Thérèse Desqueyroux
Based on the novel by Francois Mauriac, "Thérèse Desqueyroux"
Put your sweaters back on!
The house is absolutely freezing.
You'll catch a cold! Put them on!
We're thirsty, Madame!
Louder, she can't hear you.
We're thirsty, Madame!
We're thirsty, Aunt Clara!
Wait 'til you've cooled down to drink.
Thérèse, tell your friend.
What would your father say if you caught cold?
Your father wouldn't let you spend your holidays here.
Shall I read to you?
No, that's too boring.
L'Esperance, Summer 1922
Keep still.
Why?
It's too hot.
Coming back tomorrow?
No, I won't come by every day.
Why not?
Because, before you know it, we'd hate each other.
Besides, my brother's coming from Paris tomorrow.
Thérèse!
Dinner is ready!
I'm saying goodbye to Anne.
You know what everyone says?
That in a few years you'll marry my brother.
April 1928
Careful, the ferns are very dry.
It hasn't rained for awhile.
See the sheep pen over there?
La Bienvenue?
Yes, La Bienvenue?
From La Bienvenue...
to L'Esperance,
are 5,000 acres of pines.
1,250 acres are De la Trave's and 3,750 acres are Desqueyroux'.
And between La Bienvenue and Argelouse is mine.
Larroque pines.
11,000 acres of pine forest when we're married,
Mrs. Bernard Desqueyroux.
Yes, indeed...
Soon.
Bernard, one reason I'm marrying you is because of the pines.
I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Do you think that's bad?
Certainly not.
My father says that land ownership is in my blood.
But, you also marry me, for my pines?
Quite normal.
There are so many ideas in that pretty little head of yours.
Crazy ideas?
Some are, like everyone has.
I can help you manage them.
Perhaps you can.
I feel wonderful.
So close to you.
I can't wait.
One of the Azevedos.
Beautiful... he sings quite well.
The boy has TB.
Tuberculosis?
Yes, his sister died from it.
It runs in the family.
Azevedo's a Portuguese name?
Portuguese, isn't it?
Possibly.
They say they're not Jewish. Whatever else, they're Jews...
Hopefully you don't go too far with Thérèse, Bernard.
Too far?
Don't play games with her.
I'm marrying her! No 'games'.
Mother, can I get something to eat?
At this time of day?
Yes, I'm quite famished.
I'll ask Balionte to fix me an omelet.
Balionte!
I admit that she's a sincere
and family-oriented girl.
But, she thinks too much.
...and she smokes like a chimney.
Her father is stubborn, like all radicals.
His thinking is all wrong.
Her mother was religious,
but died when Thérèse was very young.
So, now she is stubborn, just like her father.
Come on, the man is influential.
True, he could have a future in politics.
However, he doesn't like politics.
Consider this... your future wife is wealthier than us!
Well, your husband spends too much.
You exaggerate!
Stop binging on bread, you'll ruin your appetite!
Me, ruin my appetite? That'll never happen!
Bernard, are we going?
Let's go!
See you at dinner?
No... Your husband irritates me.
Come on, dog.
Hello Anne. Beautiful outfit!
Thank you.
Hello, my 'future son'. ...That sounds good.
Hello, my 'future father'. I agree...
You're leaving? Where are you going?
With guns and dogs...
Where do you think?
Fetch it!
Drop it!
Superb.
Let's give it to Thérèse.
Yes, good idea. You do it.
Me do it?
Don't you want to see your fiancée?
I'll be seeing her every day soon.
No, I'm staying the night. Tomorrow it's wood pigeons.
The first day of the season?
Yes.
Is that satin?
Silk satin.
You'll look fashionable.
I know.
But I question the satin. A wedding is about tradition.
Perhaps muslin is best?
That's a thunderburst!
You'll stay here. End of discussion.
What's going on?
Anne is staying the night, Aunt.
Poor thing... do not panic, it's just a storm.
Aren't you afraid?
Afraid of what?
Next month, you'll be married to Bernard...
The thought of sleeping with your brother?
Yes.
Isn't that a scary thought?
No.
I never think about it.
Liar!
No.
I swear.
Some say that it's very pleasant, but others...
Opinions differ.
I don't think I'd like it.
What do you know?
Have you tried it?
In the convent school, some girls do it to themselves, at night.
Well...
So what?
It's a sin.
A pleasant sin, perhaps.
Didn't you ask them?
No.
Stop teasing me.
I think too much.
That's what scares me.
Not, the thought of sleeping with Bernard.
When I'm married, everything will fall into place.
I don't know how, but all will fall into place.
The marriage will be my salvation, Annette...
...from the disorder in my head.
I'm looking for a little peace.
I choose peace.
But, peace is uninteresting?
In novels, peace and love aren't exactly synonymous.
You read about ecstasy...
delight...
amorous rapture.
You're my sister.
My little friend.
You said she was pretty.
Bernard!
Schwarzwald Hotel, Baden-Baden, May 1928
"My Dearest Anne,
we're staying at a fancy Hotel in the Black Forest...
Where your parents... spent their honeymoon.
Maybe you were conceived here?
The staff calls me Madame,
they can't pronounce 'Desqueyroux'."
You should see it when it's sunny.
"We lose money in the casino,
we eat cabbage with sausage,
and drink mineral water."
Come on!
Come on, dogs!
Come on!
Come on, dogs!
Come on!
"You know I don't like writing.
But I promised you so I force myself,
because I love you.
I miss you, my serious girl...
Now... I met a wonderful man
and you can imagine how happy I am.
Do you remember the boat the Azevedo's bought their son?"
Hello.
I'm Jean Azevedo from Valmeja.
Yes, I know.
Will you help me?
Thérèse?
My God...
My heart's beating so fast.
What happened... What is it?
No idea.
I feel dizzy.
I almost fainted.
It's scary.
Maybe it's the food.
Are you still reading that letter?
"Guess what?
I've also experienced it!
I now have a man in my life.
Is this the same joy you feel with your husband Bernard?"
"Mr. Bernard Desqueyroux." "Personal."
This one's from your mother.
Does that bother you?
Ah no, I've better things to read.
Three letters from Anne!
What?
From a girl that doesn't like writing?
Here, your 'personal' letter.
Anne has done it.
She's in love with that Azevedo boy.
The tubercular!
It sounds serious.
She wants to eventually marry him.
Listen to this:
"Your sister has gone crazy.
Hopefully, the Deguilhems won't hear of this;
otherwise, their son backs out."
Imagine?
Open those letters now!
These are personal.
Don't dilly-dally around, Thérèse!
What are you waiting for?
For you to leave.
Listen to what mother wrote:
"I'm counting on Thérèse. We all are.
She has a lot of influence on Anne. Only she can straighten her out."
You're apparently our salvation, darling.
This is nothing to laugh about.
It would be a disaster.
If Anne doesn't marry Deguilhem.
What's the problem? The Azevedos are much wealthier.
They produce Saint-Émilion wine, own land.
They're Jewish!
They're an old Bordeaux family, and they're Portuguese!
Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes...
Keep talking.
Keep talking... You're just trying to be difficult.
Guess I'll just have to get used to it.
Anne with an Azevedo.
One who's tubercular!
Tubercular to the core!
What did your father and grandfather die of?
And your mother? Think about that?
There's been no sickness in our families? Tuberculosis and syphilis...
Thérèse, now you're going too far.
That's not even funny.
You're pushing it.
Another cigarette?
Our families can be a pain, always sweeping things under the carpet.
Without the servants, we would find nothing out.
Yes, yes, yes... I'm not listening.
I'll just wait 'til you're finished.
I know you think it's funny...
But... I warn you, joking like that doesn't go down well at home.
Thérèse,
do you have a problem going home earlier than planned?
We can go whenever you wish, Bernard.
"My parents keep me locked up,
but I'm willing to wait forever.
I have nothing to fear.
Nobody will stop me from seeing Jean."
Ah, Mr. Hermann.
I need two tickets for Bordeaux in the morning.
Morning, yes Sir.
Thank you.
"Thanks to you, I discovered L'Esperance.
It was you who showed me where I'd find happiness.
Where I'm so happy.
I can no longer see Jean.
They keep me locked up.
They think that you will straighten me out.
But, I know you're on my side you would naturally like him too.
Hurry home, my Thérèse, and I'll explain everything.
I am happy in spite of everything.
I gladly suffer for Jean's sake.
He writes that he's suffering too.
Write me back... tell me what you think of Jean.
Do you agree that he's the handsomest man on earth?"
I'm lucky,
to have a wife like you, very lucky.
On one hand, what is going on with Anne is alarming,
on the other, I confess to being proud.
Very proud,
that my family trusts enough in my wife, to save the situation.
Let's have a look...
They have Rhein wine!
I've never drank Rhein wine.
And it's quite expensive!
If you ask me...
it's overrated.
Nothing's better than Bordeaux.
A friend of mine used to say:
"Not bad, but I prefer to drink wine."
Are you still there?
Yes, of course.
Doesn't seem so...
A penny for your thoughts?
I was thinking...
That I also know happiness, with my husband Bernard.
It's true, we're good together.
I can't wait to get back home.
Are you going to finish your dessert?
No.
What is it, my love? Is it the heat?
Are you sick?
Already?
No, I'm not pregnant, Bernard.
I was thinking of the situation... Anne.
And thinking of the family...
The family, first and foremost.
"If Jean Azevedo asked me to follow him, I would leave everything.
When we're intimate... we stop before going too far.
Because of his willpower, not my resistance.
He resists, though I want more.
He's proud he can restrain himself,
where others slip irresistibly."
July, 1928
No. There's no mail for you, Miss Anne.
Thank you, my friend.
Two letters from Mr. Azevedo!
Again?
I must say, the postman is all too happy to assist.
That's imprudent.
The postman could gossip.
Certainly not,
with what we know about him.
A little wine, mother?
No, thank you.
Serve Mr. Larroque...
Some soup, Mr. Larroque?
No, thanks. I never eat soup.
Some soup, Miss Anne?
Excuse me.
Tell me, my dear...
your miraculous Mr. Briand...
will he ever decide to govern France in an intelligent way?
What's your problem?
Briand will bring peace and reconciliation with Germany.
I think we should talk about something else.
Let's see...
The pines which we bought thanks to you, for example.
Soon our families will own a sixth of the province.
Bravo, Larroque!
We hold many differing opinions, but our views on property
go well together.
Life is worth nothing without owning land.
I raise my glass
to Democracy!
We are a family, father.
I think I prefer family discussions.
No, thanks.
Make an effort, Anne, please.
At least try...
Where are you going?
Let her be.
Just go to Biarritz with your parents,
for their peace of mind.
And while you're away, I'll talk to Jean Azevedo.
I will explain the situation to him.
That you are a prisoner here...
that you love, and adore him,
but you both must be patient.
I can't go away!
What changes, if you go away?
You can't see him anyway.
No, but I know he's nearby.
Valmeja isn't far.
You haven't received any letters from him.
It's rather bizarre, no?
That he doesn't write?
Well, I don't understand.
He's also going to be leaving soon.
In a month he resumes his studies in Paris.
What makes Jean Azevedo
so different from other men?
You wouldn't understand...
it's nothing I can explain...
there are no words.
Nothing could keep me away from my beloved.
If I go, will you talk to him?
Yes, I promised you I would.
And you'll give him my letters?
Write and tell me?
Yes, I'll do that.
You promise?
At least, you love me.
Well, did I feel something move?
Yes.
It's been moving for a few days.
Thérèse will talk to that boy.
He'll come around. Have faith in my wife.
Goodbye, my son.
Goodbye.
Count on me, my love.
Everything will be fine.
Have a good trip, my sister. You're being reasonable, okay.
Very good.
Who are you talking to anyway?
October 1928
I can't feel my feet any more!
You're only four months pregnant.
It's the misfortune of women,
to suffer for the pleasure of men.
You'll feel exhausted.
You'll be exhausted!
What can you know
'Miss' Clara?
Here it is!
I looked everywhere!
You have to walk, my wife!
A pregnant woman has to walk.
Has she eaten?
Yes, yes...
'she' ate.
Put your slippers on!
How do you feel, my dear?
I feel fine.
Good.
Do you want me to stay a little while with you?
What's with you dogs? Enough!
Calm down!
They can't sit still.
Like you, Bernard. Go hunting!
The wood pigeons won't wait for you.
Come on!
Look, have you seen such beauties!
Netted them.
There's at least half a dozen.
Fat and tasty too.
Yes... Here, mail for you.
Oh, thank you!
Get them out of here, please!
You'll love eating them!
October 30th, Saint Wilfried Day? Who is that?
We aren't Germans?
It's October 30th, Thérèse.
So what?
It's already the end of the month.
Mother awaits some news from you.
This story has been dragging on too long already.
He returns to Paris for University soon, and you still haven't spoken.
'He'?
You mean Jean Azevedo?
Yes... Him, Jean Azevedo.
Call him by his name.
Jean Azevedo.
Can you feel how quickly it's beating?
Is that normal?
I've no idea what feels normal, Bernard.
Only you know what you feel.
Just because your father died from Angina Pectoris...
Don't make that face, come on!
It's not possible, at your age.
Come on, you aren't afraid of dying!
Yes, of course I'm afraid.
Ah, well...
Do you want some Valerian?
Please.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Maybe you should go to Bordeaux and see Berthier?
Do you think it's serious?
You really should go to Bordeaux.
Pardon me?
It's okay... Come inside.
Please sit down.
Thanks, I prefer to stand.
You're Jean Azevedo?
And you're Mrs. Desqueyroux?
Well, Thérèse... Anne's sister-in-law.
Pleased to meet you, Madame.
Anne never stopped talking about you.
...and she thinks I plan to marry her?
Let me remind you, Anne's crazy about you.
Anne's a beautiful girl.
And I've fond memories of her.
But we never discussed the question of marriage.
Is it forbidden, to just have some fun?
I'm very close to Anne.
She confides in me like a sister.
For her, it was certainly not a game or a little flirtation.
I'll speak frankly, because I know from Anne,
these things don't disturb you.
That remains to be seen.
You're not like most people here.
She told me so.
You're one she can talk to.
Speak with, about anything...
Thanks to our meeting,
Anne has known the only moments of passion in her existence.
How do you know?
I just know.
You know also.
You know very well what I'm talking about...
I speak of the life that awaits Anne.
The one for all families here.
A good existence in a small-town...
Perfectly same,
perfectly ordered,
perfectly comfortable, fixed.
We're too young to be fixed.
Hunters are heading this way!
They won't find us.
Why not?
Because, I have to go!
'The Fruits of the Earth', Thérèse...
Have you read it?
"Let every emotion be capable of becoming an intoxication to you."
"If what you eat fails to make you drunk, it is because you are not hungry enough."
"A harrowing life, Nathaniel, rather than a quiet one."
Obviously, you've read it.
The desire...
The pleasure...
Gide writes so well!
However, seeks God in all his books.
Faith is a comfort.
But no...
it's much more complicated than that.
Even purity is beautiful.
I can't remember being pure.
In the end, I managed to disturb you.
- No... - Admit it.
No. Surprised, actually.
I'm not used to this.
At home, we don't talk about these things.
Then what do you talk about?
The weather... hunting...
The latest gossip... or whispered secrets...
Whatever we hear about...
The family is very good discussing, what we hear about.
And you put up with it?
A woman like you?
Well, then...
Goodbye, Mrs. Desqueyroux.
And Anne?
We haven't decided what to do about Anne.
You'll write.
A letter to end it.
Gentle...
but to end it.
I'm fine.
There's nothing wrong with me.
- You're hurting me. - Sorry.
Berthier said I'm a bit anemic! Can you imagine...
Anemia, me? Yet, that's it...
Berthier wants to treat me with arsenic.
I will send Balion to the pharmacy.
I need to restore my appetite.
I've spoken to Jean Azevedo.
...Good for you! A letter will be perfect!
He accepted immediately, with no difficulties?
Yes, he doesn't really want marriage.
Cuckoo!
And you believed him?
You're truly naive, my dear.
An Azevedo doesn't want to marry a La Trave...
He just realized that it's simply not possible.
They're smart people; they don't risk losing anything.
Your soup is delicious, Aunt Clara!
No need to shout, Bernard.
Just look at her and speak clearly.
Your soup is delicious.
Then I'll make it again.
Thank you.
How is he otherwise?
Who?
Jean Azevedo who doesn't want to marry my sister. What does he look like?
He's just a young man.
You're not eating. But you should, now that you eat for two, Thérèse.
You seem alright.
It's true, yes.
My appetite is back.
I just saw Berthier, already I feel good.
Incredible, isn't it?
Incredible...
"Soon, Anne, I'll only be a pleasant memory.
Which you'll smile about.
We must now ensure
we find our places in life.
Best Wishes"...
No,
'Best Wishes' sounds too cold.
'Jean'.
I'll just end with 'Jean',
that's better.
I'll mail it on the way home. It'll be delivered in the morning.
What do you think?
I think that it...
...sounds terrible!
- If I was Anne... - But you're not Anne.
Anne is a sweet simple minded soul.
She'll quickly get over this.
Fortunately, I must say.
One, Two, Three, Four...
and another one for luck.
Good for my health.
"I'm going to Paris tonight. I'll miss you, Therese.
I'll miss our conversations, and our walks.
I'll see you again in a year. By then I'm sure you'll be free."
"You left because of the silence.
The silence of Argelouse doesn't suit Parisians.
Without you, I enter into an uncertain passage.
A territory devoid of places or paths.
You haven't answered my last letter.
Is a small-town woman not worth the trouble of a reply?
Is a pregnant woman an unpleasant memory?"
What are you doing?
Writing?
I'll be right up.
You go to bed too late.
I can't sleep.
Due to the baby?
Yes, probably.
I'll see you upstairs.
Goodnight, Bernard.
"Perhaps, in the distance, you consider me insignificant.
A fool,
bound by false complications and attitudes.
When in Bordeaux, I got the books you recommended.
I didn't understand anything.
You see?
A fool..."
Where is Jean?
Did you walk here?
- From Saint-Clair? - There is no one in Valmeja.
- He's gone Anne. - I don't believe you.
That letter he sent...
Those can't be his words, I know him!
You had them dictated!
- I dictated nothing. - You betrayed me to save me, admit it?
It didn't take you long to get into the family spirit!
You're worse than my mother.
At least, she doesn't pretend to be emancipated...
...or a free spirit.
You disgust me!
Where are you going?
To Valmeja, for him.
I'll wait there.
He went back to Paris, four days ago!
Lies!
Wait for me, Anne! Anne!
Anne, look out!
Stop!
Get off!
Go away!
Get off!
Go!
Let me go...
Don't touch me.
I'm going to Paris.
Paris isn't that large, I'll find him.
What are you doing here, huh?
That's enough. Let her go!
- I'll teach you not to run away! - Don't hit her,
- she's hurt! - Go to bed Thérèse!
I know what to do!
You know what we do with runaway dogs? Do you know?
Lock them up, for days.
They scratch the door, but we continue. After that, no more escapes!
You hurt me, but don't scare me!
I don't fear anyone
Shut up!
Look at your husband, Therese!
This is the spirit of the family.
Shut up! Get Upstairs!
Inside now!
Upstairs!
Are you taking a walk?
Yes.
Very good. Good for the baby.
I'm walking, not the baby.
Shall I walk with you?
Not necessary.
Thank you.
"My husband Bernard treats me like a sacred vase.
It's only the state of my womb that matters to him.
It's as if I no longer exist as a person."
One, Two, Three...
Four...
December, 1928
It seemed advisable, for my own safety, but above all for my child,
to come to Saint-Clair and birth my child at my in-laws.
Under the watchful eye of the 'Holy Family'.
She must have gas, like Bernard did, as a newborn.
The first few days, he did nothing but cry.
Yesterday and this morning,
she didn't want to breastfeed. So, I switched to the bottle.
So, Anne, is your head in the game?
Why so slow, my daughter?
She should be changed.
Balionte!
Can I hold her?
If you want.
Balionte!
In your arms, she's better!
She prefers me.
A bit embarrassing, huh?
Yes.
She's charming.
Balionte!
August 1929
Go!
1200 acres. 1200!
Can you believe it?
If the wind had veered North, Balisac would've been lost.
One, Two, Three, Four...
Don't count out loud, it's irritating!
If wind had blown North, we'd have lost the pines of Balisac.
The villages never burn down. It's strange, isn't it?
The flames mostly preferring the pines.
Never the people.
- Are you all right? - My heart is racing.
You're upset by the fire.
Close the windows, please. This smell is unbearable.
We'll pass out from the heat
If only it rained!
Yes, but it'll never rain.
Never again.
Why do you say that?
I grow weary of your jokes.
The fire isn't funny!
I know, Bernard.
It's still faraway.
Seriously? It approaches, don't you see it?
Seems to be heading to Hostens.
Yes, it's moving quickly.
The way it's burning we'll be trapped!
Listen, you must ring the bell.
No! No, not the bell!
It panics people and has never stopped a fire, never!
This is worse than the summer of 1921.
Do you remember?
Then we lost everything from Saint-Flovier to La Bienvenue.
Don't move, I'll take it!
Do you mind if I change her?
Go ahead...
With all this, I forgot my drops.
One, Two, Three, Four...
Bernard, the Mayor is coming!
Yes!
The fire is approaching, Bernard. We must ring the bell.
- I told you? - How close is it?
Don't wait, it's close Bernard!
It seems, nobody listens to me.
The officials said Hostens, but probably not Mano.
Come on!
That smell...
Close the windows then.
Even though we close everything,
the smell still gets in the house, still gets in the house.
My God...
I thought I'd die from the heat.
For once, you were right not to get excited.
The fire is near Mano and won't come this way.
I'm dying of thirst!
Did I forget to take my drops?
One, Two, Three, Four...
You never get excited, huh?
I'm in pain.
What did he eat today? Anything unusual?
Nothing special, no. Fresh almonds, maybe.
Well, that, fresh almonds, yes.
It may have been the fire.
He was nervous...
We were all concerned.
That awful smell.
It affected his heart.
Thérèse. Where is she?
Thérèse!
I'm going to vomit.
Six...
Seven...
Eight...
Nine...
- Where are you going? - To the kitchen, I want an omelet.
Eggs? After two days in bed not eating?
Exactly, I need to build my strength back up.
Mother was right. I was sick because of the fire.
- Here... - Hmm?
Ah, I forgot my drops.
- I wanted to do it for you? - Allow me.
One, Two, Three...
Four...
And yes, I count out loud.
- I'll get Balionte to make an omelet. - Thank you, darling.
I see that Mr. Desqueyroux hasn't improved.
And little Miss Marie, how is she?
Very well.
My daughter has an iron constitution!
That's good... That's good.
Give my regards to Mr. Desqueyroux. Above all, I hope he recovers soon.
Thank you. Goodbye, Mr. Darquey.
It's not typhoid. He has a high pulse rate.
And a low fever.
A bad case of the flu? I don't know...
What else could it be?
The doctor's confused, hasn't a clue. Better call a specialist from Bordeaux.
Dr. Pedemay would be offended.
That doesn't bother me,
- but it will worry Bernard. - You know him.
She's right, that would be worse.
Thérèse, Thérèse...
Mrs. Desqueyroux?
Madame...
Madame?
- Can you hear me? - She's coming around.
You gave us a scare.
She tends to me day and night, Doctor.
Without eating or sleeping.
Here, orange wine from last year.
Homemade, it does the trick.
I'll also take a drop. I'm so upset.
Thank you. I feel better already.
Yes,
But, you're exhausted Mrs. Desqueyroux. You can't continue as you've been.
I hope it's not the flu.
Perhaps, it's best to consult with a colleague in Bordeaux?
"We returned to Argelouse.
The air was healthier and it was closer to Bernard's hospital in Bordeaux."
This is not my handwriting, I would never prescribe so much.
And here?
The poor soul has lost all feeling.
And here?
How long has he been unable to move his legs?
Since late this morning, Doctor.
I need to talk with you.
The falsified prescriptions, the paralysis...
Don't leave him alone with his wife.
Will do.
You hear that, Balion?
- Yes, shall I take you back to Bordeaux? - No, I will.
You stay here.
Keep Mrs. Desqueyroux away from Mr. Desqueyroux until help arrives.
How am I supposed to do this? It will be easier said than done.
You must leave the room, Madame.
You need to leave.
Wait!
She can't sleep without her teddy bear.
A clinic in Bordeaux?
Why not one in Paris?
What do they expect to find?
Our doctors are not good enough?
Are you hungry, honey?
My daughter, Dr. Pedemay is suing you for forging prescriptions.
How could you...
How could you do this to us like that?
Hello, Balionte.
Hello.
Thank you.
Hello, Balion.
Hello Mrs. Thérèse...
My husband is expecting me.
Marie...
that's your name.
Let me inside.
I assure you, nothing will happen.
Hello.
Leave us alone, Balion.
Sit down.
There can be no more intimacy between us.
You think that's funny?
No, Bernard.
You're right, where intimacy is concerned.
Have you prepared your defense?
No...
Of course not.
We'll solve this together.
But you must tell me everything.
Everything?
Everything said by the judge and your lawyer.
My lawyer?
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Attorney Duros.
We trust him completely.
"We"?
The family, I, and your father.
You're going to live with your father.
With my father?
Yes, your father's in Libourne.
What did you expect? You can't live here!
I could stay with Aunt Clara?
Yes, very well. It's closer to courthouse in Bordeaux. Perfect.
Well...
Is that all?
Can I kiss Marie, before I go?
It's best if she doesn't see you.
Good evening.
Good evening, Mrs. Thérèse.
Good evening, Anne.
Thank you, Balionte.
All done.
She's gone now.
My son is a saint.
He protects the family at all times.
"Along the way I met a stranger who didn't come from Argelouse.
He asked me to pick up his prescription at the pharmacy.
I didn't know it was forged.
He said he owed the pharmacist money, so he didn't want to go himself.
I didn't know the man, he was dressed as a farmer."
My God, Thérèse! Come up with a better story!
For the sake of our family honor!
That story makes no sense!
Dr. Pedemay filed a complaint, accusing you of forging prescriptions.
He's covering himself, of course.
If he doesn't withdraw the indictment...
...we're dead.
It was too dark.
I couldn't see his face.
He didn't say where his farm was.
Why did you pick up his prescription, Madame?
Considering you don't know him.
I felt sorry for him.
It was a good deed,
done out of Christian charity.
The next night he came to pick up the medicine.
And no one else saw this man?
No Your Honor, no one.
I'm sorry...
All right. I'll see Mr. Desqueyroux tomorrow.
Did you hear that?
Yes, Your Honor.
Tell your husband that he should absolutely confirm
he knew about the prescription.
Madame, are you listening?
Of course. I heard you.
You have to say that you knew about the prescription...
and that the man picked up the medicine here.
According to Duros you must not appear uncertain.
Right. We must proceed cautiously.
The story should be simple and credible.
Just straightforward and commonplace.
Especially, nothing too dramatic.
How's the judge?
A rational person.
Logical, methodical, analytical...
He loves simplicity.
As I said, simple and credible.
We'll give him a story, unadorned.
Simple, Bernard, not simplistic.
He is intelligent, attentive,
and rigorous.
Good...
Come in!
Good evening, Sir.
What is it, Balionte?
It's time for Marie's bath.
Go ahead...
Marie.
Come on.
Let's go.
Now, look at those rosy red cheeks.
Though she hasn't been outside much. It's been raining for days!
But you like racing around outside with the dogs, huh?
You're tired. I'm gonna go.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay.
Thérèse?
Yes.
Duros hasn't sent me his first bill yet.
I'd rather pay in installments, than all at once.
And he's not cheap.
Tell him to send an invoice. Don't forget.
I won't forget.
What's his story?
I'm tired.
What's Bernard going to say?
Your story doesn't dispute his, huh?
That can't happen now.
My wife talked about the prescription that evening.
You didn't think her naive?
To do something like that, for a stranger?
She let herself be carried away by compassion
with an other's misfortune.
His desperation touched her deeply.
Obviously, she should've been more careful.
Take a sip of water.
Excuse me.
I've never really counted my drops.
And so I took the wrong dosage.
I think it went well.
But you never know for sure.
Never completely.
Ah, Balionte said that if asked she'd prepare something to eat.
I'm hungry and thirsty.
You're thirsty?
I'll call Balionte.
Good evening, Bernard.
Good evening, Thérèse.
7 December 1929 last day of the trial
Goodbye, Madame.
Goodbye, Your Honor.
Counsel.
Your Honor.
It went well.
No nasty surprises?
No, none. It went well.
Wasn't that expected, after Bernard's testimony?
No, not necessarily.
But fortunately, Dr. Pedemay
isn't challenging the testimony of the victim...
There was no victim.
She's right.
Bernard's alive.
A victim of his own carelessness.
Is the car here?
I don't feel well.
It's parked at the Place des Gemmeurs.
Obviously, he couldn't pick us up at the door.
This needs to be quickly forgotten. However, we still need
to maintain appearances.
You don't have to drive me back immediately.
Madame, is the case over?
Goodbye.
Goodbye, Madame.
You're going back to your husband?
Of course.
He's waiting for me at Argelouse.
He feels much better and will soon be able to hunt again.
I'll stay with him for a few days
and then go...
Excuse me,
are you crazy?
You have to stay with him.
In order to make it credible.
You must be inseparable!
Do you understand?
Do what your husband tells you.
Get going.
Goodbye, Madame.
This'll end well, okay.
Bernard...
Listen to me and don't interrupt.
I'll explain everything and then you'll see all...
As I see everything.
Then you'll understand everything.
I didn't want to commit a crime.
I don't know what I wanted.
Do you understand me?
Do you believe me?
I understand you.
I believe you.
I forgive you.
You forgive me?
Really?
I'm thirsty.
Want to get me a drink from the kitchen?
How dare you smile...
No one can help me...
Good evening, Balionte.
Why are you here?
Good evening, Madame.
The Balions stay here with us now.
There is chicken broth and wine in your room.
You must be hungry.
Come on.
Why don't you go to bed?
It's late!
Here we are... case closed.
It was inevitable.
Let me leave, disappear.
That's all I want.
Keep your mouth shut.
How dare you?
You will only listen.
You'll follow my orders.
I'll decide everything.
You obey or else...
Or what?
You testified on my behalf.
If you change your story, it's perjury.
I do this for the family.
If I lied, I did it for them.
For the good of the family.
Personally, I don't care.
We need to be seen as a couple in public.
Make pretend for as long as it's necessary.
We'll keep separate rooms.
Balionte will prepare your food.
And aunt Clara?
Please, don't interrupt me?
This is hard enough.
Except for your bedroom, all rooms are forbidden to you.
We just have to be seen together at Mass and on market days.
Marie will stay in Saint-Clair. Then, she goes with my mother to Biarritz.
We'll say it's because of health reasons.
You didn't think you'd be allowed to keep your daughter?
When I die, she inherits the pines.
Do you think the pines were the motive?
What else?
Unimportant, it doesn't interest me.
You're nothing to me.
You only carry my name.
Now, go to bed.
Balionte has prepared your room.
You'll find everything that's necessary there.
I'm afraid...
Your aunt, Madame.
October, 1930
Are you afraid of me?
You can't be in the kitchen.
I want to make some tea.
Well, since you're here...
Can we be alone?
Certainly, Mr. Bernard.
Let's go.
All is going well.
Everyone believes we get along pleasantly.
They think you're sick,
weakened, or depressed...
Some, even feel sorry for you.
They think you prefer isolation, and only see me occasionally.
Which is fine.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning.
You no longer need to attend Mass.
You're still without faith anyway.
And Marie?
It's her right.
On your way out, send the Balions back in.
"Anne, my sister,
my little innocent...
You'll never read this letter. I plan to burn it...
So, why do I even write this?
Even if you read this, you won't understand.
Just as you won't understand what I've done to him...
or what I'm going through now.
Or what poison took root under our feet,
during our summers at Argelouse."
Ugh, what a pigsty!
It stinks in here.
Why bring hot water up here? You don't do anything with it.
But that's your problem.
"How can I show you the situation I suffer so?
This country without roads where I've been a prisoner?"
Sooner or later you'll set the house on fire!
You won't burn any more holes in these sheets!
"Just like your brother,
you are a simple soul.
I saw you fall in love, and I hated you for it.
I saw you suffer, and even that was clear.
Pure.
Understandable.
I'm trying to find my true self again.
You'll take your place,
still not knowing what role you played in this story.
Our story, my "crime."
You'll marry the son of Deguilhem.
You'll forget Jean Azevedo.
And me? I'll vanish...
...just as a nasty relative removed from the photo album.
Little Marie will forget my name.
In your eyes, for you, my daughter, and my family...
I'll no longer exist."
Madame?
A letter from Mr. Bernard.
Why don't I want to read it?
If he's coming, I must have time to prepare.
"I ran into Balion who said all's well at Argelouse,
and that you are healthy.
I will visit on the 20th, with Anne and François Deguilhem.
His family wants their son to meet you before the wedding."
Come on, try your best.
Mr. Bernard and the betrothed will be here in 10 days.
"The betrothed"?
Ten days is little enough time to get you on your feet again.
I have prepared chicken for you.
You can eat in the kitchen by the fire.
And I have bought red wine and cigarettes.
Come on, let's take a walk.
I'm tired.
She does her best.
We can't force her to eat.
Mr. Bernard knows how to break unwilling dogs...
With the choker collar.
That would quickly get some results.
She scares me.
Maybe I should wash her hair.
Are you cold, my darling?
A little.
These old houses are impossible to heat.
Is there a cellar?
No.
Without one,
the floor will surely rot away.
Though, you could put down a layer of cement.
Oh!
I don't understand why is this so moist?
Go take a look. Maybe she's sick.
You know what I think?
She doesn't want to come down. She must have another excuse.
Don't ask me to kiss her. You can't ask me.
One touch, and I...
Stop it!
Her hypocrisy is disgusting.
Murder is one thing,
but hypocrisy is really disgusting.
True, but think of the family.
I do, otherwise I wouldn't be here.
I hear her coming down.
Oh, yeah? I don't...
What is it?
Don't look at me like that... I don't look that bad?
I've been stuck indoors, due to the weather.
And I've lost my appetite.
Better slim than too fat.
Hello, Bernard.
Hello, my In-Laws.
Hello, Thérèse...
Ah, Anne...
Anne...
My dear...
Oh, I'm so happy.
I'm so happy for you.
You're very lucky, Sir.
I know that, Madame. I know that...
Tell me about...
...the wedding, your dress.
Winters must be long here, Madame.
Although, being a housewife probably keeps you busy.
Back in a moment, my dear.
Tell me, how many barrels of resin
do you produce in Balisac?
No more than four.
Four?
Tell me more...
Aren't you going to ask me anything about Marie?
Of course...
Tell me about Marie.
She's a beautiful girl.
Is she speaking well now?
She repeats everything we say.
In her own way. She is hilarious.
When she hears a car horn or a rooster,
she points like this and says:
"Did you hear the music, Nanou?"
She calls me Nanou.
She is a treasure.
You truly believe that she faints?
When the Balions are here I will appeal to them.
And firmly too!
Watch out, because they know too much about us.
He is the only one who knows the property boundaries.
Drink this. It will do you good.
Everyone has left.
You're afraid, Bernard.
Afraid I will die.
Don't be silly.
You're not dying.
No...
...probably not.
What would people say then?
No, Therese. We said two after each meal, not more.
Yes, you're right.
Did you weigh yourself today?
Yes, I gained 4 pounds.
That's very good.
Let's take a walk.
Exercise stimulates the appetite. Then tonight, you'll eat well.
Shall we go to L'Esperance again?
That's a bit far. Some other time. I want to go home.
Go ahead.
I must tell you something.
I want you to wait until after Anne's wedding.
Everyone should see us together, but...
...after that you're free to leave.
I can leave?
That's what I just said, yes.
Then I'll go to Paris.
I'll stay in a Hotel or an Apartment...
but first, in a Hotel.
If you like.
Are you afraid the sidewalk will catch fire?
In Paris they have these things called 'ashtrays'.
Therese, I need to ask you something.
I need to know.
Did you do it because you hated me?
Were you disgusted were me?
I did it for the trees, Bernard!
I wanted them all!
No, I don't believe that.
But why? Tell me.
Maybe, to see a glimpse of anxiety in your eyes?
Confusion,
and curiosity.
I can finally see everything now.
Seriously now... Why?
You always know why you do something, right?
I don't wish to keep things hidden from you.
But any reasons for my action would be false.
Lies...
You must have decided on a particular day?
That day of the fire at Mano.
It was as if I saw it as my duty.
A terrible duty... but, a duty.
Once and for all, tell me exactly what you wanted.
I know what I didn't want.
I didn't want to play a role, full of empty gestures.
But I also knew that I was the Thérèse who would've been happy...
...married to a Desqueyroux.
Are you leaving?
I have to catch the train.
It's late.
Yes, of course.
Bernard?
What?
I would like to apologize.
I will now and then come back. For everyday business and for Marie.
No, that's not necessary.
I promise to take care of everything.
You can come to weddings and funerals.
We have a large family, so there'll be plenty of opportunities.
Aren't you going to get hot?
Oh no, not really. The train coach gets cold in the evening.
Are you beginning to feel lonely?
Don't worry about me.
Every generation has had its bachelors.
I think it's a shame that we didn't have a son
who could carry the family name on.
No,
don't get up.
Goodbye, Thérèse.
Goodbye, Bernard.
The debt is paid for.
The drinks, I mean... paid.