Coisa Mais Linda (2019) - full transcript

Ladies and gentlemen,

a round of applause for...

Cap & the Bossa Soldiers!

I just wanted to talk to you

about something that's been rattling
around in my head.

A certain gentleman wrote
that I made a faux pas,

that I got it all mixed up.

According to him,
samba belongs to the hills,

and a club like this...

[in a man's voice]
...should only play jazz.

I'm used to it by now, though.



After all,

like a good girl from São Paulo,
not as cool and laid-back as you...

I make an average of three faux pas
in Rio every day.

Therefore, Mr. Critic,
here, in this club...

yes, we do mix all kinds of music

and all kinds of people!

And you know what else we mix?

All kinds of drinks!
Two for one tonight!

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

["The Girl from Ipanema" by Tom Jobim
and Vinícius de Moraes plays]

SHORTY

- Dad?
- Yes?

I want to catch Carlinhos
before he goes to sleep.

It’s late, Maria Luiza.



I know, but he wasn't home
the last few times I called.

What the hell was that photo
in Angela magazine all about?

Oh, you saw the ad.

Well...

I know it was a bit bold,

but the club has been packed
every night,

- Dad.
- I’m ashamed.

I thought you would be proud.

Your son lost a father.

Be the mother and respectable woman
he needs you to be!

That’s exactly what I’m trying to be.

I just got a new apartment...

- [line disconnects]
- For us.

[sighs]

[Perez] Malu.

Perez! Where were you last week?

You missed some good shows!

I had to finish my play,
I think you’ll love this one.

I'm sure I will.

Let me introduce you to my friends.
Oscar, a famous architect.

Hello, how are you?

This is Frederico, a judge.

This is the famous Malu.

Please, sirs,
consider this your table for good.

Hey, Vinicius, please send a bottle
of our best whisky

to that table. My tab.

- I can get it.
- Okay, thanks.

- By the way, you’re doing great, Ivone.
- Thank you for giving me this job.

I like it here, except the cleaning part.

It’s called “paying your dues,”
young lady.

Hmm!

"Hmm!"

Could you please handle closing tonight
without me?

- No problem.
- Thank you.

Wait...

I can’t wait, not ever again.

There’s something
I need to tell you first.

It’s the reason I looked
for you that day.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

We have a daughter.

Do you hear me?
We have a daughter.

A daughter?

And you’re just telling me this
like it's no big deal?

Were you planning to hide this

- from me all my life?
- I didn't, Nelson.

You were the one
who ran away, Nelson.

I was there the day you left,
I wanted to tell you.

You always hid me
because you were afraid of your family.

If you want to blame anyone,
blame yourself.

This will destroy Thereza.

I know, that's why
we gotta talk to her.

You don't know how difficult
this will be for me.

Difficult for you?

And for me?

And for Conceição?

Conceição...

I used to think she looked like you.

But maybe it was because I thought of you
every time I looked at her.

You haven’t told anyone, have you?

I see now.

How could I believe you’d have
the strength to be with me?

Then and now. That’s just not you.
That’s never been you.

Hold on.

- Don’t judge me.
- I am not!

- You are!
- I am not!

You don’t know!

You don’t know what Thereza
and I have been through.

It’s really painful...

to realize you’re not the man
I’ve been waiting for.

It hurts, but I’m relieved.

The spell is broken.

Thereza, isn’t it a bit too early
for you to start drinking?

No. Actually, I’m celebrating!
I have news.

Mrs. Thereza, I’m sorry to bother you...

but I have to ask your friends to leave.

There must be a mistake.

As you know, ma'am,
this is a respectable place

and they are not welcome. I'm sorry.

- They’re my friends...
- I’m a member here too.

- Exactly.
- I must insist.

You know our internal rules,

- we have strict moral standards...
- Moral standards? What do you know

- about our morals?
- Thereza, please,

- don’t embarrass me...
- But Lígia...

- ...any more than I already am.
- This is ridiculous.

Hypocrites.

That’s how Rio's court works, Malu.

This city is not a court.
And it's about to lose

its post as capital of Brazil.

I can’t believe this.

What do you expect after exposing me
like that in your ad?

Lígia, you've always wanted
to be a singer.

How, if I’m not even allowed
in places like this anymore?

- You don’t need this place.
- Yeah, right!

I’ll be very happy singing in steakhouses
for the rest of my life!

And Thereza, you almost lost your job
because of that ad!

"Almost." Well said.

But the number of readers
practically doubled

after I started publishing
what I wanted.

I was just about to tell you girls,
I got promoted.

I'm now the editor-in-chief
at the magazine.

See, Lígia? Just stay true to yourself
and good things will happen.

Those decisions were mine to make!

I was trying to help you.

Helping yourself,
and that club of yours,

trying to prove yourself to your father.
You did it, congratulations.

- Okay, Lígia.
- But I'm the one paying the price.

I did it for myself.

Since you'd prefer
to live that wonderful

- life of yours...
- What?

Malu, stop!

...singing in the only place
you're allowed, the shower.

I’m sorry.

I didn't mean it.

Not everyone can carry
the same loads you do, Malu.

Lígia! Lígia!

OPEN TONIGHT
COISA MAIS LINDA

[Chico] Malu?

Why are you here, Chico?

I was wondering if you’d go
somewhere with me tomorrow.

What for?

I want to apologize. Properly.

I’ve already heard your apology.

But you haven’t heard the truth.

I'm listening.

On opening night, I...

I couldn’t handle it.

Being in public is... hard for me.

Facing people scares me.

Mm-hmm.

And whisky gives you courage.

At least it covers up my fear.

- Want some coffee?
- No.

That's why I was gone for a while.
I went home to compose.

Home?

- A small village, not too far from here.
- Mm.

I like to work there,
it helps me create.

Good for you.

I made this for you.

- Really?
- Really.

Do you think a song
solves the mess you made?

It doesn’t.

Now, if you’ll excuse me,
I have a lot to do here.

Okay, I'll see you around then.

See you.

A father?

Thereza, you talk like I knew
I had a daughter

and was hiding it from you.

But you did hide things from me!
Since you love to brag about all the women

you slept with, why didn't you
tell me about Adélia?

That’d make quite a story,
the house maid.

But for some reason
you chose to protect that.

I'm no fool! I saw the way
you looked at each other that night.

- It caught me by surprise!
- And now you tell me you're a father!

I was digesting it.
I didn't know how you'd react.

I’ll never be able to give you
a child, Nelson.

And you know that.

When I get back, I want you gone.

Thereza, please,

- this is way in the past.
- I mean it!

I need to go to work.

You ruined my first day
as editor-in-chief.

Don't say that.

I want you out of this house, Nelson.

[door opens]

[Lígia] Are you okay?

I tried my best not to listen,
but I ended up...

Thereza!

[sighs]

- This was his.
- Whose?

I lost a son, Lígia.

Stillborn.

Everything was ready:
his clothes, his room, a beautiful crib...

That’s why we came back to Brazil.
To overcome it.

I’m so sorry.

And now I learn he has a child,
with Adélia.

Adélia?

- She’s the one...
- You knew?

Only that he moved to Paris
because of his affair with a maid.

I didn’t know it was Adélia.

Yes.

You know I don’t even care about all that,
but a daughter for God's sake?

I don’t think I can ever get past that.

Nelson loves you very much,
that doesn’t change anything...

A child changes everything!

I’m sorry.

[Thereza sighs]

What is it?

I'll tell you some other time.

It’s okay. You can tell me anything.
I’ve just told you my deepest secret.

I’m pregnant.

[gasps]

Well, this is wonderful news!

This is what you wanted, right?

No.

I can’t have a child with Augusto now.
I want a career!

- You can still have it.
- Thereza,

you and I both know a woman
can’t have children and a career.

I need your help.

I don't want to have this baby.
I just can't.

I’m sorry, Lígia.

I can’t.

What do you mean?

You, with your feminist agenda
and women’s rights. Is it all a lie?

Of course not. But...

I can’t help my sister-in-law
give up something

I so desperately want
and can’t have.

I think you would be making a mistake.

Wait a minute.

Here.

Take this.

I can’t bear to throw it away,

but it’s also too painful
for me to keep.

I have to get to the magazine.

I’ll probably be late.

Thereza.

We can’t have
the boss looking like this.

Come in.

Hi.

I see you fired Gustavo.

He’s the third man you let go
for no reason.

Do you miss Paulo Sérgio?

I'm the boss now.

A woman’s magazine
should be made by women.

I moved you back here.
What are you complaining about?

Now, please no more interruptions,
I need to write.

Are you okay?

Why wouldn’t I be?

"What does it mean
to be a woman these days?

We are expected to be strong
but demure,

educated but not opinionated,

and above all beautiful.

Isn’t it time to have an honest
conversation with one another,

to open up and admit
that behind our perfect make-up,

coiffed hair, and beautiful dresses,

some days
can be really hard for us?"

[gasps]

[Chico singing]
♪ You suddenly came ♪

♪ Like a dive in the ocean ♪

♪ With your different colors ♪

♪ I couldn't help but to fall in love ♪

♪ I'd go anywhere with you... ♪

[waves crashing on sand]

♪ I would
I'd go anywhere with you ♪

♪ I would ♪

Thank you for that.

Thank you for agreeing
to come with me.

Shall we?

- Yes.
- Let's swim together.

Let's swim together.

Are you okay?

More than okay, just a little cold.

Do you want to go back?

Come with me.

I just got the key.

- Isn’t it awesome?
- Fantastic, Malu.

Carlinhos will love it!

[Chico] Look at this view...

[Maria Luiza sighs]

You haven't seen the best part yet.

Check this out.
A brand-new Motorola.

[jazz music plays]

I negotiated for the last tenant
to leave it, records too.

Music.

Music.

- You like it?
- Very much.

♪ I'd go anywhere with you ♪

♪ Anywhere ♪

I could listen to you play
every day, Chico.

Did you know that?

The whole world
should hear your music,

- not just Brazil.
- [chuckling] No.

I mean it.

I have an idea, hold this.

[jazz music plays]

Play along.

[starts playing along]

George Gauss.
He’s on tour in Buenos Aires.

- Really?
- Do you know his story?

He was born in the States.

He started touring with some
of the biggest jazz bands

in the U.S. at age 12 or 13.

He's a legend.

He invented his own way of playing.

Like you.

Wait! Maria Luiza!
You can't just barge in

- every time you come here!
- If he complains to you,

tell him to come to me.

Roberto, I had an amazing idea!

Don't worry, Carla.
You can go.

Good day to you too.

I was listening to George Gauss live.

What if we send him
some of Chico’s recordings,

and see if he’ll come play in Brazil?

Great? I’d say average.

Something to begin with.

- And how would we do that?
- He's spending Christmas in Buenos Aires.

Let's bring him here
for New Year’s Eve.

Here in Rio?

A New Year’s Eve party
at Coisa Mais Linda.

What’s in it for me?

A record, that I get a cut of.

And I get a cut of the tickets.

George Gauss and Chico Carvalho
on the same stage...

Sounds good.

I know a guy at his record company,
in New York.

- I can make a call.
- Deal?

Deal.

How about we go talk about it
over drinks on my boat?

I’m with Chico now.

So I've heard.

Who do you think produced the song?

Nice play on his part.

I don’t know what I did wrong
with you two.

You both chose your wives poorly.

They were not even able
to give me grandchildren.

And now, two divorces...

We’re not divorcing, Mom.

There’s something I need to tell you.

Nelson, pull yourself together.

I know you’re sentimental,
but my God, not in public.

I just found out I have a daughter.

With whom?

She’s eight years old.

[gasps]

Oh, my God!

I can't believe this...

You brought a mulatto child
into this family.

And she is asking
for hush money now, I assume?

What? No, Mom.
She hasn’t asked for a thing. She won’t.

Have you met this child?

- No, not yet.
- Good.

Now, don’t ever speak of this again,
do you understand me?

Your brother’s campaign is everything,
and you’re not going to ruin it.

For God's sake,

am I the only one who cares
about our family's reputation?

You stay away from her
and that illegitimate child.

Who knows if she really is
your child.

Do I make myself clear?

The pie was absolutely divine!

Mrs. Eleonora,

I’m sorry, but I can't put this meal
on your family tab today.

What do you mean?
I didn’t even bring a wallet!

It seems like your payments
to the club are delayed.

I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding.
Should I call the office?

No need, my son can pay for it.

Excuse me.

What was that all about?

It’ll all go away when your brother
is elected mayor.

You see how my grandson's situation
is delicate, Waltinho?

Without a proper home and a husband,
she will lose Carlinhos’ guardianship

and you’ll be his new legal guardian.

What do you mean “guardianship”?
Carlinhos is coming to Rio next week.

He’s trying to prove
you’re an unfit mother.

Why is Dad doing that?

Your father loves you,
but he doesn't approve of your new life.

I just wanted to let you know
what’s going on here.

Didn't you say
I could count on you?

We'll find a way.

I cannot believe this.

Mother, for the love of God,
bring my son to me.

I need to go.
They are coming out of the office.

Well, he’s going to try to prove
you have an unsavory lifestyle.

But I have a proper apartment now,
I'm making money.

I’m a business owner.

You own a club,
a very liberal one at that.

Are you involved with anyone?

There are some rumors
about you and that musician.

Is that relevant?

Absolutely.

My husband left me and stole everything,
and then my father cut me off.

The two of us have done
all of this on our own!

Did you leave your son in São Paulo?

How long did you abandon him?

More than a month? Two?

Longer, maybe...

I did not abandon my son.

Malu, I’m not judging you.

I’m simply pointing out
how the court will see this.

Fine. Thank you, sir.

Don't worry.

Adélia, if I need to choose between
our club and my son,

I will choose my son.

Go get some rest.
I’ll be the hostess tonight.

Where does your eye go immediately
when you look at this page?

We first look here!
So why is the headline over there?

Hmm? Answer.

Get out of here. I’ll do it myself.

Beat it!

I can't take this anymore.

- [Thereza scoffs]
- Thereza, what was that?

Why are these women so incompetent?

No, they’re not.

It is your working style that is...
shitty.

I’m still your boss, Helô.

I know, and that's the issue.

You should be leading us,
not crushing us...

What’s going on with you?

You’re not yourself.

We always say
we want to work like men,

so we have no business complaining
like little girls now.

Work is work.

Nightmares again?

Real life, Chico.

I think I need some time alone.

Space. [sniffles]

My father is threatening
to take Carlinhos from me.

[sobs]

And the judge said that our relationship
could influence the custody decision.

[sniffles]

Nobody in the world matters more to me
than that little guy.

- Nobody.
- If it was any other way,

I wouldn't have
fallen in love with you.

You don’t want me to stay
with you tonight?

It’s better if you go.

I'm here for you.

Take care.

Thank you, have a good night.

Mrs. Eleonora.

I only came to hand you these,
the divorce papers.

Augusto is busy in Italy
with the Mayor,

so I’m handling matters for him.

We want you out of this family
as quickly as possible.

I did nothing but love your son
unconditionally, even when...

Frankly, even when he was unlovable,

and this is how you thank me?

What do I have to thank you for?

For the humiliation,
the shame you caused us?

Is this what Augusto wants?

I thought you’d be pleased,

you’d be free to live this...

- dream life you chose.
- I don't expect you to understand

- my choice.
- Understand what?

That you think this is more important
than your family’s reputation?

You mean “your family,” right?!

I’m surprised by you, Lígia.

I would expect this kind of behavior
from Thereza, but not you.

I always thought
you were the good one.

I left our home because your son
was beating me.

You say that as if you
hadn't given him reasons.

That’s marriage.

Men have their bad days,

and we must be there for them.

[Helô] Nelson?

- Where is she?
- In her office.

I don't know what's happening,
but she is not well. I’m very worried.

Yeah. She's got a lot
going on right now.

I'm sorry for that.

I didn't mean to cause trouble.
I've always admired your marriage.

Excuse me.

- [door open]
- [Nelson] Baby?

I came here...

because I feel
we can still fix this.

You lied to me.

Whatever happened to never
lying to each other?

We lied to each other, right?

I just found out about your affair
with your secretary.

She's a reporter.

But that's not important.

I feel like we’re living
separate lives now.

I wish we had a child.

I wish we were still in Paris.

I wish we hadn't had sex
with so many different people.

It’s so overrated.

Maybe once or twice
it was worth it.

[Nelson laughs]

What now?

You have a daughter.

The only real problem, Thereza,
is if you don’t love me anymore.

I love you so much...

I kicked a desk earlier.

- Really?
- I kicked a desk earlier, yes.

Can we go home, Mrs. Editor-in-chief?

[Maria Luiza] Lígia?

What's wrong?

[voice breaking] I need you.

[Lígia wailing]

Lígia, drink some water.

Thank you.

Can you guys believe that,
before Eleonora showed up today,

I actually thought about
going back to Augusto?

[clears throat] Lígia, if you ask me,

I say it would be a mistake.

I’m pregnant.

Does Augusto know?

I can’t do this alone.

You’re not alone.

And I do think you would
make a very good mother.

Most women would say I’m mad,
walking away from a rich husband,

a chance to have a family,
for what?

To live the life
you've chosen for yourself.

And we were never
like most women.

And we’ve always known that.

I can't have this baby.

Help me.

Look at me.

[Lígia sniffles]

This is your choice to make,
and yours only.

[sighs]

We'll be here for you.

I’ve made my decision.

I'm moving on with my life.

Do you think you’ll be able
to forgive me someday?

I have nothing to forgive you for, Adélia.

People forgive what they don’t understand.
I do understand you.

I think my great love
has always been right here...

in front of me.

I want a life with you, Cap.

Will you marry me?

Don't laugh at me, I'm serious.
Will you marry me?

She’s not here, Mrs. Eleonora.

She told me to give you this.

Hmm.

I just want to say goodbye to her.

And kick that woman
out of my apartment.