YOUR NEXT LIFE
Vanessa!
Have you seen Vanessa?
Vanessa!
PAS VALLEY, CANTABRIA
Through the ages, the Pasiegos have conserved their way of life.
For centuries they've remained lost in their valleys,
practically cut off from the rest of the world.
Vanessa, Vanessa...
You filthy little tramp! Let's go home!
What are you doing?
Taking what's mine.
She's a good calf.
I didn't even have to call her.
She's my entry
for the contest this year.
She's not a calf any more.
She'd be happier here with me.
Cows always know exactly what they want.
I could claim her as mine if I wanted.
You could, it's your right, but...
We're friends, aren't we?
You'd better keep your eye on her.
Bring me her first calf.
Agreed?
Agreed.
My hair falls out this time of year.
You see?
See the bald spots?
It's only seasonal hair loss. It grows back.
My husband says I'm growing rabbit hair.
Rabbit hair? He's just pulling your leg.
Dad, this salon is for ladies only. Wait for me outside.
It's a public place, you can't kick me out.
For generations your family
has raised the best cattle in the valley!
All that work for nothing!
I need a favor. I'll never ask you again.
Come home with me. They want to kill our cattle!
Just the surplus, Dad. And they pay you for them.
You took the money, right?
It's all just politics, anyway. Don't take it so personally.
Surplus? A surplus of politicians! At least cows give milk!
Forget it, Dad. I'm not going back with you.
There's still a way to save them.
If you claimed your own milk quota, apart from mine...
and came around sometimes...
I would take care of them for you.
- Highlights, like last time? - To hell with these women!
You prefer these whores
- to your own cows? - Please.
- I can handle this. - I swear to God, you'll be sorry!
You stupid fucking hairdresser! You're a traitor! Traitor!
ONE YEAR LATER
Genia!
Where were you?
When I call you, come right away. Got it?
- Yes. - Yes what?
Yes, Father.
Take this calf over to Severo's place.
Tell him it's Vanessa's calf, as agreed.
I have to go to school today.
I have an exam. Can't Val do it?
If I wanted her to do it, I'd have sent her.
Genia!
Here. I'll take her for you.
Go catch your bus. And not a word to Dad about this...
- It's okay, Val. - Go ahead.
You have an exam, right? Go on.
Severo.
It's me, Val, Gildo's daughter. Vanessa had a calf.
- Who did you cross her with? - The vet in Selaya crossed her.
We have the certificate at home.
I don't care what the certificate says.
This isn't Vanessa's calf.
It's the truth, Severo. I saw her give birth.
Take that thing back
where it came from and tell your father
that he's used up his favors.
I'm not stupid.
Don't be paranoid, Severo.
Why would we want to trick you?
You can't fool me...
I'm not stupid.
If you don't trust me,
we'll ask the vet.
I'll leave the calf here for now.
I'll go get the certificate.
You're not going anywhere.
You're not leaving until your father pays me.
Are you gonna stop me?
We can do this the easy way or the hard way.
- Not so fast! - Let me go!
- Not so fast. - Let me go!
What are you going to do?
Hold still!
Let me go!
Come here, goddamnit.
Stay there.
What are you going to do?
Val?
Val.
Val...
Come on, Vanessa.
You're too tense.
This will calm you down.
Damn cow!
If I tell you to do something, it's for a reason.
It's my own fault, damnit!
I'm too easy on you both.
Father! Father!
Father!
- Father... - Val, what the...?
He said it isn't Vanessa's calf.
That arrogant bastard!
- Where is he? - I don't know, he left a while ago.
Hold on.
Val...
Val.
Be careful, he's crazy.
Get back.
Careful.
Did he hurt you?
What are you doing?
What do you care?
Now that you've come back, you might as well stay.
Make yourself at home.
I'm taking my daughter.
Let's go.
I didn't ask her to come here.
Come on, Father.
You two think you own the place.
Coming and going as you please...
Your daughter came on her own, and she stays.
- She stays right here! - Let me go!
I'll kill you!
What are you doing?
I'll kill you!
Goddamn son of a bitch! Bastard!
One shouldn't speak ill of the dead...
- but he was a real jerk. - I'm glad he's dead.
I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner.
Someone must have tried to rob him and he fought back. What a nutcase.
He was a nasty one.
What about you, Gildo?
Who do you think killed Severo?
How the hell should I know?
Rest in peace.
Val.
Those flowers are awful.
You could have at least bought fabric.
And you could have at least bought them yourself.
Plastic ones last longer.
- We have to pay our respects. - I can't.
- Come on. - Father...
We have to.
It's all right.
- Where are you going? - To tell the police.
- There's still time. - No way. Come on.
They're all staring at us.
Nobody's staring at us.
It'll work itself out. It's better to tell the truth.
What for?
And go to prison for something that wasn't our fault?
To be singled out for the rest of our lives?
Because of an accident?
Accept that it didn't happen.
"What goes unsaid gets undone." You got that?
It's undone.
- My condolences. - Thank you.
- You're Gildo, right? - Yes.
You don't remember me?
You gave me horseback rides as a kid.
My father wouldn't let me ride ours.
Of course.
Sure I remember.
This is Val, my eldest daughter.
- My condolences. - Thanks.
Oh, well.
My father missed...
the thing he was most excited about.
The milking contest.
And you've lost a friend and a rival.
Yes.
Thanks for coming.
Come on, honey.
Val!
We should have dumped him on the other side of the tunnel.
Nobody would have ever found him.
Come on, back to work.
Hi.
What's up?
I was looking for you.
Oh, yeah?
I went to town to make a call.
Cell phones don't work up here.
What was it about?
I just wanted to see if you needed anything.
No, thank you.
I'm doing all right.
Is someone handling your cows?
They need to be milked. That's why they moo so much.
I was about to.
Right.
Well...
You want to give me a hand?
You have to yank it with more...
With more force?
No, you could injure it.
With more...
How should I say? With more...
interest.
You do it.
No, I have things to do.
What do you do when you finish work?
Work is never finished here.
There used to be a dance.
There still is, but only on Thursdays.
Today's Thursday. How about it?
No, no.
I have to see to my cows.
Go on, get away.
I finally got that stable door on.
What about you?
You went shopping?
I went for the calf.
Why?
We shouldn't have left it there.
- So where is it? - His son appeared out of nowhere.
It was a bad idea anyway. It's too late.
But...
- did he see you with the calf? - No.
We talked. I made up an excuse.
What did you talk about?
Nothing. His cell phone being out of range.
What bullshit.
Nothing else?
How long is he staying?
I have no idea.
He didn't say what he wanted?
Papers, I guess.
He didn't ask you about...?
No.
Or about what the police said?
No.
He's a sneaky one.
Like a good Pasiego. Probably didn't mention what he was up to.
But he got plenty out of you.
He asked what we do for fun around here.
I told him about the movies and dancing at the Mexico.
But that I never go.
You see?
You did talk about something.
He's going to the dance tonight.
And I suppose you feel like dancing tonight, too.
Me? Never. No way.
That man gives me the chills.
I can't look him in the face. Besides, he...
- He what? - He talks too much.
Well, it's too late now.
Going there was a mistake.
You have to go back.
Find out how much he knows.
How else can we be ready?
- Ready for what? - For whatever happens.
If you're so interested, then you go.
I don't know how to be cordial.
Go get changed.
I'll do this.
Go on, Val. It's for the best.
It's all right.
It's all right, you'll see.
Go on.
Go!
- Going somewhere? - I'm going to town.
I'll go with you.
Dressed like that?
Yeah.
Is that all you've got?
You know dancing isn't my thing.
Wear this.
Put on some lipstick.
I can't walk in heels.
It's about time you learned.
- Order me a cocktail. - You can barely handle Coca-Cola.
- A wine and Coke. - Just one.
Hi. One wine and Coke and one juice. Make it two wine and Cokes.
It's so hot. Come on, give me a sip.
Here, you drink it. I'm going home.
- Hi. - Hi.
Leaving already? Are you bored?
My feet are hurting.
You said you weren't coming.
Actually I had a question I wanted to ask you.
How long are you staying?
Only as long as I have to.
I put my foot in my mouth again.
Who's that?
Not bad for a bald guy.
He's a hunk.
Shut up.
If you don't want him, I'll take him.
I have to go back and fix this.
Do you know that guy?
Rai the hairdresser?
He left his father.
He's come back,
but not for long.
- It's a special place. Shall we go? - Okay.
Goddamnit!
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Coffee at this hour?
- You get so little sleep... - Coffee doesn't affect me.
You should see a doctor.
Doctors are for sick people.
Where is that girl?
Out having fun.
You want a magdalene?
She's been gone over four hours.
You want one or not?
I don't like those.
You have to eat, Father.
Things are tight.
Try one.
Father...
I saw some cheap boots at the store.
That's great...
for whoever buys them, and it won't be you.
All the girls in my class dress much nicer than me.
What could she be up to?
Meeting boys, Father.
There's no one here.
When does the movie start?
There is no movie.
They've closed the theater.
Then why are we here?
This place used to be my hideout.
I'd spend hours here.
What about at home?
My father beat me.
The longer the movie, the later I got home,
and the harder I got hit.
Was it worth it?
You've never run away from home?
I knew the theater was closed.
- Have you always lived here? - Yes.
- I never saw you at school. - I dropped out early.
I was needed at home, I have no brothers.
My father can't handle the paperwork. He's too impatient.
It's all paperwork nowadays.
They must have forgot to fill out the form.
If they want to get rid of us Pasiegos, they should do it all at once.
Not one by one.
- Nobody will miss us anyway. - Get in.
You I would miss.
Hands behind your back.
- Mariano, we go way back. - Don't Mariano me.
Careful, it's slippery. Carry on.
Did you have a good time?
I liked the movie.
Just the movie?
Well...
Yeah?
The movie isn't over yet.
Shit.
- What is it? - Fleas, I think.
I'll scratch you.
Damn!
You should have woken her. Tomorrow she'll be sore.
We waited up for you.
Genia, go to bed.
Nice dinner.
- Have you eaten? - Yeah.
How lucky.
Where exactly, may I ask?
In the square.
Well how about that.
With who?
The hairdresser?
Yes.
Did he say anything?
- You had... You, off to bed. - Go to bed, Genia.
- What did he say? - Nothing.
Nothing?
You did all the talking?
- Tell me what you did. - Look, Father.
It's one in the morning!
You left at eight thirty. Tell me what you did.
Were you at his place?
I'm going to bed, and so should you. Your injury is affecting your brain.
Wash your face!
Take off that dress!
And tell me what you two did!
- Leave her alone! - Go to bed!
I did what you sent me to do, Father. So leave me alone.
And what did I send you to do?
Val.
Val...
Go to sleep.
Can I sleep in your bed?
I saw his face...
holding the knife.
I figured it out.
He's a murderer.
Be quiet.
Yes, Val.
I know who killed Severo.
It was him.
And we're next, you'll see.
Now that Mom is gone...
Get up.
Pack up, we're moving.
Already?
There's grass at the higher cabins.
Gather your things.
I'll make breakfast.
What are you doing? Hurry up or we'll get in trouble again.
I'm not moving.
- What? - I'm staying here.
I'll go to Torrelavega, to Aunt Emilia's.
I'm not going with him.
- That's nonsense. - I don't care.
I'm leaving, and you won't say a word.
- I don't want you to go. - What are you doing?
We're coming!
Don't leave me with him.
- But Val... - Stay with me.
I promise I'll never leave you.
I promise.
Come on.
I can catch the bus tomorrow in La Concha.
How long is it by foot?
About half an hour.
No matter.
The longer it takes me, the less time I'll be around him.
Well...
If you don't mind being left alone...
Don't start.
Val!
I'm making lunch! I can't do two things at once!
Go see what he wants.
Shit.
Tell Val she has a visitor.
- Hello. - Hi.
- What is it? - That guy is here.
- Who? - The bald hunk.
He's here to see you.
You said you wouldn't leave me.
You promised we'd always be together.
- Hi. - Hi.
I've come to offer your father my calf, if he's interested.
I have too many animals.
Why would I want another calf? To have it killed?
She's got the same hair as your cow. You could breed them.
What will you do with the cows?
Sell them, of course.
Not quite.
I want to enter Reinalda in the contest.
That cow sure is ugly.
Yeah, but she gives more milk than yours.
Who will milk her?
Yours truly.
I hope you're luckier than your dad.
How are you?
- Want to go for a walk? - No.
Just a stroll.
I'll go change.
We can't go far, I have to be back early.
How about dinner together?
I can't.
I have to make dinner and milk the cows.
Let your sister do it.
She has to study. She has exams.
You sound like her mother.
No, my mother never studied.
She just worked.
How did she die?
She listened to my father.
She had a clot in her lung. Didn't even make it to the doctor.
I'm sorry.
Why does talking about her annoy you?
I don't know why.
Sometimes when I think of her...
I want to slap her and scream at her.
It sounds horrible.
Because she abandoned you.
Or so you think. But people never see death coming.
They just leave.
We have to forgive them for that.
We've no other choice.
I have to go.
- Stay, Val. - No.
Please.
We have to talk.
Talking won't help.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Then why are you crying?
I'd rather cry than talk.
And because...
I like you.
Easy.
Hey, not so rough!
Let's go somewhere else.
At least give me a goodbye kiss.
No, we're done for today.
No.
Why not?
- Why not? - Because.
I said we're done for today.
Shit.
Pick me up tomorrow at the same time.
Let's quit for the day, we'll never finish.
We can if we hurry.
Where's your sister?
Studying. Leave her alone.
- What time is he coming? - He isn't!
No need to be nasty.
Guys are like that.
As soon as they can,
they run away.
But it's better that way.
You should never fool around with someone you like.
Only with those who like you.
Go study.
Val!
Time to milk the cows!
Come on, Vanessa...
Go on, I'll finish up.
What's wrong, Vanessa?
Val, get the manure ready.
- I have to turn the grass over. - I'm not finished yet.
Your sister told you to go study. Go on, listen to her.
Rai!
Have you seen him?
I waited but he didn't show.
Father went out last night.
After you came back.
Last night?
You were out cold.
You looked tired.
But you smiled in your sleep.
Yeah, right.
What did you two do?
What do you care what we did?
Well, Father saw it.
Whatever it was. I'm sure of it.
It's odd that Rai hasn't shown up. He's so reliable.
Something must have happened.
Rai hasn't come back because Father killed him.
What are you saying?
Were his things there?
No.
Of course.
He hid them so it'd look like he left.
He's dead.
First the father, then the son. He hated him, Val.
You heard him the other day.
Father has gone mad.
He'll do anything to avoid jail.
Are you crying over that scumbag?
What did he do to you?
He left you, right?
You tell me.
He was bad news.
For you and everyone else. But especially you.
Where is he?
How should I know?
What did you do to him?
But...
What are you saying?
I won't stick around here forever, you know.
I'm not your wife, or your maid, like my mother was.
- You're no good! - You worked her to death
and now you want to get rid of me and Genia and Rai.
Were you planning to marry him?
He was just using you for information.
I hope you kept your mouth shut.
Goddamnit!
What is it?
We have to talk.
You moved early this spring.
Yeah, I've been asking around.
You knew Severo Sañudo well, right?
Like everyone.
Do you recognize this calf?
Who did he buy it from?
One of the last people to see him alive.
Let's tell him, Val.
- Let's turn him in... - Be quiet.
If you don't, I will.
Wait, wait!
Thanks a lot.
He's leaving.
He's leaving, Val.
- He's leaving! - Wait.
What happened to your hand?
I cut myself...
sharpening my scythe.
Be careful.
Those things are dangerous.
He left.
Don't worry.
We'll do whatever needs to be done.
Holy shit.
He didn't leave a message?
No, he just disappeared.
I'm sorry.
Okay, thanks.
No, he had no idea.
Rai hasn't left any messages.
They thought it was strange, too.
I saw some cheap boots. We could go and buy them.
No.
Well, why not?
Rai...
I don't know where you are.
I've been looking for you.
I just want to know you're all right.
Bye.
First the father, then the son.
Are you gonna interrogate the cows?
We got the autopsy report.
None of the knives we found matched his wounds.
The weapon is missing.
- What are you doing here? - Am I a suspect?
We all are, until proven the contrary.
That's backwards.
We're all innocent until...
Did your father have a list of animals he'd purchased?
I don't know. I haven't been through the paperwork.
The cows are impossible to sell.
Yeah, they're worthless.
But the cabins aren't.
Tourists buy them as weekend homes.
The Pasiegos never go empty-handed.
I'm a Pasiego.
Did you and your father get along?
I only ask because you're the sole beneficiary.
You're insinuating something.
No, I'm not.
I'm just asking. It's my duty.
No, we didn't get along.
That's normal. I didn't get along with mine, either.
You see that red cow?
That's Reinalda.
They're all red.
She's still the best around.
I'm taking her to the contest.
I don't think so.
You won't be able to.
Your father agreed to put down all his cows.
So those cows are all illegal. They don't exist.
You can't move her.
Tough luck.
Though your friend Gildo managed to sign up his cow. Vanessa, right?
She's been saved for now.
We'll see about that.
Your father and Gildo were rivals, right?
But they got along.
Now you're Gildo's rival.
I don't think Gildo will be competing this year.
Listen.
You insinuate you know something,
but you say nothing.
You're a Pasiego, all right.
A real damn Pasiego.
I'm not insinuating.
I'm just asking.
It's my duty as the victim's son.
Right.
I'll give you a lift home and we can talk.
BREEDERS WITH DISQUALIFIED FARMS
What's that?
Canard à l'orange.
- What? - Yes, Father.
It's about time we had some fun around here.
What do you mean?
"Rabies can't outlive the dog."
- What dog? - With Rai gone,
our worries are over.
That's what you wanted, right? Enjoy it.
How did you pay for this?
We won the lottery.
The contest is tomorrow.
- Vanessa will win, right? - She's the best.
Then there you go. Enjoy it. For once things have worked out.
Don't ask why.
"What goes unsaid gets undone."
That's true.
"What goes unsaid gets undone."
I'll get cleaned up.
A toast?
A toast.
To us.
To us. May the two of you always be this happy and beautiful.
We didn't win the lottery. You're pulling my leg, right?
Otherwise the money would be mine.
That makes it all worth it. To see you happy, like before.
Not like before.
We found out we have a right to half of Mom's inheritance.
What? I handle that.
No. The cows are mine and at least half of the cabins.
We're going to sell it all.
All of it.
Find yourself another pair of maids, because we're leaving.
This was...
our farewell dinner.
To say goodbye, Father.
Come on.
Val?
Val.
I thought you were dead.
No, that was my dad. But you're all too aware of that.
May he rest in peace.
Where's Val?
Still alive, I hope.
Fetch my pants.
I know what happened.
I'm here to talk man to man.
So, the fucking hairdresser knows everything.
You got it out of my daughter.
So what do you want?
I love Val. I want her out of all this.
So you'd better leave. While you still can.
You want to get rid of me, eh?
You want to take my daughter away.
Just like your father did.
And take all my cows while you're at it.
Okay, Vanessa. Let's go.
Jacobo Camino de la iglesia. Cow's name: "Thickhead."
José Abascal Gutiérrez.
Cow's name: "Princess."
Mauro Muredas. Cow's name:
"Sultana."
Fidel Pérez.
Cow's name: "Shepherdess."
Gildo Barquín Barquín.
Cow's name: "Vanessa."
Rectification.
Valvanuz Barquín Abascal. Cow's name: "Vanessa."
There she is!
The champion!
Last minute entry...
Cow's name: "Reinalda."
Presented by...
Raimundo Sañudo de la Lastra.
He's not dead.
He's got some nerve showing up like this.
Steady.
What's wrong with her?
I'm nervous and she can tell.
Just like everyone else.
No need to even measure.
Forgive me.
You have every right to be upset. But I have something to say.
- Not now. - When?
Tonight, at the house in Vega.
I let you win, you know.
- Don't do this to me, Val! - It's just a second.
I need to study.
Don't be upset.
You're coming with me.
I want to, but I can't leave my father.
Why not?
Did you report him?
Just let it go, Val.
You can't help him.
My father would never leave us like you did.
You left.
You disappeared.
I needed time to think.
To think about you.
Well, you can stop thinking.
I'm right here.
At least you're loyal, Vanessa.
You didn't abandon me.
They're taking the cows.
They put them on trucks...
They're taking them away...
Like they will Father.
- I hope they catch him soon. - Don't say that.
I'm scared he'll come after us
after what we did to him.
I'm scared, too...
but not of Father.
Because he didn't kill Severo.
Then who did?
The bogeyman?
I stabbed him...
I stabbed him once, twice, three times...
Then I couldn't stop.
It felt good.
I tricked everyone.
You and Rai...
I can't look people in the eye.
What about Father?
Father ran away
so they would suspect him
and I would be saved.
You let all this happen?
What matters is that you know Father loves us.
He loves you.
He loves us both.
Father...
What are you doing here?
Were you followed?
No.
I brought you some food.
Does it hurt?
We're almost out of money, Father.
Yeah.
I know.
If we sell the cows and maybe a cabin...
Don't sell anything.
Then what should we do?
That's why your mother and I saved all those years.
For the two of you. Just in case.
That's what having kids is all about.
Well, this is the time.
So spend it.
But don't sell the cows or cabins.
So much has happened.
Rai said you refused to turn yourself in.
That if they catch you...
They won't catch me.
- Don't go, Father. - Go home, Val.
No.
Go. I'll manage.
Where will you go?
Wherever.
We could...
No we couldn't.
Just go.
How can I?
Father, I...
I love Rai more than anything...
but I don't know what to do.
I can't even tell right from wrong any more.
I was hoping you could help me.
Give yourself time.
I told you, "What goes unsaid gets undone."
But...
you never listen to me anyway.
But it hasn't worked, Father.
Mother can't be undone. Neither can what we did,
nor what we never will do...
Because you didn't wish it.
You didn't wish it.
Because it can't be done.
Forgive me, Father.
Forgive me.
And let me help you now please.
Let me help you.
Whose suit is that?
Yours.
Mine?
From your wedding day.
And from Mother's funeral.
It's like new.
What day is it?
Wednesday.
Today's the fair in Torrelavega.
The bus will be full of people.
Yeah.
Someone might see you, though it's late.
- You should stay an extra day. - Go and buy my ticket.
But don't do it in town.
Do it at the station in Torrelavega.
I'll wait for you here.
I'll send Genia to do it.
The police are looking for me.
No.
I don't want your sister mixed up in this.
She knows everything, Father.
Do you think so?
Don't fool around, you're too old for this.
Look at them.
Look at them cry.
They haven't been milked in two days.
Don't you dare go outside.
The police are out there.
Don't worry.
I'm not sure about this.
I can handle it.
Go on, honey.
Hurry up.
Thanks, bye!
Single to Madrid, please.
Genia!
You forgot your sandwich.
I forgot my Physics assignment.
It must have fallen out when I got on.
Hey, stop the bus!
I'll catch the next bus.
Father?
It's me, Genia.
Father!
- Did you get the ticket? - Are you all right?
Yes, I'm all right.
- I had to go all the way around. - Why?
The police are on the road and at the cabin.
There's just enough time.
You look very handsome.
- Are you scared? - No.
- That's Vanessa. - Damn cow.
Damnit, she needs to be milked.
It doesn't matter, Father.
How can it not matter?
Don't go, Father.
Nobody will see me. I'll catch up with you.
Come here, Vanessa, baby.
Come on.
You fucking Pasiego! I told you to leave town!
You ruined everything!
You killed my father.
Yes, I did kill him!
And I'd do it again!
My only regret is I can't kill you as well, you bastard!
You piece of shit!
- Scumbag! - It wasn't him!
He didn't do it. He's protecting Val.
- Shut up! You weren't there! - Where did you hear that lie?
It's not a lie. It's the truth.
She's always been a liar. My own daughter.
Get out of here!
Father!
Tell them the truth.
Please, tell them the truth.
- Listen to me for once in your life. - I never will.
They took him away.
Father!
Is this what you wanted?
I'm going with him.
I can't leave him now.
I never told you the truth.
It's time you knew what happened.
You mustn't come with me.
You can't,
even if you want to.
I've misled you all this time.
You never misled me. I may be a hairdresser but I'm not a fool.
What do you think you know?
It was you.
You killed my father.
How long have you known?
Since I fell in love with you.
"What goes unsaid gets undone."
Yes!
My father says that.
What a coincidence. So did mine.