A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
The opening of the bank is in two weeks,
and our name has to be number one in the market.
I want to establish a friendly relationship with the client
through an advertisement idea that can be summed up in two words, that's all.
Mr. Wajih?
I have an idea that might save you another meeting with us.
What's this?
This is a one-dollar bill,
so it could be in the hands of any person in the country.
We'll release it, and it will pass from one hand to another
and go from one pocket to the next.
And the owner of the bill with the right number
wins a valuable prize from the bank.
One million dollars.
"7-3-0-0-3-3-1-5 E."
No.
"2-3-1-0-0-4-9-8-5 P."
- No. - Zeina!
Okay, you check them.
How am I going to do that? I can't see the ones on the back.
Take off the gown.
What? Of course not.
You want me to undress out here, in the middle of the street?
Okay.
Give me the number.
F...
1...
6...
9...
2...
3...
9...
2...
7...
P.
Thank you for trusting me.
That's impossible, Tarek. What are you saying?
I searched the entire room. I looked in every corner.
I opened every drawer. There weren't any dollar bills except those on the gown.
And I don't think it could have fallen off.
Okay, let's rethink this.
Again? Oh, God. After all this hard work and all the trouble we've gone through...
Honestly...
When you were walking the catwalk in this gown, you were amazing.
You were the prettiest of all.
Are you serious?
Well, it's full of dollar bills, so maybe that's why you found me so attractive.
Mister, when are we going to get there?
You see that?
The sea?
Yes. Beirut is in the middle of the sea.
It seems so beautiful.
We're here.
What is it, my child? Are you waiting for someone?
I'm waiting for my friend.
Where did she tell you to meet her?
At the Charles Helou Station.
Very good. This is the Charles Helou Station.
Can I use your phone? I don't have a Lebanese number.
The number you are calling is currently not available...
The number you are calling is currently not available. Please...
The number you are calling is currently not available.
- Please try again... - How is it going, my child?
The number is not available.
That's okay. Maybe she's on her way, or maybe her phone battery ran out.
Excuse me, my child, but I have to go.
I have to take some passengers to Damascus.
Here. Thank you very much.
You're welcome. God bless you.
Don't be scared. You're in the heart of the city.
Just put your trust in God.
I can't find it.
Check the upper drawer.
This is a flathead.
Just try to manage with it.
Hello.
Can I use your phone, please?
If it's a Syrian number, I'm sorry, but that's not possible.
- No, it's a Lebanese number. - Here you go.
Give me the order, Mohamed.
Do you need something, miss?
Excuse me, but is there something I can do for you?
Okay, as you wish. I just wanted to help.
Do you have money?
You've been standing out here for an hour to beg for money?
No, don't get me wrong. I need to exchange money.
- Will you take Syrian money? - What would I do with it?
I'm desperate. Do you know if there's a currency exchange around here?
No, there are no currency exchanges in this area, and I don't know...
Let me see. I don't know if what I have is enough.
No problem. Whatever you have.
Here you go.
And this.
Would you like me to give you a ride somewhere?
No, just tell me where I can buy a local phone number.
A phone number. Well, it's a bit far from here.
- Let me give you a ride. Come on. - No, thanks.
Tarek? Who's Tarek?
Here, miss. Call whoever you want, and I won't even charge you.
Take it.
The number you are calling is currently not available. Please try again...
What's the matter? Why are you crying?
TAREK
Here. I'm sorry to bother you.
You seem very naive.
I mean, very sweet and decent, and I really want to help you.
If you want to help me, tell me how to get to a place called Verdun.
Sure, I'll tell you. Let me give you a ride.
No, just tell me where it is.
Verdun is very far from here. You can't go on foot.
Someone has to take you there anyway. Besides, why are you so scared?
Are you going to give me directions, or should I ask someone else?
Fine. Ask whoever you like. It's my own fault anyway.
Wait!
Hold on tight!
No, I'm fine.
You'll fall.
Okay, fine. Hold onto whatever you like, but be careful.
Watch out, a turn! Hold on tight.
Now, this is Verdun. Where are you going exactly?
I don't know.
Okay, listen. You have to tell me your story so that I can help you.
I have a job interview, but I don't know where exactly.
- Where did they tell you it is? - In Verdun.
Okay, what's the name of the company?
It's not a company. It's...
It's okay. I'll manage.
No, tell me. I'll give you a ride at least.
Also, give me the number you've been unable to reach for the past hour.
It's my friend's number. She was supposed to meet me at the station.
Forget about your friend. Let's go find this company.
The interview is not today. It's tomorrow.
It's fine. Take me to a hotel, and I'll come back here tomorrow.
A hotel?
Yes, a hotel. I'll spend the night there.
Okay, hop on.
- We're here. - Where's the hotel?
- That's it. - This is a hotel?
Don't you want a place just to spend the night?
Or does it have to come with a Jacuzzi, a continental breakfast and room service?
- What do you mean? - I mean,
just stay the night at my place, and we'll figure something out in the morning.
In the morning?
You slap me when you should thank me?
What do you want me to thank you for? For being a sleazy dog?
I'm sleazy? Because I wanted to get you off the street
before you become easy prey for the real dogs?
Sleep at your place? What kind of girl do you think I am?
I don't think and don't know anything about you.
But the money you have will not get you past the reception desk at a hotel, girl.
But I never said I wanted a five-star hotel.
Not even half a star, doll.
Anyway, you can go try your luck and ask around.
And when they kick you to the curb, you know where I live.
Up there, on the roof. Okay?
Amazing how ungrateful some people can be.
Kindness is often met with cruelty.
Close the door behind you.
Why?
We don't want the neighbors to see you here and make a fuss about it.
It's a small room, but it has a kitchen and a bathroom.
It's messy, but the bed is clean and the sheets are fresh.
I'll stay out here.
What?
Go sleep in your room, and I'll stay out here.
No, you go inside, get changed and take a shower,
and I'll sleep here on the couch.
I'll check Facebook and then go to sleep.
- Don't you want to help me? - Sure.
I would appreciate it a lot more if you'd stop pressuring me.
I'll stay here, and you sleep in your room, please.
Okay. As you wish.
- Want me to go with you? - Just stay in the car.
Hello, chief.
- Hi, how can I help you? - There's a guy called The Cleaver.
They said I might find him here.
- What do you want with him? - You said it.
What do I want with "him?" Not with you.
You know, you're voice is so beautiful, just like you.
- You scared me. - And you blew my mind.
I'm sorry. Good night.
Isn't it too early to sleep?
No. I have to work tomorrow, and I need to rest.
Yes, you're right. Come rest inside.
Listen to me, if you say one more word, I'll leave!
If you had anywhere to go, you wouldn't be here, sweetheart.
See? You're an animal!
No. Don't use the word animal, or you'll ruin the mood.
What mood, you piece of shit?
What's the matter? Just now, you were relaxed and having a good time.
What happened? What's gotten into you?
You know what? I really like to hear a girl sing before...
Shut up, or I'll scream and wake the neighbors. Get off me!
Screaming turns me on as well.
Come on, tell me, what else are you good at?
Get off me! Get off me, or I'll kill myself!
- You? - Surprised, aren't you?
- What brings you here? - Put away the knife and answer me.
Answer you about what? Anyway, who told you where I live?
Listen, you piece of shit. Come here!
I'm really angry right now, and I don't give a damn about anything!
I'm at your service, sir. What do you need?
You have one minute.
Take the dollar out of your pocket, or I'll blow your brains out.
The dollar?
It's okay, dear. Calm down. It's okay.
How did this happen to you?
I had a bad feeling about him the minute I saw him.
Wait.
Here, drink some water.
So? Did it go well?
Let's get out of here. Miss, get in the car.
Wait. Why do you want us to get in the car? Where are we going?
Just get her in the car.
We'll talk on the way, and go wherever you want.
Tarek, where did you get the gun from?
It's a toy. Did you think it was real?
My name is Eman. I'm from Damascus.
My father has a booth in al-Hamidiyah Souq where he sells accessories.
My mother stays busy taking care of my seven siblings.
And you came here to work?
More or less.
What do you mean, "More or less?" I don't understand.
Honestly, my parents are very strict.
No one in Damascus was able to understand me or help me.
With what?
With making my dream come true.
The dream that I can't even talk about with my family.
Honey, we don't understand. Can you stop talking in riddles?
I left without telling my parents.
No one knows except my friend who is here in Beirut.
I was supposed to be at her place now.
You did all that just to be able to work?
- To be able to sing. - Excuse me?
It's weird, isn't it?
No. What?
I mean, where? Where do you want to sing?
There's a show that's called Best Star.
I saw it on a TV commercial, and I called them,
and they gave me an appointment for an audition.
- When? - Tomorrow.
But it seems that my friend was worried about my parents' reaction,
so she switched off her phone to avoid getting in trouble with me.
But this decision you made... I mean, isn't it too dangerous?
It's my dream, and if I fail tomorrow, I'll have nothing more to lose.
Is there no way to get your parents to accept what you want to do?
You don't know my parents. They are extremely conservative.
My father thinks that a girl shouldn't even go to school, let alone sing.
Okay. So... what are your plans? What are you going to do?
I don't know. Tomorrow, I'll see.
We'll see if the audition goes well,
in which case I'll have a fresh start and never look back.
Or you lose.
And that would be the end of me.
The end of you?
What do you mean, the end of you?
Don't you think you're blowing it a little out of proportion?
I mean, there must be a way for you to turn back.
You have to find a way so that, in case you lose, God forbid,
you can go back home to your parents.
No way.
Nothing in the world would make them forgive what I'm about to do.
Listen, Eman, I really value your bravery and your will to achieve your dream.
Zeina and I also have a dream.
But to tell you the truth, The Cleaver told me everything.
What do you mean "everything?" There's nothing to know about!
He told me that he gave you the money for...
What money? Do you really believe him? He's a piece of shit.
Listen, sweetheart, I don't know you and I don't know him. He said you...
Don't say it!
I'm a decent girl!
Leaving my parents' house to make my dream come true
doesn't mean that I'm promiscuous.
Guys, what happened? What's the matter?
Eman, it's not a big deal! Tarek didn't mean anything!
I can't continue like this, or my voice won't be good tomorrow.
Honey, no one here is going to upset you, right?
I have to finish what I was saying first.
- Tarek! - Zeina!
- Let's go. - Let's go!
- No, you first! - No, you first!
You idiot. You feel sorry for her?
Can't you see her situation? Isn't she going through enough shit?
Whose side are you on?
Both, but you can't blame her for the things The Cleaver might have done.
- That's inappropriate. - Dear God.
Why don't you get it? The guy told me that she has the dollar.
What?
That asshole exchanged her Syrian money for Lebanese money,
and he gave her the dollar along with it.
- Are you sure about this? - Of course I'm sure.
I'm thinking about the dollar, and you're giving her an interview.
Anyway, because of the state she's in, we can't ask her about that now.
- Really? - Are you joking?
Eman is really on the edge. One more push, and she'll lose it.
What do I care if she loses it? She can go into a coma for all I care.
Can't we deal with this a different way?
Why don't you get it?
The dollar is right here in my apartment, and I can't take it.
How are you going to take it? Are you going to take it against her will?
Yes, even if I have to rip her throat out.
Come here. Okay. Easy. I'll deal with it. Leave it to me.
Why would I? You're not getting it.
The dollar is just meters away, and I can't take it?
Zeina, we've been chasing it day and night.
You know what will happen if we lose the dollar now?
I just wanted to ask you...
- What? - Do you know where the Verdun Theater is?
Why?
Because I need to be there tomorrow at 10:00.
Deal with it.
- Hello. - Hi. Just a moment.
- How may I help you? - I contacted you about the competition.
- Oh. Okay, what's your code? - Seven-four-seven.
Seven...
Okay, the audition will be at 10:00. Where's the candidate?
It's me.
You?
Give him your information, and let's get it over with.
Okay, what's your name?
- Her name is... - Aram.
Aram.
Okay.
I'm from Syria, and I'm 24.
Syria, 24 years old. Who's with you, Aram?
What do you mean?
I mean your chaperones.
It seems you haven't read the terms and conditions.
You must have a family member, or a chaperone, to give you support.
That's the system.
We're her family.
I'm her aunt... and my husband. This is my husband.
Her aunt's husband.
Okay.
Even if I lose?
You're not going to lose, believe me.
Because when I get out of here, I won't be the same.
My whole life depends on this audition.
One word from the judges will turn my whole life around.
If they accept me, I'll be on their team and I'll go on to the next round.
And then nothing can stop me from being Best Star.
Either way, I'll never forget what you guys did for me.
You may go in.
Here's the number. Now go. Good luck.
If we didn't almost have it, I would've handled you differently.
But it's fine. Just a few hours, and the dollar will be in our hands.
The day after tomorrow, they'll announce the winner,
we'll get the million dollars, we'll split it and go our separate ways.
Would you just lighten up and smile? Why are you creating tension?
Am I the one creating tension, or is it you?
I can't even believe we're here anyway!
I can't believe it, either.
I've always loved this show, and I've always wanted to be on the set.
I want to take a picture with the host.
God, give me patience!
What are you worried about? I don't understand.
The girl came here with us, and she's leaving with us.
And we won't let her spend a penny.
Let's just hope she wins and everyone's dreams come true.
Let's hear what the judges think.
Well, your pitch was too playful,
and when you're still in the beginning of your singing career,
you need to stick to the tune...
You're up, miss.
You're very charismatic.
- Thank you, that's nice of you. - You're very handsome.
Thank you.
I don't have anything to add to what's already been said,
and I wish you the best of luck throughout your singing career.
Welcome back.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome a new candidate from Syria,
Aram!
You displayed fantastic emotions, Aram.
Let's all hear what the judges think.
Aram, you are so beautiful, and this gown is amazing.
Your look and your voice are mind-blowing.
- Tell me, how old are you, Aram? - I'm 24.
And what does Aram dream about?
My dream is to reach the whole world with my voice.
That's right, Aram. That's the dream of every candidate.
No, my dream is different from everyone else's.
Your voice says you're different from everyone else.
I mean, you have a beautiful voice and a beautiful name.
Do you know the meaning of "Aram?"
Aram is the name of an old Syrian kingdom.
It means calm, safety and serenity.
We all hope that Syria will get back its calm and serenity soon.
Aram, Syria's known for classical chanting and for the musical measures of Aleppo.
You went to the other extreme. You sang one of Dalida's songs.
I mean, how were you able to relate to that song?
I really love this song, and it's definitely difficult to sing,
but there's nothing...
That we can't reach for.
Nice!
What do you think, Joseph?
I'm sure Dalida's not angry right now,
and that if she had heard you, she'd have loved your voice.
I want to tell you, Aram, that your voice is nice, clean, like gold.
And if you take good care of it, I'm sure it will be worth millions.
What do you think, Joseph? What do you think, Camil?
- I'm... - I like her.
- I like her a lot. - I like her, too.
Aram, you passed the first round,
and we'll hear you again in the second round of Best Star.
And I'm sure, Aram, that you'll be in the running for the title of Best Star.
Aram! Aram!
Congratulations. Aram has a beautiful, special voice.
Could you talk to us a little about this experience?
Move over. How am I supposed to speak?
Move over a little.
Well, as Aram's uncle,
I realized when she was very young
that her voice had a special quality and vitality.
And when she used to sing for us, I could tell she was going to be a singer.
She was already star material.
As for today, I think this is going to be Aram's first step on the road to success.
Ma'am, would you say a few words...
I'm really into fame. I love this atmosphere and this...
I really love this show.
Ma'am, we'd like to discuss Aram's look. Did you help her with it?
Of course! We had a certain look in mind, but to tell you the truth,
she surprised me with her look.
What a lovely outfit! Very elegant, very stylish!
Seriously, her outfit is really gorgeous.
Zeina, her outfit.
What about it? It's great.
- The dollar is in her coat. - What?
- The dollar is in her coat. - What are you waiting for?
Dear viewers, this is not the end of the line.
Join us for our next episode, this season's finale,
and I'm sure that you will all love it.
Stay tuned.
Subtitle translation by Imad Naqqar