You know those homes, the Russian-style ones called "dachas"?
We used to live in one when I was a boy, right?
Because my father had read in a sort of magazine
that this company in Eastern Europe was selling them.
These houses were prefabricated.
-What are you watching? -So these two trucks came out.
-They built it in a week. -A video of Fausto Lucia gave me.
One morning, my dad says,
"We need to leave 'cause this place isn't safe."
I later found out that he didn't make any of the house payments, obviously.
It's too weird seeing you watch a video of Fausto.
He doesn't even know you, so I don't…
I don't know if he'd like it if you were watching his stuff.
Sure.
I understand, yes.
Thanks.
I'll give you some space.
Hidden in that house, there's a recording on a cassette tape,
which has so many of my childhood thoughts and memories,
and I left it there so I could listen to it again as an adult.
I don't remember exactly what it said,
even though I'm pretty sure it must have had something to do
with the fact that mom and dad didn't ever stop arguing.
In fact, I'd like to listen to that tape, and I'd like my children to hear it too.
Because when I was a boy, although I was sad,
I managed to get through it.
I was always sad when I was a kid, but later I had a happy life.
So I think that inside that tape, you'll find the recipe for happiness.
Mm.
Who took the bomp?
Every day and night
Every day and night…
I can see your disco
Disco dick is sucking my heart Out of my mind
One, two, three, four
You got what you've been asking for
You're so policy free And your fantasy wheels
And everything you think And everything you feel…
MY FAMILY
All right
Demetrio?
-Are you awake? -No.
-Hurry up, find your shirt. -Huh?
We're going on an outing with Libero, so get up.
-Why? -Why so many questions?
We're going on a treasure hunt. Come on. It'll be fun. Let's go.
Treasure hunt? Do you need to be so chipper in the morning, though?
Valeria, we're going out.
Valeria?
-Valeria? Yo. -Yo.
-Did you call me? -Yeah.
We're going out. Yeah, Maria called me.
We're gonna go on some sort of excursion. I don't know.
We're gonna go to the house where I grew up.
Oh, sounds pretty nice.
-I don't know about nice. -Oh.
But Libero's coming too, so that's good.
Well, I'm going to lunch with my dad.
Yeah?
Yeah, we, uh… haven't spoken in like, uh, six months.
He called me to get together, so it's super exciting.
Why's it been so long since you spoke to your father?
Um… well, he and I have never gotten along much.
He's in the military. He's rigid.
He was unlucky enough to have a daughter like me,
and… ever since my sister died,
things have gotten… more complicated.
And he's the one taking care of my niece now.
He basically took her away from me. And I miss her more than you'll ever know.
Well, you never told me about that.
-You never ask anything. -I mean, I don't know.
Well, maybe today, who knows, you and my dad will both surprise me.
-Right? -No one ever really changes.
That's what I need, a big dose of optimism, bright and early.
-It's how it is. It's just-- -It's just what?
Uncle Valerio!
-Catch up tonight, then? -Catch up tonight, yeah.
-Bye. -All right. Ciao.
-Demetrio. -Can't convince him.
-Libero's not coming down. -I knew it.
Sorry.
Fine, we'll go another day.
No, no. Nope. We're going today.
Will you let me give it a shot?
I really don't think you have much of a chance.
Come on. Let me try. Give me like five minutes, since I'm here.
-Can I? Yeah? Okay. -Fine. Move it.
-Oh, Libero! -Jesus…
Maria, we agreed that he wasn't supposed to come.
Don't look at me. It wasn't my doing.
Why did you invite him?
-No, I didn't. He tagged along. -It's not what we agreed to.
Listen, Maria. We decided to go see the house where our family used to live.
So I think it makes sense that he wanted to join. Sorry.
-Yeah, she's right. -Don't you get it, Maria?
She's convinced that they're getting back together.
God, Valerio, you've become a snake.
You can't help but shoot venom when speaking to me.
Don't. I forbid you to talk back to her.
The point is, this morning, nobody wanted to come.
The only one was Gaetano. Be thankful that he came along.
Can't you just show an ounce of enthusiasm?
Come on. Just do me a favor. Don't leave it all up to me.
We can give you enthusiasm, Maria.
But get it through your head, if Libero refuses…
…we're not going at all.
Excuse me, but Maria is really trying here.
Maybe she's wrong.
But try to be a bit more positive, would you?
-Yeah, right. Let's be positive. -Let's have a laugh, Lucia.
-All right. -Darling!
-Hello. -Libero.
-Hey, Libero. -Hey you.
-Libero? -How did you convince him?
Honestly? You all talk too much.
You don't know when to stop.
All of you.
My God, Gaetano. You're unbearable. What did you do?
We have an agreement.
It's done. For only 57 euros.
Kid wanted 100.
Come on, let's go!
-There's a tape we need to find. -A tape? What is that?
It's a rectangular thing that we used before CDs to listen to music.
I also brought this,
so if we find it, we can even listen to it.
Since this is a moment of general confusion,
I hope that this day can bring a little peace to us all.
-Hallowed be thy name. -Amen.
Amen.
Fine. I won't talk anymore.
Why did you come?
Maria invited me here.
Is your house in Spain?
Mm, no. I don't have a house.
Are you homeless?
No, if you travel a lot, there's no need to have one.
Of course, there's the house where I was born.
Where my mom lives in Barcelona. But I haven't seen her in two years.
Wait, you haven't seen your mother in two years?
Nope. It's not that strange.
I think it's strange.
Well, um, in Italy, you are very family-oriented.
But in the rest of the world, kids leave home sooner.
Also… having a house is important for you.
-But I'm not interested in owning a house. -I totally agree with Paul.
-Pau. -Pau.
All this pressure from families is typical of Italians.
-Let's admit it once and for all. -Bravo.
Maybe I'm a Scandinavian at heart.
-You? A Scandinavian? -From Oslo.
Oh, shut up.
What's going on?
Well, it's a punch to the gut.
I wasn't expecting it.
Careful going down.
Go slow, Maria.
What a house, huh?
So many spiderwebs.
-Wow, the fireplace is there. -Huh.
-Hey, Ma, remember when the bat got in? -Oh my goodness. Who could forget?
I picked you up and ran outside, screaming like a crazy person.
-What about Dad? -Yeah, Fausto was there too.
The only one missing was Gaetano, as usual. Isn't that right?
Hmm?
Who's that? What?
But how did you get in?
Oh, sorry. But the… the back was open.
And I found some mice.
No, wait, hold it. If there are mice, I'm not going in.
No, Demetrio, but, um, the mice are small. Uh… field mice.
Ah, right, right.
You're used to seeing crocodiles, so a couple of field mice don't faze you?
Well, I'm scared shitless, and I'm leaving. Goodbye.
-What a big baby. -Don't touch me.
Wait, have you really been around a crocodile?
Gaetano, mice are vicious animals.
Get a hold of yourself.
What do you mean?
A Spaniard's on another level. Come on.
Yeah, I know. But I mean… what's it to me, Gaetano?
Try being nice. I mean, you've got that going for you, I guess.
Demetrio! All right!
-We gonna catch the mice? -Maybe.
Demetrio, me, Pau, Maria.
-All right. Yes. Come on. -And you leave me with that guy?
-Maria! -Where are you going?
Madre mía.
Be careful.
You guys stay put. It's dangerous in here.
-No, it's not. -Why did we come here, then?
Let 'em do what they want. Three generations, one behind the other.
It's a special moment. This is life.
-There you go. -God damn…
Hey! You'll end up dead. Be careful. Hear me?
-You'd like that. You would. -Never mind.
No tape here.
Lieutenant Ciaramitano. Keep your eyes open, Commander.
Yes, sir.
Give me that flashlight, all right? Don't touch anything. You'll get tetanus.
-Whoa, you can't just stop like that. -I'm feeling dizzy all of a sudden.
-Huh? -I don't feel well. My head's spinning.
-Everything all right? -Mm.
-You sure you're okay? -I'm fine. I'll be all right.
-Seriously, I'm just a bit dizzy. -I got it.
Maybe she's claustrophobic.
-Don't know. -She's not claustrophobic.
No.
Maybe low blood pressure? Did you have breakfast?
-Did you eat this morning? -Yeah, yeah, I ate.
How about we just tell them, amor?
-No. -They're getting worried.
-No. -They'll find out soon enough anyway.
-Can you tell us what's going on? -Nothing.
But it's a wonderful thing.
You're pregnant.
Yes.
No!
You're pregnant?
-Why are you crying? -Just, because…
That is so wonderful!
Oh, Maria.
Pau!
Well done, Maria.
-That's not what you say. -Uh… what do you say?
I don't know.
But give me a hug, all right?
Stay behind me!
Wow.
What's it say?
"For grown-up Fausto."
Ready?
Okay.
Hi. My name is Fausto Ciaramitano. I'm nine years old.
This message is for grown-up Fausto.
I wanted to tell you all the things I hope will happen to me.
I hope Mom and Dad split up, 'cause they always fight,
and I don't like it when they yell and throw things at each other.
They keep on fighting, even now when my little brother is about to be born,
and we don't even know his name yet.
I'd like him to be called Valerio.
Last night I heard them fighting and yelling.
And Dad got mad at Mom and said, "There's someone else. Tell me the truth."
But this morning, Mom told me that Dad says a bunch of stupid stuff,
but that she loves him anyway.
And I believe her, because Mom always tells me the truth.
Then I hope you have a wonderful family.
I hope you always have a house full of friends
who think you're a good guy and that you don't steal money.
I have some advice for you, grown-up Fausto.
To be happy, you have to think about yourself first.
I always worry about making others happy, but that doesn't work
because right now, I'm sad.
Listen to me, if you want a happy family,
you have to be happy first.
And sometimes, you have to be selfish.
Don't always put others above you, like I do.
Bye, Fausto. I'll talk to you way in the future,
'cause I hope you live to be 74 or even older.
Come on, then. When we get back to Rome,
the kids and I are going to grab the best burger in the city.
No way. I'm not going anywhere with you, and I'm not gonna let the kids go alone.
We're all too tired. It's time to get ready for bed.
-But why? -Because I say so.
-Excuse me, if I may insist… -You don't get to decide.
Why not though? It's not like we're going to buy drugs.
Yes, that's a well-picked exaggeration, you see?
Don't worry, Val. I'll go.
How'd it go?
Well, I heard my son's voice, and… and now I have a lump in my throat
that is not going away.
I've got a lump in my throat too.
It's different, obviously, but a lump all the same.
You got something to say?
Mm-hmm.
Let's drop it, all right?
-You're the one who's overreacting. -I'm overreacting?!
No, you're always right. What's the problem, Maria? Huh?
You didn't wanna tell them, did you? Well, I'm sorry.
I thought that it would be nice news to tell your family. It's my bad.
Am I allowed to decide when I wanna share my news, yes or no?
Okay. Fine. I don't wanna fight, okay?
If you think I messed up, you know what? You're right.
-Now you treat me like an idiot. -I'm not treating you like an idiot.
Since we've arrived, all I seem to do is be wrong.
I don't know how. Can't you see this isn't working?
There's no room for me, Maria.
You know what?
Fair enough. It's better if we don't talk tonight.
Maria.
Maria!
-Here. Enjoy, guys. -Thanks, darling.
Thanks.
Freedom is the foundation, the… the base of, uh, democracy.
-Good place to start, right? -Oh yeah.
And even young people have the freedom to make their own choices.
Too much freedom, in my opinion, but, you know… whatever.
But there's anarchy, which means democracy without rules.
-Which has some redeeming qualities. -Mm.
But that doesn't apply to us.
-It's the last thing we need. -What are you talking about?
I get it.
He wants us back home together.
No, uh, but, you know, guys,
the whole goal is that you two should be living in the same spot.
'Cause that's what mattered the most to your dad.
But dad always said we should do everything to be happy.
And your dad was right.
-Look, stay out of this, Gaetano. -No, you stay out of this, you. Hey!
A little anarchy is good every once in a while.
Anarchy rhymes with ecstasy.
-But democracy, it rhymes with… -With nothing.
Hypocrisy.
Hear that? He's smart.
Ercole.
Tell me, what would bring you joy, kid?
Well, I want us all to live in a house together.
Then fight for it, Ercole.
You gotta fight for what you want.
Go to battle like a warrior. You got that?
-Yes. -Huh? Show me your warrior's stance.
That's some warrior there.
And you, Libero? Do you like where you are now?
The group home?
You can tell us the truth.
Hey.
You can tell us.
Yeah.
Yeah? Then stay where you are, kid.
Who the hell cares what everybody else says?
If it brings you joy, then fight for your happiness.
Like your dad used to.
No, I don't like it there.
Well, wanna know what I think?
We don't always figure out what we want right away.
What brings us joy, and what doesn't bring us joy.
It takes some time.
So take all the time you need. You got it. You're young.
Salud.
-Cheers, Gaetano. -Cheers!
Liberté! Égalité!
-Fraternité! -Well done.
-I wear a size 11 shoe. You? -An eight.
An eight?
Eleven and eight.
-Thanks. Appreciate it. -Of course.
Six euros.
Ah.
-Hey. -Are you working?
-Are you? -Yeah, I'm working.
-Nice to see you. -Say hi.
-I will. -How was it today?
-Give it a shot. -Here we go.
Mm.
-Bye. -You got a strike?
Not bad, actually.
Thought you said you were bad.
What the fuck? You're not gonna ask anything?
Ask you what?
You treat me as if…
as if I was a stool, or an object, or a… glass of water.
-No, don't laugh, Valerio. -Val, what's the problem?
I'm alive. I'm a real person. Not a glass of water.
Yeah. I get that, but what is the problem, huh?
The problem is that today I saw my father. And you don't give a shit.
That's not true.
-Fuck you. -Valeria.
-Yo. -Valerio…
I don't ask you for anything, hmm? I give you a bed, cook meals, but…
You could ask me how I'm doing, at least.
I know, Valeria. I'm sorry.
You know, people need to learn that saying sorry's not enough.
You should learn that.
I'm so fucking over being treated like some kind of failure. I mean…
-I know, Valeria. -Mm.
I get you. They treat me like a failure too, you know?
-Then treat me like a failure as well. -But what the fuck is wrong with you?
Explain it to me.
-Was it good today? -It was bad, Val.
I'm sorry.
I get it, but I don't want to hear that word anymore.
-Hmm? -All right. How about…
No tears?
What should we do now?
Let's make love.
You want to make love?
Like we did the first time we ever saw each other.
It was different, the first time we met.
We both wanted to stop thinking, didn't we?
A bit salty.
That's just how I am. I don't like competition.
Sorry, but what competition?
When he's around, I feel like I'm competing and I'm being judged.
Oh, therefore I'm the prey here? You two are competing for a woman, now?
No, Lucia. I'm not like that, and you know it too.
You know everything, Sergio. You know this, you know that. Come on.
I know that today you didn't want me there.
-And that means something. -And it means what, huh?
That in your head I'm… I'm not really a part of this family.
You're overreacting, Sergio.
I told you not to come with us to save you from boredom. That was it.
-Boredom, really? -Yeah.
Seriously, Lucia?
Mm-hmm.
Here we are. I'm back, Grandma.
That's wonderful news, honey. Come here.
It's all thanks to him. He did a good job.
I brought one grandson back.
Give me a few days, and I'll bring back the other.
Sergiolino, evening.
-Evening. -What are you doing?
-Going home. -But why?
-'Cause I don't want to be here. -Oh, well go then. Bye.
-You're beautiful when you're angry. -No, I'm not angry, Gaetano.
You have to be quiet, though.
That's why we fell in love. Her passion!
-See what I'm talking about? -If that's all it took, you wanted to go.
Lucia, I admit it. I can't deal with your ex-husband.
-It's too much for me. I can't do it. -Okay.
Go ahead, then.
-Fine. -Mm.
If you go, don't come back.
I'm not coming back, Lucia. Not anymore.
Well, there's two things that always relax me.
Well, I bet I know what one is.
The other…
is dancing.
Well, I can't help you with that though.
-No? -I don't know how to dance.
Yeah, but you'll still need a place to stay, right?
Yeah, a few more days, for sure.
Well, then I should be getting something from you.
Am I bothering you? 'Cause if I am, then I can totally leave tonight.
-No. -Seriously, you don't have to worry.
No, stay here.
But dance.
-But I don't dance. I don't dance. -Dance. Dance with me.
-C'mon. -I don't know how to, Valeria.
And up, up, up, on your feet. You dance with me.
-You're insane. What? -Come on! Get up!
You have to learn to dance.
We'll even compete. Yep.
-You got this. -You've lost your mind.
I'll lead, you follow.
It's easy, you'll see. It's not even that much.
I'll teach you. I'm talented.
This is what I do. Come on. Just try for a month. You'll be good.
-Val, I feel like an ass. Like an asshole. -Valerio, come on.
We don't have to win.
It's just so we… prove that we can.
You don't have to prove anything to anyone.
It's just, I know… it'll be a good thing for me. Hmm?
Listen, if you don't want to, there's the door. Car's a comfy bed, huh?
Not a problem.
Off we go.
I'm on tiptoes 'cause my dance shoes have heels.
-Oh, is that right? -So I'm taller.
All right, listen to me. It's side, step, side, back together.
In English?
One, two, three, four. And again. Uh-oh.
-One… -Ow!
-My feet! -Oh, God! One sec. Sorry.
-Watch it. -Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Once more.
I'm sorry.
You want some chicken cordon bleu?
Um…
What are you doing?
I found a flight for tomorrow.
I think it's better if I go to Spain for a few days.
Maria, you have things to do here. And I feel like a burden to you.
-No, it's not true. -Yes, you know it is.
I can start getting things ready for us to live in Barcelona.
It'll be a trial period.
And if you don't like it, we'll see where to raise the baby.
Please tell me this isn't 'cause of me.
It's not.
No, look at me.
It's just that all of this…
…this whole family, it's not for me.
We were fine when we were alone, Maria. Not here.
I don't know if I like what you're saying right now.
And neither do I.
But it is the best thing for both of us.
So you can be more relaxed, you can help everyone,
which is what you like most in the world.
I'm sure you'll be happier this way… really.
-He's asleep. Finally. -Good.
Uh, I'm sorry about earlier.
I joke around, try to keep things light. It's how I am.
I wasn't trying to cause trouble.
Who are you kidding here?
When have you ever not caused trouble?
No, Gaetano. Gaetano. No.
What is this kiss supposed to mean?
Nothing, Lucia.
Just a flash of joy.
I used to float
Now I just fall down
I used to know
But I'm not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?
Taking a drive
I was an ideal
Looked so alive...
Know who I dreamed of last night?
Not real…
Fausto, I don't want to talk about this.
My third child.
I saw him. Actually…
I saw her. A little girl.
Please, Fausto, don't.
Maria, you have to be willing to talk about this before I die.
Come on, at least once.
What exactly do you want me to say? We were 18. We were kids ourselves.
-How were we supposed to raise one? -We would have done it somehow.
I would have three kids.
And she would have been 20. Can you believe that?
Please stop. Why are you doing this?
Because you can't just erase it. All right?
The hospital light, sitting in the waiting room.
You going in with tears in your eyes and coming out doped up from anesthetic.
-I remember it all. Why shouldn't I? -Fine. If you want to remember, go ahead.
I don't want to remember, all right?
Do you wanna have kids?
-With you, I don't. -Then who do you want them with?
With no one.
I just don't think I have a maternal instinct.
That's funny, considering how you are with my kids.
-How I am with your kids? -Yeah.
You don't know how I am with them.
You think you know it all, but you don't know shit.
You might be right,
but at least I'm not afraid of the past like you, you know?
Listen, Fausto, I don't know if keeping that child was right or it wasn't.
But I do know one thing.
I was just fine before you decided to mess it all up.
She had green eyes in my dream.
Anita was her name. She was so beautiful.
One moment, please.
Call me when your flight lands.
-Don't forget. -You afraid it will crash?
It's what you normally do.
I mean, when you land, you call. Is it too Italian for you?
Maria, I will. It's a joke.
I'll call you because I really want to, okay?
Uh, let's not say bye angry, por favor.
-All right. -Okay?
Someday I might
Take care of yourself.
Something I'm made for
Morning.
Where's all the yogurt?
Oh, I ate the last one.
I knew it.
All right, I'll go down and get some.
Leave it, Demetrio. Forget it.
Is this the hormones talking?
Yes.
No. I don't know.
Were you planning to get pregnant, at least?
What kind of question is that?
Uh, I don't know. Not a good one.
Aren't you still in love with Pau?
Yeah, I'm still in love with Pau.
So what the hell is your problem this early in the morning, huh?
Drink your coffee.
It's just, I'm trying to be happy, and I can't, Demetrio.
No matter what I do, it's like an uphill struggle. It's…
-It's a constant battle. -What are you even saying?
-I don't know whose baby it is. -It's not yours?
Are you slow?
-I don't know if it's Pau's. -Not Pau's?
Yeah, not Pau's.
Wow.
Whose kid is it, then?
-Uh… -What?
It's…
No.
No. No. You're kidding, right?
No, I'm not.
This isn't a joke?
-I'm confused. I thought you got an IUD… -Yes, I had the IUD put in.
-And obviously, it didn't work. -And you tell me now?!
Shit.
What uphill climb?
The problem is you're a total mess.
-Demetrio! Hey! Demetrio, I'm sorry. -Oh, fuck off. ?!