Gullregn (2020) - full transcript

Would you stop that bloody racket!

It's only two thirty!

What?

You've got some nerve showing up.
Whenever I call nothing happens

but if those bloody vagrants upstairs
complain, you're here in a flash?

I…

It was agreed musical instruments
could only be played

on weekdays between three and five
and after eleven on weekends.

There's been some sort of misunderstanding.
-No! It's twenty-five to three.

Bloody slope's like a music box,
plays the same bloody tune over and over,

like she's retarded.
Only knows a single song.



I was supposed to give you this.

Really?
Are those bleeders suing me?

No, it's not...

My name is Björn and I'm here on behalf
of the Ministry for the Environment...

There's been a slight misunderstanding.

On behalf of who, did you say?

The Ministry for the Environment.
I'm here about the tree in the garden.

My Laburnum?

Yes.

God almighty...

I'm terribly sorry, Björn.

You know, there's been
so much going on around here.

Come in, please.

No, I wasn't going to stop.



You have to forgive me,
I'm not normally like this.

Come on in.

The Ministry for the Environment,
how wonderful.

When we moved in here I told myself
I'd plant something for the future.

Something beautiful to make this
bleak neighbourhood more liveable.

If you talk gently to a plant
and give it love, it'll blossom.

Negative people can't grow anything.

No… No.

Yes, this garden has given me
hour upon hour of joy.

I don't mean to brag,

but I wasn't the least bit surprised
when I got the award back in the day.

Dear me, I'm so sorry,
blabbing away like that.

Can I offer you some refreshment
to take the edge of this awful heat?

No thank you.

Oh, but I insist.

I can't offer you any beer though,
there's no alcohol consumed here.

Perhaps, just a glass of water.

You should come back later in autumn.

You know, when the tree
sheds its flowers,

it rains gold
all over the garden.

There you are.

Thank you.

I'm going to have a fag.

It's one of my few vices,
since it is such a special occasion.

So tell me then,
what's the news?

Well I...

God, I'm so excited.

These kinds of visits
aren't normally my responsibility.

But my superior Þorvaldur Geir

is off competing in a civil servants'
golf tournament in Ireland, so-

-Hang on! Let me just sit down there,
under the old award.

I've come here to inform
you of a new regulation

according to which any
species of exotic flora

not considered native
to Iceland before the year 1900

will be subject to removal.

You'll have
three months in which

to familiarize yourself
with the details.

The laburnum in your garden
falls under these provisions.

According to our sources, this species
wasn't imported to Iceland until 1905.

I think I've got the ending…

This will have them
pissing in their socks.

Read it to me.

"I therefore feel compelled
to protest your envisaged plan.

It is preposterous to award
certificates one day,

and then murder that same tree
the next.

I sincerely hope, dear Minister,
that you will reconsider this matter.

Yours truly and respectfully,
signed Indiana Georgia Jónsdóttir".

Followed by my
social security number.

I think that's fantastic.

Wouldn't the world be
a dull and boring place

if there wasn't anything
to complain about?

Dearie me, you look
absolutely spent after all that.

Be a dear and pull one out
of the ass for me.

Could you light me up?
I'm so knackered.

It was real nice of you
to come over, Johanna dear.

Couldn't have gotten through it
without you,

absolute peach you are.

It is in giving, that we receive.

I expect Hjalti Petur to be back
either side of the weekend.

He's got trout fishing on Tuesday
so it can't be any later than that.

He should be here by now.
I don't know what's keeping him.

The attention deficit disorder
clearly getting worse.

"He hath need of his wits
who wanders wide."

That smells so good, Johanna dear.

I put a pinch of curry in the flour.

Curry?

It's best to stick to recipes
that work.

Unnar's not much of a spice man.
In fact, he's spice intolerant.

I didn't put much at all,

just a tiny taste to hint
at the wider world.

Plain and Icelandic works fine.

I found this website with
all kinds of award winning recipes.

There was one from Vietnam.

I showed it to Huong up on two,
asking if she knew it

and it turns out to be something
she's been eating since a wee girl!

That kind of cooking leaves such
a dreadful stench out in the hallway.

It's a bit like traveling the world.

I've been abroad extensively
and never smelled a pong like that.

But it's fun to taste new things.

They eat rats in China
and I'm sure they do upstairs as well.

But they're from Vietnam.

So what?
It's all the bloody same.

I just say what my nan always said,
“coat of many colours” and all that.

"We're all flowers,
each with our own colour.

Flowers in the
Lord's flower bed."

Here I see... A small and
very odd-looking little person.

That'll be my Unnar, the shortie.

No no, he's in here as well,
this one's even shorter than he is.

I'll bet it's one of my garden gnomes.

There's something...

I do wish that cloud
wasn't quite so dark,

stretching slightly
into the future.

Hi hi.
Sorry I'm late.

Were you out on a drill?

No, we had some repairs,
one of the cars had a broken gasket.

We got called out yesterday.

Oh, wow.

You need to apologise to Johanna.

She's gone to all this
trouble making us dinner.

Saving a human life's also important.
-Unnar.

Sorry.

Guests first.

Dig in darling.

This hobby is taking up
too much of your time.

It's not a hobby mum,
it's a lifestyle.

And take that phone off the table,
it's disruptive.

But I need to hear
if I'm called out.

They wouldn't bother
you at suppertime?

Let me check for bones.

Mom, I've got the whole squad
waiting for me.

At this table we respect what is
laid out and eat calmly.

It's delicious, Johanna.

I spent fourteen hours up
on a mountain yesterday.

Fourteen hours?

We were looking for
that woman on the news.

And was it you that found her?

No, but I almost did.
-That's just typical.

I would have
if I'd been in the First Responders.

It's important to set
attainable goals for oneself.

First Responders?

They're the first guys on the scene
and can go above speed limits,

like the police.

I want you to observe
the legal speed limit.

I don't like you visible
like this in public.

You know we're being watched.

Thanks very much.
I'll be off, then.

You never know what's
going to happen,

accidents don't come
with advance warning.

Exactly, so true.

I'm a bit low on petrol right now.

It's only Tuesday.

Yeah, I know, but you can
just shave a bit off next?

Your pocket money
needs to last the week.

That's not easy to do.

Your bedroom is always available
should you decide to move back in.

Living down in Engihjalli is just a
short hop from the station house.

Very well, go get the box.
-Yes.

I want you to go down to
Jónas's house on Grettisgata.

I'm in a hurry.
-We must not keep the boy waiting.

I'm going to be late, mum!
-Go and fetch the bag.

Lower cabinet.

Let's have a look.

Is he really so poorly
as to need all that?

Jónas is a wonderful lad,
but the system has totally failed him.

He's lucky to have a
guardian angel like you.

Have you done the washing yet?

I did that for your mum,

poor dear had a terrible
migraine yesterday.

Unnar dear.
-Yes.

Life isn't easy.

But just remember,
we tackle it together.

Call me when you've
finished up tonight.

It'll be very late though.
-I'd still prefer it if you called.

And if Jónas should reward us
with a token of his gratitude,

you'll keep it safe.

I'll do that.
-Promise me.

I promise.

What's your name?

Stop, stop. What is your name?

Yes?

Is Jónas home?

They're asking for donations again.

Hey man.
-Hi.

Give us just a sec.

Now's not really a good time,
got some mates round.

I see.

Same as last time?
-Yes.

Tell your mum hello,
alright?

You're too tanned.

It's like you've just
been to Costa del Sol.

It was sunny up on the glacier.

You're could throw our lives
into disarray with this nonsense.

You have to submit formally
for a meeting with the Minister.

This is an act of terrorism.
Psychological terrorism.

I planted that tree going
through difficulties

and having problems
with my little Unnar.

He was a very difficult child
and always very ill.

But I found solace
taking care of that tree.

It's my whole life.

Don't you understand,
if you take away that tree

you'll be killing the little
spark of life I have left.

That tree and I are as one.

It's the only thing
keeping me functioning.

Hiya, nan.

Þórður was saying that
my attention-deficit

might be misdiagnosed.

My supervisor at Search & Rescue.

Anyway, he said
I didn't have ADD any longer.

Said it was something
you can grow out of.

He should know, a trained medic
and got a medal from the president.

The Ritalin doesn't
work on me anymore.

Jonas gets more out of it.

Let go of me, woman.
Daniela…

(with thick Polish accent)
Rúnar dear, what is problem?

I don't understand a word
this woman says.

This is Ling, you remember...
she only try to help.

I want to go home, now.

He think he is abroad.

We'll leave from Fljótsdalur
with the others, fully loaded.

Let's take the night vision gear too,
in case there's a midnight drill.

Do we drive straight?
-Yes.

Then we walk to the shelter
and get right to work

leveling the landings
and pitching the tents.

The climbers can conduct
their drills on Sunday afternoon.

I'm told the ice is kinda thin
but should be adequate.

Yeah?

If we're leaving town that late,

might it be worth just spending
the night in Akureyri

and then drive to Dreki
early next morning? -Sure.

I don't think it matters much
whether we get there late Friday

or early Saturday.

We would be more rested.
These mountains aren't going anywhere.

Thanks friend.

If he sucked up to him any harder,
he'd give the guy a prolapse.

He's like forty years old.

Unnar?
-Yes?

These two couldn't make
it to introductions.

Could you show
them around a bit,

maybe answer some questions?
-Absolutely.

Fantastic.

I will leave you in Unnar’s
very capable hands.

Unnar.
-Hi, I'm Stefan.

I remember you from rest home,
you visit your grandma.

Yeah, that's right.

Strange, I not think you are type
for Search Rescue Squad.

I'm a fully qualified member.

In addition, we have a variety
of specialized teams.

Can I start right away?

You can do our youth program.

Once you turn eighteen,
you'll be eligible as a rookie.

What does a rookie do?

Fundraising by selling fireworks,
go to the national meeting…

What are the attendance minimums?
I've got table-tennis on weeknights.

This is only for those willing
to make Search & Rescue a lifestyle.

If we go further down here
we find the control centre.

You think everyone can be
Search & Rescue member?

Not everyone.
It's a question of having the time.

Can be difficult if you have a family.

What I need to do?

I need to own much stuff?

No, not anything too fancy,
it just has to work.

You take an
introductory programme.

After that,
you can start specializing.

I picked rock climbing
so I can qualify as a First Responder.

How about you,
what are you good at?

I have nursing degree from Poland.

Specialty in rehabilitation
and recovery from accident.

Ligaments and help people
who must learn to walk again.

Okay.

After eighteen months you
take the recruit exams.

Once you pass those,
you're eligible to go out on calls.

Exciting.
-Yes.

Are you in good shape?

I walk very much.

That's a big plus.

Yes Hello?
-Hi.

Hi hi.

Punctual as ever.

Well yes.

I feel like it's been ages.

It's only been a week.

So good to hear your voice.

How are you,
what have you been up to?

One can only envy you teachers
of those long summer vacations.

I've just been pottering
about the house really.

I'm sure you're
good with your hands.

Oh, I manage.

My Jeffrey, may he rest in peace,
was very good at all that DIY stuff.

I used to call him
the "handy humanist".

There's no shortage of chores when
you've got an award-winning garden.

Where are you?

I'm just adding
hot water to the bath.

Just relaxing, slightly frazzled
at the end of the day.

I love going swimming.

We've got a nice
local pool out here.

Always good to get some exercise
and some fresh air.

I'm thankful for my good health.

I haven't been ill for as
far back as I can remember.

What?

Are you alright?

A silverfish just appeared
here on the...

the bathroom floor.

Sorry, it startled me.
-I was worried there for a moment.

Could you hang on there a sec, Anton?
-Sure. No problem.

Sorry,
I just got out of the bath.

No problem.

I'm going to dry my body
on the evening breeze.

You're... naked?

Yes.

There's no one here
to peek at me.

Not another soul for miles around.

Well. I've been thinking...

about us maybe meeting face-to-face.

I...
-I'm only two hours away.

I'd be very glad for the company,
but...

Don't you ever get lonely?

Yes, Lord knows
there are moments.

I'm just not ready
to let someone in my life.

I'm still in mourning, you see.

I understand.

But I feel you're
with me when we talk.

Your voice,
it envelops me somehow.

There's something
about your disposition

that reminds me of dear Jeffrey...

Hi.
-Hi.

Hi, is your mum around?

Hi, yeah.

Mom,
Johanna's here to see you.

How are things,
have you heard back from the US yet?

No, not yet.
Maybe this week.

My my, how exciting.

I'm sure you'll pass
with flying colours.

I hope so.

Courage is like a muscle,
it gets stronger with training.

Just remember, it's us girls
who hold up half the sky.

Hello, Johanna.

Oh dear, they grow up so fast.
-Yes.

I'm afraid I've come
for the monthly fees.

I transfer money this morning.
-Lovely.

They're quite comfortable.
Not much good for outdoors

but perfect for my indoor errands,
so light.

Glad you like.

There is a piece of cake
on the counter if you like.

Unnar got some scraps from
the Family Help Centre last Wednesday.

There goes that
bloody slope again.

She has an exam
at the end of the week.

The nerve of that little-
-Chi? Oh, she is so lovely.

A right prodigy.
Flew through her exams with top marks.

Not in Icelandic, though?
-Yes, she was born and raised here.

But they speak Chinese at home.
-No, Vietnamese.

Imagine, only seventeen
and already applied

to a prestigious
music school in the US.

They're sending their child away?
I don't understand these people.

Well, her brother's
already living there.

How on earth
do they find the money?

They're so resourceful those Asians.

They've managed to pay off their flat
and put young Bao through university.

They see further than their noses.
It's remarkable.

Is something wrong, dear?
Can I get you water or your medicine?

Your comments have been
taken into consideration

in view of your circumstances...

An Icelandic tree instead?
Well, that sounds exciting.

A bloody birch?
Those bloody politicians.

I can't...

As long as I'm standing
I'll never let this happen!

Not Icelandic..?
How can they say this?

I grew up with laburnums,
my childhood was swarming with them.

I'd give them another call
and demand to talk to the Minister.

Is the Police getting involved
in this? -No?

Cramming the bloody long arm
of the law up my shaft

over a bloody tree?

I gave birth to an utter moron.

He shouldn't be allowed...
-A traffic violation?

There goes the stipend for the car.

It's from one of those hidden cameras.
Is that in the tunnel?

Doing sixty-three miles per hour?
I've told him a thousand times...

Is that really Unnar?
-Yes, but he's laughing.

At that speed?
What could possibly be so funny?

Maybe that person he's with?

Is that a woman?

Who could that be, it's not you?

No.

Oh my lord...

It's the gnome I saw in the cup.

I must answer, it's Soffia.

Hello, Soffia.

Yes, I can do that.

I see you tomorrow.
Bye.

Hi... There there... It's ok.

Oh well then...
Come to me... come.

One... Two... and...
Yes, yes, yes... Up you go.

Two kitty cats, kitty cats
Tabby grey and sweet...

What are you doing?

Hello sweetheart,
wonderful to see you.

Is this your friend?

Hello, nice to meet you.
Welcome to my home.

Hello. Daniela.

Oh, an Orcidea.

You didn't tell me
she was such a dear?

And you're about
the same height.

I'll put it by the south-facing window
so it can grow and blossom in the sun.

Orcidea needs so much care.

Stiflingly hot today.
Have a seat sweetie.

Oh, is it..?

So sorry.

Oh, don't be silly, doesn't matter.
Dear oh dear.

That's a medicinal chair.
-Oh yes, of course.

Well, well...

The two of you share the same hobby,
At least he told me that.

Lovely photo I got of the pair of you.

Photo?
-Yes...

In the car.

Oh that.

(with thick accent)
Yes, that not happen again.

Very annoying, you drive
fast and not see the camera.

No flash, no anything!

Unnar say to me you like
plants and flowers.

You have such green fingers,
everything blooms around you.

Yes.

Mum knows a lot about flowers.
-Oh, thank you.

Very little flowers where
I live in Hafnarfjörd.

Hafnarfirði.

Yes.

I still have small
problems with Icelandic.

Is difficult language.

Really, you think so?
I don't.

The grammar is difficult.

She passed the first aid
course with flying colours.

Got the highest grade.

Yes well, I have medical training.
Is not difficult.

She's mostly into the basecamp work.
Logistics and stuff.

Coocoo…
A cuckoo, cuckoo.

Hope I haven't missed anything?
-This is Johanna, from upstairs.

Johanna Einarsdóttir.

Hi, Johanna. Daniela.

Oh, how romantic,
You are the gnome? Hello.

It's so good for him.
He really deserves it.

You look a right couple you two.

Alright, darling? Shall I get you
something, put the coffee on?

It's already in the pot.
Just turn it on. -Sure.

You're also on
the Search & Rescue team?

How long have you been..?
-Well, it's...

She came to the beginner's course.

Unnar welcomed me the first time
I came and meet me with Þórdur.

Fellow with the medal?
-Yes.

Now Unnar soon becomes
a First Responder.

Very exciting.

What do you call a First Responder
in Polish again?

It's a beautiful word. Also means
"a man who sees into the future."

The man who sees the future.

Are you not Icelandic?

I didn't realize she
was a foreigner either.

Took me a good while.

Did you know, Indiana?
Had Unnar already told you…

She's been living here
for almost seven years

and hasn't been back to Poland
since she moved.

Are you from Poland?

I'm from a small town outside Kraków
called Miechów.

Are you bringing the world
to our door?

Your Icelandic is so good.

I try much to read,
and can always talk to the old people.

Unnar, a great girl you've got here.

We've got some Poles
in this building too, up in 3V.

Bazyli and Bibiana.

She is a translator.
-Bibiana Piotrowski?

Do you know her?

We exchange recipes sometimes.
She makes a delicious meat soup.

I don't know her well.
I just meet her once.

"Met”

You "met" her.

What a small world we live in.
Maybe I should go get her?

You alright?
The coffee… coming right up.

Well well.

I'm perfectly capable by myself.

Are you alright, dear?

I believe I just had
a nervous breakdown.

But you look good.
-Thank you, dear.

You have accident?
-I've got spinal stenosis.

They were going to
operate on my spine once,

but they gave up because
of my fibromyalgia.

I had a car accident
when I was 19.

Was thrown out of the
car into a lamppost.

Very unlucky.
-Actually I'd say I was very lucky.

That's how my nana and I
chose to see it.

Yes, she got a 100% disability
because of it.

But they're working hard on stem cell
research so there's always hope.

She's wonderful, Johanna is.
Grew up here mid town.

I have plenty of fish in
the freezer if you want.

Hjalti Pétur always
brings some when ashore.

Hjalti Pétur?
-That's my boyfriend.

It's awful nice to have you Gabriella.
Unnar's friends are always welcome.

Her name is Daniela, mom,
with a "D".

Sorry, I have such
a problem remembering names.

A touch of the old
attention deficit disorder.

Although not as
much as my Unnar's.

More coffee, dear?
-No, thank you.

Unnar and me are thinking of going
on camping trip up glacier.

Glacier?
What about your asthma?

I'll just bring the inhaler.

Do you have asthma Unnar?

Nah, or just a bit. I haven't had to
use the inhaler for a while.

Maybe it was just childhood asthma?

It can easily flare up again.
I've had clear patches in between.

Childhood asthma?

Is your family here with you?

Both parents of mine are dead.

Oh, how sad.
-Thank you.

But we are six sisters.
Big family,

all have many children
and there is just...

I'm youngest and have no husband,
no children and live in Iceland.

My sisters say:
"What are you thinking?!"

She's working on her citizenship.
-Really?

If everything goes well,
after nine months.

It will be a proud day in my life
when I can show a passport that says:

"Daniela Majok, Icelandic citizen".

Good god!

I've got this!

Now, get up very carefully sweetheart.
Johanna, get the first aid kit.

There's one in the bathroom,
another on my bedside table.

I'm alright mum.

Jesus!

Are you okay?
-Don’t!

Goddamn it.
Clumsy me...

This is terrible, just terrible.
Dear boy.

Do something useful, lift his feet.
-Mom...

The footrest, woman!

Haven't you ever seen
a La-Z-Boy before?

Mum, it's really okay,
it's just a nosebleed.

Just lie back, dear.

You've not been taking
your medication?

You are on medication?

Unnar has never been
the full shilling.

He hasn't told you about that?

Full... shilling?

This is a collection of pictures
from our holiday's.

I transfered it to a disc.
-It will be fun to see.

Cherish the good memories,
forget the bad-

Johanna dear.

See what a darling
little cutie he was.

How old you were?

Oh, five, almost six.
That's us on our way to Spain.

You so cute.

Now, that's us at the airport
at Costa Del.

And that's the pool
at Timor Sol,

the hotel we stayed at
the first seven years.

Was it very cold then?
-Not as I recall.

But he's so heavily dressed?

Yes, well,
he caught a flu before we left.

Cute cat.

That was a stray
that hung around the hotel.

Unnar wanted to bring him home
with us. Oh, how he cried.

I've been thinking of getting a cat.
-That would be fun.

Cats don't thrive in a high rise,
you know that.

Unnar has always been
very keen on animals,

identifies with them or something.
My poor little puppy.

Mum...
-What?

Please don't call me that.

What?

Surely you don't want to keep secrets
from your new friend?

Mom-
-He was just so cute...

When I had just finished planting,
soon after we moved here,

there were lots of kids
in the neighbourhood,

with everybody out and about.

But my little fellow had
problems settling in

because he could barely talk.

So I sometimes sent him out
if the weather was nice,

fresh air was good
for his asthma,

and I told him to watch
over the garden.

Make sure no one
climbed over the fence

to traipse all over
my precious seedling.

One day a boy did clamber
after a ball

and my little fellow couldn't
squeeze out a word.

So he just barked.

He barked at the kid!

The whole neighbourhood
was in hysterics.

The kids called him "the little puppy"
after that.

Not everyone.

No, but most did.

I've sometimes called him that.

He actually didn't learn to speak
properly for ages.

Strangers had great difficulty
understanding him.

Unnar was born prematurely,
you see.

Very?
-Yes, very prematurely.

Born with the umbilical cord wrapped
three times around his neck,

and suffered a lack of oxygen.
-You must've feared for his life?

I just took things as they came.

He was very small at birth,
and not expected to survive.

It later became clear that he had
ADHD to a very high degree,

which I'm told is quite common
among premature children.

But you got disability benefits.
That was a blessing.

I suppose,
I had to stay at home.

It wasn't easy,
couldn't leave him alone for a second.

Now, that's the following year.

Were you getting the
travel subsidy by then?

Yes, when I thought he had psoriasis.

Later it turned out to be
an allergy to the cold.

You been up on glacier,
there is no problem with cold?

I have a sleeping bag withstanding
minus 70 degrees.

So, that's two or
three years later.

By then we'd moved
over to Roc Flamingo.

That's it? Wow.

Yes, where we've stayed every year
for the past 18 years.

Wonderful location.
Close to everything.

And there's the swimming pool.

That's Unnar waddling there
at the edge.

He never did swim much,
due to his immune system.

You wouldn't let me.

You said there was a
danger of infection

from the psoriasis
patients using the pool.

Unnar?
We didn't know any better then.

No chlorine and the pools cold.
This was off-season, you see.

There was never any other children?
-Not on the psoriasis trips.

Most kids are still in school
that time of year.

But here...

There you can see a few.

This was as a trip for
chronically ill children.

They even had to alter the airplane
to fit in special medical beds.

Because of Unnar?
-No, not because of him.

There were children with heart
and digestive diseases.

A girl with a stoma bag...

And that one, with the red towel,
had leukemia.

At least she got to use the pool.

Her parents were all loopy.
You remember, drank like sailors.

Children can adapt to the most extreme
of circumstances.

Even bomb raids
become the norm

for children who grow up
under such conditions.

Unnar had such a crush on her.

I told him there was no future in it.
Like I said, she had leukemia.

But he's maturing.

You're the best thing
he's dragged in here.

Thanks.

Unnar has always taken good care
of his mother, I'll give him that.

My health fluctuates to such a degree
that I'd be lost without him.

I'm not quite understanding...

You have said nothing of this
in three months?

Are you handicapped?

Sorry if I laugh.

Is there something more
you like to tell me?

Do I have to unscrew your leg
when we get home?

Hello?
-No.

I was just born very premature.

And then I have this
fibromyalgia thing.

You don't have fibromyalgia.
You can't climb ice with fibromyalgia.

I'm much better now.

I think your allergy to cold
much better now too.

No rash on your skin when you drive
up glacier with broken heater.

You always take medication
when I am not seeing?

I haven't taken any
medication in a long time.

Not since I joined the team.

You don't get it…

If I'm not disabled
we get much less money.

Everything's become so expensive!

Unnar, it is terrible to see.

A mother cannot talk
like this to her child.

A mother should help her child
to become a first responder in life.

That's why I didn't
want you to come here.

You have not been telling me
the truth.

Is just stupid.
-Yes.

Sorry.

Now I understand why.

...she said those pastries
did not originate in Iceland.

Imagine, first the meat soup,
then the laburnum and now our cakes.

Yes, I brought tortillas.
-Yes.

The kind you like.

Feel free to offer some to the others.
I made plenty.

I also brought some plain fruit salad.

You never know,
all kinds of allergies these days.

Her sisters are living
all over Europe.

The eldest is in Denmark
and one in Estonia.

One's married to a Czech man
and the rest are still in Poland.

So I guess you could say that
they're all partial to foreign men.

Do I hear wedding bells Hjalti?
-Fuck off.

You can't keep blaming
the government for everything.

Hi. Johanna Einardóttir.
-Pálmi.

Well sweetie.

You just give me a ring.
-Yup.

Goodbye sweetie.

It was clear what
went on in your room.

Sounded like the
generator was busted!

Shut the fuck up.

Hjalti Pétur decided
to have a pint with his mates,

so I drove him to the pub.

They're just chilling.

It's so nice for them to spend
time together outside of work.

Under the weather today, darling?
-Oh no, not at all.

Perhaps a bit stressed from having
Hjalti Pétur come ashore so suddenly.

Had to do the shopping…
and all that.

Is he quite demanding then?
With, you know what?

How does that work,
with your condition..?

Well, we have our ways.
You could say we pleasure each other.

I don't like lying on my back,
not for long.

I hate to think of a friend suffering.
-It has it's pros and cons.

You get rid of certain tension,
you know what I mean.

Well, I'd best be off.
My show's on telly soon.

Hello there.
-Hi.

I'll be off, then.

Hello, dear.

Thanks for coming, darling.

You know how hopeless I am
at this sort of thing.

You see what the problem is?
-Same as last time.

There's a cold Diet in the fridge
if you're thirsty.

The tube's come completely loose...
Has it been like this for long?

Three days.
I didn't want to bother you.

It's a right mess down here…

It was our week vacuuming the hallway,
I had to ask Johanna for help.

I didn't feel up to it.
Haven't been up to my usual,

all my energy gone into
sending letters,

trying to save the laburnum.

I can come over any time.
-Oh thanks, you're a darling.

What's the news?

How's that friend of yours, Gabriella?
Are you still...

Her name is Daniela, mum.

Is it serious, then?
-No... How do you mean?

I'm glad it's not serious.

I could see right away
that she wasn't the woman for you.

Listen…

I might not be able to go
to Costa Del this year.

The team is going on a important trip
around those dates.

She put you up to this.
-No.

Yes, she did.

She's trying to wedge
herself between us.

Who's going to push my
wheelchair at the airport?

You know what I'm like after flying.
-Lots of people can push a wheelchair.

I have to get from Terminal C
to Terminal A to catch the bus.

Maybe Pedro can take some time off
from the bar and give you a hand?

Pedro..?

And what am I supposed to do
if you're not there with me?

All by myself, surrounded by...

psoriasis patients?

Well, I've got to go.

She's from a different culture.
You'll never understand each other.

I understand her perfectly.

You can never be sure
of her background.

She could have a quite
a past, you know.

She has a degree from university!

Really? Then why is she wiping
old folk's asses?

It's a totally different
system over here.

Isn't it sufficient proof
that she's here under false pretences?

She can't get her diploma
accredited mom. -Rubbish!

I wouldn't be surprised
if she'd been delivered here

through a mail-order catalogue.

She works at an old folk's home!

That's what they all
do, during the day,

then spend their
nights gyrating a pole.

You've seen how she looks,
moves like a doe.

Maybe we'll start a family…
I'd like that.

A person with ADHD and other disorders
shouldn't have children.

It's in the genes and gets passed on.

Just look at my mother...
A vegetable in a wheelchair.

How does someone with ADHD
climb the highest mountain?

Well…

You've always been accompanied
by others-

No!

The world isn't like you say it is.
People are good and don't judge me!

Emergency!

Good evening.
-It is emergency!

I'm a First Responder.

Go on then.
-Thank you.

Yes, first one here!

Barely six minutes from home.

Who is it you call?
-Mum, I’ll let her know.

Doors!

Good evening.
It's a miracle that they're alive,

the Dutch couple that survived
a fall of over 30 metres

down a crevice on the glacier
earlier this morning.

"I was sure these were
my last moments"

said the rescue worker who performed
a heroic deed

and thanks his colleagues
for their support.

Our reporter met the proud member
of the first response team

at the glacier this afternoon...

Hanneke and Robin Buskirk were
on the third day of their honeymoon

when they got seperated from their
group in heavy fog this morning.

Following an extensive search a rescue
helicopter was summoned to the scene.

Unnar Jónsson was on board
and without hesitation,

lowered himself into the crevice
in search of the young couple.

The woman was badly hurt,

both legs broken and
barely conscious,

I got her first and then went
back for the man.

Can you tell us how it unfolded?

Nearby Search & Rescue
were first on the scene,

being the closest,
but when we arrive...

Indiana!

Have you got your telly on?!
-Not now, Johanna!

Unnar's on television!

Unnar made very little of his feat.

Nah, you just do your best...

What have you done..?

I like to thank the head of the
squad for his brilliant planning-

Answer, boy!

To be in Search & Rescue
is a lifestyle more than anything...

Voice mail...

Unnar Jónsson,
where are you?!

Obviously it's unusual
for someone with

90% disability to
recover like this.

To bounce back to full health
after 28 years on benefits.

Are you implying that I,
in my wretched state,

lied about my son's condition
for money..?

Do I look capable of doing
a thing like that?

Article 55 states, we have the right
to reclaim benefits, if overpaid

or obtained by fraudulent means,
through erroneous information.

And the beneficiary is obliged
to repay the amount with interest.

Johanna dear...

Please give me a moment
alone with the lawyer.

Of course...

Nice to meet you.

The boy suffered a lack
of oxygen when he was born.

He was very small,
even for a premature baby.

He somehow...

Throughout the whole pregnancy,
I sensed something was wrong.

And I was right,

everything was...

By the age of five,

he behaved in a way
that made me scared of him...

his mood swings were so...

Me, with all my disorders
had trouble controlling him.

Unnar's always gone
his own way...

I can never know what to expect
when he walks in through the door.

Can't know whether
he's telling the truth or not,

I've never been able to...

It hasn't been easy for me.

It sounds like he's psychopathic?

You think?

It may well be that he is.

I'm no expert...

But it's certainly not something
I engrained in the child.

No mother would ever want her
child to be disabled, would she?

Hi. I'm a little behind schedule.
Are you in a rush?

Yes... I...
I've made plans.

Althea can take care of you,
if you don't mind… Althea.

She's fantastic.
Have you met her already?

No.

Or we could book
another appointment?

No...
it should be fine.

I have a schedule to keep.
-Good. Go and have a seat.

She wants pink with stones.
-Sure.

Hi
-Hi.

How are you?
-Just fine.

Good evening. What can I get you?
-A Diet.

No Ice.

Thanks.
-Cheers.

Cheers.

Excuse me,
are you here alone?

Yes.

Are you possibly...
Agnes?

Agnes?

Did we have a date?
I'm Anton.

No... I’m…
My name's Indiana.

Oh, I'm sorry...
I'm waiting for someone.

Her name's Agnes.
You have a similar tone of voice.

Blind date?

I suppose you could say that.

But we know each other well,
spoken on the phone quite often.

How romantic.

I haven't had a drink
in over two years.

But here I am,
on my third already.

It's nerves, I suppose.

Oh?

It's not often you make
a connection with a person.

A real connection.

But I don't have to tell you that.

What do you mean?

Oh, just... you look like someone
who doesn't have that problem.

I...

She's probably been held up,
busy woman that she is.

She does charity work.
Very selfless woman.

She sounds interesting.
-She is.

I've often wondered
what she might see in a man like me.

I'm sure you have
many qualities yourself.

Not everybody would agree on that.

It's good to get to know people
over the phone.

Looks don't get in the way
and it makes it more honest.

I haven't been entirely forthright
with her, though.

No, no one ever is.
-No.

Maybe she already arrived
but left when she saw me.

I'm sorry, got to run.
Good luck.

Thanks.

Bye.

I'm ready, you coming?

Yes...

It'll be fun, eh?

Mum, open the door.

I'm having a...

I can't breathe...

You don't know what you're doing
to your own mother.

Are you alright?

If you don't answer
I'll have to break down the door.

Out of the way mum, I'm coming in.
-No, no, no!

Have you completely lost your mind?
Are you-

You know I find changes difficult...
on account of my phobias.

Yes, I know.

Maybe we could bring some dessert?

Yeah, we could bring some dessert?

What?

We'll have risalamande,
as always on Christmas Eve.

We respect Icelandic traditions.

Yeah, we don't have to
change anything.

And malt and orange soda.
-Yes.

I hope I won't be in your way.

Mom, don't be like that.
-Yes...

I'm just a nuisance.
-No, no.

Yes, I always am.
-Mom...

Things are great at work.

Þórður's brother has
offered me a contract.

It helps a lot,
so I can pay the benefits back.

Unnar has gotten many praises
after his rescue.

He's become a national celebrity.
-I'm no celebrity.

I also saved a human life...
but it wasn't on the news.

Do you think you'd be
sitting here if I hadn't

sacrificed all my
dreams to bring you up?

You should be glad all
is going well for Unnar.

Of course I'm glad.

All mothers are glad
when their children do well.

It's just all so new to me.

I would have liked things
to work out for me sooner.

How’s…
Esther Ýr?

Your friend on Facebook.

What are you on about?

Are you going to deny it?
Don't you know Esther Ýr?

No I...

How do you know that?

Who is this…
Esther Ýr?

Wasn't she chatting with you?

Yeah, just said
she'd seen me on the news.

And thought you were a real hunk.
-She did not say that.

Really?
Maybe she used some other words.

And you said she looked
really good in her picture,

in that low-necked top.

How do you..?

I know all about it.
Your mother knows more than you know.

Was I messaging you..?
-Yes!

I knew he'd jump at the
chance of two-timing you

if there was a nice
Icelandic girl available.

You are so pathetic!
- I'm just protecting you,

don't you understand?
-No! You're a pathological liar!

Why did you always
hold me back?

Never allowed me to do things like
other kids, sports, be a boy scout…

You were allowed to go
on that first aid course.

I just did that for you!

Bjarni down the road has autoimmune
disease but got to go to university.

Now he's a computer programmer,
with a teenage daughter!

Are you implying that I was standing
in the way of your happiness?

You were a very sick child.
- Mom..?

How come I'm always sick with you,
but never when I'm with her?

I did everything in my power
to protect you!

I don't understand
how you can be so bad?

If you had put the same
energy into growing this child

as growing that tree,

you would be
a rich woman.

Now listen here, just who
in blazes do you think you are?

He's 39 years old, will you
never untie the umbilical cord

wrapped three times around his neck?

You barge in here, into my home
and have the gall to judge me?

What could you possibly know about
the workings of Icelandic society?

Not a bloody thing.
You puffed-up Polack tart.

How can you talk like this,
with all this prejudice?

Is it prejudice
to want to defend one's own son?

To prevent some parasite
from exploiting him?

You're nothing here,
not even eligible for social benefits.

I don't need benefits,
I work for my wages!

Yes, you're lucky to be healthy enough
to wipe old men's asses.

I hope someone take care of you
when you are old lady.

I have Unnar.
-But soon you will not have Unnar

You don't understand? We stop
coming if you continue like this.

I'm impared and you
burst into my home with threats?

Really?

You really impared?

Get out,
this is my home.

I know you are swindling
the system all this time.

I can tell about it.

You make Unnar lie
when he was just a little boy.

Tell him to cry and say he doesn't
know anything, when people ask.

You don't know anything!

Look at you...
You look silly.

What you so afraid of?

I just want you to
know, that this plant

won't be getting
another drop of water.

Not a single ray of
sunshine will ever

fall on these
delicate petals again.

This plant will spend
the rest of its days

in darkness
among the silverfish!

This is what I do with gifts
from the likes of you.

I can pick up phone and tell about
when I sat in a Subaru

and met a man called Jónas…
who lives on Grettisgata.

And Jónas take bag with medicine
and pay money.

I hope we can be civilized
in the future.

You will always be welcome
for a visit in Engihjalli.

No plant
will ever blossom in Engihjalli.

Not a single plant.

What are you doing?
You have no business being here.

I'll call the police.
This is an invasion on my privacy!

Ten more minutes
and I’ll give the ham one final scoop.

Then I'll whip the cream for
the Waldorf just before we eat.

Help yourself to another glass
of sherry, dear, if you want.

You're in good form today,
skipping around like a little girl?

Yes, I'm unusually good these days.
I'm always a bit excited at Christmas.

Did I forget the red cabbage?

I made a Filipino papaya sauce
that Dalsay taught me how to make.

It's supposed to be quite good
with meat.

With glazed ham?

Yes, nice to have something sweet
with the salty.

We're not going to risk that
on Christmas Eve?

Shall we just keep it
in the fridge?

Let's stick to the
traditional this evening.

It's also good
to let it settle for 24 hours.

We can try it with the leftovers.

He normally helps me
set the table

and gets to open
one gift before dinner.

Unnar is such a Christmas boy.

Since Hjalti Pétur
stopped coming,

I've been thinking it's
time to do some traveling.

You're better off,
a nasty little man.

Yes,
I am somewhat glad.

But I worry about
the residents' association.

I wouldn't like things going
pear-shaped while I'm away.

That's it, I think.
The Christmas spoons and...

God almighty,
I forgot to wrap up the almond gift.

Don't tell me what it is,
I don't want to see it.

Unnar always gets the almond gift.

We just won't wrap it this time.

It's late and he should
be here any second now.

Thank you Indiana
for letting me into your life,

for allowing me to participate
in this hallowed moment.

Salutations, dear friend.
Wonderful to have you.

"May the spirit of Christ bless your
heart with these meagre tears."

What would I do without you?

My nan always had raw spiced salmon.

Johanna dear.
Let's listen to the silence.

Sorry.

Merry Christmas!

Hi hi.

Are you finally here?
Dear boy.

Merry Christmas.

Are you alone?

Yes…
-Really?

Nah!

We have a surprise guest!
-Look who's here.

We bring Granny with us!

Merry Christmas!
-Merry Christmas Daniela!

Merry Christmas, Indiana.

Is that your nan Unnar?
-Yes.

Well how about that.
Very nice to meet you.

Johanna Einarsdóttir,
Indiana's friend

and head of the
resident's association.

She is-
-Deaf?

No.
-No, she hear OK.

Mother is not to...
that's not the Christmas cutlery!

Very nice blouse
you are wearing.

Thanks.

Where is your man?

I think he's with that Arndis
who lives in Smyrlahraun.

She was out shooting caribou with him
last summer,

I saw it on Facebook.
She calls him her "stallion."

The toast!

Shall I get it darling?

You need to mash it for her.

She can't really chew.

There is one chair missing!

If a hungry person comes.

It is a beautiful tradition,

like Joseph and Mary
come to look for shelter.

How lovely!
-We don't have a spare chair.

Let's find a baby Jesus, Indiana.

How about Bibbi, he's so cute?

Johanna!
This is to hold the flower.

Bibbi will be our baby Jesus tonight.

All children are welcome here,
Jesus Bibbi.

What a lovely tradition.

That was my chair, when I was little.

This is so good.

Good salmon, mom.

A bit slimy...
Strange.

I talk far too much.

Shh...
We normally listen to this.

...she gave birth to her begotten son,
wrapped him in cloth and placed him

in the straw because there was no bed-
-Johanna dear, the sermon's started.

We never listened
to this on the radio,

my nan just read it in
her own peculiar way.

Let's just listen and enjoy the meal!

Did you know
Brynjar Örn Sveinsson,

head of the
post office in Eskifjördur?

You don't have to talk so loud.

Laufey Guðmundsdóttir was his wife,
little older than you.

He got dementia too,
just babbled nonsensically.

Johanna!

We were all so relieved
when he finally croaked.

Was like being liberated
from an elephant.

But you're not difficult, are you?
You don't say a word.

Let's listen to the priest!

What a dreary voice that man has.

She can't stand you.
Can't handle you being a foreigner.

Drop of sherry?

No thanks.

Are you a teetotaller?
From Poland?

I'm just not drinking these days.

Oh, fuck a dead dog arse...
-Everything alright, mum?

The oven... just switched itself off?
-What?

Must have blown a fuse.

What can we do?
-What an absolute disaster.

It will be fine.
The salmon was delicious.

We can just eat the
ham, it's boiled right?

It isn't the way
it should be...

Everything has to be
the way it should be!

We... we'll make an
exception this time

and cut straight
to the risalamande.

Johanna dear,
give me a hand.

You two just relax.

Nan, we're going to eat
the risalamande now.

Are her hands cold?

No, she's warm.

Right then.
-It's the risalamande.

Bon appétit.

Now for the real excitement,
who's got the almond?

My uncle Ari always got it at nan's.
I could have punched him in the face.

He was nan's favourite.
Always got the biggest presents.

Was there no..?

No, I’ve not got it hidden.

Did you swallow it?

No, I chewed very thoroughly.

You get the almond, Johanna!

Dear me, who knew...
What's for a present?

A jigsaw.

How wonderful.

Unnar and I do a jigsaw puzzle
on Christmas day, when we wake up.

I'm not spoiling anything, am I?

I'm so sorry...
-We do a jigsaw in our PJs

and drink malt and orange soda.

You should get it.
-No.

Yes, you are the youngest
that's the way it ought to be.

I'll just get my own
when I go back upstairs.

Wow... 2000 pieces!
-Nice picture.

She's kind of peculiar, your daughter.
But nice.

She's my best friend.
I don't know what I'd do without her.

Shall we go into living room, nan?

Listen, I was thinking...

I'd like to stay the night.
Us, that is…

Just in my room. It's always
so much fun here the morning after.

Christmas day should be spent
in your own home Unnar.

I know.

I have a big present waiting for you
in Engihjalla.

Something I want to tell you.

We don't have to decide now.
We'll just see.

Hey, shouldn't we play the record?

We found this old record at nan's.

It's so good for old people to listen
to music from back in their day.

It brings back memories.

We're going to play your record, nan!

Oh, really busy?

Look!

Mum, look,
she can hear it!

Are you having fun, nana?

She's the very best girl
I ever found...

Just what the hell
do you think you're doing?

Stop that…

Stop that!

Did you come here to
spoil our Christmas?!

You're not in Meistaravellir
in that bloody estate.

This is my home!

Having a party?
You'd like to have a party?

You fucking tart...
-Stop it!

Shall we invite the boys round, eh?
Yes, let’s…

The repulsive Gúndi!

And black-haired Siggi...

Let's sit him in my chair so he can
urinate and the smell never goes away!

And that feral shitstain Maggi!

Let's have a great party,
a real proper one.

Here...
have a drink, go on...

Drink!

You must not hurt her!

Not enough?

Nothing is enough for you!
You bottomless pit...

I'm better than you!

You couldn't raise a thing,
you bloody drunk.

Everything you touched withered
or was taken away from you.

Unnar has never wanted for anything,
never gone to bed hungry or afraid.

He's lived in total safety
without anything bad coming to him.

But me... I had to
clean the shit and piss off of you

lying asleep in your own vomit
when I couldn't wake you up.

You never gave me Christmas,
you fucking invalid!

Never spent your benefits on me.

Where were my Barbies...
my almond gift...

Where was the glazed ham?
The red cabbage, the beans?

You fucker, you owe me money!
This is my life!

"Kiss your mommy goodbye.”

"Mum's just popping out for a bit
to buy her little one a present."

"Then I'll return and we'll make
dinner and have a cozy night in..."

But you never came...

No one was allowed to know...
Because then they'd come and take me,

just like they took my brother Joe
and my sister Dísa...

But in here I'm in control.
No one can invade my privacy!

Ah, that felt good.

Right then...
Shall we open some presents now?

That sounds just lovely.

Some are no doubt salivating
with anticipation.

Unnar and I normally take
turns reading the cards,

but I'll do it this time.

To...

That's for nan,
from me and Unnar.

Here you go dear.

I didn't realize…
you'd bring me a gift?

We're just not used to it, mum.

If I'd known I would have...
-You're always giving gifts, Indiana,

giving something of yourself.

Hello there, “Stallion!”

Yes, I know it's Christmas, they're
having it in every house in town.

I’m not daft!

I'm...
I'm not feeling my best.

Think I'll have a lie down
until the ham's ready.

We could not know.
-You've ruined our Christmas.

I already told you,
it's always just the two of us!

I just thought it would be good
to have big family.

It's true what mum said...
no one can be trusted!

I bring you here
and you try to hurt her?

I don't know if I believe everything
we hear tonight.

No more than you are handicapped.

She's only trying to protect me.
Don't you understand?

You're not Icelandic,
you can’t understand!

I'm just trying to help you!
-She was right about you all along!

I'm leaving.

I've got to stay here.

You don't have to stay here,
you want to stay.

Thank you for this sleeping bag.

Don't go...

When you come home,
I no longer be in Engihjalli.

I'm sorry for shouting at you.

Let's talk about this
tomorrow, alright?

I wish you all the best, Unnar.

Don't go...

Unnar?

Have you phoned in sick yet?

Yeah.

You have to eat something.

I want you to pop down to the chemist.
I need Almogran, 12.5 milligrams.

I'm down to the last lot.

My head…
is exploding!

She's driving me nuts...

I can't take it anymore!

Unnar?

Go up there and tell her to stop.

Unnar!

Stick in some earplugs!

I can't...
my ears are all swollen.

Do something about it, boy…

Do something useful for a change.

Unnar!

Thank god...

Try to wash yourself
when you get a nose bleed.

I won't be around forever.

Then come out and help me
do the planting.