Laila Nadene (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[eerie music playing]

[heart beating]

[woman hyperventilating]

[glass shattering]

[man's voice shouting indistinctly]

[music fades]

[heartbeat slows]

[gentle music playing]

[music turns tense]

Well...

Happy anniversary, Laila.

Twenty-something years.

Twenty-five.

- [snapping fingers]

- Waiter!

Macallan, double, uh, chocolate mousse,

and a Porto for the lady.

- I'll take one too.

- [Raoul] Ah, wait, wait.

Is that a good idea?

- Please, Raoul. Not tonight.

- [Raoul] That's it.

[footsteps retreating]

[Laila] You're right. I do need

to lose a couple of pounds.

- It's a beautiful restaurant.

- [Raoul chuckles]

I feel like a princess.

This is your favorite dress.

It was a few years ago.

Come on, Laila.

You don't even try to look nice tonight.

I'm sorry, Raoul.

Anyway, I forgive you.

Let's talk about other things, all right?

[Raoul chuckles]

All right.

What's that?

Oh, come on.

You must have seen this coming.

- What?

- Too complacent, Laila.

I need excitement in my life.

What?

- Don't you want me to be happy?

- It's our anniversary.

It's final?

You gonna make this difficult for me?

- For you?

- Mm. Mmm.

Is there someone else?

You know what? I can't talk to you

when you get in this mood.

Me? You wine me and dine me,

and then, whoa, divorce papers?

Stop.

What's her name?

You're like a child.

I can't even talk to you like that.

Is there someone else?

Yes!

Are you happy now?

- Sign the papers.

- No, Raoul.

We'll get counseling.

I'll do whatever it takes.

Is she one of those girls you hire?

You know about that?

- [chuckles]

- Are you leaving me for a wh*re?

Hey.

Don't you ever...

call her that again.

She's my girlfriend.

[Laila hyperventilating]

I thought you'd be happy for me.

Here.

Delicious, Laila. You gotta try it.

Try it.

Sign the papers.

Sign the papers.

Sign the f*cking papers.

[Laila] And there you have it.

[melancholy music playing]

[woman] What did you do

with the divorce papers?

[Laila] I signed.

[woman] And then?

[Laila] He left.

Whistling.

[woman] Whistling?

[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]

[Laila] He does that

when he's in one of his freak moods.

And after?

[Laila] I ordered my own chocolate mousse.

b*stard was right.

- It was delicious.

- [woman] And then?

I packed my things and left the next day.

Why did you stay with him for so long?

Think.

I thought he loved me.

And?

And I thought he would change.

It's time for you to take your power back.

How do you feel?

Manipulated.

Controlled.

Defeated.

Angry.

Broken.

It's okay, Laila.

Dr. Blaum, I'm so ashamed.

Why?

I... I thought I was smarter than this.

Falling prey to abuse

can happen to anyone.

Let's talk about Raoul.

What really stood out about him?

He... It was after a fundraiser event.

I had another panic attack

and I couldn't breathe.

[foreboding music playing]

[hyperventilating]

Would you like a cup of tea, honey?

[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]

It's okay, Laila.

You're in a safe place here.

Take a deep breath.

- You have asthma?

- Only when Raoul's around.

Stress-induced.

Tell me about the fundraiser.

A lot of money was raised that night.

For which charity?

Laurent Foundation.

Laila Laurent? You're that Laurent?

I never made the connection.

That foundation has been around

for a long time.

Thirty-five years.

My father started it

in memory of his sister.

I remember. She was beaten to death

by her new husband.

My father started helping one woman

at the time.

Word spread and the foundation was born.

Did Raoul have any formal role

with running the organization?

Only the parties.

Was your father aware

of the violence in your marriage?

He went through hell

when his sister was k*lled.

And yet here you are.

Here I am. Such a doormat.

No. You're a kind and gentle soul, Laila.

You're thoughtful, compassionate,

intelligent, and funny.

That's my public image.

You've just lost sight

of the magnificent person

you were born to be.

Don't worry.

We'll get you back on the right path.

- The path to what?

- Forgiveness.

I will never forgive him.

This has nothing to do with him.

It's about you learning

to forgive yourself.

Me? For what?

Thinking that you are not good enough...

or worthy enough

for having joy and love in your life.

[snickers]

You have got all this wrong.

You could have walked away

from your marriage at any time.

Why not?

My life is offtrack.

I don't know what to do.

Healing is a process.

Let's take a look

at when the physical abuse started.

It took a couple of years.

I pushed his buttons.

Spouses argue and that's pretty normal.

When an argument escalates

to verbal abuse,

it's time to pack up and get out.

When verbal abuse escalates

to physical abuse,

it's time to pack up, get out,

get a restraining order, never look back,

and you move on.

You're much too precious to live in fear.

I missed a few steps.

[stirring music playing]

[Blaum] You need to be kind to yourself.

Think about doing something spontaneous.

[music fades]

[suspenseful music playing]

Laila.

Oh, good. I need to rest.

You changed your hair.

And that dress.

Who are you? Do I know you?

Nadene. Raoul's shown me

tons of photos of you.

You're much prettier in person.

I can't deal with this.

I need to rest a minute.

Then go sit at a different table.

Why are you so mean?

I didn't do anything to you.

You broke up my marriage.

I did you a favor.

You're a kid having a kid.

[scoffs] He gives me the life I want.

Cubic zirconium.

- What?

- Fake, like your husband.

You could get yourself the life you want.

- I make him happy.

- [snickers] Sure, you do.

You're too old to understand.

He loves me.

Oh, heh. He's incapable of love.

Then be happy I took him off your hands.

Get out while you can. Raoul's a freak.

Raoul is right. You're old and jealous.

Jealous? Of what?

The constant abuse?

The screaming in my face?

The whoring around?

My youth. My beauty.

I make him happy.

Get yourself checked for STDs.

[tense music playing]

So how's this? Is that him?

Can you make his face more, uh...

More angular, like a chisel?

- How's that?

- Yeah.

Now, can you draw arrogance?

He's one arrogant piece of sh*t!

Thinks he's untouchable.

Yeah. That's more like it.

So, Uri, this is the guy?

Yeah. Looks exactly like him.

That's it.

- So, what do you know about him?

- He's loaded, man.

And the last time you've seen him?

A couple of weeks. A month, maybe.

Does he have a name?

Cash customer.

You came here voluntarily. Why?

Well, it's my civic duty.

You've heard about the missing girls.

We hear things on the street.

- How many?

- I'm not at liberty to discuss this.

Do you want my f*cking help or not?

Sit down.

Tell me what you know.

He's doping my girls.

He smacks them around. That ain't cool.

Your concern is touching.

Look...

Detective Meunier,

I got a girl missing.

- Her name?

- Tatiana.

In your profession,

lots of girls come and go.

Maybe she's back with her family?

I'm her family,

and I'm telling you,

she was scared of him.

[knocking on door]

- Excuse me for a moment.

- Whatever.

[in French]

[in French]

[in English] as*h*le.

[in French]

[in English] So, what makes you think

Tatiana's in danger?

That dude's a special kind of crazy.

You need to find her.

Honor amongst thieves. Touching.

Start from the beginning.

[menacing music playing]

[laughs]

Where's Tatiana?

She doesn't wanna see you no more.

Last time, you marked her.

That's not cool.

She should be grateful.

- Rich d*ck!

- Hey, m*therf*cker.

Think you can do whatever you want?

You get your share.

[Uri] Of course.

A good businessman always gets his cut.

A businessman?

You're nothing.

You come here, you strut your sh*t.

Who the f*ck do you think you are?

Just f*cking call Tatiana, all right?

Tatiana.

It'll cost extra.

No problem.

[Raoul grunts, then groans]

- All right.

- My guy will f*ck you up so bad!

You have one hour with her.

No marks. Understand?

Who do you think you are?

[Raoul grunts, then coughs]

[Uri] One hour! No marks!

[groans]

[laughing]

[tense music playing]

Are you on anything?

I don't do that sh*t.

Bien. Continue.

He wants them young.

Hey, my girls are all legal, okay?

You get a prize. Continue.

He smacks them around.

And he throws them like they're sh*t.

And you don't?

Hey, I treat my girls right.

They need a job.

I find them customers and I get my cut.

- That's it.

- Bon.

Let's leave that for now.

Do you know where he works?

He comes and goes.

Do you have a photo of Tatiana?

Pretty girl.

She's younger than my daughter.

I'll e-mail it.

Keep the card.

Call me if you think of anything

that will help.

So you'll try to find her?

[grumbles] I don't answer to you.

Now get out of my office.

The f*ck, man!

[music fades]

[knocking on door]

Damn it.

[tense music playing]

You're late.

A few of your things got mixed up

with mine.

That's all I found. Ready to go.

[chuckles] I'm not in a rush.

Gained a couple of pounds, haven't you?

Tsk. Gorging on desserts again.

I actually lost a bit of weight.

Yoga classes.

[Raoul laughs]

Oh, honey,

that dress shows every single bulge.

The color's a bit flashy too.

You know what?

Take your box and leave.

Later.

I've got great news.

Do you remember

how to make a gin and tonic?

- [snapping fingers]

- A gin and tonic.

Oh, by the way,

did you do something new with your hair?

[Laila] Like it?

Well, I'm sure it's fine

after you wash it.

I'm not in the mood for small talk, Raoul.

All right, all right.

I'll share my news.

You're remarried.

Look at her. She's gorgeous, hmm?

- Oh, look at this pic...

- I've already met her.

How old is she?

I see where you're going with this.

- She's legal.

- How old?

Nineteen.

[chokes]

You're 54.

So? Be happy for me.

I'm finally getting a family

that I wanted.

I'm the one who wanted the family.

You never did.

[Raoul chuckles]

I wish you well,

but please, take your stuff and leave.

Laila, how can you be so cold?

You're... You're my only friend.

- Leave!

- Laila!

Leave!

Now!

Leave!

Just leave.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[melancholy music playing]

[hyperventilating]

[Blaum] I know today is a bit painful.

Are you okay?

I'm not sure.

What are you thinking?

My head says none of this is my fault.

My heart says otherwise.

So we have to reconcile

your head to your heart.

I don't even know where to begin.

I'm here to guide you.

Get comfy.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Slowly exhale.

And again.

[gentle music playing]

And again.

Breathe deeply.

And exhale.

You're on a beach with a friend.

Relax and keep breathing.

Your friend is abused.

Her husband belittles her.

She's scared.

Listen to her pain.

What is she saying?

[Laila] She blames herself.

[Blaum] Why?

[Laila] I don't know.

[Blaum] What do you say to her?

[Laila] I tell her it's not her fault.

[Blaum] Reassure your friend

that she is worthy

and that she has value.

Tell her she's safe.

Breathe deeply and relax.

Your friend walks away.

And a teenage girl appears.

Imagine she's your daughter.

Her boyfriend is cruel.

What do you say to her?

[Laila] My daughter?

She... She didn't do anything wrong.

It's not her fault.

[Blaum] Don't tell me.

Tell her.

Keep your eyes closed.

[Laila] It's not your fault.

You're a wonderful person.

And I love you.

[Blaum] Hug her for a bit.

Tell her she's safe.

Keep breathing and relax.

Now imagine that you, your friend

and your daughter are one.

You are the one who was abused

and belittled for years.

What do you say to yourself?

[Laila] Me?

[crying] I didn't do anything wrong.

It wasn't my fault.

I didn't do anything wrong.

[hopeful music playing]

Laila, you have value.

And you are worthy.

And you are good enough.

Good job.

I feel good.

Remember, meditate daily,

and be grateful for everything you have.

Grateful?

Laila, there's always someone

who's been through worse.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude.

I like that.

[keyboard clicking]

[dramatic music playing]

[door slams]

You live like a pig.

It's not all me.

I want this place spotless.

You hear me? Spotless.

Are you going to help?

Sure.

[carton clatters]

And pick this up

on your hands and knees.

[Nadene sighs]

It's not good for the baby.

It's not my problem.

Hire a maid.

[Raoul laughing]

You know my wife?

My ex-wife?

She kept the place spotless.

Pristine.

And she cooked every day.

I bet she was scared of you.

[chuckling]

[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]

[tense music playing]

[siren wailing in distance]

[in French]

[Meunier]

Hmmm.

[melancholy music playing]

[in English] Thank you

for identifying the body.

How did she die?

She was beaten and strangled.

An autopsy will give us the details.

Where was she found?

By Beaver Lake. In a parking lot.

Where in the parking lot?

In a dumpster.

f*cking dumpster.

Like common trash.

How did you find her?

It came in on the anonymous tip line.

- Who called it in?

- It's a tip line.

What part of "anonymous"

do you not understand?

A f*cking dumpster!

f*ck them!

What the f*ck, Annette?

Come here.

- You just let that client drive off?

- What's wrong?

They, um...

- They found Tatiana.

- Alive?

Where?

A f*cking dumpster.

[sobbing]

Twenty-five years is a long time

to waste in a bad marriage.

Why did you marry him?

I... I trusted him.

He was funny and charming.

Maybe Raoul's having a midlife crisis.

This is deeper than a fling

or buying a fast car.

Sane men can work

through a midlife crisis.

But not so when you're dealing

with psychopathy.

I didn't see the red flags.

Sometimes you don't see

what's right in front of your nose

until the bad behavior is way off

the charts.

Yeah, but he left me.

I put up with everything.

Unacceptable behavior became

your new norm.

Why did I put up with that sh*t?

Well, you tell me. Why did you stay?

Because I deserved it.

I don't know why I said that.

In the psychiatric world,

this is what we call an "aha moment."

I don't understand.

This is progress, Laila.

I... feel bad for the new wife.

People can only change

when they want to help themselves.

And unless they're ready,

they're going to continue

to push you away.

You're a damn fortune cookie.

How are you feeling?

Lighter.

That's progress.

[tense music playing]

- What do you want?

- [sighs]

Can't I check up on you?

We're divorced. Now you're stalking me?

- You should leave.

- You know, you've changed.

- I don't like it.

- And I don't care.

You don't talk to me anymore.

You completely shut me out.

Millions of people

get divorced every day, Laila,

every day, and still be friendly.

- Why can't you?

- [scoffs]

I can't believe you're asking me this.

I've always been nice to you.

You only care about yourself.

That's a lie and you know it.

I gave you a great life.

You didn't give me anything.

I paid my way.

You left me.

You put it that way, you're right.

And I feel pretty good.

Are you being glib now?

You treated me like sh*t.

And I apologized.

You put me in the ER.

You're obviously in a bad mood.

Did I hurt your imaginary feelings?

What is wrong with you?

The real issue here is the lack

of empathy and compassion.

You're a freak, Raoul.

Are you tracking me again?

I should have known.

You never talked to me like that before.

I found my voice, you dipshit.

Laila,

you have anger issues.

Un-f*cking-believable. You know what?

That's it. Get out! Out!

Out.

Out.

Now. And never contact me again.

Get out.

Laila,

I am not in the mood for you.

Too bad. This is my hangout spot.

What are you doing here?

What's got you all upset?

Let's see...

I'm a middle-aged woman

in therapy, divorced,

sitting across my psycho

ex-husband's new child bride.

Thanks, Elodie.

[Nadene] I totally missed the part

where you went from being a doormat

to being the poor victim.

How dare you?

You have everything.

Money, a job, your own place,

your freedom and health.

You could never understand.

Why? 'Cause I'm too young and stupid?

You don't know anything about me.

You allowed Raoul to walk all over you.

The sweet, naive wife,

begging for attention.

That's enough!

I didn't ask you to sit down.

Raoul and I loved each other.

He didn't buy me

from some street corner.

Must be nice to look down your nose

and judge people.

I didn't do that.

You called me a wh*re.

At least I'm honest about it.

You're too young to be this cynical.

A wife trades in a different currency,

that's all.

You're supposed to marry for love.

How many years were you married

before the abuse started?

Couple of years.

How long were you married for?

Twenty-five.

You overstayed your welcome by 23 years.

You have no idea

what I've been through.

It goes both ways.

I had dreams when I was a kid.

I'm a strong survivor.

You're a timid, little doormat mouse.

Okay, stop! Okay?

No more arguing. Please.

I really do like your hair.

Really?

It softens you.

Thank you.

- What do you want to be?

- What?

When you were a kid,

what did you dream of being?

Alive.

Who is she?

Tatiana was my sister.

This is Nadene, her best friend.

Your sister?

We've been trying to notify next of kin.

I need contact information.

I'm sorry for your loss.

f*ck off.

My so-called b*tch of a mother

is gonna be happy Tatiana's dead.

I still need to notify your mother.

She may want to claim her.

No. I am claiming my sister.

She'll be ready for release

in a couple of days.

Do you know who did this to her?

Did you get any hits

from the police sketch?

Not yet. Tell me what you know.

That crazy f*ck wanted

the whole girlfriend experience.

He took her dancing one night.

[foreboding music playing]

She doesn't look good.

Something's wrong.

[piano playing in background]

She's getting up.

[Raoul] Whoa.

Whoa...

Get the car. Don't let him see you.

Hey!

[Raoul] She only had a couple of drinks.

I'll take her home.

This is her first drink.

You're spying on me?

[Raoul grunts, then groans]

[Raoul coughing]

I f*cking warned you.

[Raoul groaning]

[Meunier] So you followed them

back to the club?

I had just heard

he's a crazy m*therf*cker,

so, yeah, I followed them.

- Both times.

- Both times?

She met him a week after that.

When was this?

A few days before she disappeared.

Was she roofied the first time?

She had no memory.

My sister didn't even finish

her first drink.

Tell me about the second time.

[piano playing in background]

[Raoul smacks lips]

Who are you looking for?

Nobody.

[sighing] All right.

Don't lie to me.

You're looking for Uri.

Are you scared of me?

No.

[Raoul chuckles]

- All right.

- I have to go to the bathroom.

- Back in a minute.

- Okay. Yeah. Okay.

Thanks.

[Raoul] Hey!

What the hell is wrong with you?

Hey. Forget about this.

It was an accident.

I just hate f*cking clumsy people.

Cheers.

Here's to fun times ahead.

- You have no idea.

- Hmm.

Ah. [smacks lips]

[Raoul clears throat]

[clears throat]

Oh, f*ck.

Heh. The poor b*stard roofied himself.

[Uri] She switched the glasses.

- [Raoul] What did you do?

- [Meunier laughs]

- [Raoul] What have you done?

- [Meunier] Serves him right. Go on.

[Raoul grunts]

[foreboding music playing]

- [Tatiana] No!

- [Uri] It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

Hey, hey, hey. We got him.

We got him. We got him.

Get him in there. Come on!

It's okay. It's okay.

We got him. It's okay.

[Tatiana] b*stard.

- Leave. We'll handle it now.

- No way.

I got this. Go home.

No.

I'm gonna do to him exactly

what he did to me.

No more, no less.

You promised.

[Meunier] So Tatiana...?

[vibrator buzzing]

[Uri] With great vigor and without lube.

[Meunier curses in French]

[Meunier] Then what happened?

[Uri] My guys dumped him

60 kilometers out of town.

[Meunier] Was he alive?

[Uri] Yes.

[Meunier] And then?

[Uri] Tatiana disappeared

a couple of days later.

f*ck you!

[Blaum] Laila, we're doing EMDR today.

What's that?

EMDR stands for "eye movement

desensitization reprocessing."

So it's a kind of therapy

where we ask you

to relive your experience,

then rewrite it, and finally release it.

How does it work?

I ask you to concentrate

on something specific.

When you're doing that,

you're going to be watching

the blinking lights.

Then the situation is going

to flip around,

in the sense that you are going

to be in control.

What will I see?

[dramatic music playing]

For everyone, it's pretty different.

For some people,

it's kind of like watching a movie.

But for other people,

they can sense something is happening.

Not really sure.

But the bottom line is

that you go with the flow.

[exhales] Okay.

- I'm ready.

- Great.

So I'd like you to concentrate

on why you think

you deserved all that abuse.

What we want to do is get

to the root of this.

Take a deep breath.

And we'll start when you are ready.

We were married for a couple of years.

Then something happened.

[Blaum] Okay.

Continue looking at the blinking lights

and follow through with that thought.

- Tell me.

- I was pregnant once.

[Blaum] I was not aware of that.

Was Raoul happy?

[menacing music playing]

You lied about the ab*rtion.

[whistling pleasant tune]

I told you to get rid of that thing.

No. No, please...

[echoing] No, please...

No, please... No, please...

[fading] No, please...

No, please... No, please...

I was on the bathroom floor...

too scared to move.

And he was screaming at me.

What was he saying?

He said I had to get rid of it.

[Blaum] What did he do when you cried?

Nothing.

Keep going.

Tell me.

I wanted that baby so bad.

I thought I could leave him

before I started showing.

[Blaum] Did you leave?

Why not, Laila?

[Laila] I was nothing without him.

[Blaum] Dig deeper.

Why did you stay in the marriage

for so long?

[Laila] Because I deserved it.

- No!

- [Blaum] Why?

My baby died...

because I was weak and pathetic.

[body thuds]

That was my first trip to the ER.

It may not feel like it right now,

but you are doing really well.

Are you ready to continue?

Perfect. Now, there's one last thing

I want you to do.

Close your eyes.

You're in a beautiful garden,

full of fresh, lush,

vibrant, beautiful flowers.

Smell their fragrance.

And you are at peace.

You look down...

and you see that you're holding a baby.

[poignant music playing]

Trust me.

Close your eyes.

See your baby.

And is it a little boy or a girl?

[Laila] It's a little girl.

She's all in pink.

[Blaum] Talk to her.

Tell her how much you love her.

[Laila] I'm sorry.

I wanted to keep you.

I was scared.

[Blaum] Now, in your heart,

ask your daughter to forgive you.

[Laila] How?

[Blaum] However it feels right.

[Laila] I feel the love.

[Blaum] Now it's time to let her go.

[Laila] It's beautiful here.

She's going to love it.

[Blaum] This garden is now

your safe place.

You can visit your little girl

any time you want.

And now how do you feel?

Free.

[lively music playing]

[Uri] Man, you're f*cking late!

I've been waiting for you

this whole time, man.

Come on!

Let's do this!

[Meunier] Stop that.

You're making me crazy.

- [Uri] What?

- That whole, uh...

[Uri] What? Smoking?

[Meunier] No, that whole, uh...

[Uri] What? Breathing?

[Meunier] No, tabarnak,

that whole, uh, walking.

- Pacing?

- Oui, that's it. Stop pacing.

You're making me crazy.

[music stops]

The sketch artist did well.

That's him.

I'm forwarding this to Forensics.

Check your e-mail.

So?

Get out of my face. I have work to do.

[lively music resumes]

f*ck off, man.

f*cking cop.

f*ck you, man.

as*h*le.

[solemn music playing]

[Meunier] Thank you for seeing me,

Madame Laurent.

Of course. You said it was urgent.

These are delicious.

- Do you mind if I take notes?

- No, it's fine.

I have questions

regarding your husband, Raoul...

Ex.

- Pardon?

- Raoul is my ex-husband.

Oui, of course. Forgive me.

What about him?

These questions are a little personal,

so I must apologize.

During the course of your marriage,

you have been admitted

to the ER three times

for suspected domestic abuse.

Is this correct?

[softly] Yeah.

Each time, you refused to file charges.

Is this also correct?

May I ask why?

I was scared.

Madame Laurent,

I'm not here to judge you.

Why are you asking about this?

A body has been found a few days ago.

And why does this have to do with Raoul?

You tell me.

Is your ex-husband capable of m*rder?

No. Well, I... I don't think so.

Does he have a temper?

Did he always have a temper?

For the first couple of years,

he was just an as*h*le.

And after that?

Uncontrolled rage.

He always apologized

and said he will never do it again.

He did, of course.

Have you ever seen

any of these young women?

[Laila] This is Nadene, his new wife.

Is she in danger?

How can you ask me that

after what he's done to you?

Excuse my rudeness, but I'm frustrated.

These are kids.

Do you have children, madame?

I almost did.

I do not know your circumstances,

but I have a daughter.

Caroline is my world.

It didn't occur to me.

- I didn't think...

- Madame...

domestic abuse, it never stops.

It always escalates. Always.

I'm so ashamed.

He hurt them?

Madame, we are beyond that point now.

I am waiting on Forensics.

Are they dead?

- How?

- We found this one in a dumpster.

A dumpster, madame.

Is it too late for me to file charges?

- Will you?

- Yes.

Can you come by the station tomorrow

and make a statement?

- Yeah.

- Good.

Be grateful you got out.

She may not be so lucky.

You seem to be doing well for yourself.

- I'm happy for you.

- Thank you.

I will no longer take

any more of your time.

Thank you for speaking with me.

I will see you tomorrow.

Call me if you have any questions,

in the meantime.

[gentle music playing]

Thanks for meeting me.

You called me five times.

What do you want?

He came to see me

a couple of hours ago.

A cop?

Why?

He asked about Raoul

and showed me some pictures of girls.

- One was of you.

- [scoffs]

Yeah.

And?

I didn't wanna get involved.

So don't.

Nobody asked you to.

Wait.

Let me help you.

Why?

Because nobody helped me when I needed it.

Please, Nadene, let me help you.

[groans softly]

- He scares me.

- [music fades]

Tell me.

So you can judge me again?

You have no idea what my life's been like.

[solemn music playing]

I'm never going back.

The monsters on the street

are better than monster at home.

My mom said it's my fault

that her nasty husband

can't keep it in his pants.

She threw you out for good this time?

She said she'll k*ll me

if I ever go back. I believe her.

He can't hurt you anymore. You're free.

Where will we go? We have no money.

What will we do?

My brother will help us.

Uri?

Do you know where he is?

We'll look for him in the morning.

Don't worry, we'll be... We'll be okay.

Maybe we can get, I don't know,

some nice boyfriends.

Get married, have a nice house.

[snickers] Fairy tale aren't real.

But it'd be nice

to have a safe place to sleep.

Maybe we can get one

of those old-fashioned matchmakers.

Oh, on the street, it's called a pimp.

Yeah.

It's okay.

We'll be okay, right?

Yeah, we'll be okay.

I've had enough. [sighs]

Wait. Your stepfather

sexually molested you?

It's called r*pe.

Didn't anybody help?

He said I was special.

And it was our secret.

He said if I told anyone,

he'd have to go away.

And you didn't want him to leave?

He bought me things.

He never hit me, like my mom.

Did she know what he was doing?

She called me a lying wh*re,

then threw me out of the house.

Did you ever go back?

Tatiana's brother took care of us.

What happened to her?

I don't know.

I haven't heard from her in a while.

Then I met Raoul.

He promised me this great life.

You wanna hear something weird?

He has a photo of her on his computer.

Did you ask him about it?

I'm not allowed to touch his stuff.

- Do you have a picture of your friend?

- Yeah.

This is the same girl

the cop showed me earlier.

Why would a cop have a photo of my friend?

Nadene, I have to ask you something.

- Is Raul violent with you?

- What?

Does he hit you?

Not at first.

Just the normal screaming

and name-calling.

And now?

He loses total control.

I've never seen anything like it.

Have you ever tried to leave him?

He'd find me.

I wanna help.

Why?

You hate me.

No, I actually don't.

[groaning]

Are you in labor?

I guess so.

I didn't think you were due

for a few months.

Yeah. That's what Raoul thinks too.

- [groaning]

- I'll take you to the hospital, okay?

Breathe.

[whimpering and breathing deeply]

Yes, hi.

[siren wailing]

You did a good job.

- She's beautiful.

- Thank you.

My baby.

[gentle music playing]

[footsteps approaching slowly]

[Raoul] Hello, Nadene.

Congratulations.

You have a beautiful, healthy...

granddaughter?

I'm the father.

- [nurse] Oh.

- No.

That kid is four months early.

How can it be healthy?

No, she's perfect. Right on time.

She's a little cutie.

You are. You're beautiful.

She's adorable.

[menacing music playing]

I'll see you tomorrow, Nadene.

[footsteps departing]

[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]

[gentle music playing]

[Nadene] She's finally asleep.

Thank you

for getting us out of that hospital.

God, Raoul was whistling.

You'll both be safe here.

He doesn't know this place exists.

That better be for me.

No. You literally just had a baby.

I'm thirsty.

Aren't you going to breastfeed?

Do these look like udders?

Do I look like a cow?

Were you raised in a barn?

Don't slug your wine.

What the hell is wrong with you?

If you're old enough to drink,

then you're old enough

to appreciate a good wine.

It's just wine.

You sip. Don't chug.

Here.

Swish your glass like this.

What does this do?

It releases the bouquet.

Is this a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio?

Neither. It's a Torronts.

This wine is made

from the Torronts grape,

which grows in Argentina.

I have never heard of that.

Then pay attention.

Swirl your glass like this.

Breathe it in deeply.

What do you smell?

Flowers.

Floral.

Now taste but don't swallow.

Hold the nectar in your mouth.

You mean, swallowing is not a good idea?

You only swallow at the end,

when you check the finish.

If you say so.

Heathen!

The finish is the leftover taste

at the back of your throat

after you swallow.

Damn it! I've been doing it wrong

all these years.

Concentrate. What do you taste?

I don't know, some...

Some kind of fruity thing.

Citrus.

There's more. Come on, think.

- Maybe banana?

- What?

- Banana?

- [laughs]

Oh, my God, no. No, no, no.

Apple, peach, orange, and lime.

- It's airy and light?

- [sighs]

It's crisp and dry.

You have the wine nose of an orangutan.

[Nadene laughs]

[foreboding music playing]

No f*cking prenup!

[glass shatters]

- [music stops]

- [baby fussing]

You're up early.

Are you sure

Raoul doesn't know about this place?

My dad left this to me, three years ago.

It's my retreat from the world.

[baby cooing]

I just want her to have a normal life.

[poignant music playing]

She's precious.

Thank you.

For everything you've done.

Of course. You need to rest and recover.

Why are you helping me?

Seriously, why?

I... I don't wanna be

a mouse anymore.

[Nadene] Hmm?

You once called me a mouse

and a doormat.

I should never have said that. I'm sorry.

Therapy is underrated.

I wouldn't have been able

to deal with this on my own.

After living on the streets,

you learn to be grateful

for the little things.

I am grateful.

So that's why you're helping me.

I'm no longer a mouse.

I have to get going,

but there's protection in the top drawer.

[gasps] You surprise me.

Are you sure you're going to be okay?

- Yeah.

- Okay, good.

What exactly does

the detective suspect Raoul of doing?

Let's see what kind of evidence

they come up with.

But a girl was found dead.

And Raoul has a picture of her

on his computer.

You sure it's the same girl?

Yeah.

I slept next to a monster for 25 years.

What about Nadene?

Safely tucked away at my cottage.

What will she do?

She's scared to death of him.

And she should be.

But why is she at your cottage?

I'm helping her.

You've softened towards her.

What changed?

She's an adult,

but she's never had a childhood.

It's hardened her.

You're such a kind person, Laila.

Will you get the people

at the Laurent Foundation

to find her a new home?

No, I'm doing this myself.

Dr. Blaum, I owe you so much.

- Well, therapy works.

- Oh. I'm a believer.

I... I want to take a break now

and rely on my own instincts.

Well, you've already done

all the hard work,

and I'm so proud of you.

[baby crying]

No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no.

[shushing]

It's okay, baby. It's okay. It's okay.

[shushes]

Oh, it's okay, baby girl.

We'll get the hang of this.

[shushes]

[crying continues]

[crying stops]

[mimicking g*nshots]

[baby crying]

Okay, okay. [shushes]

[tense music playing]

[siren wailing]

[Meunier in French]

[Durant]

[Meunier]

[Durant]

[phone keyboard clicking]

[woman vomiting]

[phone buzzes]

[Annette] Uri, I know where she is.

- f*ck!

- Here's the address.

[tense music continues]

[baby cooing]

[suspenseful music playing]

[whispering to baby]

[door opens]

[Raoul chuckling]

- Hello, Nadene.

- How did you find me?

There's an app for that.

Anyone else here?

No.

Get away from her.

- That thing's not even mine.

- I never said she was yours.

What now?

Well, I'll either divorce you or...

Or k*ll you. Either way,

you're not getting a penny.

But you love me.

You'll give me a settlement.

You get nothing.

That's not how I see it.

I have information.

Lots of it.

- What are you talking about?

- That girl on your computer.

Tatiana.

Why do you have photos of her?

You knew her?

We grew up together.

So?

Best friends tell each other everything.

Like what?

I know what happened at the Odessa Club.

Uri will find me.

Police are looking for me.

Why? You're not... You're not missing.

You're... You're my wife.

Why would a kid like me

- want an old man like you?

- Hey!

- We had an agreement.

- Did we?

Yes, we did.

I heard they found

Tatiana's body in a dumpster.

You threw her out like trash.

You f*cking as*h*le.

She was my best friend.

- f*ck! They found her already.

- [Nadene laughs]

The police know who you are.

- It was a mistake.

- [grunts]

You f*cking k*lled her!

You f*cking k*lled her!

[screams]

[sobbing]

Son of a b*tch.

Nadene?!

You're f*cking crazy!

[Raoul whistling pleasant tune]

This cottage is remote.

No one will hear you scream.

[screaming]

Nadene!

I'm back!

[baby crying]

What the f*ck are you doing

in my house?

- Your house?

- [Laila] Yes.

- What the f*ck are you doing here?

- [chuckles]

Laila, the countertop!

Get the baby and go to the room. Now!

You, move.

Go.

[Raoul] You don't have the guts.

Get your car keys and get out.

[Raoul] What has gotten into you?

It's me. You love me.

Put that stupid thing down.

[laughing] You're shaking like a leaf.

Put the g*n down.

Give it to me. Give it to me.

[inhaler clatters]

- [yells]

- [blow lands]

You were always a doormat.

[Nadene] Leave her alone!

- [Nadene groaning]

- [Laila] Stop it!

Let her go.

[Raoul] Come on, Laila. You can't k*ll me.

You're spineless.

You always were. And...

[Raoul laughing]

Looking for that, huh?

[Laila hyperventilating]

How's the breathing, Laila?

Hmm?

The air seems a bit heavy, doesn't it?

Doesn't it, Nadene?! Huh?

I'll tell you what.

- We trade.

- What?

We trade. The g*n for your inhaler.

How's that?

[siren wailing]

- They're coming for you.

- Give me the g*n.

- Here, catch.

- [g*n clatters]

Come. Come, come, come.

Damn it!

f*ck.

The fingerprints.

The fingerprints.

[exhales]

Well f*cking played, Laila.

Well played.

[suspenseful music playing]

[door opens]

Did you wear gloves

when you k*lled Tatiana?

What the f*ck are you doing here?

And what does Tatiana have to do

with anything?

- Raoul! She was my sister!

- [g*n clicks]

f*ck!

[Raoul groans]

For Tatiana.

[officer in French]

[in English] Drop it down on the ground!

- [Raoul laughing]

- [in English] Drop it!

Yeah, Uri. Drop your weapon.

[g*n clatters]

[g*n slides]

Drop it!

No. No, no, no, wait. Wait, wait, wait.

That... That b*tch played me.

Drop your weapon!

No, no, no, look! [laughs]

[Raoul groaning]

[screams]

[in French]

[Durant in English] p*ssy.

[siren wailing]

[groaning continues]

[poignant music playing]

[baby cooing]

[in English] Yours?

I'm not a violent person.

And you thought

this would be adequate protection?

Well, it worked.

[in French]

You are a badass.

My knees are Jell-O,

and my insides are a mess.

[Durant speaks indistinctly]

[Raoul groaning]

Come on, tough guy.

Let's go.

Move it!

Have you chosen a name yet?

[poignant music playing]

Her name...

is Laila Nadene.

She'll be sweet and gentle,

like a butterfly.

But strong and confident too.

I like that.

A butterfly with titanium wings.

I wish you were my mom.

That is the nicest thing

someone has ever said to me.

Thank God, I have a shrink on speed dial.

Wow.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Where's your inhaler?

I guess I don't need it anymore.

We did it.

We're free.

[both shriek]

[both laughing]

[swing squeaking]

[dramatic music playing]

Grandma, can we get some ice cream?

[Laila] Yes! Let's get ice cream.

[Laila and Nadene cheer]

[Nadene laughing] Good job!

[dramatic music continues]