Tomboy (2011) - full transcript

A family moves into a new neighborhood, and a 10-year-old named Laure deliberately presents as a boy named Mikhael to the neighborhood children. It is heavily implied that Mikhael is a closeted transgender boy. This film follows his experiences with his newfound friends, his potential love interest, Lisa, his younger sister and his parents. It focuses in on the significance of gender identity in social interaction from an early age, the difficulties of being transgender and young, and how Mikhael navigates these in the background of childhood play and love.

- You're okay up there?
- Yeah.

We keep left?

No, go right.

Not so much.

There.

That's good.

Are we going straight?

No, to the right.

Blinker.

Up or down?

To the right. Right is there.



Straighten out.

Good.

- That way?
- No, we're not going there.

- Okay, blinker.
- Which way?

- Right
- Up or down?

Up.

It's all yours.

Turn, turn. Now straighten out.

It's nice, you'll see.
You'll tell me what you think?

Yes.

- I was pretending.
- I knew it.

My room is nice, eh?

Yeah.

Yesterday, with mum...



we picnicked in the living room.
We didn't have a table.

We went to a restaurant.

Oh nice. And I didn't bathe.

Yeah, you smell bad.

No, I don't.

Sure you do.

Sure I don't.

- You do.
- Don't!

- Yes!
- Cuckoo!

Look what I found! A smelly doll!

- How are you sweetheart?
- Fine.

Although, you're crushing my foot.

- Did you sleep well last night?
- Yes.

- In your new house?
- Hum.

That's good.

You have your stuffed animals...

- Oh, there you are. How are you?
- Fine.

- I missed you.
- You too.

- The trip wasn't too long?
- Not bad.

- And the house?
- It's nice, I like it.

Me too.

My room is nice.

- You saw the blue you wanted?
- Yes.

Wah!

Here, look what I found.

Wah!

Look!
Dad found my doll.

- It was a mess.
- It was under the couch.

All at the back.

Let me see...

If the head falls off... that won't be good!

You have to go there tomorrow?

Yes, I have to.

But I'll be very quick right after lunch.

I got them on the telephone.
They're counting on me.

- Bon appétit.
- Bon appétit.

It'll be like that at the start.

I want your help with the
boxes in the living room.

We'll do that this weekend.

Will you be late?

For now, yes.

- I can't do that.
- You can't?

- But it's easy.
- For you it is.

- Do like this...
- They know about the baby?

Yeah, I told them.

I should be able to take a week.

That's why at the beginning
it'll be a bit... tense.

I'll do stuff...

We can go to the woods...

Can we go tomorrow?

Tomorrow I can't.

But we'll go this weekend.

With mum?

No, mum has to rest for a while.

Or else the baby will fall.

Right!

It's almost over, dear.

Eh?

Hey!

27, 28, 29...

40, 41, 42, 43...

44, 45, 46, 47, 48...

49, 56, 57...

Help! Help!

- I'll pull your hair!
- I'll pull yours!

Give it, I'll pass.

Let go of my hands! Tickle tickle.

- That hurts!
- Aah!

What's all the noise?
Calm down.

"Suddenly a growl,

"rather than a chant, came from the jungle.

"Doubidou bidou bidou.

"Doubidou bidou bidou bidou.

"Mowgli stared and gaped.

"The bushes parted...

"and a monstrous bear with unkempt hair...

"appeared.

"His brilliant black eyes rested on Mowgli."

- Hey, hello.
- Hello.

- How's it going?
- Fine.

You're looking for the others?

I saw you watching them.

They already left.

You're new?

Yeah, we got here yesterday.

I'm Lisa, I live here.

- You're shy!
- No I'm not.

What's your name?

Mickäel... I'm Mickäel.

Hey!

- Hi.
- Hi.

This is Mickäel, he just moved into apartment C.

- Can we play?
- We already made teams.

That's fine, I'll join one team
and Mickäel the other.

OK.

Three! Go!

You can't touch!

No one can beat him.

I'll get revenge.

Winner! Loser!
Winner! Loser!

Winner! Loser!
Winner! Loser!

Run!

Run!

We got the point!

Look!

- Five!
- Go Lisa!

Go!

I think they really like you.

A girl falls in love.

With a rock'n'roll boy.

At the end of high school.

All the girls were in make-up.

And the boys were bored.

And the twin girls were fighting.

Hello ma'am.

Hello.

What is... What is your name?

Jacqueline.

How old are you?

I think 35.

They say you're a star.

Yes, that's true.
I'm well known.

And you do what?

Oh, you know, not much.

You have no regrets?

Hardly any.

- Hello.
- Hello.

- Who are you? My buddy is scared.
- It doesn't show.

Help me find the village of the Schtroumpfs.

It's over there.

- Who's that?
- He is not a Schtroumpf.

Ah! It's a dinosaur.

Don't forget to wash your hair!

Aah! That hurts my eyes.

- Did I do that?
- Yeah.

Did that go in your eyes?

A bit.

Now me.

It's going to fall again. It'll be beautiful.

There!

- Is it hot?
- It's capsizing! Help!

Close your eyes.

Okay, time to get out.
You've been in for an hour.

It must be freezing.
You'll get a pneumonia..

Look at your fingers.
They'll stay like that.

- I don't care.
- Yes you do.

Come on, get up.

Common, hop. You rinsed your hair?

Yes.

Laure! Get out.

What's this present?

A macaroni necklace!

Oh! It's beautiful!

Can you hear him?

Eh, no.

Maybe he's sleeping?

Maybe he's dead.

You're crazy!

Look.

You feel it?

And there?

What is it?

Jeanne made it. It's nice, eh?

- Yes.
- I can make one for you.

What did you do this afternoon?

I was out playing.

You were out?

- You didn't tell me?
- I didn't want to bother you.

I'd prefer you tell me.

- You made friends?
- Just one, a girl.

Yes?

Well, that's nice.

You who's always hanging out with boys.

- What's her name?
- Lisa.

Can you take me?

No, you're too small. Move.

Gently, girls.

What are you telling him?

A secret.

I hope he'll tell me.

How are things in this room?

Good.

- You like it?
- Yes.

I have something for you.

Ta dah!

You can come and go as you wish.

Keep them around your neck,
so you don't lose them.

Thank you.

- Truth or dare?
- Oh no!

Come on!

- We already did one.
- It's barely been three days.

Let’s do it again.

You're not in command.
It's four against one.

Oh yeah?

No!

We'll play football!

Oh, not football

It's boring.

I'm sick of football.

Be a cheerleader!

Look, he's cute though!

Ask a question.

Rayan!

Are you in love with Lisa right now?

Lisa!

No! Yes, oh, alright.

Hey! Wait, I want to hear the answer.

I know what you'll say.

Hum...

Yes.

Rayan!

- How about a kiss?
- No!

Let's play! Truth or dare?

It's his turn.

Truth.

Have you ever...

eaten your buggers?

No!

And when you were little?

No.

When I was little... Yes.

- And you?
- Yes!

Did you ever taste your pee?

Ha!

You're crazy!

You’ve done it, that's for sure.

You're crazy!

How did it taste?

It was salty.

How many girls have you kissed?

I don't count anymore.

Truth or dare.

Dare.

Trade chewing gum with Mickäel.

Chew!

Chew! Chew! Chew!

Chew! Chew! Chew! Chew!

That's good, okay!

There's no one there.

Hey! Pass!

Hey! I'm over here.

Go!

You don't play?

No, I like watching.

Me too, but I don't have a choice.

They don't want me to play.
They say I'm no good.

What?

Nothing... I don't know.
You're not like the others.

Coc cocoric...

Cocoric... co!

Wow, it's morning! Yuppy!

Yuppy, yuppy!

Now, look.

- Can I play?
- Yeah, if you want.

- You're with us. Okay?
- Okay.

Our team's the one without shirts.

Here, take the ball.

Vince!

Vince, take your time.

Shoot! Pity!

Good game.

Yeah, good game.

Go Mickäel!

Mickäel!

- How are you?
- Fine.

- Thirsty?
- Yeah, thanks.

You play well.

Thanks.

Common! Stop him!

Those who want to piss, come!

Okay, I'm coming.

We scored, uh.

That's teamwork.

Mickäel!

Mickäel!

Mickäel, where are you?

He's here!

He peed his pants.

Hey! Guys!

Hello.

What's up?

You're late, eh.

Okay, pay attention.

From the camping family, I want the son.

Draw.

From the sea family I'd like...

the daughter.

You're cheating, or what?

Hum?

You want a drink?

I'm not allowed.

One gulp, that's fine.

You could even play poker.

Alright... From the family.

Uh... snow.

The grandfather.

Draw.

Oh damn, nice draw.

Family!

Hop.

Oh my, the thumb to the rescue.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

You're tired?

Come here.

I know it's not easy to move all the time.

But we're staying here.

For a long time.

You'll see. It'll be fine.

When I was little, I also sucked my thumb.

And when you do it again
later it's really weird.

It doesn't work anymore.

Hold on, little monkey.

Stop moving.

I'm making your eyes brown.

I'll give you freckles.

On your face...

and on your nose.

And a bit on your chin.

Hey! I'm not done yet.

Lisa.

- Lisa!
- Yes?

I'm coming.

Where are you?

I'm here.

You won't invite me in?

I can't. My mum's asleep.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

Why didn't you come?

I didn't want to.

Because of yesterday?

We can go to my house, if you want.

I don't want to see the others either.

We can stick together.

It's nice, eh?

Yeah.

I'm going out. I'll go play with Lisa.

You said you were staying with me.

But I didn't know she
was going to invite me.

Can I go too then?

No, you can't.

When are you coming back?

Around six.

Draw me a clock so I know.

Common, let's dance!

Common!

What's that?

We're going to make you up.

- Into what?
- Into a girl!

Close your eyes.

Tomorrow we'll go swim with the others.

I don't know if I'm going.

Open your eyes.

Can't you swim?

Yeah, I can swim.

Don't put on too much.

That suits you very well.

You look good as a girl.

Laure?

Can you come see me?

I have to do something first.

Common, come see me.

Are you alright, dear?

You have makeup on!

You look good like that. It suits you

Yes, it suits you well.

What are you doing?

It's modeling clay.

Will you make me spaghetti?

I don't want to.

Please?

No. Hey!

I'll make spaghetti.

Can you give me the purple thing?

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Oh! Can you help me?

Wait.

Okay, that's it.

What are you doing?

It's none of your business.

What are you doing?

I already told you,
I'm not going to tell you.

You're not nice.

That's good guys. Go to the end.

One, two, three, climb!

Cannon ball!

Attack!

Common, let's fight.

Go!

Go Mickäel!

Will you get revenge for me?

Go! Go!

Go! Yeah!

Go Mickäel.

Common, push.

Bravo!

Can I open my eyes?

No.

Hmm, this is nice.

Mickäel!

I want revenge!

Amateur!

Invalid!

Hello, is Mickäel there?

No one's here, I'm all alone.

You're Jeanne, right?

Who are you?

Lisa. Hasn't he talked about me?

Yes, yes.

Alright then, bye.

Bye.

What are you doing in the hallway, darling?

- Are you bored?
- No.

There were a lot of people.

Lisa was looking for you.

She was looking for Mickäel.

Why did you do that?

I didn't do anything.

You made her believe you're a boy.

Shut up.

- I'm going to tell mum.
- No, you won't say anything.

- Shh!
- Hum!

Wait, wait.

Shh!

If I take you, you won't say anything?
I'll take you every day, okay?

What's your name?

Jeanne. And you?

I'm Cheyenne.

- That's nice.
- How old are you?

Six.

I'm five and a half.

Yeah?

What class are you in?

First grade.

Me too. We're going to the same school.

Oh cool, I already went.

I haven't. You know the teacher's name?

Yes, her name is Sylvie.

What do your parents do?

Dad works on the computer.

And mum doesn't work,
she has a big belly.

Because she's pregnant.

Do you have a brother or a sister?

A big sister.

I have a big brother.
I think that's better.

Why is it better?

A big brother can defend you.

One time, my brother beat up
these boys who were bothering me.

He punched them because they
were making fun of me.

That was at our old house.
We were in a bad neighbourhood.

Everyone was scared of him,
and all the girls loved him.

But he didn't love anyone but me.

Hey, Jeanne.

Did you see? I came with my big brother

Don't cut too much.

Yeah.

- And cut straight.
- I know, I'm not stupid.

When I'm older, I'll be a hairdresser.

What are you doing?

Hello ma'am.

Want one?

Yeah.

Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.

Good, don't say anything at dinner.

Keep your mouth shut, okay?

Yes.

Don't mess it up, eh?

Go on Jeanne, it'll get cold.

Not hungry?

But you were feeling well today, right?

- She went out with Laure.
- Oh yeah?

That's good, what did you do?

- Well? Did you have fun?
- Yes.

That's it? Cat got your tongue?

Let's see? Oh, that's good.

We had a water fight.

That's fun.

They were afraid of me,
I was aiming too well.

That's nice of them to play with you.

Yes, but Mickäel is my favourite.

Laure's friend.

He played with me,
and gave me a piggy-back ride.

And now, he's my friend.

The class lists are posted.

I checked them out.

- You’ll go to 2nd grade?
- Yeah.

I didn't see your name.

That's weird, there's only one class.

Maybe I'm not registered yet.

Because I just moved.

It's good we're together.

Yeah, that's good.

It's nothing.

I barely touched her, she fell.

What happened?

She fell?

No, he pushed her.

- Him?
- Yeah, him

Why did you push my sister?

She's annoying.

Common.

Give him a good kick.

Go! Kick.

Stop. Let me go.

Does that sting?

No, I'm brave.

- Shall I put a band-aid on?
- Yeah.

You were so strong,
when you beat him up.

You just make a fist, close your eyes...

and then you hit. It's easy.

- Good evening, ma'am.
- Good evening.

- What is it?
- I don't know.

I saw him come here...

He told me he was
in a fight in the woods.

- Yes, I didn't see.
- I don't know what happened.

- I don't understand.
- It was your son, in the fight.

I think you're making a mistake.

Yes it's him, Mickäel

Yes, it's true, it's me.

Uh... I'm sorry ma'am.

I'll do what needs to be done.

I'll punish him.

Apologize.

Sorry.

- It won't happen again.
- It won't happen again.

Okay, good, thank you. Good night

Good night.

What did you do, Laure?

What did you do?

Why did you do that?

I don't know.

Come here! You told everyone
you were a boy? You lied?

You pulled your sister into it?
Why did you do that?

Eh?

Go to your room.

You shouldn't blame your mum, you know.

Don't worry about it, it will pass.

It will fix itself, it's already over.

I want it to go away.
Please? Will it go away?

I got one.

A woman?

No.

- A man?
- Yes.

- Is he real?
- No.

- From TV?
- Yes.

- Is he nice?
- Not really.

Is he handsome?

No.

- Is he bald?
- Yes.

Is he on a show?

Uh... No.

- Oh, I know, he's on a commercial?
- Yes.

- That fat guy of the pasta commercial?
- Yes.

Darling.

Jeanne.

Wake up.

You should go back
to your own bed, okay?

Go to your room.

Laure.

Common, get up, get dressed.

No, you'll wear this.

- I don't want to.
- You don't have a choice. Put it on.

Common, go.

Okay, let's go.

- Where to?
- To the boy you hit.

- No.
- Yes.

Stop, that's enough.

- I don't want to go there.
- Listen!

No!

I'm sick.

- Let go of me.
- That's enough.

Jeanne, stop, let go of your sister.

You're coming now.

Close the door, Jeanne.
Close the door.

- Hello ma'am.
- Hello.

We came to apologize again.

You didn't have to.

Actually it's a bit more complicated.

- We're not going home?
- No.

- Where are we going?
- To Lisa's.

No!

Why? What's your problem?

Were you going to be a boy
for the whole year?

School is soon.
You have to tell them.

Listen...

I'm not doing this to punish you,
or to give you a lesson.

I have to, you understand?

It don't care that you
pretend to be a boy.

And it doesn't hurt me.

But it can't go on.

If you have an idea,
tell me, because I don't.

You have a solution?

- Hello.
- Hello.

Is Lisa there?

She'll soon be home.

Is it okay if we wait?

What happened?

Nothing horrible. I'll explain.

Come in.

- Lisa?
- Yeah?

Come here.

This is Mickäel's mum.

And you know what?
Mickäel is a girl.

- She came to my house in a dress.
- No way.

You must be joking!

Hey, he's over there, look!

We hear you're a girl?

We'll check.

Stop it!

- What are you going to do?
- Check it out.

Let him go.

You'll check.

No.

If he's a girl, you hugged him.
That's gross.

Isn't it?

- Yes it is.
- Then do it.

You don't want to go out?
Enjoy the weather?

I'd rather stay here.

School starts tomorrow.

It's not that bad.

He's waking up.

It's not easy to wake up.

Shh.

Look.

Cool.

What's your name?

My name is Laure.

Subtitles edited by Subransu