Little Joe (2019) Movie Script

- Please, come forward.

- Thank you.

- These are our special breeds.

- Mm-hmm.

Uh, please.

- Oh, how exciting.

- You, uh...

You will like this.

The breeding program

you see here,

it's finally been successful,

despite the extremely complex

genetic engineering involved.

The aim has been

to create a plant

with a scent

that makes its owner happy.

Oh, really?

Yes, that's right.

In recent years, plant breeding

has increasingly focused

on making plants

more resilient and more durable,

thus more energy efficient.

So, finally, the owner

can go away on holiday for weeks

and the flowers still survive.

However, as a rule,

this kind of engineering

involves a loss of scent;

the flowers don't smell of much.

In our case, we have attempted

to create the opposite.

Um, our aim

was to create a plant

that has to be watered

regularly,

protected from cold and heat,

that wants to be touched

and talked to.

Sounds like hard work.

Precisely. And in return,

the plant emits a scent,

which promotes happiness

as a reward for all that effort.

Moreover, the scent

contains a precursor

for the human hormone oxytocin.

Your body uses this molecule

to produce oxytocin

when the scent is inhaled.

Oxytocin?

It's sometimes called

the "mother-hormone",

it's supposed to initiate

the bond between a mother

and her newborn.

You'll love this plant

like your own child.

We are entering

a new era here.

The first, mood-lifting,

anti-depressant, happy plant,

that's fit for market.

I mean you can imagine

the benefit for humanity

- implicated in this innovation.

- Mm-hmm.

Yes, but will the plants be

fully grown for the flower fair?

There's not much time left.

As a side-effect

to the breeding program,

the plants produce an excess

of the growth hormone Cytokinin.

So, yes, they will be ready

on time for the fair.

What this plant really needs...

is love.

Hey, Joe.

- Everything okay?

- Yeah.

I'm sure your mum

will be finished soon.

Yeah.

Whatever.

Hey, cool trainers!

We were in Geography

and she opened her bag, and...

...and she says that she found

a little dead rat in there.

- What?

- Yeah,

and what she says...

She says that she doesn't know

who put it in.

I think he likes you.

- Who?

- Chris.

What?

What makes you think that?

I can see it.

Well, I can't.

Well, that's because

all you can see

are your flowers.

He's smart.

He helps you with your work.

You have the same interests.

He suits you.

Much more than Dad anyway.

Dad would really like you

to spend next weekend with him.

I told him I'd ask you.

Do I have to?

He really wants to see

more of you.

He's so...

...different.

From who?

From you!

- And me!

- So, you'll get to know

something different.

Believe me, Joe,

it will do you good to spend

more time with your father.

So, you'd have more time

for your work?

What?

No. Oh, shit.

Oh, no!

Stop laughing at me, Joe.

I guess there's nothing

to worry about.

Good.

Yeah, the new breeding program

could be a real success.

Anyway, I wouldn't

want to jinx it.

But it does look very promising.

We'll see.

Congratulations.

I mean, you never know

what can happen.

Does that bother you?

No, that's my job.

Handling the unpredictable.

It's what I'm pretty good at,

usually.

Of course, there's always a

way for a mistake to sneak in

that even I can't predict.

I can't control everything,

can I?

After all, I have Joe

to take care of and...

Of course.

That must be quite a burden.

No, well,

I wouldn't call it a burden!

I love my son and I enjoy

spending time with him.

Naturally.

But sometimes, I simply

can't be there for him.

Which does worry me.

What worries you?

Sometimes I'm overcome

by the fear

that something

could happened to Joe.

And I wouldn't be there for him.

My beautiful darling.

Hmm, my Bello.

Stay.

- Hiya.

- Morning.

They're doing fine.

These Flash2 are far stronger

than the Flash1 ever were.

Better give them quite a boost.

I don't want to loss these, too.

You'll see.

They will be viable this time.

We all know how hard it is

to succeed with a new strain.

And the blue

is just perfect.

If these plants prove

to be capable of survival,

we could enter

the production phase

sooner than we thought.

Alice,

do you have a minute?

I just wanted to say

that I feel really... proud

and excited

to be working with you.

Well, um...

Don't expect too much.

No, I'm...

convinced that this plant

is gonna be a huge success.

If you say so.

Would you...

How about, um,

a drink after work?

Oh, um...

Uh...

Uh, no.

I have to run.

Could you finish the logbook?

And double-check the timing

of the grow lamps.

That would be so nice of you.

Sure.

Aye, aye, sir.

Look, what I have for you!

Oh.

Is that allowed?

I mean...

No one has to know.

Do you like it?

Yeah.

- It's really hot in here.

- Yes.

It needs to be warm.

This is a very special breed.

You have to take

good care of it.

Keep it warm.

Talk to it.

- Really?

- Yeah, it's a living being.

It needs attention

and affection.

What's so special about it?

It makes you happy.

What do you say we call him

Little Joe?

Hi, Little Joe.

Welcome.

Uh-oh.

Doesn't look good.

Oh, damn. Look at that.

They won't make it.

We designed Little Joe

to be sterile.

So, the pollen

isn't able to produce seeds.

If the pollen falls

on female stigma, it dies

without creating

any sustainable offspring.

We engineered it

so the plants can maximize

production of scent.

Why did it emit pollen

in such quantities?

As if they had a will

of their own.

Perhaps, it's a reaction of the

male plant to its infertility.

Oh. Perhaps, perhaps.

Perhaps you made a mistake

and things got out of control.

And now several

of my Flash2's have died.

I hardly think

that has got anything to do

with Little Joe's pollen.

I mean, Flash1

didn't last long either.

What I'd like to know

is how you did it?

None of us have ever succeeded

in manipulating a plant

to such an extent.

Or perhaps you took

a rather relaxed approach

to the regulations.

Well, there's been

more than enough discussion

about deploying

certain new methods.

And no doubt,

they're extremely efficient.

But as I'm sure you know,

their use has not yet

been approved.

I am well aware

of the controversy

over the new virus vectors.

If that is what

you're hinting at.

Yeah. And naturally,

I used the usual vectors.

But why is it sterile?

Why did you design the plant

to be infertile?

It's not natural.

The ability to reproduce

is what gives

every living being meaning.

Well if you're questioning that,

you're in the wrong profession.

As if it were possible

to prevent a plant

from reproducing itself

and thus ensuring

its own survival.

And this plant

will follow its purpose, too.

What is really important here,

is the possible allergens

in this pollen.

I mean that would be

an absolute gift

to the Greenpeacers.

A genetically engineered plant

spreading unknown allergens.

Hello?

We all wear face masks

until further notice.

Bello.

Do you want this?

Fetch!

Come on, Bello!

Come on!

Yeah!

Come on, come on, come on,

come on, come on, come on.

It must be their pollen.

Fuck.

So have a lovely weekend.

And say hi to Joe from me.

Joe isn't home;

he's with his father.

- Oh.

- So...

So, how about a drink tonight?

Oh, I don't know.

You've been working so hard.

We both have.

We could do with a change

of scenery, don't you think?

All right.

Bello has vanished.

I can't find him anywhere.

He's never left me before.

I'm sure he'll turn up.

What if someone's locked him

in the greenhouse?

I'll go and have a look.

You stay here.

- Night.

Bello!

Here boy!

Oh!

Oh. Fuck!

Oh, he lives in this house

in the middle of nowhere.

He's a real lone wolf.

And you know what?

Ivan is hyper-allergic

to all sorts of pollen.

Doesn't sound like

your perfect match.

You know,

you really need someone

who's gonna understand

and respect your talent.

If you say so.

But who'll stand up to you,

if necessary!

I think that Joe likes you.

He has this idea that you and I

would be the perfect match.

Yeah, I like Joe too.

I'll get the drinks.

Bello. There you are.

Bello, Bello.

Darling?

Darling, what's the matter?

Bello.

Oh, come to Mummy.

What's wrong?

Bello.

Oh, my darling.

My darling.

Bello bit Bella.

I just wanted to stroke him

and...

That dog isn't my Bello.

That can't be. Bello would never

do something like this.

Maybe the dog's sick.

You don't understand.

That is not my dog.

What's the matter with Bella?

She's so...

Maybe I should explain

that Bella...

How should I put it?

She's had psychological issues.

What do you mean?

- She tried to kill herself.

- Oh.

She was on sick leave

for almost a year.

A so-called "burn-out".

And she only returned,

just before you started here.

And Karl took her on

as his assistant,

but it wasn't so easy for her.

Trying to resume work

while being downgraded.

She used to be one

of the best plant breeders here,

and now...

What with the medication

and so on,

she's just not the same person

that she used to be.

Of course,

one shouldn't be prejudiced.

And I would be the last person

to judge her.

Is that why she has

restricted access?

Could I please have

the curry and the rice?

Hi, Little Joe.

Hi.

I'm sorry darling.

Wow.

I can't wait for tonight.

Yes.

Great to see you too, pal.

My work colleagues,

everywhere, yes.

How would you

put a smile on my face?

I can see what you

mean already about...

Is this true, that you write

to Hollywood greats?

Yeah! I do.

I used to, yeah.

And did you get

any response?

Yes, I wrote

to Bob Hope...

...I got an autograph from him.

I wrote to James Stewart...

Let's order some takeaway,

hmm?

I've already eaten.

You wouldn't believe that

from my own experience.

Well, don't write

to me!

Good luck tonight.

Thank you

very much, Steven.

I hope you win

a lot of money.

I hope so too.

Where's Bello?

That wasn't my dog anymore.

What did you...

I had him put down.

That dog was not my dog.

What do you mean?

You'll see.

Alice.

We need to talk.

Please. It's important.

Now?

Bello was like a child to me.

I'm sure you can understand

what that feels like.

To lose a child.

What?

What are you talking about?

Can you imagine that?

Somebody you love.

Joe for example.

One day, Joe isn't Joe anymore.

He looks the same, he even acts

like the same old Joe but...

he isn't Joe.

- Something's changed him.

- Like what?

Little Joe.

At first, I thought

it might've been allergens

in Little Joe's pollen

that triggered a reaction

in Bello.

Well?

The vet did blood tests

before he put Bello down.

Nothing.

No antibodies, no histamines.

He couldn't find

anything unusual.

Well, then maybe

there was nothing wrong.

I really don't think that.

After all, we only ever find

what we're looking for.

The vet said he thought Bello

might have senile dementia.

Well, that sounds

quite reasonable.

I think it's Little Joe's pollen

that's triggered something.

Not an allergy perhaps.

- But something else.

- Like what?

Look here.

The pollen

comes through the nose

onto the olfactory receptors.

And then the olfactory

information goes straight

into the limbic system.

The very part of the brain

where it influences

our feelings,

our behavior, our personalities.

And where that oxytocin of yours

triggers its effect.

Whatever it is that is in that

pollen that changed Bello,

that is where it happened.

Will you please stop blaming

Little Joe

for whatever was wrong

with Bello?

Blame Little Joe?

We're talking about a plant,

aren't we?

If anyone is to blame, it's you.

Haven't you notice

how Chris has changed?

No.

I have the feeling

he's infected too.

Infected?

From Little Joe's pollen.

Chris will defend Little Joe

at any price.

And why shouldn't he?

I will defend Little Joe as well

because I am responsible

for him.

So, you are a good mother.

But which of your children

will you choose?

And could she be right?

Of course not. I did

the genetic engineering myself

and I know what I'm doing.

Fine. Then there's nothing

to worry about.

Your colleague is just imagining

Little Joe changed her dog.

Yeah.

I think she's a little...

unbalanced.

Possibly, your colleague

is projecting

some inner conflicts

onto the outside world,

and, consequently, elements

of her environment strike her

as changed.

Yeah. That must be it.

Chris isn't infected either.

Is that

what your colleague said?

Yes. But he's only trying

to protect the plant.

It's very important to him.

So, he's an ally...

Yeah.

It's just...

I'm not sure if he cares more

for the plant

than he cares for me.

And what about you?

You care for him?

Me? No.

I mean, after all, I have Joe.

What do you think

you're playing at?

Sorry,

I really don't know what...

How could you set out

more of those plants

before the allergy tests

have been evaluated?

I didn't know.

My dear colleague,

perhaps you haven't yet grasped

how we do things here.

But for us,

safety is more important

than success.

I'm certain that

Little Joe's pollen is harmless.

Oh. What makes you so certain?

My son

has a Little Joe at home,

and neither he nor I have shown

any allergic reactions at all.

That's...

Against the rules.

I'm strongly tempted to halt

any further planting

of Little Joe immediately.

But we need to be ready

for the flower fair.

If we miss it this year,

another lab might come up

with a similar idea.

I've already heard rumors.

I really don't think

we can risk any delay.

Very well.

But I assure you,

I will not let those plants

out to public until the tests

have been fully evaluated.

Why didn't you tell me

that you were putting

in new plants?

I don't need this right now.

Karl is already against me.

Just trust me for once.

I know what I'm doing.

Oh yes,

this scent is lovely.

Could get addicted.

Any specific reaction?

All fine.

No itchy nose,

skin rashes, runny eyes,

swelling

of the mucous membranes?

Nothing.

Very well then...

If I could just

say something.

Yeah, of course.

Well, recently,

she's been... moody I suppose.

Yeah. When I'm talking to her,

she's thinking about something

completely different.

Tell him what

you told me, Ella.

It's like I was a person

in a play or a film.

- What person?

- I don't know.

Me, of course.

I'm playing myself.

That's the strange feeling.

Okay. And how long

did that feeling last?

I don't know...

- for ages.

- No, not really darling.

Started...

The scent was fantastic.

It made me feel sort of,

uh, happy.

Everything okay

with the interviews?

I walked with my head

in the clouds...

Yes. Fine.

The reactions

seem pretty average.

Are you looking for anything

in particular?

No. I just wanted to be sure,

what with Karl being after me.

Hmm. I get it.

Ric, is this all the material?

I mean, are these

the full interviews?

No. Of course not.

They just babbled on and on

so I had to edit.

I see.

Yeah. Well done.

Great.

So, how are things at school?

Yeah. Fine.

What about the other kids?

I mean, are they cool?

- Yeah.

- Good.

That's very good.

And girls? Anyone special?

Listen,

we hardly ever see each other.

So, come on. Hmm?

Is there a girl?

No. Not really.

Sort of.

Great.

Thanks. Want to come in?

- No.

- Okay.

Hey.

Look.

- Please.

- I caught it myself.

I can cook it in the oven.

Dad taught me how.

Sure. Yeah, let's do that.

Cook something in the oven

for once. Great.

So, how was the weekend?

Joe is...

He's changing.

I don't know how to put it.

He's not the boy

he used to be anymore.

- What do you mean?

- You haven't noticed anything?

Joe?

You know that your dad wants

you to go and live with him.

So?

Well, so...

is that what you want?

What about you?

Me?

Of course I want you

to stay here with me.

Mm!

Really good, Joe.

So, are you still up for a movie

this weekend?

Oh. I'm sorry. I have to work.

Whatever.

After the fair?

I promise.

Hi.

Come on.

Cool.

Wait.

Whoa.

It's really hot in here.

The Little Joes need it.

They're very sensitive.

Smells sexy.

You have to talk to them.

Did you know that?

And do they talk back?

Watch out.

That tickles.

I hope I don't get hay fever.

You won't.

There. See that?

Rewind it, will you?

I didn't notice

it at first, either.

Sorry, I really don't know

what you're talking about.

The plants, of course.

When the camera comes back,

one of them has gone.

Oh, there.

Someone clearly knew his way

around the surveillance system.

But what would be the point

of stealing a plant?

The cameras are only there

to monitor growth.

Industrial espionage, maybe.

Let's not get carried away.

I mean, those plants

aren't that special after all.

You're starting to notice

too, aren't you?

Please don't.

I'm not like you.

Oh, no?

Then why are you standing here

talking to me?

I...

We don't have much time.

I think I understand now

what's going on.

Little Joe is infecting people

in order to reproduce.

He's trying to survive.

It's his response

to being sterile.

Isn't that incredible?

It's complete nonsense.

Little Joe changes

the people he infects,

so they will protect

and propagate him.

They care for Little Joe

more than they care

for anyone else.

They will force us

to inhale the pollen.

Our only chance might be

if we pretend.

- Pretend what?

- That nothing is happening.

But nothing is happening.

I know you didn't want this.

But it is really happening.

Joe?

If I could just say something.

Yes, of course.

Well, recently

she's been... moody...

Okay. And how long

did that feeling last?

I don't know.

- For ages.

- No, not really, darling.

It started exactly on the day

she did the pollen test,

for you.

- I don't know why we did it.

- For the money.

We said that

she could buy a bike.

It's not really as though

we can afford to buy a bicycle.

- We thought it was harmless.

- And it is, okay?

- So please don't worry.

- Don't worry?

Well, my daughter doesn't

respond to her own name,

doesn't recognize me when

I collect her

- from her flute lesson

- Mummy, I told you,

I wasn't wearing my glasses.

Be quiet.

Well, I really don't know

what my husband

is trying to say.

I'm absolutely fine.

That's exactly the problem.

She used to complain about me

all the time.

Nothing was ever good for her.

But I knew she loved me.

Now, she couldn't be

nicer to me, but...

Because you deserve it, Harry.

I don't know

this woman anymore.

This isn't my wife.

My God! Please, don't take

my husband seriously.

If we just could get back

to the allergic reactions?

- Parents.

- But when do they finish?

Um, midnight,

but I have to sleep by 11:00.

- That sucks.

- Yep.

Yeah, at least

you got to go.

Yeah, I guess.

- You missed it.

- What?

Ah, it was sick.

Like, oh, my God,

it was actually really good.

Who's there? Um...

Mum?

Oh, I didn't know...

Good evening, Mrs. Woodard.

Mum, this is Selma.

We're doing a project together.

Lovely.

Hello, Selma.

So, you're classmates?

That's right.

Right.

Would you like to stay

for dinner?

Oh, yes, please.

Well, then I...

Shouldn't you tell

your parents?

Sure.

Hi, Dad.

Joe's mum wants me to tell you

I'm staying here for dinner.

This is delicious,

Mrs. Woodard.

Please call me Alice.

It's just the takeaway.

I'm not much of a cook.

But thanks anyway.

I'm glad that you invited

somebody over.

I hardly know any

of Joe's friends.

Oh, I am sorry.

Well, of course,

a boy doesn't have to discuss

everything with his mum.

I suppose Joe spends more time

with his father?

No, he's mostly here with me.

Joe's father

lives out in the wilds.

I know, I've been there.

What?

Yes, Selma came with me once.

Yes, it was really wonderful.

I love the countryside.

That's unusual for a teenager.

Why?

Joe, there's something

that I wanted

to discuss with you.

- My plant house keycard?

- That's funny.

I also wanted to discuss

something with you too.

Yes?

Well, see...

you're always so busy

with work

and I guess it must be

really tiring for you

taking care of me as well.

What? Who says so?

Ivan?

No.

You don't notice,

but usually I'm here

all by myself,

and recently I've been getting

on really well with Dad.

Just been thinking.

I do want to live with him,

after all.

That's out of the question!

I simply won't allow it.

See?

I knew you'd say that.

This is how you will

get rid of me.

It's your own fault.

Come on, we're going.

Wait, please.

Joe!

- Please!

- Let go!

You're hurting me.

I'll get a plaster.

Can I help you, Mrs. Woodard?

No, it's all right.

I think it does talk back.

I told you.

It's a very special plant.

What happened to your ants?

I can't take care

of everything around here.

Fuck.

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.

Fuck!

If you didn't know

how to handle the thermostat,

- you just had to ask.

- Oh, come on.

I've been a plant breeder here

for 20 years.

Of course, you have.

Just next time I'll be

better off doing it

all by myself, I think.

- I think she did it on purpose.

- All right.

Bella, I'm sorry.

Ric doesn't mean it like that.

I mean, you're one

of our best breeders.

Oh, please save your breath.

I know

what you think of me.

I can see through you.

I know what's going on here.

Bella's theories

are completely crazy.

Not that I'm prejudiced.

- I'd be...

- The last person

to have such a prejudice.

Right, stop looking at me

as if I were a zombie.

I've had enough!

I'm... I'm sorry.

Of course you're right.

The whole thing is ridiculous.

I just don't understand

why you're worried.

I mean, it worked well.

Perhaps it worked too well.

Perhaps the plant isn't only

making people happy

but it's actually infecting

people's brains.

What?

What if we made a mistake?

and then something went wrong

with the R-virus

during gene transfer?

Like what?

What if the virus mutated

and it became pathogenic?

Wow.

I mean, are you serious?

Cytokinin could have caused

a mutation.

Hang on, let me

get this straight.

You're suggesting

that this harmless

little R-virus vector

has mutated into a human

pathogenic virus

that infects people's brains?

What in the world could cause

that to happen?

Little Joe.

I mean, what if Bella's right

and this is how the plant

is trying to overcome

its sterility?

By infecting people's brains?

By using the R-virus to do it.

We never should've made

Little Joe sterile,

- It is unnatural, after all.

- No, it's vital!

That's what makes genetic

engineering safe.

That we don't let our plants

propagate

into nature uncontrolled.

You sound like

a promotional clip.

You believe that?

Well, of course, there are

other benefits, such as

the commercial use

of the plant.

- See?

- But that's okay.

Well, maybe Little Joe

doesn't think it's okay.

Little Joe doesn't think

at all.

Listen, if you go around

telling people

that we may have some sort of

human pathogenic virus

in our plant,

our careers are over!

So, you do think

that it could happen?

- No, I don't.

- Perhaps that's exactly

what happened.

So, now, we're dealing

with a super virus

that infects people

so that all they care about

is the reproduction

of Little Joe.

But at the same time

you don't notice

because the infected people act

exactly as they did before.

And they're deceptively good

at it.

Sounds very plausible.

Bravo!

Alice, don't you think

that these "changes"

that Little Joe is supposed

to cause

could be happening for

completely different reasons?

I'm just so worried about Joe.

I just don't know him anymore.

We were so close

and now he's...

Well, Joe is growing up.

It's completely normal

for him to change.

He wants to move in with Ivan.

What would I do without him?

Well, I could talk to him,

if you like.

I have to go.

All right. Cool.

- See you later.

All right.

Hi, mum.

I didn't see you.

So I decided to take

the weekend off.

We can go to an exhibition

or a movie?

I'm already

doing something.

It's like I barely know

you anymore.

You never tell me

what you're up to.

I don't have to discuss

everything with you.

Mum, please,

this is normal at my age.

Bella.

I have a huge favor

to ask you.

I'm...

I need to leave early today.

My girlfriend

has had an accident.

She is in hospital right now.

- and...

- What do you want?

Could you do

the nutrient feed for me?

Please?

Fine.

Thank you.

The access code is "fromage".

F- R-O-M-A-G-E.

Thanks, Bella.

Hello?

Bella?

How are you?

Why?

Well, you seemed,

how should I say,

- quite concerned lately.

- Oh, that?

That's all over, I'm fine.

I'm sorry I frightened you.

I realize now that it was

all in my mind.

I'm not sure if you know

but I used to be ill.

Mentally ill.

Sometimes,

my illness comes back

and I'm not myself anymore.

Anyway, if I take my medication,

everything's fine.

That's how it is.

But, Bello...

Really. You don't have to worry.

Little Joe

is completely harmless.

I inhaled some

of the pollen myself.

and I'm just fine.

Little Joe

couldn't harm anybody.

How can you be sure?

It's just a plant

trying to survive.

Sorry, I don't see

an appointment for you today.

I know.

But it's important.

This is most irregular.

Well, I'm no biologist.

What can I say?

What would the consequences be?

We don't know.

We really don't know

what a virus like that could do.

Well, neither do I.

So, your colleague, Bella?

Might be right after all?

Yeah.

No. She's changed her mind

recently,

but I think that's because

she's been infected too.

Just like Joe.

Joe?

It sounds so crazy.

But it's as if...

Joe weren't Joe anymore.

He frightens me.

Let's remember Bella's dog.

In our last session,

you spoke about how Bella

stopped loving her dog

because she thought

it had changed.

She had it put down, right?

Is it possible,

Bella prompted

certain fears in you?

Fears connected

with the loss of your son.

Fear can distort

our perception of reality

until we actually see

what we are afraid of...

or what we secretly

wish for.

Wish for?

What wish would that be?

Patient Woodard, Alice:

workaholic,

feelings of guilt

centered on perceived

neglect of pubescent son, Joe.

Possibly patient is suppressing

her subconscious wish

to free herself from the bond

with her child.

I don't even see

what the problem should be.

Try to make her feel

more needed.

- That's just how mothers are.

- Yeah.

Yeah, I also think that...

Oh, Alice, there you are.

We were just wondering

what happened to you.

What are you doing here?

We're just having a chat.

Me and Joe

and his girlfriend Selma.

Is it all right if Chris stays

for dinner?

No!

Pity.

What's going on here?

Nothing.

Didn't you want me

to speak to Joe?

Alice, how can you possibly

misunderstand everything?

Chris, please,

you should leave now.

Alice...

I don't think you know

how much...

I...

I think I love you.

Chris...

You know what?

There's nothing wrong with Joe.

You just have to let him go.

It's really none

of your business, Joe is my boy.

Well, I'm just trying to help.

If there's anyone that's changed

around here, it's you.

That's not true.

Joe, please,

I have to talk to you.

Several things

have happened recently

that have disturbed me

quite a lot.

For instance,

what you and Selma

were doing in the growing hall.

What are you talking about?

I've no idea what you mean.

Don't bother lying.

- Joe, I know you were in there.

- You followed us!

Mum...

that's really...

- How could you do that?

- No! What...

Why do you think...

of course not.

We wanted to give Ivan a plant,

for his birthday.

He's allergic.

I know.

We wanted him to inhale

the pollen, too.

So, he'd become like us.

What?

It's true.

Selma and I have been infected

by Little Joe's pollen.

What?

Yes.

It's funny, but...

ever since,

I've felt quite happy.

All of us who have inhaled

the pollen,

we belong together now.

And we'll do anything

to help Little Joe.

That's our job, isn't it?

Of course,

it's a pity you feel bad now,

but...

that's just because

you're not one of us.

Not yet.

That's right.

If you inhale the pollen too,

you'll understand.

It doesn't hurt.

You'll hardly notice

the difference.

No one does. Not even us.

We pretend to be the same

as before and it works.

It's a kind of reflex.

And it makes you feel happy.

Which is what you wanted,

right?

No.

Joe, that's impossible.

That's not what I wanted.

But look, Alice...

Can I call you Alice?

Yes.

There's nothing for you

to be afraid of.

Now, you think something

will be missing,

but, like I said,

you won't notice.

It's like being dead.

You don't notice you're dead,

do you?

Good comparison.

Joke.

It was a joke.

What?

Come on, Mum,

you don't really believe

that nonsense, do you?

It's me, Joe.

Your Joe.

I'm... I'm fine really!

And so is Selma.

Right, Selma?

But...

what gave you that idea?

Chris told us a bit

about your problems...

with Little Joe.

Seriously, Mum.

I suppose I have changed a bit

but it's nothing against you.

It has nothing to do with you.

I guess I'm growing up

and I simply want to spend

a bit more time with my father.

Can you please accept that?

Joe?

Oh, Joe.

I will always love you.

Karl, I have to confess

that I lied to you all.

I'm terribly sorry.

I didn't use the usual vectors

but one of the new

virus vectors. It was, um...

precisely the ones

that we're not allowed.

That's how

we were able to modify

Little Joe's scent so well.

I see.

Well...

that is, of course,

a very serious offense.

If you want my opinion,

sooner or later,

we are all going to be using

those new viruses anyway.

They are pretty efficient,

aren't they?

Well, yes.

But I have reason to believe

that the ones that we've used...

- Which one was it?

- It's the R-virus.

I have reason to believe

that it has mutated

and it now has a pathogenic

effect on the human brain.

Really?

Has this ever happened before?

Not that we know of.

- Well...

- That doesn't mean

that it didn't happen.

Maybe just no one dared

to think of it.

Look.

What exactly are the symptoms?

Well, it's not like

they become zombies.

I believe that

those who are infected,

they change in a nearly

imperceptible way.

They actually feel happy,

but it cannot be compared

to the sort of happiness

that we wanted to create.

The consequences

that we are facing here,

they could be disastrous.

Could they?

Well,

wouldn't it be terrible if...

people lost

their genuine feelings

and only pretended

to be the same as before,

but they weren't,

because actually

they had stopped caring

about anybody else

but the plant?

As long as they're happy.

- I was joking.

- We can't take any risks here.

We must have the whole

genome sequenced.

Very well then.

I'll get everything ready

and we can send a sample

to Genex later today.

My Bello was

the only living being

I ever really loved.

I didn't inhale the pollen.

I just pretended.

Like I always just pretended.

Bello was the only one

I could be myself with.

And now he's gone.

You're all gone.

You just don't know it.

You're no longer

your real selves.

I'm afraid I'm still

pretty much myself.

- What about you?

- Yeah, I am, too.

Come and sit down.

What's the matter

with you, Bella?

Nothing's the matter.

Nothing at all.

- Please, sit down.

- I don't want to sit down.

Just leave me alone.

Oh, my God...

Nice and easy now, Bella.

Where's your medication?

- Go and see a doctor.

- I don't need a doctor.

Let go.

No, we'll deal with this.

Sorry.

I'm just...

- Don't come any closer.

- Please.

- Stay where you are.

- Bella.

- What have you done?

- Nothing.

We were trying to stop her.

It's not what you think.

What can I say is that

I'm absolutely shaken.

Bella was...

is my closest colleague.

Her dedication and empathy...

absolutely invaluable

to the work we do here.

So, all our thoughts

are with our dear colleague

who is, at this moment,

fighting for her life.

And as soon as we know more,

we'll post that information

on the internal newsletter.

But now, in spite

of today's tragic events,

we must carry on.

The fair is approaching.

So... congratulations

Team Woodard and Ric.

You have done

fantastic work.

The test results confirm

that Little Joe doesn't trigger

any serious allergies

or other adverse reactions.

So, consequently,

face masks need longer be worn,

with immediate effect.

We will be ready

for the flower fair.

There'll always be somebody

with minor allergic reactions.

Well...

I'm so sorry, Alice.

Little Joe is harmless.

Now I take full responsibility

for the failure of my Flash 2s.

So I'll just have to do better

next time.

Yeah? Concerning the sample

you prepared...

Yes?

We won't need it. I mean...

Neither of us wants Genex

finding out

about your somewhat

unorthodox approach.

Now that we're so close

to presenting

our Little Joes to the public,

we don't want to spoil it,

do we?

But the risk of infection...

Please, don't be offended,

but your theory lacks

any sort of evidence.

There are simply no symptoms.

And who can prove

the genuineness of feelings?

Moreover, who cares?

I fear Bella's ideas

have infected your mind,

rather than any virus.

It seems that this has all been

a bit much for you.

If there's anything I can do?

No, I'm... I should be fine.

Still here so late?

Just checking

the thermostat.

- Well?

- Well what?

Is the temperature all right?

Yeah, everything's fine.

It's just I thought

that you might

do something rash.

What makes you think that?

You have been getting

a bit carried away recently.

A bit chilly in here, isn't it?

Um...

Alice...

you don't really want this.

Please, just trust me for once.

I'll convince Karl

to authorize the sequencing.

We are a team after all.

How could you?

Your own children!

I know.

But I can't take the risk.

If I made a mistake,

then it's my fault.

No, it's not.

I am a part of this as well.

Chris,

I am the one who did...

Oh, me, me, me!

This isn't all about you.

- Give me the...

- No!

Give me the key!

Just...

Uh, I have some news

that I wouldn't want to keep

from you.

Little Joe has been nominated

for the European Herb

& Health Award.

Um, as you know already,

we've received orders from...

the National School Board

and NHS providers.

So, soon Little Joe

will be improving well-being

in classrooms

and hospital wards nationwide.

Plus, with this nomination,

we will receive orders

from all over the world.

Even the EU.

Little Joe is our finest work

by far.

It was a good decision

to bring you in after all.

Oh...

You've turned out

to be one of our top breeders.

So... congratulations

to you both.

Um...

Little Joe will make the world

a little happier.

To us.

To team Woodard.

- To you.

- To Little Joe.

- Little Joe.

Alice...

again, about what happened,

I'm so sorry.

I was so angry

because you always...

and you never really...

Anyway.

Maybe it's too late now

and I've screwed everything up,

but I do want you to know

how much I respect you.

Please forgive me.

It looks as though it was me

who screwed everything up.

We are a team after all.

Mm.

Vietnamese.

That makes a change.

I'm glad to see

I can still surprise you.

Joe, I've been thinking,

if you still want to move in

with your father,

I would understand.

Really?

Maybe I was just too worried.

You know me,

always fearing the worst.

Yeah, true.

And I suppose it's high time

I learn to manage without you.

Oh, gosh,

what did you put in here?

- It's so heavy.

- Just rocks.

Pull.

Take good care of yourself.

Yeah.

You're doing the right thing,

believe me.

Mm-hmm.

You're a good mother,

but an even better

plant-breeder.

If you say so.

Anyway, I have to go now.

I have work to do.

For a minute there,

I really believed that my plant

would change people.

How absurd to think that a plant

would change the love

- between a mother and a child.

- Right.

And what made you change

your mind?

Oh, there was no proof,

no virus could be found.

I see.

And can you be sure?

Yes.

We finally had

the sequencing done.

And it's all fine.

And do you have any idea

why you believed it

in the first place?

I guess I felt guilty

about spending more time

with Little Joe

than with Joe.

But what can I do,

I love my work too.

And a boy needs his father.

And you know what, maybe

I did actually wish for it,

unconsciously.

That Joe

would move in with his father?

Yeah.

To have a bit more time

for myself

and my work.

And there's really no need

to blame yourself for that.

It would be a mistake

to deny who you really are.

Is it the one

that makes you happy?

Hmm.

Hmm, lovely.

They like being talked to.

Good night, Little Joe.

Good night, Mum.

Little Joe (2019) - full transcript