Why are you staring at me?
Wondering what you walked into?
Never been to a strip club before?
It must have crossed your mind. At least once.
You just didn't dare.
I'll tell you the story of someone who dared.
I don't mean me!
I'm much too reserved to tell my own story.
Miss?
You seem to be looking for something.
Not love, I hope.
You won't find that here.
MY SOLE DESIRE
- How was it, sir? - Fine.
A parlor, to top it off?
Plenty of choice: blond, brunette...
Look at this Spanish girl. Pretty, isn't she?
No, thanks.
- Your call. - Bye.
Good bye, sir.
- Hello. - Hi.
I'd like to try out. Are you hiring?
You should go downstairs and take a look first.
This is an erotic theater. It's not like in the movies.
Welcoming a new dancer is always special.
It would be nice to have some new girls.
We like our girls. But someone new,
who brings energy, youth and naïveté
could be cool.
So be nice to her.
Maybe she's never done this before.
Let's watch and discuss later. Okay?
She's pretty!
What an entrance!
- You missed a step. - Hello. Yes, I did.
How is everyone?
- What's your name? - Mia.
M-I-A, sounds like "meow."
How about a little striptease, Mia?
- Right now? - Sure, why not?
I'm hot.
I'm so hot.
Stop, Mia. Just stop.
Come over here, away from that gentleman.
Honey, this is a striptease, not Saturday Night Fever.
You're not here to have fun and hook up. Sorry, sir.
I know that's what you were hoping for.
Being a stripper is a profession.
I'll give you an express training session.
In five minutes,
you'll be a working girl.
One very important thing:
take it slow.
Look.
I'm captivating my audience.
You see all those eyes, hanging on to my every move?
What will she do next?
Pop! She opens a button.
And another one.
You bewitch and mesmerize them.
You play with the distance. You seduce them all.
But you pick one special guy.
You turn him on with your magnificent body,
like a subtle serpent.
At the very end,
you touch him.
I'm totally mesmerized.
What do I do now, ma'am?
What everyone else does.
You kiss the boss's ass.
Thank you. Enjoy the show!
Does everyone perform in pairs?
No, not at all.
You can try on your own right now, if you'd like.
I don't know.
- What's the pay? - Ten euros an hour.
After all, it's just a striptease.
If you can take off your panties, you'll be fine.
You'll need a stage name.
Aurora, like in Sleeping Beauty?
Very nice.
Elody!
Want some makeup?
Help yourself.
Thanks a lot.
So, how was the king's throne?
You were in the best seat. The king's throne.
If you want, there's room over here
to put your things.
- How many parlors did you do? - A ton.
Are you leaving?
I didn't even introduce myself.
Mia.
You liked it. I could tell.
Yeah, I did.
I'd never seen Four-Eyes hand out money before.
It was a good first try.
It wasn't creative, like your act.
- You seemed so comfortable. - I'm an actress.
You are? Like a real actress?
Yeah. I'm applying to the Conservatory.
I come here when I can. It's a chance to face an audience.
- I love it. - Have you seen my jeans?
It must be the boss.
She does that to all the new girls. We can't figure out
if she wants to smell you, check your size or cast a spell on you.
The boss steals people's clothes?
They say she lives upstairs. I've never seen her.
You're a bit strange.
Coming out of a tough breakup?
Nope, not coming out of anything.
I'm not a virgin,
but I've never had a real relationship.
Don't worry, it'll happen.
I don't want to wait for love. I don't believe in it.
That's what people say when they're scared.
See you soon.
- You did it several times? - So, you fucked her, too?
- Who is that girl? - She just loves fucking.
Really? I don't agree.
When I sleep with her, it's a very tender experience.
- She really moves me. - Too much information.
You didn't seem to think so at that Halloween party.
She literally threw herself at me.
- It was just a kiss. - Stop defending yourself.
Why can't she admit it?
She asked you to keep quiet, pretend it didn't happen.
How many of our friends did she secretly fuck?
We don't know!
Manon?
You heard us? I'm sorry.
Here's 50 euros... for the rent.
My grandmother can wait two weeks.
Take it.
Thanks, anyway.
Special day, Manon?
You're all made up. You look great!
Thanks.
- Got a date? - Nope.
You won't tell me?
- You won't? - It's my last day. I made an effort.
So I see.
You'd abandon me? Let me vanish from your life?
Just like that!
- What will you do? - I found a job close to home.
Am I interrupting?
Unbelievable!
Thank you!
I'm Aurora.
Enjoy the show! Thank you.
I heard it's your birthday.
Yes, today's my birthday.
How old are you?
- Eight. - Eight years old?
Did you have a party with your friends?
Yes, we had a snack.
What else did you do? Eat candy?
What's with the face? It didn't go well?
- Who's the blonde? - Sati.
She's tough on the new girls, but she's harmless.
I don't like her.
- She won't like you either. - Why not?
You look young. That's her turf.
We're lucky to have girls like her.
She's useful. Don't say that about her.
I'll say what I like.
Mia, two guys want you. What do I say?
Okay, I'll take my regular.
- You want the other one? - I don't know.
Oh, how sweet! Your very first parlor.
Go for it!
A piece of advice: tap into your primal self.
Show your claws but be careful.
You can hurt yourself.
Anyway, you lead the dick. I mean, the dance.
Wait, what is a parlor?
You earn 30 extra euros for 15 minutes.
If they want more, you keep 30%.
The rest goes to the club.
Like withholdings on wages.
- It's just a private dance. - What if he wants to touch me?
If he pays, you can touch him.
You're in charge.
He can touch himself but not you. You can touch yourself.
But no sex. Y la boquita cerrada.
Your mouth is gold, got it?
Don't be scared. It's a win-win deal.
One guy gave me 200 just to stroke his arm.
- No way! - Yes.
See that guy?
He jerks off into his tie.
I swear!
- Fabien! - Hi, Mia.
- How are you? - This is for you.
You're sweet. See you inside?
Be right there.
He has a crush on me.
You're so beautiful!
I bet nobody thinks you're as beautiful as I do.
What are you doing? It's okay.
You're new, they didn't tell you. Just go along.
Fuck! No one says you're pretty because you're ugly!
You won't last here if you don't go along.
So just let me, for fuck's sake!
Sir, are you disrespecting our strippers?
- It's nothing. - Nothing?
- Out! - No one touched anyone.
- You prick! - Don't ever come back.
It happened to another girl.
She wanted to press charges, saw the doctor...
- She was fired, of course. - Quiet, not now.
Relax, it's not like she was raped!
Look at it this way: you turned him on.
What shitty luck for a first time!
Don't let this scare you, okay?
- Not all clients are pigs. - It's your baptism of fire.
Did Marlène say you could touch her things?
No. So put that away.
She's got gear!
Marlène always knew how to party.
I love the gold.
Here's another one.
Look.
This one's gigantic.
The spring-summer collection.
Let's put this one on full power.
You'll hit the sky.
What a cute nipple cover!
How do you...?
Your tits have to move around.
No. I'll show you. Big breasts, small breasts...
You can make it turn.
She's crazy not to lock this stuff up.
If the boss finds it, it all goes into stock.
Maybe she's gone for good.
She talked about it.
Didn't she go see her mother in Chelyabinsk?
- Who leaves 2,000 bucks of gear behind? - What's this?
It can't be a lemon squeezer.
That depends on your lemon!
Hi, there.
Studying for mid-terms?
Yeah, that's right.
- What's this? - Want me to show you?
Hey, Manon.
Hello.
I see why you're never at school.
Can you keep it down? We're actually working.
So are we. Working on a show.
What were you thinking?
Are all your roommates like her?
Different relationships with money. It's complicated.
What we do isn't easy money. It's fast money.
Not everyone can do it.
And she doesn't need to work. It's written on her face.
Those who drag others through the mud often have dirty feet.
I have lots of acts in mind, but not the right partner.
Have you ever made love to a woman?
- No. - It's easy, you'll see.
Here we are.
Wrap parties are the best place to make connections.
If anyone asks, we met working as extras.
Huh? Working as what?
As extras. You know, on a film.
Give me a sip.
There they are.
I love that actor.
- You know him? - Not really.
We didn't shoot together, but I really admire him.
He's so handsome!
Okay, let's go!
- I don't want to go home. - Me neither.
We're near the club.
- Let's stop by. - Sure.
Careful.
- Hi, there. - Hi.
- Where are you going? - Out for a stroll?
- Can we walk with you? - Good lord.
No, you can't. Have you seen your face?
Hey, cut it out!
Don't touch my friend.
- We just want some company. - Well, I don't.
You won't blow us?
- Blow you? - Yeah, me.
No, but if you want, I'll fuck you up the ass.
Interested?
Guess not.
Enjoy your evening!
Hi, shareholders. Feeling good?
Yeah!
Did you make good money off the little people today?
Yes, you did!
Ready for tonight's show?
Ready for tonight's indiscretions?
Will you protest with us?
I can't hear you... Yes?
The club's greatest actress is with us tonight!
The best girl in town.
Will she join us on stage?
Every Saturday night
Leaning on the bar
Life is rosy
Sipping on my pastis
I spend what I earn
To see naked girls
I take off my yellow jacket
And check out my favorite girl
Let me stay in this club for eternity...
Gentlemen and ladies, are you ready?
Ready to welcome our debutante?
Aurora!
A round of applause!
Aurora!
I think Aurora is hiding something from us.
Who wants to know what it is?
- Aurora... - Yes?
I hear you were at today's protest.
Yes, but I can explain.
I was forced to go.
- You were forced? - Yes, I hate protesters.
- Who forced you? - He did.
That guy? He forced you?
You made me. You said I'd be in trouble if I didn't.
That's not very nice.
Not nice at all.
Did he hurt you, Aurora?
He forced me into a crowd of crazy people.
- I think they're called "black blocs." - Black blocs?
Are you hiding any dangerous objects on your person?
- This young man... - Him, again!
- Very bad, sir! - Yes, I know!
You told me to take this thing, and you hid it here.
- So I... - Where, Aurora?
- In here. - Here?
You can check.
Calm down, Aurora!
Please, calm down.
The media claims you hurt people. But I don't believe it.
- We're not hurting you. - The police are so gentle.
You know the police loves you.
I'll have to unbutton your shirt.
Shall I?
One more button?
For the good of the Republic, do what you must.
Shall I check...
inside her pants?
Ooh, I feel something.
Aurora?
Yes, officer?
Can you sing the national anthem?
Of course, it's my favorite song!
Arise, children of the nation
Our day of glory has arrived!
Against us stands tyranny
Her bloody standard has been raised
Her bloody standard has been raised.
Good evening!
Welcome. Go right in!
The guy wanted clothes pins all over his body.
You know me, I took my time.
Dragged it out 30 minutes.
Really?
I swear!
You hiked up the price, like I said?
Too much, I think. He's avoiding me.
With your tits, you'll do fine.
- Think so? - For sure. Show me.
- Are they real? - Of course they are.
This guy tried to put a hand on my ass.
Better than a finger!
- Is Whale Dick here? - In great shape!
Boy, did they love us!
Hi!
- What's up? - Let's go out tonight.
I'm seeing my boyfriend.
- He has a surprise for me. - Boyfriend?
- Didn't I tell you? - No!
- What? - You're gorgeous!
Your lover will be so happy. Is he the handsome guy with the muscles?
That's the one.
Second row, with the tattoos?
- Exactly. Good eye. - He's sexy, isn't he?
- Yep, not bad at all. - Hey, hands off!
Okay!
Aurora, you have good taste. Come here.
- What? - Like it?
He'll be dazzled.
I like colored mascara. It highlights my eyes.
Is your man here for Valentine's Day?
He's totally into it.
He's hot! Think he'll give you a ring?
Sati, another parlor.
That girl's raking it in.
- Hi. - Hi.
You requested me for a parlor?
- Isn't that Vergine's guy? - Yeah.
Fuck!
- Poor darling! - Sweetheart!
We're here for you.
Sati is really out of line.
- And you look so pretty. - My kitty-cat.
- He's an idiot. - He sure is.
Look up.
- Careful, it's colored mascara. - I see.
- I've lost my pussy. - My God!
By Ramses ll, what will we do?
We'll see how it goes!
What about you?
- Fess up. - What do you want from me?
Isn't there a single client you're into?
- Truth? - Yeah.
- Four-Eyes. - What?
I like his eyes.
You can't even see them behind his glasses!
They're this thick!
Someone must have messed with you if you like Four-Eyes.
He's ugly and cheap! The guy never books a parlor.
Seriously, what do you see in him?
I guess... he's mysterious.
- And you? - Me, what?
What did you see in your boyfriend?
He's very loyal.
I'm in on your bachelor party gig.
I'll take anything to make money so I can move out.
Great! What about you? Are you in?
Come on.
There are three guys. It'll be easier if it's the three of us.
They're cool and cute. It'll be great!
Remind me of the date. I'll see if I can.
If you go, I'll go.
Girls, help me out, please.
Anyone speak English? I can't understand a word he says.
Please, tell me he's not a pervert.
He wants you to turn off the parlor camera,
- so his boss can't spy on him. - That's it?
Thanks.
Wow, just like that!
That's amazing!
I can't believe you!
- I love it! - Sounds so natural!
- Beautiful! - How did you learn?
Don't worry, it's cool.
Just private dancing. We keep our G-strings on.
They wanted us all night, but I cut a deal.
Midnight at the latest.
I can pick you up if you want.
No, thanks.
Independent workers need to stick together.
- Better finish it! - I want some.
- 500 bucks a bottle. - No way!
Seriously?
I want a taste!
It's light and delicate.
It's vaporous. The buzz is very...
Gentle.
Are you in marketing too?
No, I'm in business with the guy who's fondling your friend.
Arthur, when's the wedding?
Hey, Arthur, don't mind us!
So you're in marketing?
Exactly.
- And Mia's an actress. - No way!
An actress?
A real actress? Famous or not?
Not famous, apparently.
No offense, but we've never seen you.
That's okay.
Don't be insulted.
- I'm not. - Sorry, I laughed.
Hey, I can take a joke.
Look at that neck, that angle...
- Very harmonious. - Elegant, I'd say.
- You have a great physique. - Thanks.
It's not just your physique. Your voice...
And you have a lot of personality.
Mother Nature was good to you.
Sorry, I'm so clumsy!
It's up there, underneath that thing on top.
Savannah!
- How far do we go? - No blow jobs.
Just jerk them off, that'll be fine.
Hey, guys!
How about a dance? That's why we're here, right?
As long as Mia dances.
Be back in five minutes. We'll take care of everything.
You just sit back and enjoy the show.
A present for the best men.
A little surprise.
See you soon, gentlemen.
Hang on.
Guys, have you ever seen two women make love?
- No? Would you like to? - Sure.
You'll like this much better.
One condition: no touching us from now on.
You, take a seat over here.
And you, sit here.
This is what girls do when you're not around.
They do things like this.
Need any help, girls?
Oh, no...
She knows exactly what to do.
Don't stop!
She does it so well.
Wasn't that cool?
Just like I said it would be.
Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
I feel disgusting.
Why? It was just like at the club.
Except that they were a bunch of jerks from business school.
It's not that. I tried out for the Conservatory twice.
I'm 26, it's my last chance.
My only connections are losers
who pay to perform for their friends.
Focus on your next tryout.
What you earned tonight
will allow you to turn down exhausting extra work
that pays dirt.
A long time ago, before I started dancing,
something happened to me.
This guy I had kind of dated,
the head of a regional theater, called me.
He asked me to dinner with a director friend of his.
I invited a friend, thinking it would be fun.
But it wasn't at all what I expected.
What happened?
We had wine,
and I just didn't see it coming.
But before I knew it, I was in the director's lap,
making out with him.
Where was your friend?
She hadn't arrived yet.
She's always late.
The other guy, the head of the theater,
had disappeared.
He may have said good bye, I'm not sure...
Anyway...
The director and I were still kissing.
But I wasn't into it, so I asked him to stop.
I said "no" several times.
I may have been laughing,
but I clearly said "no."
And...
I'm sure he put on a condom
because I remember thinking,
"Shit, he's really going to do this."
I didn't know what to do.
I remember telling myself
that it would be over faster if I gave in.
There.
Then my friend walked in.
The guy was ashamed. He ran to the bathroom,
holding his pants.
My friend and I started laughing.
She said she saved her friends
by grabbing guys by the dick and throwing them out the window.
He raped you.
The theater guy...
He gave you to his friend as a present.
That's Benjamin!
He looks wasted. I'll introduce you.
Say we usher in the same theater, okay?
Hi, love.
Hi, honey.
- Meet Aurora, the new usher. - Hi.
- How was the play?
So-so. The actors weren't very good.
And I'm not really into Brecht.
You know what I think of theater. If you're not in the play...
Bye.
See you soon.
Bye.
"Forgive me, Madam. With a blush I own
That I wrongly constructed words of innocence.
For very shame I cannot bear your sight longer. I go..."
"Ah! Cruel Prince, too well You understood me.
I have said enough To save you from mistake.
Well! Contemplate Phaedra
in all her fury.
I love.
But think not That at the moment when I love you most
I do not feel my guilt; no weak compliance..."
- Sorry, my hands are greasy. - That's okay.
You know it by heart. You're ready.
Hi, bimbos!
Hey, Elo. How's it going?
- Good, and you? - You look great.
You, too.
You stayed!
- Is it going well? - Great.
Don't you want your fries? They're expensive around here.
- How are you, Elody? - Yes, my darling.
- How are you? - Good. You?
- Where were you? - In Patagonia!
- With whom? - With...
Corto Maltese.
- How are the clients these days? - As usual.
- Have you heard from Marlène? - No, why?
You know I have my private clientele.
- One client wanted Marlène. - She had private clients, too?
Occasionally.
She told him she was going to Qatar, to be a backup dancer.
A show performed once for the king, once for the queen.
They confiscate passports in Qatar.
That's why we have no news. She's locked up somewhere in the desert.
I bet she married a prince.
You're so negative!
- Girls, Four-Eyes wants a parlor. - What?
Did he win the jackpot?
- Aurora, he wants you. - Well, well...
Good for you, girl!
I'd like to suggest something that's forbidden.
Please, keep dancing.
I'm going to give you my phone number.
I want us to make love.
0-6...
- 0-7... - 0-6-0-7...
8-5...
This wine is lovely.
Lots of new tastes in my mouth.
That's the banks of the Rhône.
Southward facing, limestone terrain.
That's what gives it a robust taste.
I'll show you my cellar if you like.
One of my clients pays me in Grand Cru wines.
By the way...
Thank you.
I love your voice.
It's so soft.
Thank you.
I love everything about you.
The moment I saw you on stage that first night,
I fell in love.
And I immediately felt a bond.
You and I are the same. We know how it feels to be lonely.
Am I wrong?
No, you're right.
It brings us closer together.
Shall we kiss?
Is Mia here? I can't get her on the phone.
She's with an interminable but very wealthy client.
- He keeps asking for more. - Give me the keys. We'll close up.
I'm not Savannah. I know he's a client and not a date.
Listen to yourself. You sound like a hooker.
We're dancers, not hookers!
It's weird that the money turns you on.
Maybe, but that's how it is.
I'm honest about my desire.
So, tell me.
Well...
Maybe it's because I fantasized about having sex for money,
but it was so obvious and natural.
I was totally wet before we even started.
I was more comfortable with him than most of the guys I've slept with.
Did he take off his glasses?
Not even!
- What does he do? - I'm not sure.
He didn't really tell me.
But he had a lot to say.
Maybe it was the heat of the moment,
- but he almost asked me to marry him. - Come on...
It was quite touching.
- Did you come? - Almost.
And you're proud of yourself, too!
I'm done!
- You have the keys? - Yes, I'm waiting for someone.
Hello.
Hi, there.
- I brought croissants. - Thanks.
- Ready? - Sure.
- At first, I'm a supermarket cashier. - Right.
I walk in and start talking about working with small, local producers,
the great discounts... And you walk in.
The farmer's daughter
with a special delivery... Something like that.
- Get it? - Sure. What kind of music?
No idea. We'll think about it.
I'm already naked when you walk in.
I do my thing.
You come from over there.
- Here? - Perfect.
Now, it's my turn...
Hello, I'm filling in for my husband who couldn't deliver today.
I brought lots of seasonal fruit.
I have strawberries,
apples,
and a little pear.
I have...
grapefruits.
Oh, hi...
We're rehearsing.
Want to help us out with the staging?
Thanks, but I have to go change.
- Okay. - No problem.
- Bye. - Bye.
You think she saw us?
So what? We're rehearsing.
Right?
- Hi. - Is Manon here?
- Give me your things. You're soaked. - No, thanks.
- Sure? - Yeah.
- Hello! - Hi.
I had a meeting in the area.
Great, let's relax and have a drink.
- Let's go to my room. - Sure.
Thanks.
I can't stay.
I'm sorry, I'm...
I'm no picnic.
You're a beautiful picnic.
Aren't you scared of loving me? You know it's impossible.
On the contrary, it gives me confidence.
I feel alive for the first time in ages.
- Know what I mean? - Yes.
Yes, I do.
Want a little dance?
What about the security deposit?
I see.
That won't work for me. Thank you. Bye.
How do you rent here if your parents aren't loaded?
Don't rent in Paris. I'm in Bobigny.
Candy is in Stains. There's more than Paris.
I'm in Paris, but I share with an elderly person.
- How is that? - Smells like pee, but it's fine.
It might be easier to buy than to rent.
I can't afford to buy.
It's not so expensive these days.
I can make you pay slips. Agencies and landlords love them.
Didn't I tell you? I got a permanent job!
That's fabulous!
- A change of scenery. - You bet!
- You have a real job? - In accounting. It's too unstable here.
I had no idea.
- Are you working today? - Girls...
I'm shortlisted for the Conservatory!
Congratulations!
Let's go!
- I have something to celebrate too! - What?
I have a new boyfriend.
Really?
Guess what? He's a cop.
- Does he investigate cases? - I met him on the street.
He was about to give me... a ticket!
I was leaving the club.
I was still all made up, thank goodness!
He took back the ticket and asked for my number.
- So I gave it to him. - The rules should apply to all.
- Want some? - No, thanks.
It's too early in the day.
- Cheers. - To you.
You're a goddess!
Look what you make in two hours.
- No way. - Absolutely.
I listed all my services.
We could create a shared profile if you'd like.
- I'm not sure. - Look.
This is an individual profile.
I really think it could work.
We'd be dealing with men who aren't sexually frustrated.
Who just want to spice up their lives.
It could be really cool. Take a look.
Take your time. Leave it in my bag when you're done.
- Want to end up like Marlène? - You're so negative!
Working in pairs limits the risks.
When I started having sex,
I couldn't believe
that something so great was still free.
Free? How often have I dressed up,
gotten waxed, bought condoms and invited a boy to a movie,
for nothing.
You're jealous.
You're jealous I'm doing it with Elody instead of you!
It's not safe like here.
- Statistically, it's risky. - Statistics can be manipulated.
If they surveyed female lawyers and bakers,
we'd learn that they, too, get assaulted.
Silly me, worrying about you.
Will you give me the hotel address?
Promised.
I'm done. Let's leave together.
I can't. I have a meeting.
- With whom? - Aren't you curious?
You're the jealous one.
Room 712, it's 6 pm. We're on our way
The client pays first.
I'll count it discreetly. You never know.
If something feels off, do this. See?
- And we'll take off. - Got it.
- You okay? - Sure.
- It'll be fine. - I wonder what he looks like.
Who knows?
Go!
Seventh floor.
You did it! This man is amazing!
My goodness!
My gorgeous girls!
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, who should I start with?
Can't you sleep over?
I can't.
Benjamin's coming home tonight.
I feel like I found the magic formula.
I'm totally at peace.
I have everything I need!
That's because you're in love with me.
Maybe.
What?
Am I getting carried away?
What gets me going
is the way you look at me.
No one's looked at me that way in years.
I love your real name.
Manon.
Tell me a secret.
You first.
You've never told me what your dissertation is about.
I don't like talking about it because...
I dropped out.
- You'll go back. - I don't think so.
I'm sure you know how it works.
You define a subject,
something interesting enough to spend a few years on.
Then you find yourself a dissertation adviser.
Mine was a professor I'd studied with.
I met him during my master's.
He was a fascinating guy, regularly published...
The perfect adviser.
So perfect that... we had an affair.
I didn't see him much. Maybe once or twice a month.
He always took me out to dinner. I loved it.
It's silly, but those meals
mattered as much to me as his advice.
Then, without saying a word to me,
he left his wife and kids
to live with me.
You wicked temptress!
It's not funny.
I told him I hadn't asked for anything,
I didn't want to commit. Love just wasn't my thing.
And he went crazy.
He said I was a tease and I had ruined his life.
Obviously, we couldn't keep working together.
Can't you find another adviser?
You're not allowed to change.
Now you know my secret.
Your turn.
I have a child.
You do?
She's seven.
She's incredible.
Now, she's with her dad half the time, but at first, I was totally alone.
A child complicates everything, especially when you're young.
When I started taking private lessons,
I had this great babysitter. She loved him.
I thought he was really cute.
He was a physics student.
Benjamin?
He made me believe I could do it.
With him, everything was easier.
He helped me clarify things with her father.
We were very much in love, and we became organized.
- So during your weeks off... - I'm with her.
I only see her every other week, so I want to make the most of it.
What's her name?
Eve.
See her in the yellow jacket?
- The little girl with the braids? - Right.
She didn't see us.
Since I started stripping, I've been getting these visions.
Want to hear about them?
- I felt threatened. - Because you're scared of losing her?
Or because she hit a nerve,
because you're gone often.
Yes, maybe. Well, no. It does scare me!
And with the kids, too...
Even if I'm not around.
I try to call every night when I'm away.
I think she sent you a call for help or a warning.
Show her you heard it. You don't have to change everything.
- It could be little things. - Why don't you just ask her?
You could say, "Thinking of you.
I've missed you. It's been a long week..."?
- Would that be good? - It's a great idea.
Women love that.
You like the car I rented for you?
Yeah... not bad.
I think I can make you come just by doing this.
Shall we try?
Like this?
Wanna go shopping? Welcome to Cockmart!
I'm Aurora, your favorite cashier.
I'm here to make sure
your time in the store is the best it can be.
I know why you shop with us.
I understand you like to eat melon
in the winter.
That's very bad!
And you, you insist on eating pears in April!
That's just awful.
But here at Cockmart,
GMOs make anything possible!
Genitally Mobile Organisms.
Would you mind holding this?
You'll see, I'm very fast. I'll be right back.
- What's up? - Hurry!
- What's wrong? - Benjamin's here!
- Fuck. - Is that your brother?
- Boyfriend. Why is he here? - Who knows?
I'll fill in for you.
- I can do a parlor for him. - Are you crazy?
I have to calm down.
Let's go. This isn't a massage parlor.
People come here to watch. Out you go.
Well, sir,
how about a parlor to finish up?
What are you doing here?
- Is this your job? - Yeah, I work the front desk.
It's not as cool as a real theater. I was afraid to tell you.
Why are you here?
You came to see the show?
No. I followed you.
Lately, you seem...
different, strange.
Sorry, I don't know what I was thinking.
I thought you were cheating on me.
Sorry, but we have other girls.
Mia works the register and helps out with the cleaning.
This is my boyfriend.
Is she your girlfriend?
You're one lucky guy.
She's got a magnificent ass!
I'll go get my things, okay? Wait for me outside?
Wait for me?
Don't touch a thing.
- It's very valuable. - Is it perfume?
Miss, take off your skirt.
Very nice. So...
Who should I start with?
Don't touch her!
He wouldn't give his phone number. I told you it was fishy.
You never talk about your love life.
What do you mean?
I can see you're restless. Your mind's elsewhere.
You'll accept any client.
I'm with someone who's married.
- Don't let it hurt you. - It doesn't.
It's just that...
I keep calling and they don't pick up.
Stop.
It's his problem.
You're free.
Nothing to fear or feel guilty about.
- Are you with anyone? - Goodness, no!
I haven't made love for free in a very long time.
- Hey. - No, my daughter's over there.
- Are you okay? - Yeah.
What happened with Benjamin? Can you still work?
He still manages to surprise me.
Not only was he fine with it, he even asked me to dance for him.
- Mommy, I'm thirsty. - What?
I'm thirsty.
- I think I ran out of water. - I have some.
Thank you.
This is my friend Manon.
This is Eve.
- Can you say hi? - Hi.
I'm very happy to meet you.
- You're the one who speaks Japanese? - I am.
- Want me to say something? - Yes.
- Let's see... - "Hello"?
How do you say "nose"?
"Nose"?
"Mouth"?
- "Ear"? - "Ear" is really cute. Listen.
Hello.
Go ahead.
"On the days we didn't have school, my mother took us
to the homes where she worked as a maid.
While she worked, we stayed in the kitchen
and we could hear her boss ask her to do this or that,
praise or scold her.
One day, her boss said,
'I'm very disappointed.
You can't be trusted.'
My mother burst into the kitchen in tears.
We were scared to see her in such a state."
When I think about it, I still feel disgust
for that tone of voice,
for this world, where humiliating others comes so easy.
Ever since, I have hated
power struggles and hierarchic relationships.
I have written so much on the mechanisms of domination.
Why have I never written about social domination?
I, who felt such social shame,
ashamed of my background.
Once settled in Paris, I met people
whose backgrounds were so different from mine.
I would more or less lie to them about my origins.
With others,
I was deeply embarrassed to admit my origins.
Why didn't I ever explore this issue
in a book or an article?
Bravo!
If I'm selected,
I'll take you on a trip to celebrate.
- You'd be able to go away with me? - Yes!
You're my good-luck charm!
- Are you sure? - Yes, I really want you here.
Bravo.
Thanks! I'm so hungry!
- Great, there's loads of food. - Hi!
- Come in. - Welcome to our home.
So, if you get in,
will you quit the club?
What's the problem?
I'm worried about your career. It could cause problems.
It's not like I make porn flicks.
True...
But, think about it.
The Oscars may not be so crazy about the idea.
Right?
Bad news. We're out of wine.
- No! - I brought a bottle.
I don't know what it is.
Gift from a friend. Apparently excellent.
- Your friend's cool. - She's very cool.
I'll open it.
What else do you do in life, other than strip?
- What about you? - I work in theoretical physics.
On particles. I study flavors.
Fabulous! I love to eat!
Do you work with molecular gastronomy?
Not really. Flavor, in terms of physics,
is a property that allows us to distinguish...
different particles from each other, like quarks.
- What's that? - The tiniest things we know.
There are six different kinds: up, down, strange, beauty.
It sounds so poetic.
I'd like to work it into an act.
- Up, down! - Exactly!
What's that thing with the charm?
The introduction of the charm quark.
- The charm quark? - Yes, the charm quark.
It's related to the integration of strange particles.
Beauty quarks come next.
You still haven't told me what you do.
I told you, she's into geography.
Make room.
I'm giving up on my PhD.
And I have no interest in teaching.
That's understandable. But you must have a goal in life?
Give her a break!
Why is everyone so obsessed with life goals?
Don't we have any vodka?
Yes, it's in the...
in the freezer.
I'm coming.
I think
Benjamin has something in mind.
- I do? - Yeah.
What would you say
if we did a little number for you?
- I can't turn that down, can I? - No.
He looks like my dad!
Isn't your dad a nice guy?
You know, we're so excited to go away with you for the weekend.
Sorry, I really wanted to, but I'm too scared.
It's off.
- What? - I changed my mind.
What a shame!
We turned down a big opportunity for you.
We're so disappointed.
I'll pay you as agreed. No problem.
Thank you.
That's so sweet of you.
- We said 2,000, right? - Right.
Each?
Thank you.
You're leaving?
Yes.
- Some other time? - See you soon.
Hello.
Excuse me, do you have a light?
Thank you.
Have we met?
Would you like a selfie? We're in the middle of rehearsing.
No, thanks. But our paths have crossed.
At a wrap party.
I was with a friend
who loves your work.
What are you doing here?
Stop seeing her.
I paid, so you're going to listen to me.
I take care of her.
Morning, noon, and night.
Our love is real.
For five years, I've taken care of her, day and night.
- Have you asked her? - Not just at night, for fun.
I take care of her daughter, too.
You've never seen her. I see her all the time.
- I know her. - Shut up!
Shut your mouth!
Just stop seeing her.
Camelia told me about Marlène.
She's in Macau.
She's a surrogate mother for rich fags.
No way! That's fantastic!
She's creating new life.
Candles!
Careful not to set your hair on fire.
How are you?
Thank you, baby. That's so nice.
Thanks, love.
- What is it? - It's from Mia and me.
- It's an Egyptian good-luck charm. - Beautiful!
These colors look good on you.
Thank Mia for me. What a lovely gift.
I didn't know it was her "off" week.
Isn't she coming today?
Don't be upset on my last day.
I have problems with my apartment.
And I wish she were here too.
We know you only came to see her.
Come on, Sati. Give it a rest.
- She can do what she wants. - Right. Give me some candy.
Hey, don't you go eating all my candy!
It must hurt seeing her with her boyfriend.
He looks so in love.
Shut your fucking mouth. What's your problem, bitch?
It's big.
Yeah.
I feel like my dreams were too big for me.
Can't you see there's space for a child's room?
- I didn't ask for anything. - Me neither.
I'll never ask you to leave Benjamin.
But I was thinking...
if you ever needed to take a break,
this is the place. There's room for you and your life.
I'm such an idiot!
No, you're not.
Not at all.
I think about it, too.
I think about it seriously.
I want us to be together.
But you have to stop hooking.
What do you mean, I have to?
What's the problem?
I've made a year's rent in two months!
I can't stop. And I don't want to.
Then I can't leave Benjamin.
Don't be such a prude. It doesn't suit you.
Maybe I am a prude.
It'll mark you for life.
You think I'm a lost soul?
It'll pollute your relationship with whomever you love.
Selling one's body
is the ultimate submission. It makes me crazy.
We have to stop seeing each other on the side.
What's going on? Are you finishing your PhD?
No.
But I met someone.
And I believe in us.
- What does he have that I don't? - It's a girl.
Sorry, I'm meeting with her. I can't be late.
I'm in!
Can you believe it?
Congratulations.
Do you girl enjoy the ice cream?
You do? My favorite is tutti-frutti.
- You can taste all the flavors. - Exactly.
We'll need you all summer.
To keep us cool.
What's your favorite?
I liked the grapefruit.
Mia, what's yours?
- Raspberry. - Hey, Mia?
Want my psychic's mobile? She really helps me.
- I'm beyond help. - Don't say that!
Mia, I seriously think you're the greatest actress here.
I've seen you lots of times. But it always feels
like the first time. You're excellent.
Don't lose hope.
Hi.
Are we not working?
The prettiest girls, the best show and no clients.
Hey, I'm here!
Aurora, want to suck on a pop with us?
No, thanks. I'll go get changed. I'm melting.
Why won't you answer my messages?
Listen...
He comforted you.
Not me.
Don't cry.
If we split up, we can't even be friends.
You've never loved two people at once.
One is already more than I can handle.
Don't say that.
I so wish you'd find someone better.
Someone really good for you.
You really don't get it.
I don't need to be with anyone.
I wanted to be with you, not just anyone.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what to do.
I don't know what I want.
Come. Come with me.
Even if it's the last time.
Showtime, girls!
Look who's here.
"You know,
there's nothing worse in the world than to be a free woman.
A free woman with nothing to do.
Willy-nilly, I am immoral.
I am an immoral woman, Platonov. And I love you, perhaps...
because I am immoral.
I shall perish.
Women like me always do.
If I were only a professor
or a director of some sort.
If I were a diplomatist,
I'd turn things topsy-turvy in this world.
A free woman...
and without anything to do.
That means, I'm superfluous."
- Like this? - Yes.
What the hell was that?
Platonov by Chekhov.
The guy didn't come to hear tonterias.
He's waiting for you in a parlor.
It's not easy, is it? Watching the person you love.
I ended up here after meeting a dancer.
She was married.
I waited 10 years for her to leave her husband.
But in the end, she chose him.
That racist guy is really scary. I don't know how you do it.
- I don't have a choice. - There's always a choice.
Don't lecture me, you little rich bitch.
I have bills. Mom and Dad don't bankroll me.
Back off.
My parents don't help me, but I still refuse perverts.
Of course not. You turn tricks on the side.
Yeah, I told the boss. You're fucked.
You're going to get fired.
How was the parlor?
- Yeah, girl! - Did you bewitch him?
Is he a famous actor? I bet he does commercials.
I hope he'll help you get work!
I'm so happy for you. But I knew it.
You so deserve this.
WE BELIEVE YOU
I knew you'd come back.
You and I have a feel for business, baby.
I thought it would never end. He wore me out.
I think we could hike up our rates.
What about charging more for overtime?
Not for our regulars, of course.
Aren't you worried it'll be hard to get clients?
No, we'll just nail the rich ones.
Richer than the ones we have? Is that possible?
It sure is.
Look who's here.
Aurora!
Wow! What are you doing here?
I'm treating her to a drink. Great atmosphere.
You worked at the club, right?
- Right. - I remember your acts.
- The one with bills stuck everywhere. - Good memory!
In fact, since you left the club,
it's not the same. I never go anymore.
I can't believe I ran into you.
Can I speak in front of... Elody?
Yes, I completely trust her.
I'd like to give you a present. A really nice one.
I came up with an idea.
Would you like to finally visit Japan?
- You want to take me to Japan? - Yes.
Well, no. I want you to go alone.
You can have time to yourself and relax.
You lucky girl!
- That would be extraordinary! - Wild!
Totally unexpected!
- Is this for real? - Absolutely.
And then, we can get together.
To tell me about it.
- Hello. - Hello, sir. A parlor?
No, thanks. No parlor.
I came to see a young lady
I saw here recently.
She recited Chekhov.
I'm an actor, working on my first feature film.
I'm the director, and I'm looking for an actress.
This isn't a dating service, you know.
What did you think?
- Well, could you give her this? - It depends.
- Are you buying an admission ticket? - Hi.
You could have told me.
Let's grab a parlor. We can talk in private.
No parlor for me. I don't even want to sleep with you.
It's strictly professional.
Here.
Read it.
Call me if you like it. We'll do a test.
I'm sure the part is for you.
I wrote my number on the cover.
I can't thank your friend enough for inviting me to your show.
Bye.
Hi, Aurora. It's me...
Call me back.
Call me when you get this message.
I have something to tell you.
Stay with me, don't go away
Even if it's a little awkward.
This is more than just a fling
Over in the snap of a finger.
I know deep down inside
You mean way too much to me.
I leave, full of regret,
Your memory engraved in my heart.
I will love you forever...
A FEW YEARS LATER
Aurora never returned from Japan.
She successfully disappeared.
No fairy tale.
no husband, no sign of coming back.
Some thought she was dead. Clients asked for her.
Over time, they replaced her with new girls.
You'd like to know if she met some bad people.
Don't count on me to find a moral to this story.
Leave your homes, girls.
Set your own limits.
You can take risks
without ending up dismembered inside a trunk.
Mia! We missed you!
Go get ready and meet us downstairs.
A STAR IS BORN
A NEW FACE LIGHTS UP THE RED CARPET
Why did you stay there?
I wanted to live in a country where you didn't exist.
Did you meet someone?
Someone, yes.
Rather...
a few "someones."
I'm lucky you were my first true love story.
I developed a taste for it.
I wanted to start again.
My good fairy.
When they say my acting feels real, I think of you.
When I lack inspiration, I think of you
and the time we spent together.
And I always find it.
To conclude this special show,
in celebration of your well-deserved retirement,
we have a little surprise for you.
I have compiled the stories of every girl here today,
and I like to tell them
in my own special way.
But there's one story
with a mystery ending:
yours.
I hope you didn't believe me when I said
you can't find love here?
We spend our whole lives looking for love,
losing it, and finding it again.
True love, romance, tenderness...
It all grows like weeds
in the most unexpected places.