But ... it took him so long to die.
He stank in a way I couldn't stand.
I breathed through my mouth when I went to see him.
It happened so suddenly. Mum was all bright and together.
And all of a sudden she had no idea who she was.
I had to change her nappies.
It was so undignified.
Me and my brother went to clear his flat out.
We found all these ...
... porno films.
My dad had sat in there watching stuff like that.
Like ...
Like I'd never known him.
Britt and Claes, perhaps you feel like going next?
Would you like to try, Britt?
I don't want to push you. It's OK.
Actually it's not OK.
Everyone here has lost a dear one.
Yes, one guy lost his dad.
What did he expect?
I've no desire to hear about you changing your mum's nappies.
I'm sick of this car.
I hate parking it.
I want a small car.
And I'm going back, Claes. Going back to work.
I'm ready.
Aftermath
Hi! My name's Annette Christoffersen. Sorry to bother you.
But aren't you the author of that novel, "A New Beginning"?
It's just that I read it and felt I just had to say thank you.
So many lovely things happen in it.
I think it's so wonderful at the end.
I mean: enough bad things happen in the world.
So it meant so much to me to read something so ... positive.
Well, excuse me, I'm sure!
All I wanted was to praise you. But if it's really, -
- really inconvenient, I'll just hang up.
Anyway, maybe the characters do come out of it a bit too lightly.
So goodbye and fuck you! No, I didn't mean that.
Sorry, I ... Hello?
Hello?
Yes?
Hi!
Britt? How thin you are!
Would you like to sit down? - I want to come back.
To work. In my office.
Single mums and stuff. - Would you like a seat?
No, thanks. All I came for -
- was to say I'm coming back.
All right, then.
You don't think I can cope. - Of course I do.
I'm coming back. Claes took no time off at all.
OK.
Hi! - This is Britt.
She's been away for a while.
This is Sanne ... Hanne, our trainee.
Hi.
I've heard a lot about you.
And I'm coming back. - Yes. All right.
And thanks for not firing me. - Oh, get out of here!
Busy?
We've had a letter from Meinert. The house extension.
Meinert? Oh, yes. He kept phoning.
So I sent him a little drawing to keep him happy.
You certainly did.
He phoned eight times. I counted. Eight times.
You are allowed to say it. You're my friend, Nisse.
Why not come round? For supper?
Coffee? I don't mind.
I think Meinert's a jerk, too. I do!
What are you two talking about?
That we ought to get together again.
A nice little supper. - Yes, let's!
Goodness, how happy that makes me!
OK!
Britt? I've a file on a Malene Dejn.
A neighbour phoned. Her baby cries a lot.
Babies do. - A real lot.
Without anybody reacting.
OK.
A health visitor has complained, too.
I could always give it to somebody else.
What makes you say that?
You just asked me to take it. - Yes ...
Yes, of course, if you want to. - I mean, I work here, don't l?
Quite. - What's the problem?
There isn't one. All right ... good ...
You didn't forget about tomorrow, did you?
What? - They're coming to supper.
Who is? - Claes and Britt.
Oh, yes, right, damn it.
Yes, exactly.
Yes?
Hi! Hey, where the hell did you get to the other day?
You ...
Hi! - Hello.
It's so wonderful to see you again!
Here! - Thanks.
That's new, isn't it? - No ...
Yes, it is. Hi!
No, it isn't.
Well, you must know.
Or else they're both lying.
Thanks.
Cheers! Great to see you! - Cheers!
Now we walk into a ballroom of a living room ...
It's so wonderful to see you again.
Shall we ...? - Yes ...
And the Dane says, "How often do we have to look at it?"
Did I screw it up?
That was the joke. And I screwed it up.
Oh, I get it. "How many times do we ..."
Nisse, you just can't tell jokes. - I thought it was funny.
Claes is good at jokes.
Yes. I'm the life and soul of the party ... Cheers.
Cheers.
You know what I think we should do?
Let's all go away together.
For a long weekend. - Yes!
Isn't it this year that Dokumenta is on in Kassel?
And it's only on every five years.
The company'll pay. - What is Dokumenta exactly?
Don't you know? - No.
It's a huge exhibition by the very best artists.
Claes! Why doesn't your wife know what Dokumenta is?
lt'd be fun! Say yes!
We'll do it.
Like spoilt teenagers on lnterrail without mum and dad.
Here.
Claes?
I'm really sorry.
Yes ... I'll take her home.
All I said was "teenager".
Hello, Malene. My name is Britt.
I've no idea what this is about.
I've got to make a recommendation.
Recommendation?
We've heard that you find it hard to look after your baby.
Yeah, well, I got this stupid letter telling me to come here.
You and I need to talk about ...
Was it that fucking cow next door? - Forget her for a moment.
She once said one of my friends nicked her bike.
Tell me about your day. - Or you'll take my daughter?
I'm here to help you. Not to take Camilla away.
Not Camilla, Camille. You'd better learn how to say her name first.
Right ... a typo. Camille.
Why don't you pick her up? - We're in a meeting, right?
Is there a toilet? - Yes.
In the corridor. Turn right. It's at the end.
This welfare's got no bog paper. So well-organized!
Will you be bothering me at home all the time?
No, I work here. You won't see me in your flat.
We don't work that way. - I hope not.
Hello; can I help you?
No, I'm ... just looking.
Are you looking for anything specific?
I'm just looking. - A flat? A house? A second home?
Didn't you understand me? I'm just looking.
Oh, of course. I just wanted to help.
Yes, I'm sure you did. But I've told you I'm just looking, -
- so that's probably just what I'm doing, right?
Just let me know if you find anything interesting.
My desk is just over there.
What about this one?
Nisse, I think we should ...
... try again. Ask them over again.
It needn't be for a meal. We could go to the cinema.
But if you happen to talk about anything but that, -
- Claes stares at you as if you were just so shallow.
If you say "traffic" -
- she has to be taken home.
Nisse, the thing is, we are their friends.
Where else can they be like that if not with us?
Maybe they can't have friends any more.
I'm not having that. - But they don't want to see anyone.
But Nisse, they're our friends and I want to see them. Nisse!
I'm sick of that Nisse thing. - What?
My name is Niels.
OK.
"Niels".
Of course they're our friends. I know they are.
It's just tough. - Then it's tough.
Why should we feel guilty for being happy? "We're fine".
"We're happy. Sorry".
That's enough.
Stop it!
This is a major project, right?
So why do they send us two morons?
They're paying a lot of money.
Are they? - You think it's ridiculous?
So why send two zombies to waste my time?
You'd better go home. Because I can't help you.
Call it the sack if you want.
I don't give a fuck. Come back when you're ready.
Are you getting all this?
Go and kill that estate agent. See if it helps.
Smash her fucking head in with a shovel.
And that's that!
You're Annette? - You must be Henrik?
I'm sorry I'm a bit late.
Oh, I managed to pass the time.
Some wine? - Yes, please.
Cheers.
You wrote that you were heavily built?
Well, I am a bit ... - I don't think so. Not at all.
I think you're very well-proportioned.
Thank you.
But I'd call him "heavily built".
Or fat, even.
And so is his wife!
Excuse me, but are you drunk? - Oh, not "drunk".
No, I'm sorry, I'm not drunk.
Just a bit clumsy.
Maybe I should have put that in my ad?
Thank you for coming.
Thank you.
Hi!
What?
Would you like a lift? - Can't I wait for the bus?
I thought you might like a lift.
OK.
My pram's been nicked. - Maybe we can get you one.
I bet it was those fucking Pakkis.
Stop the car!
Here? - Yes.
Are you OK?
Are you on something? Malene?
I'll take you and Camille home.
Now the welfare's here, you fucking cow. Happy now?
Malene?
The sales are on.
We could go for a look.
Why? - To see if there's some ...
Something.
How's that project going?
What are we talking about? - The one with the Japanese.
It's going really well.
I also got back into it. Right away.
Back to the office and into it again.
Fine.
Want to drive in with me? - No, I'm starting later today.
Hi, Claes. - Hi. I was on my way out.
I just want to talk.
I am sorry we haven't been more supportive.
But you know we also have our ...
Well, little things. But it doesn't mean -
- that we don't ... we think about you all the time; we do.
We just don't know what you need.
Damn it, we don't know what to do.
How shall I put this? - Have we been bad friends?
Forget it. This can't be sorted out over a cup of coffee.
It doesn't "go away" after 4 or 5 months.
I didn't say it could. - Say hi to Nisse.
Hey, Claes!
We've no more to talk about. - Is that it, then?
This happens to you and so we ...
... we become nothing?
Nothing? - Phone or not. I don't care.
I'm keeping tabs on her and ...
She's a bit too young for Camille, and a bit weak.
What about the crying?
I know ... but I have a plan for Malene -
- and she seems cooperative.
That's my impression.
Is she on anything? - No.
On what? - I've only had one interview.
But she seemed all right.
We're here to solve problems, not invent them.
That's true. Shall we leave Britt to deal with Malene, then?
Yep ...
Just wait till you see my dog!
"Just wait till you see my dog!"
She got everything and I got the dog.
Would you like a dessert?
Dessert? Don't be cheeky! Give us two gin-and-tonics.
"Just wait till you see my dog!"
Could you lower your voices? There are other diners ...
Fuck that. We're spending 2500 kroner so we'll laugh if we want to.
Please lower your voices. - Listen, pal!
Nip out and get our gin-and-tonics, right?
I've had enough of you.
Talking about dogs ... I need to go and mark my territory.
Are you OK? - I'm fine.
There was a woman in the car park when I got home.
She was crying her eyes out.
Why? - Her dog had run away.
She asked me if I'd seen her dog.
She was really crying a lot. She was in a real state.
And?
People don't often cry like that. Do they?
No ...
Would you like a dog?
No.
Can you give me a hand? - What with?
I left my glasses at home. Could you read this for me?
Read? - I want to know what I'm getting.
This one is about a virgin who gets trained by some men -
- and learns the hard way.
Is that what it says? "Learns the hard way?"
Yes, "the hard way". - What about the other one?
It's about ...
... a bunch of young girls being tested for a film.
And then things get really hot. "They're tested in every way".
When it says "young girls" they're often not young at all.
They're just wearing school uniforms.
It's a bit sad, don't you think?
Well, I ...
Don't you think so? - No, I ...
I'm more into funny movies.
That's a good answer.
What are you doing here? - I was in the neighbourhood.
You said I wouldn't see you here. - I'm not here as your caseworker.
So why have you come again?
I was in the neighbourhood, and ... - I'm fine.
We're fine. - Malene!
We've got to make things work.
You're not to come here like this. - You seemed a bit off last time.
Britt is usually very punctual.
I'm sure she'll be here in 5 minutes.
Put some baby oil into the water. Their skin is so tender.
Have you got kids?
And make sure the water doesn't get too cold.
You haven't any kids. Or what?
No, I ... not yet.
There ...
It's my boyfriend.
Are you tired, little girl?
Are you tired, little girl? Are you?
This is Ulrik. My boyfriend.
Hello, I'm Britt. - Oh, the welfare.
Hi, welfare! Now she's had her welfare bath. What now?
Now I'll give her to Malene. Or shall I dress her first?
I'll take her. - Not with a lighted cigarette?
I haven't got a cigarette now.
Well ... see you.
Right. - 'Bye-bye, welfare.
Merete Berg's phone, Annette Christoffersen speaking.
No, it's still on the market.
No, not yet.
Just drop in and we'll sort out the paperwork, all right? Fine.
See you soon.
Hello. Can I help you?
No.
Or yes.
I'd like to find a flat. - Have you looked at the display?
Nothing big, just for me. - OK?
I'm all alone in the world.
We've got lots of great little flats.
The name's Jesper.
Annette Christoffersen. Hello.
I'm sorry. - It wasn't too clever.
No, I know, I know.
The entire children's committee was waiting for you.
It's awful. I simply forgot all about it.
All right.
And that's all you're going to say? - What do you want me to say?
I cut a meeting and don't even phone and all you say is "All right".
Stop treating me like a child!
All right; in that case I must say that it was very bad.
It mustn't happen again. - No! It mustn't!
All right. - Yes.
Yes. - 'Bye-bye.
'Bye.
And the park isn't far away.
May I ask you what you do? - I'm an architect.
An architect? You're over-qualified for this flat.
Maybe I am. - Why didn't you tell me?
You'll want something bigger and brighter.
This isn't a flat for an architect. I'm really sorry ...
A divorce, is it?
Yes, it is. - I can always tell.
Well, well. - I had a messy divorce, too.
Just over a year ago. So I sense these things.
OK.
I know it's no help now, but sooner or later you'll get over it.
I will? - Yes, you will.
Sooner or later you will. You will.
Is something wrong? - No. I'm just looking.
Have you booked the tickets for Kassel?
Not yet.
We've got to go. It's only every five years.
Have you phoned Claes? - I'm giving him a bit of peace.
You could still phone to see how he is.
Last time I asked he yelled in my face.
He can phone when he's ready to talk to me normally.
Should I get a tattoo?
Shouldn't we try to do something about it?
About what? - Getting started again.
With sex?
All we do is lie here.
I once saw a porno film in which Santa was a lady.
She brought presents for another lady -
- and found herself with an advent candle up her ass.
We've got to get started again, Claes.
Have we got an advent candle?
It's me.
He's so pissed off that I can't go to the match.
You'd like to go? - I can't, not with Camille.
She'd just cry.
Oh? Do you cry?
I'd be happy to look after Camille.
What?
It's important for couples to go out together.
Do you baby-sit for everyone? - No, but we know each other now.
Isn't it a bit weird?
Do you know what I'm fed up with?
I'm fed up with rules. I'm fed up with directives -
- and memos from social services. Know what I have to do?
For example: I have to report if you are on drugs.
Or if Camille has a bruise. - I don't hit her, I can tell you.
No, I'm not saying you do. But I have to report bruises.
If you mean that tiny one on her arm -
- I don't know how she got it. But I didn't hit her.
No, I'm not saying you did.
Do you want money? - Of course not.
You're really crazy about kids, aren't you?
If you want to go to the match ...
Hi, it's me. I forgot about a meeting I have tonight; I may be late.
OK? ...'Bye.
Hello?
Who's that?
Why are you doing this? Please stop!
I don't know who you are or why you're phoning, but please stop.
Hello?
I'm going now.
Football really sucks.
You're really pretty, Malene.
Give me a break! - Yes, you are. Really pretty.
Oh, sure.
'Bye, Sweetie. See you later, right?
Yes. Have fun!
Whose little baby are you?
Claes? Claes?
What? What's up?
I can't believe how hot it is.
This is what it'll look like.
OK!
That's nice.
It doesn't hurt as badly as they say. - Oh, I'm not scared.
If you try pricking your skin with a needle you'll know what it's like.
Let's mark it out in felt-tip first.
Then you can think it over. - What a good idea!
But isn't that the one you wanted?
Yes ...
But we'll mark it out first. That's a great idea.
No, I don't know, something's lacking; a bit of charm, maybe.
But I do have another you should look at.
Did you come by car? - No.
I'll give you a lift, then. You do have a car?
Yes. It's being serviced.
Architects drive Mercedes, right?
Of course. German cars.
I think I forgot to shut the window in the bedroom.
It looks pretty new. - Oh, it's nearly two years old.
It was the best thing I got out of my divorce.
It's a Citroen. - Oui.
My ex would only drive French cars; Renault or Citroen.
How much does it do to the litre? - I've no idea.
I fill it up when the light starts flashing.
But it's pretty quick, isn't it? - I've had my speeding tickets.
There's been a lot of interest in this one.
None of this has anything to do with a flat, has it?
You're not really looking for a ... flat.
Are you?
It's me, isn't it?
I'm also very interested in you, I must admit.
But there's something else I must tell you.
I have no debts. No children.
But I drink ... a little.
But I do.
You don't have to say anything yet. Think it over.
Call me.
You've got my card, haven't you?
Yes?
Hi! - Hi.
I happened to be in the neighbourhood.
Hi. - Hi.
We've been thinking of you. How are you both?
We're fine.
Yes? Tell him I'll call him back. Thanks.
Want to see my tattoo? - Tattoo?
No, it's only a mark-up.
Wow! - I don't know if I'll have it.
Did you book the meeting room? - No.
Hi ... somebody's booked it without noting their name.
What I really wanted was to ask how he's feeling about work.
How he's feeling? - Yes. Claes.
And if he might be coming back to work soon.
Oh, I've ... You see ...
I couldn't have him around like that. Definitely not with our clients.
After what happened with the Japs I had to send him home.
I told him to call when he felt ready.
Maybe he is on his way back.
That'd be great.
I'm raking in the jobs right now.
That's wonderful. - How are things?
Yes ...
How about going out for dinner? - The thing is, we're so busy ...
OK, OK.
Anyhow I didn't come for any particular reason ...
Give him my best regards, right? - Of course.
Tell him he can just call ... - I've got to take this. Yes?
I'll be going ...
We can still make Kassel ...
OK.
'Bye.
What are you on? - I smoked a joint, that's all.
What are you on, Malene? - You can have her, OK?
Take her! I can't stand it. She screams all night.
And I am so tired.
Just go to sleep.
Hey, have you been hitting her? I'm asking you! Sit up! Sit up!
Do you hit her? Sit up, Malene! Do you?
Sit up when I'm talking to you!
I shake her. She screams non-stop.
But I don't fucking hit her.
You mustn't shake babies. Are you stupid?
I don't really shake her. I grab her arm.
Please let me sleep. I am so tired.
Designing any buildings these days?
Yes.
So you're busy? At work? - Yes, really busy.
He gets so pissed off when I tell him I can't go out.
There's this birthday party ...
I'll look after Camille. Don't smoke in here.
Sorry.
These friends are having a combined birthday party.
What a good idea! - We know everyone who's going.
Of course you should go with him.
What if it gets really late? - I'm a very patient babysitter.
OK, I'll phone Ulrik.
Why not have a baby yourself when you love them so much?
Let's find a saucepan.
We'd like a clean saucepan. We'd like ...
It's not very nice here, is it?
No, not very nice.
We're home.
This is where I live. It's nice here, isn't it?
You're tired.
Come on, Camille. Time to go home.
We're going for a drive.
All I need is my keys.
It's fucking hot. Why are you in such a hurry?
I just am, OK? - "l just am, OK?"
I just want to get home. Home.
Bitch!
Hello?
Hey, has she gone to the fair? - Where the hell is she?
Turn it down!
What a mess! - Where the hell have you been?
I took Camille home and lost track of time.
What a mess! Here's your key.
I saw the light was on so I didn't like to come bursting in. Malene?
What's up, welfare?
What's up, Ulrik?
You're not to take my baby anywhere, is that fucking clear?
There were no problems. - We didn't say you could take her.
We're not friends, right? - Don't shout so loud, OK?
What? - Calm down. No harm's done.
You're way out of line. Get out!
Now! - I'll talk to you in the morning.
Get out!
Calm down, Malene! - Fuck off!
Hi.
Vivi?
What?
Are you crying in there?
No, I'm not crying.
But I heard you. - You heard wrong.
You heard wrong.
Must we talk about it right now? - I'll be 4 7 next birthday.
We never had children.
No. - No.
We ended up with no children. - The way we wanted.
And now?
Yes, what now?
What do you think we should do now?
It was the way we wanted it. The way you wanted it.
Is it my fault?
Nisse ...
I can't ... I've got to get out of here.
Won't you just do it?
Just do that stupid tattoo. Just do it.
Hello? - Hi, Malene, it's Britt.
I've bought a few bits and pieces. Bath oil ... things you needed.
I don't want you to come here any more.
Let's not get into an argument. - I'm going to complain.
I think you'd better let me in, Malene. We'll start again, -
- all right?
For Camille's sake.
Malene?
Don't cross me. I'm your caseworker.
I'm going to complain. - I'd have to report what I know.
I tell them what should happen to you and Camille.
Right? Malene ... - I'm going to complain.
Yes? - I'm from social services.
You live next door to Malene? - Yes.
We need to talk. - Come in.
Hey, Britt?
Britt?
It's my last day today before going back to college.
I just wanted to say it's been really inspiring to meet you -
- and see how you work.
You respect the families -
- and that you really help their children to a better life.
You are simply stupid.
I beg your pardon? - I don't mean to be rude; naive.
They'll never have better lives.
What do you mean? - They won't.
They stay with their doped-up parents -
- or we send them to some hopeless institution -
- or to a foster family just in it for the money.
They never get better lives. They do not get better lives.
We can remove them or not.
But there is only one thing that counts.
Real parents who love their children.
There are no real parents in our system.
Only junk parents.
They'll never get better lives.
Yes?
Malene Dejn phoned.
She's causing trouble because I'm insisting on a few things.
OK. It's a familiar reaction. - She'll make up lots of stories.
Yes, well, that's what the job's like, Britt.
I was wondering whether we ought to meet her; she wants to complain.
I expect she does. She has a lively imagination.
She certainly has. Anyway, we agreed she'd come in this afternoon.
Quite informally. - All right.
So ... OK?
Hi!
Come in!
I did warn you I had a tiny thing about alcohol.
Yes.
Well, I pulled myself together to come.
I've had my eye on you, after all.
Shall we ... go into the bedroom?
Do you really think I'm interested in you that way?
My name is Claes. I'm the father of the girl you ran over and killed.
Louise Lehmann. 12 years old.
I dream about strangling you. I just need the courage.
I was hanging around at home one Tuesday, -
- thinking "How annoying of Louise not to get home on time".
But it wasn't my fault.
And the phone rings and it isn't Tuesday any more.
It's the fucking end of the world.
And it takes two days at the local hospital.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I can't ...
Well then, let's make a start.
Yes. - Malene, you want to complain?
Yes. She mustn't keep coming to my flat or take Camille anywhere.
Take Camille where? - I gave you a lift.
You looked as if you needed one.
I tried to help you in several ways. Maybe I shouldn't have?
Don't run around with my daughter.
"Run around"? - I've tried to cover for you.
So that Camille could stay with you.
I possibly went too far.
Yes, and it's got to stop.
It will stop. Your health visitor says you're often doped up.
The lady next door says Camille is left to cry.
That woman is so evil. She is just out to get me.
Yes.
My recommendation -
- will be for Camille to be removed for observation.
Do you know what that involves?
She's the one who's up to no good.
Ulrik says she's not supposed to bother me in my flat.
Stop making things up! - I'm not making it up.
No. Malene, listen.
A stay at an observation home needn't be the end of the world.
It's to get you and Camille some help.
So you can sort things out.
But I'm the one who's telling the truth!
I'm the one who's telling it the way it is.
You'll be able to visit Camille.
You'll learn how to be with her. The staff there will help you.
You mustn't take her away from me. - No. But Malene ...
I suggest we forget about all this trouble.
You can make a fresh start. With Skodsborg children's home.
I don't even know where it is.
I'd like to say ...
... that it'd probably be best to give Malene a new caseworker.
I'm not the right one.
I'm the wrong one. And I ...
What? But ...
Because I can't do my job.
I can't ... I can't stay ...
I can't ... I can't stay here.
I think it's lovely. - Aren't you too old for tattoos?
Give me a break! - What's that?
It's a moon ...
How sweet!
Don't you think I know you're not going to work?
Don't you think I know you're just pretending you do?
Do you think I'll put up with feeling like this?
You fucking bastard. - I'll go back to work.
You won't go back to anything. Don't you think I know you?
You won't go back to anything.
OK. I'll phone Nisse and go back to work if he'll have me.
I want problems like everybody else.
I want you to go and screw somebody and feel guilty about it.
And then?
Like everybody else.
Screw somebody and I find out and I move out for three weeks.
And you phone up and beg. You say you've stopped -
- and I come back to you and give you another chance.
That's what people do.
I screwed a woman today.
But it won't happen again. I'm stopping.
I miss her.
Football is so boring.
And six airbags. It's very sensible.
What kind is this? - It's also a Fiat Punto.
The 60. The next model up from the one we just looked at.
60? - 60 horsepower.
But that's plenty with our speed limits.
Of course you can drop 5 horsepower and choose the 55.
They cost 119,000 in a standard colour scheme.
Our daughter was killed by a car.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
There are just so many things that remind me of Louise.
I'll get you a tissue.
Thanks. You are a good man.
I'm not a good man.
I just sell cars to people.
Do you even need a new car?
The one we've got is too big for us.
Big cars can be nice too if you want to go somewhere.
I think we'll think about it.
Yes, we'll think about it.