A FILM BY MICHEL FRANCO
Hi, Mom.
Fine. You?
I know.
It's been a long time. I thought I'd phone.
Fine.
A little.
Yeah?
That's good.
Okay.
Me, too.
Okay, bye.
Hi.
- How are you? - Fine.
- Sit down. Eat something. - Thanks.
Who were you talking with?
My Dad. I had a smoke outside.
- How is he? - Fine, he asked about you.
- Tell him I say hi. - I did.
I'm going for a walk.
- Want me to go with you? - No, I won't be long.
I'm seeing you later, right?
Yes.
- About one o'clock. - Okay.
Okay.
- Thanks. - You're welcome.
My love!
Sam, can I have a drag?
- No way, are you crazy? - One!
You're pregnant.
It's Mom.
- Answer the phone. - You answer it.
What?
Are you going to call her?
Yes.
Hello?
Hi, Mom.
At home with some friends.
It's fine, don't worry about it.
Let me see if she's here.
No, she's not here.
I'll tell her to phone you.
Big kiss.
Me, too. Bye.
- You haven't told her, right? - No.
- You're not going to? - Not until after it's born.
But we need money, mine is running out.
How much was the ultrasound?
Tell me so I can write it down. Mateo is getting more work.
Another ultrasound is coming up and doctor appointments.
- Valeria, can Michel sleep over? - Yes.
But not in the room upstairs.
Don't tell her, I mean it.
APRIL'S DAUGHTERS
Mom!
You knew?
Clara phoned me.
Are you angry?
No.
How are you feeling?
Fine.
I didn't want an abortion.
I haven't said a word.
What's the father's name?
Mateo.
He's working with Clara, he wants the baby.
Mom?
I'll be right out, sweetie!
- Sweetie! - Mom!
Let me have a look at you. You're beautiful.
- How are you? - Fine.
- How was your flight? - I can't stand the air conditioning.
- And this heat, right? - Yeah.
You look good!
Yeah.
Let's see.
Don't start going on about me being fat.
No, I've never said that.
Sloppy...
And Valeria, how does she look to you?
Tell me about her boyfriend.
He's a good guy. His father owns a hotel downtown.
He helps me in the shop in the afternoons. That's it.
- Does he love her? - Yeah, a lot.
- How old is he? - 17.
17?
- And how are you? - Fine.
- Are you seeing anyone? - No.
No? Tell me the truth.
I was, but not anymore.
I want to create a website and teach Yoga online.
But I'm not sure whether to make it subscription based,
or find sponsors and offer free courses.
I want to show you some photos.
In which format?
In a high quality hard drive.
A photographer recently took them.
Can you help me record the videos?
Sure.
Videos are the most important part.
You need to offer different routines so people don't get bored.
Us three can do it.
Valeria can learn quickly and be in the videos.
We should make a sexual education website for her, instead:
"How not to get pregnant on your first try."
Clara!
Come on!
- Have you ever tried this? - No.
You're silly.
I don't know how safe it is at this stage.
How far along are you?
7 months.
After you give birth, it could do you a lot of good.
Let’s cook dinner?
Yeah.
- Where's Clara? - She went to sleep.
How did you get into it?
I had a friend who taught yoga.
She asked me to help her
organize groups and practice space,
I started giving class on Saturdays and that's it.
- Are you doing any exercise? - I walk a lot.
- Did you talk with Mateo's parents? - No.
Why?
I don't know why Clara phoned you.
Aren't you happy I came?
Yes.
How long are you staying?
If you need me to stay, I'll help you.
Whatever you want, honey.
I should have phoned you earlier,
I was afraid.
- When did you stop going to school? - Two months ago.
Are you going back?
Not to that school. I'm going to look for another.
Do you know if my dad is still with the same woman?
Yes.
How old are the girls?
5 and 7.
How about her?
35.
He's like 35 years older than her.
37.
Valeria...
Sorry!
Come on.
Get it out... It's good for the baby.
That's it.
Like this...
Out!
Very good.
That's it.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Like, ham and eggs...
There's an accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.
I'm going to take another measurement.
Do you do any exercise?
Yes.
What sort of exercise?
I walk.
How many times during the week?
Twice a week.
Please put on your blouse.
Hi, Mom. Did you sleep well?
Very well!
- What are you making? - A salsa, for the chicken breasts.
- Smells good! - Thank you.
- Did you use PAM or oil? - PAM.
Good.
Need help?
Want some help?
Yes, thank you.
You were Valeria's age when Clara was born, right?
That's how I know it's not easy.
What'd you have told her if you had found out she was pregnant earlier?
I would have supported her decision.
Do you regret it?
No way.
I hardly ever drink.
I don't think I've ever had a drink with Valeria.
I can help you both a little,
but later you'll have to work hard.
- That's not normal at your age. - But it's what I want.
I'm going to find an apartment.
Don't tell Valeria we drank together, okay?
How pretty!
Let's get a photo...
She isn't very photogenic, right?
What are you doing?
Hello!
Welcome.
- Is my son here? - Yes, come in.
No, thank you.
Mateo?
Hi, Dad.
What are you doing with a baby?
It's a girl, Karen.
- Don't worry, Dad. - No, I'm rather disappointed.
Don't think your Mom will help you take care of her.
Where's Valeria?
- I'm exhausted. - She's hungry!
- Give her a bottle. - You didn't pump enough, come on.
Hi, Dad.
I'm getting money together to rent an apartment.
Oh, yeah?
So?
I want to ask if you'll let me help in the afternoons.
Obviously I'll work for tips.
If you want to play house, learn to be independent.
I'll work only for tips. Nobody's working here in the afternoons.
Hello!
- Could I get my key, please? - It's 24, right?
Thank you very much.
What?
Doesn't Mom want to meet the baby?
We'll talk about this later, but not here.
Okay.
Mateo's not here.
He can pick it up when he comes back.
Gregorio, don't leave his things here.
What's up with the laxatives?
She needs a cleanse. She's had bad habits for years.
When is she losing weight?
She just started taking them. She needs to follow the diet.
What if she has that operation that makes your stomach smaller?
She'll lose weight naturally.
Taking a shit every half hour is normal?
She needs to change her habits.
The point is for her to be happy, right?
Does she look happy to you?
Oscar!
Go inside.
- What do you want? - I need to talk with you.
Talk.
- I need you to help Valeria. - Tell her to call me.
She'll never phone you.
If she needs me, tell her to call me.
Oscar...
I don't bite!
Don't be an asshole.
How are you doing?
Don't stay here. He won't come out.
Have you finished?
- Are you going home? - Yes.
I'll take you. That way we can talk.
Thank you.
How are your children, Veronica?
Fine, thank you.
The youngest is 4, and the eldest is 10.
Turn left at the next corner, please.
How are your daughters?
Fine.
Clara is running a printing shop.
Valeria...
- She doesn't want to study. - Take a left here.
Yes, I remember. She's very stubborn.
Where are you living?
At the house in Vallarta.
That house is pretty.
That's where we went during vacations.
Do you remember?
After the tree, at the gate.
Please.
- Come in. - Thank you.
I'm going for my kids. I won't be long.
Okay.
- Hi, Mom. - Hello, Clara.
Where are you?
I'm driving. I went to Guadalajara.
What for?
I wanted to see Valeria's dad.
I thought he might help us.
What did he say?
He's very sick.
With what?
He has cancer.
Was he with his family?
No, he was alone.
Are you going to tell Valeria?
No.
When will you get home?
In a couple of hours.
Drive carefully.
- Big kiss. - Thanks, Mom.
My darling, it's okay! Honey!
The doctor's on his way.
Valeria, please calm down, honey!
She's burning up.
Calm down.
- Leave! - No, Mom.
It's okay, sweetie.
You like that, don't you?
There you go, sweetie.
We can't give you the pacifier.
Can you clean it?
Not in the sea!
Let's sit down.
- Where were you? - At the beach.
- Why didn't you tell me? - What's the problem?
Don't do this to me again, Valeria! Don't ever do this again!
- Valeria. - What?
Give me the diaper bag.
What, honey?
My darling, I was so worried.
I'm going to clean you.
Yes, my darling.
Pass me a wipe, please.
What is it, sweetie?
- What's this? - They gave it to me.
Who?
A friend of my Mom's.
We should buy her new things as she needs them.
I'll buy them for her.
Are you sure?
Yes.
What do I do with this?
Return it.
All of it?
Yes.
- How many are you? - Two.
A room with twin beds or one King- sized bed?
- Twins. - All right.
Room 311, up the stairs, on the left.
Great, thank you.
Welcome. See you later.
- Sorry. Did you already sign? - We were waiting for you.
- Where? - Here.
- Not reading them? - No, it's fine.
No need to sign at the notary?
My lawyer told me that signing here is good enough.
- Here? - And here.
I need your identification.
- Original or copy? - Original, please.
Honey, give her your ID.
Here.
I need to go.
There's a client.
You can finish your coffee, no rush.
Yes, Sir. Good morning!
- Can we leave? - Let's go.
Where's Karen?
I called you a thousand times. Why didn't you answer?
Where's Karen?
- We're worried about the baby. - Why? What happened?
Mateo's parents and I decided that you aren't ready to have a baby.
So?
We just signed the adoption papers.
Adoption?
Mom, what did you do?
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Let me go!
You're crazy, Mom!
Clara?
Hi, Mom.
How are you?
Hanging in there.
I need the car keys. Could you lend me the car?
Yes.
I'll return it tonight.
How's Valeria?
She hasn't come out of her room.
How long are you staying?
For as long as necessary, honey.
Call me if anything comes up.
Thank you.
I don't think she's hungry. She's fast asleep.
Aren't you?
I'll give it to you later.
My love, look at these precious little hands.
Yes, my darling, I'm here with you.
- Can I offer you anything? - No, thank you.
Hello?
Yes.
No.
Yes, she's here.
Okay, bye.
Where is she?
She asked if you were here and hung up.
- We're almost there. - Thank you.
- Careful. - Thank you.
That's enough, Clara!
Don't start, Mom.
You don't start!
Food will be ready in 15 minutes.
Hi!
Did she call you?
No.
I thought she could be staying with a friend in Sayulita, no luck.
Thank you.
Where were you?
Looking for a lawyer to sue you.
Valeria, you have to eat something.
You can't go on like this.
You're going to get sick.
Valeria, please.
You don't have to talk to me, but please eat something.
Valeria, open up!
Mateo!
How are you?
Come, I want to talk with you.
It's very important.
You have to trust me and not tell anyone.
Nobody!
I swear.
I know where Karen is.
- How? - Are you doing as I say?
Where is she?
You aren't telling anyone until I say so.
You know who adopted her?
If you tell anyone, forget about seeing her.
No, I won't tell anyone!
Is it here?
Veronica?
Hello!
Good morning.
Excuse me.
Who's come to see you?
- My love! - Hold her head.
You're so big.
She's sleepy.
Hold her.
Come here.
My little girl!
She's big, right?
She's lovely!
It's your Daddy. He's come to see you.
This is her size, right?
It should be fine.
Look at this cute little thing!
It's a smaller size. It's better.
- Like it? - Yes, I like it more.
It can be used two ways.
- It's reversible? - Yes.
No, here's the tag. We can cut it off.
Mateo, I'll wait for you in the car.
It was the only way to be close to her.
Mateo,
you weren't ready.
Would you like us to stay?
Yes.
Mateo...
Calm down.
Don't see Valeria until I say, okay?
When are you going to tell her?
Don't worry. I'll talk with her.
Do you trust me?
Yes.
Do you feel better now?
Then listen to me.
When is she going to see Karen?
When she's better.
Trust me.
Mateo... what are you going to say?
That I was with Luis and his girlfriend.
Good.
What is it?
Let me sleep with you.
Not yet.
Hi.
Our luggage.
Do you want me to put...
Okay. Thank you.
You're welcome.
For you!
Thank you.
- Ready? - Yeah.
See you tomorrow.
She broke everything in your room.
- Mom, what are you doing? - I'm leaving.
Why?
It's best for everyone.
Everyone aboard please.
Hello.
Come in.
- How was your trip? - Good.
How's Karen?
Come take a look.
Hello!
It's time for her bottle.
She fell asleep.
Look what I brought.
- How do the jeans fit? - Fine.
I tried on these.
- They're a little too tight? - No, I like them.
Yeah?
And the shoes?
They're nice.
Let's see your jeans.
What do you think?
Good, right?
Try that on.
Did you ask for another one? Great!
I have a great project we can do from home. Yoga classes.
We film them and give the classes.
I want you to do it with me.
You'll be great. I'll teach you the poses. Are you up for it?
Sorry, what did you say your name was?
- April. - April, of course!
- And yours? - Álvaro.
Mateo, Álvaro.
Listen, there's a bar next door. A friend's playing there.
- Want to come with us? - I don't know.
A group of us are going. Come on.
- Yeah? - Yeah, it's over here.
You want one of these?
No, thank you.
- Sorry! - Good evening.
- Hi, how's Karen? - Everything's fine.
Well, you can go home now.
Thank you.
- Did I already pay you? - Yes, when I arrived.
Well, I'll call you another day.
- Thank you, Lucía. - Good night.
Did you see her face?
Don't come until I say when. And don't make noise. Is that clear?
Just a minute!
- Do you like it? - Yes.
And do you like this?
You have a huge cock.
It's huge.
Stay still.
It's me.
I'm fine.
How are you?
I'm sorry I just left like that.
Yes, I'm fine.
In Mexico City,
but I can't tell you where.
Because I can't.
Why not?
I want to see you, I miss you so much!
Tell me what happened!
Tell me why not.
No, wait...
Hello.
What's the matter?
Mateo called me, he didn't tell me where he is.
Do you know anything?
Is he okay?
I don't know.
- I thought you would know more. - You know he never calls here.
If he calls again, let me know.
Where were you?
Hello?
I'll call you back.
Bye.
- Who was it? - A friend.
Why didn't you talk with him?
I'm with you and Karen.
- It wasn't a female friend? - No way.
You can talk with your female friends.
And we exhale...
With the word that means, "The light in me sees the light in you,"
we finish today's practice.
Namaste.
I'm done!
Hi!
How are you, princess?
- Did she eat well? - Yes, very well.
She wants to go with you.
- Are you going to practice? - Yes.
- And you? - Are you going to practice, too?
Here, sweetie.
What's up?
We have a surprise for you.
Yeah?
This.
Seriously?
Thank you!
Be careful.
- I'll go for a spin. - Not too fast!
- See ya. - Say bye!
Good afternoon, I'm here to take photos of the house.
Photos for what?
Look, I work at Century 21's Marina office.
In order to sell the house, we need photos of the interior.
It will be quick. May I come in?
No.
Would you like me to phone the office to verify?
You knew Mom wants to sell the house, right?
Century 21 Marina, good afternoon.
Diego Sanchez is at my house to take photos.
Just a moment.
Give me Mom's number.
- I don't have it. - Give it to me.
She changed it.
Yes, when can he return take photos of the house's interior?
The house isn't for sale.
I'm sorry. The information I have says it's for sale.
We're working with a branch in Mexico City. We need the photos.
I can give you their number.
Yes, please.
It's the Century 21 in Condesa: 0155 7195 4970.
Thanks.
Give it to me.
Century 21 Condesa, good afternoon.
Hi, are you selling a house in Puerto Vallarta on Amapas Beach?
Just a moment, please.
Yes, that's right.
I need the contact information of the owner, April Martínez.
I'm unable to give you that information.
I live in this house. I need my mother's contact information.
I see, but I really can't...
I'll go with you.
Don't go alone.
Let's see if she likes this.
Let's see. Just a little.
She likes it!
Here, sweetie.
I'm thinking about getting pregnant.
Seriously?
Why does that seem odd to you?
I didn't think you could get pregnant.
That way Karen won't grow up alone.
I may need treatment, but doctors in the U.S. are very good.
It'll be good for us to move there. I'll sell the house in Vallarta.
Where will Valeria and Clara live?
Is that what's worrying you?
Here, sweetie.
Finish feeding her.
I'll take this.
Hello.
- You're selling a house in Vallarta? - Let me check.
We have these three.
- Could I see the second one? - Of course.
It's worth 26 million, 200 pesos.
It's 65 feet from the beach, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room.
- Would you like a printed copy? - Please.
- Is it for your family? - Yes.
Actually, I need the owner's information.
I can't give you that information. We're the intermediaries.
My mother is the owner. Her name is April Martínez.
Do you want to see some I.D.?
I can't give you the information.
I came all the way from Vallarta to look for her.
I could lose my job.
Wait!
I was here the day she put the house up for sale.
She walks by here a lot.
She goes to those yoga places on Campeche and Amsterdam Avenue.
Thank you.
Good luck.
Hi, have you seen a Spanish woman doing yoga here?
Her.
Thank you.
Hello, may I help you?
I'm looking for April. She does yoga here. She's Spanish.
- A lot of people come here. - Can I take a look?
- No, they're in class, beautiful. - Thank you.
Thank you.
Have a nice evening.
Hi.
I'm looking for my mother.
Her name's April. She may practice yoga here.
She's from Spain.
No, I haven't seen her.
Has anyone seen this woman?
Who are you fucking?
You can't get it up anymore.
I want to know, Mateo!
Hello.
By any chance do you know this woman?
She's Spanish. She takes yoga classes around here.
Thanks.
Hi, do you know this woman by any chance?
She practices yoga around here. She's Spanish.
Thanks.
Mom! Karen!
Mom, open up!
Mateo, open up!
Karen, it's me! Mom!
- You told her where we live? - I didn't!
- Liar. - I'm not lying!
Liar!
Get out!
Good afternoon, would you like to see the menu?
Bring a high chair and a glass of water, please.
- Would you like help? - No, thank you.
I need you to help me find my daughter.
- How old are you? - 17.
Call someone from Child Services.
Come in.
Hello.
That's Karen.
- Are you sure? - Yes. Where is she?
- Under observation at a hospital. - Can I see her?
We have to follow procedure and get her father involved.
We spoke with your sister.
She told us Mateo's staying with his parents in Vallarta.
Since you're underage, you need her father to get returned custody.
I can't see her today?
We have to follow procedure.
You hate me.
No, I don't.
I think we can still be together and take care of Karen.
We can live with Clara. Open the printing shop again.
Really?
Yes, I want us to be together.
- Ready? - Yes.
- Everything's going to be fine. - Thank you.
Let us know if you need anything.
- Thank you so much. - Have a nice day.
- Take care. - Goodbye.
We'll be in touch.
We're going to the beach!
I'm going to buy her something to drink.
Could you bring me some water?
I'll be right back.
Good afternoon, where to?
I don't know, I'll tell you in a minute.
But which way?
Just drive, I'll tell you.
Written, Directed and Produced by Michel Franco