.

To have spare time,

supposedly spare because...

you go to a beach and

you find the same people

that you meet on the subway

the rest of the year.

We live only to work.

When you meet someone

in the city for the first time,

what do they ask?

What's your job?

That is why I don't want to work.

I want to live like you.

What happens to us

After so much time,

We ponder as we

look into the mirror,

What's happening?

I'm getting old,

I don't know what to think,

I no longer know what I think,

I am a good man,

It's just that I'm getting old,

I will try to do

things in due time,

Or else I won't care about time,

Oh no.

"I went to the river,

"and felt it,

close to me in front of me.

"The branches had voices

that couldn't reach to me.

"The current said things I didn't get.

"It almost distressed me,

"I wanted to comprehend,

"to feel what the pale vague sky

said in the river,

"with its first stretched syllables,

but I couldn't."

It's good.

"I returned,

"Was it I who returned?

"With the vague distress

"of feeling alone among

the last and secret things.

"I suddenly felt the river in me,

"it flowed in me,

"with its banks trembling with signs,

"with its barely starred

deep reflections.

"The river flowed in me

with its branches.

"I was a river at dusk,

"and, in me, the trees sighed,

"and the path

"and the grass faded in me.

"A river was flowing through me,

a river was flowing through me!"

Are you sad?

No, just emotional.

Can you help me with this?

Just a sec.

Lower!

A bit more!

- What?

- Can you help me? This got tangled.

Sure.

Let's see...

Put these on.

Should I press REC?

Put the cable through here.

You point it like this.

Towards the action.

- Shall I press REC?

- When I say so.

Steady.

Right,

sound, roll.

There.

Let's go.

Fifty-five, one, one.

Action!

Come over here! Over here!

Do I have to turn?

No, stay there.

Cut!

Done?

Yes!

Shall I come with you, Ramn?

As you want.

Norma?

Shall I come with you?

Yes, come.

We're going there.

- Here is fine.

- Huh?

Here is fine.

The sun is setting.

We'll see what we can do.

So? What do you think?

- About the sunset?

- A panoramic shot...

- Full circle!

- Let's go!

Tapping with our feet!

Wait!

Give me that.

Can you close it?

Hi girls!

Come in!

Look.

I'll come live here.

We'll have a life together, Normita.

Hey!

What are you doing?

Sorry.

I'm leaving.

How so, leaving? Right now?

Yes, I can't stay anymore.

I've got to go.

Take the record, please.

If you play track eight

you'll remember me.

What is it?

Nothing.

Are you ok?

Yeah, everything's fine.

I'll be right back.

I didn't like Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires is great!

I didn't like it.

But what did you visit?

The movie theater,

the obelisk...

But that's nothing!

There are beautiful neighborhoods.

Life at the hotel...

Well, we have a lot to do here.

I'm going back.

But you just got here!

You have a life here, a job,

I have nothing to do.

So why did you come?

To see what it was like.

I got you a present.

Do you like it?

I have to tell you something.

Norma,

I think about you every day.

I know it hasn't been long,

but every day without you was endless.

As I said in Alpa Corral,

I'll go back to look for you,

we're going to marry and

have a house at the hill.

A friend, Romn,

whom I trust, gave you this letter.

Don't ask him questions.

He knows nothing.

He doesn't know I love you,

or that I will be back for you

in three and a half years.

Well, less than three, actually.

Less than three, Norma,

don't you see?

Time flies.

I miss you, Norma.

You're the woman of my life.

I want us to have kids.

Three, four...

maybe a dog,

and two horses

to go to the mountains

and then swim in the creek.

I know that this may seem odd,

I went away and told you

that I'd be back in three years.

Well, it's already less time.

Think of it this way,

soon the three years will be over,

and we will be together, loving

each another, with a beautiful life.

I love you very much.

Morn."

And what about you?

I kept the money

when he stole it.

All in exchange for a percentage,

a small percentage, by the way.

Yes, but he's in jail!

Three and a half years in jail

or twenty at the bank. He chose.

Your friend is nuts.

He or I?

Don't be ridiculous.

I want to be with you.

And so does your friend.

Look, I've left everything.

I left my girlfriend, my house,

everything, to be with you.

You're pathetic.

And your friend is a lunatic.

Let me go.

Let me go!

- Hi.

- Hello.

You know what these are, right?

Books.

Have you read any books?

The Bible.

Nah, the Bible is not a book.

The Bible is

a science fiction book.

Written by a lot of people.

"The engine

"lights up the immense salt,

"the blocks of salt on the sides,

"the weeds mixed with salt

that grow between the tracks.

"I waver... and hush...

"because I'm thinking

about the freight trains

"that run at night

through the Great Salt Flat.

"The word "mystery" should be crushed,

as one crushes a flea,

"with both thumbs.

"The word "mystery"

explains nothing, no more.

"Mystery is nothing and

nothingness does not explain itself.

"The word 'mystery' should be replaced

"at least for today,

"at least for this poem,

"for what I feel

"when I think about the freight trains

"that run at night

through the Great Salt Flat."

"The pear clatters on the plate.

"The honey despairs

in the closed jar,

"to much despair of the flies

"that stalk it,

perched on the glass.

"But I can't explain,

"and so far nobody could,

"why I astound myself thinking

in the Great Salt Flat.

"The man in a vest

in the restaurant car

"has taken off his glasses.

"The glasses clatter on the tablecloth

on the laid table.

Everything clatters."

What's "clatter"?

The poem, at this point,

is taking place on a train

and everything moves, see?

"Everything clatters.

"Everything quivers.

"In the train that runs at noon

through the Great Salt Flat.

"I've caught myself looking

at the shadow of the plane

"passing over the Great Salt Flat.

"But that explains nothing.

"It's like a drop

that evaporates instantly.

"Entertain yourself, they say.

"Entertain yourself

looking and remembering

"to hide the dream

of the Great Salt Flat.

"A piano hanging

like a spider from a thread

"has stopped between

the twelfth and thirteenth floors.

"A truck passes by,

loaded with stand-up fans

"that happily move their propellers.

"In 1948,

"in Salta,

"we went at night

to hunt frogs and viscachas,

"and the conversation extinguished

with the roast fire,

"overwhelmed as we were

by the black starry sky.

"We nervously flicked

on and off our flashlights

"until we ran out of batteries.

"I can't either explain why

"I dream of flashlight batteries,

"with batteries for transistor radios..

"Nor why I dream of light bulbs,

"delicately stored

in their respective boxes.

"Nor why

"I have caught myself

staring at the broken filament

"of a burnt-out light bulb.

"I've never seen,

"I never could imagine

"rain falling on the Great Salt Flat.

"I don't have objectives but I like

"to be objective.

"Since I was a child I tried

to cut a drop of water in two

"with scissors.

"Even now, I try,

"pushing things away from the table

or frightening friends away,

"to imitate, to imagine,

rain on the Great Salt Flat..

"And now I question myself

as if imprisoned and testifying:

"The Great Salt Flat or Great Salt Lake

is in north Crdoba,

"nearby,

"or within, I don't remember,

"the border with Santiago del Estero.

"I'm looking at the map...

"but that explains nothing.

"The matchbox is empty

by four in the morning,

"and I feel myself, desperate,

"with the cigarette in my mouth...

"'Fire should be invented, '

some would think.

"I, instead, think about

the glints of the train

"that runs at night

by the Salado River.

"I can't sleep

"when traveling at night

"I know that I have to my right

the Salado River.

"But even so I'm still escaping

the great mystery...

"the mystery of the endless salt

of the Great Salt Flat.

"I remember when we hurled

sucked oranges with impunity

"into the blind, blinding mirror

"of the Great Salt Flat,

"in the afternoons,

"when glare blinds

"more than the sun.

"We expected to arrive

in Tucumn at seven

"and at two we had to change a wheel

"by the Great Salt Flat.

"A newspaper flew through the air,

"the sun scorched

the crumpled news of the world

"of the newspaper

that fell on the Great Salt Flat.

"And I saw several trains go by

and even a jet.

"The passengers of the Caravelles

"or the Back One-Elevens,

"don't know that that bluish spot,

"that they may be seeing

at this very moment,

"from eight thousand meters high,

"that bluish stain

that remains for a few minutes,

"is The Great Salt Flat.

"The Great Salt Lake."

Romn.

It's me.

It's time.

Morn!

Your time is up.

Good luck.

This is to share with the guys.

- Okay.

- Maybe you learn something, huh!

Thanks, good luck!

Signature, name

and left thumb print.

Thanks.

Flor.

Flor!

I need to talk to you.

I'm teaching.

- Sorry.

- What is it?

I have to leave.

Where to?

On a trip.

With this?

Can I have a glass of water

before my mom comes?

Are you taking the tent?

And the sleeping bag?

Where are you going?

I'll be back in two days.

- Where are you going?

- Can I have another?

I need to do a favor

for a colleague from the bank.

Who?

Can I have another?

Who?

What will you do?

You're skipping work?

What day is it today?

Thursday?

How will you manage?

Thanks.

I quit.

THE END

This film is dedicated

to Rafael Filipelli (1938-2023).