The Last Word (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
[Karla] I saved your ass, and you know it.
Don't walk away from me!
-Anyway, you said it was a good speech.
-[Andi] What?
You said it was good and that I have
what it takes to be a eulogist.
-[Andi] What? Really?
-Yes. Along those lines, anyway.
[Andi] Uh-huh.
Is… Is there someone in there?
[exhales] No.
-I'll go downstairs, okay?
-Yeah, sure.
I just want a chance to prove myself.
Yes. But unfortunately,
I don't have any jobs at the moment.
How can you have no jobs?
People are always dying.
[laughs] Yes, but no one comes to us.
Sorry, I've got to get going.
To be honest, looking around here,
I can actually understand why.
And anyway, you owe me a favor.
-A favor?
-Yes, all the chaos at the funeral.
[inhales]
Mrs. Fazius.
Mr. Borowski.
I think you're a very good speaker.
And you certainly have a lot of, uh…
-[sighs]
-[Karla] Hm?
…charisma.
Thank you.
But do you think now is a good time
to start out in the funeral industry?
So soon after your husband's death?
Yes, I do.
[sighs]
Fine. If you're really serious about this…
I'd suggest you attend a seminar.
Afterwards, think very carefully
about whether you're really up to the job.
Then, if you come back…
-That's all I needed to hear.
-[Andi] Okay.
Goodbye.
[softly] Oh, God.
-[inhales deeply]
-[door closes]
Um…
What do you mean, "up to the job"?
I'm not as weak as you think.
[thuds]
♪ I'm gonna live till I die ♪
♪ I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry ♪
♪ I'm gonna take the town
And turn it upside down ♪
♪ I'm gonna live, live, live until I die ♪
♪ Gonna dance, gonna fly ♪
♪ I'll take a chance ridin' high ♪
♪ Before my number's up
I'm gonna fill my cup ♪
♪ I'm gonna live, live, live, live, live ♪
♪ Until I die ♪
Of course you're weak.
-[scoffs]
-You're suppressing everything now,
but at some point it'll hit you.
But you said
I should look for a new job, right?
Yes, but I had something
very different in mind.
-[Karla] Oh, and what's that?
-A cashier, for example.
Right. Something more suited
to my capabilities.
Well, more suited to your knowledge
and experience.
That's what's good about this.
You don't need qualifications
to work as a eulogist.
I go to the seminar, and bam, I'm in.
No, you'll jump in full of enthusiasm,
and bam, in a week
you'll be under the bed crying.
-Judith, love.
-Karla, love.
[sighs] Just relax.
Everything will be fine.
[keys jangling]
-[softly] Fuck you.
-[door closes]
"So now I place it in your hands…"
"Everything that moves my heart…"
"It is the last flower offering…"
"Laid upon a loved one's grave."
-[man clears throat]
-Theodor Storm.
A beautiful poem, isn't it?
If necessary, it can be used
in any situation. Just a tip for you.
But…
this poem…
also tells you something
about the job you have chosen.
"So now I place it in your hands…"
"Everything that moves my heart."
-We as eulogists get from the mourners--
-[snapping fingers]
[woman] Oh, no, not again.
-Mrs. Fazius, you have something to say?
-[Karla] Yes.
Listen, that really is a lovely poem.
We all know it from school.
But you can't say
that this poem suits every funeral.
Yes, it does.
Oh, no, it doesn't.
-[people murmuring]
-Yes.
[Karla] No.
[man] Oh, geez.
-[woman murmuring]
-No.
The certificate…
that I will present to all of you
at the end of this seminar,
doesn't only give you a good start
in your new life as a eulogist…
No. It also comes with responsibility.
Congratulations
and good luck on your journey.
Mr. Teichert, congratulations
and good luck on your journey.
Mrs. Fazius.
Mr. Elster.
"So now I place it in your hands."
Thanks. Good luck on your journey.
BOROWSKI FUNERAL SERVICE
ESTABLISHED 1890
[tires screech]
[indistinct chattering]
I have to pay our suppliers
and do the accounts at some point.
Yes, this is the damn week
when all the insurance money goes out.
-[Karla] Hello.
-[phone chimes]
[Frauke] Do you have any jobs
in the near future?
VIVIAN: HI SWEETIE, SHALL WE MEET UP
FOR A CHAT SOON?
[Andi] Shall I just cook up some bodies?
[Andi and Frauke continue indistinctly]
Isn't it odd being here?
Sorry?
To be here in this place.
Yes.
Yes.
I've complained about the decor, too.
[laughs]
And the…
decisions you have to make.
The long lists of detailed choices.
Right? I mean, it's funny, right?
[laughing] Sometimes I catch myself
turning to my left
to ask Sarah, "What do you think?"
"A wooden or a ceramic urn?
Which shall we go for, darling?"
[laughing]
This is Sarah.
Do you mind me asking who you've lost?
I'm here on a professional basis.
I'm a eulogist.
I'm a certified eulogist.
It's there in gold on white.
Well, beige.
-Wow.
-Yes.
[Andi] God, Frauke,
I know the numbers are shit,
but what can I do?
-[Frauke] Phone the Fritsch family, maybe.
-What about them?
They still haven't paid.
I've sent them two reminders already.
They lost their daughter.
[Frauke] Yes, six months ago.
They arranged a very lavish funeral.
-That's because they lost their daughter.
-You already said that. It's €4,000.
-You want this place to stay afloat.
-Yes, of course. Me.
Could we speak about this later?
I've got a customer.
Then I'll do it myself.
You won't.
You can do a lot more than just
reel off a few dates or recite some poem.
It sounds as if Sarah
was a really great woman.
Yes, she was.
Mr. Nowak, sorry to have kept you waiting.
Shall we go into my office?
Yes.
-We'll talk after, okay?
-[Karla] Mm-hmm.
So, everything that you…
that we talked about,
that you suggested…
uh…
it kind of seems a bit random.
-Hmm. Yes.
-[Konstantin] You know what I mean?
-Yes… Yes, I think so.
-[Konstantin] It just doesn't seem right.
-Not right?
-[Konstantin] Yes.
[inhales deeply, sighs]
I need to be able to say farewell
to my wife.
-Of course.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
-Yes, um…
-The man you sent about the speech…
-Mr. Kaneti.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
Kanoti. I tried to talk to him
about my wife…
to tell him about her,
but he only seemed to be interested
in dates.
That is part of it.
[Konstantin]
Then he suggested poems to me.
And he looked as if…
as if his wife had just died.
[Andi] Mm-hmm.
Maybe Kaneti wasn't a good suggestion
on my part. I've got a list.
Are they all as depressing?
[sighs]
-Well, it's… a funeral.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
That's exactly what I don't want, you see?
My wife was very much alive.
Shall we start from scratch?
The woman out there,
would she be available, by any chance?
Mrs. Fazius?
Yes.
Perhaps she'd be more…
what I'm looking for.
Is she available, by any chance?
[Andi] I, um… [exhales]
I could talk to her, sure.
[soft instrumental music plays]
-[Judith] Good morning.
-Hello.
What are you doing?
Uh, the laundry.
We all have to help out now, right?
Yes, sounds good.
Shall we have lunch together?
Yes, sure.
Are you nervous
about going back to school?
Yes, of course.
PEER: LET'S MEET UP AGAIN.
BEST, PEER.
[Judith] Hmm.
[inhales deeply, sighs]
If it's shit, call me
and I'll pick you up.
It'll be fine.
[students chattering]
[school bell rings]
[students continue chattering]
[chattering quiets down]
[students shushing]
-[teacher] Good morning.
-[class] Good morning.
[teacher] Put your books away.
I've got a surprise test for you today.
[students groaning]
[girl] Man, he's doing that on purpose.
Tonio?
I just want you to know
that we're all here for you.
Isn't that right?
[students] Yes.
And you don't have to take the test today.
-[boy 1] Great.
-[boy 2] I wish my dad had died.
[students gasping and chuckling]
[shushing]
Tell me… did I hear that right?
[sobs quietly]
Have you lost your mind?
[Konstantin] Well,
after however many rounds of chemo…
[bell tolling]
…when we knew that it…
[inhales deeply]
[exhales]
Get this.
I came home two months ago, and she'd…
decided who should be my next girlfriend.
Yes. She introduced me to her.
Anna. A friend of a friend.
Newly divorced…
-What? So you meet up… the three of you?
-Yes.
Yes. She arranged that.
Uh, and she got it spot on.
Exactly my type.
Still in good shape.
-But…
-[laughing]
She was very much alive.
But the suggestions made…
[inhales deeply]
…by your colleague
were a bit lifeless. Mr…
-Borowski.
-Borowski.
Yes. We'll do it differently.
I'll come up with something,
and I'll talk to Mr. Borowski.
We'll arrange a sendoff for Sarah
that she won't forget.
-[Karla] Hello.
-Oh, hello.
So, how's your first assignment
as a eulogist going?
Well. Really well.
-Really? Great.
-Mr. Nowak and I had a chat.
And there are one or two changes
we'd like to make to the funeral.
What changes?
Order of service, decorations, music.
Small changes.
I haven't thought it all through,
but just to warn you.
[inhales, sighs]
-Mrs. Fazius.
-[Karla] Karla.
Yes, Karla.
You…
You are a eulogist.
You give the speech. That's it.
The speech, order of service,
and decor are all connected.
No.
Yes. Whatever. We all want
the best possible funeral for Mr. Nowak.
For Sarah.
And I imagine the ceremony will be
significantly more expensive than planned.
Mm-hmm.
-I suggest that I call you when I'm done.
-[Andi] Mm-hmm.
-[Karla] Of course, Karla. Bye, Karla.
-[door opens, closes]
Uh…
[phone line trilling]
-[Karla] Hi, love. What's up?
-Where are you?
-[Karla] At work.
-Oh, at work! Right, that's…
-[Karla] Are you just calling--
-No, listen. It's about Mina.
[Karla] What is it?
-The nursing home just rang.
-[Karla] Is she dead?
-No, she's not dead. Quite the opposite.
-[Karla] What's she done?
She's been trading meds
with patients and nurses.
The nurse called it dealing.
We have to collect her
as soon as possible.
Karla. Are you still there?
Well, I… I really don't have time
to deal with this.
Okay, but I--
They won't throw her out onto the street.
-We'll find a new home--
-This is about your mom!
We'll talk another time.
I have to arrange a funeral.
-[Judith] Karla?
-Yes? Okay, love you.
-[Judith] Okay, right.
-Bye.
[soft instrumental music plays]
[birds quacking and chirping]
[keys jangling]
[sniffles]
[sniffles]
[sniffs]
[sniffles]
[sobs]
[sniffles]
Yes, Mrs. Fritsch, I get that.
But that was half a year ago,
and I have to ask you to pay the--
Mrs. Fritsch, we arranged
a very nice funeral for you and…
-Fine.
-Frauke.
If you think there are things
that need to be sorted out…
-[Andi sighs]
-…then send your husband over. All right.
[hangs up receiver]
[Andi sighs]
Done.
I would have done it.
[Andi sighs, grunts]
Not in a million years.
[doorbell buzzing]
[children playing]
[train car rattling]
[bell jingling]
Hey!
Hey!
[panting]
Peer?
Sorry, I didn't want to keep you waiting.
I've just finished work.
[laughs]
So good to see you.
[Judith chuckles]
I'd just had enough of casting calls
and auditions and all that shit.
Then all this waiting around in bars
with other frustrated actors.
And that's how it happened.
Thanks.
It's really good making people laugh.
-[Peer sniffs]
-Good.
What about you?
Did you actually end up
a successful photographer?
[Judith] I certainly get by, yep.
Art director for product photography,
mostly for ads.
I make really good money.
I travel the world a lot.
So that means you photograph
washing machines and toilet paper?
Yes.
That kind of thing, yeah.
And that's enough for you?
I'm… I'm not unhappy.
That's enough for me. Yeah.
Okay.
What is it?
Say what you're thinking.
You think I should be an artist,
like the rest of the city?
Or shall I go to kids' birthday parties
with you? Be a clown?
I work in retirement homes and hospices,
and yes…
I think we'd make a good team.
[laughs]
Mmm.
Mm.
[Andi] …brought along. What is this…
-[door thuds]
-[yelling] How dare you?
You and your wife?
Do you have any idea how we are feeling?
-Can you even imagine--
-Mr. Fritsch, calm down.
-Don't tell me to calm down!
-[objects clattering]
Mr. Fritsch, my sincerest apologies
for my wife's call.
We really don't want to pressure you.
My wife just wanted to remind you
that the bill has not been settled.
-In case you'd forgotten.
-Money, money, money!
That's all it's about for you!
You rip people off!
When they're at their most vulnerable,
you rip them off!
Mr. Fritsch, I understand your feelings,
but I assure you
that for me, it's all about
giving my customers a good sendoff.
Enough with the gibberish!
Here. Look, here's your money!
There. Take it all!
There you go!
[door slams shut]
Wow, amazing.
Thirty-two euro.
[sighs]
-[knocking]
-[Karla] Tonio?
-Tonio!
-Yes?
-Did I say "come in"?
-Am I disturbing you?
-Yes!
-I just wanted to… I…
Oh. I just wanted to tell you I'm leaving,
so you have to get your own breakfast.
-Yeah?
-[Tonio] Yes.
And wash your hands.
-Love you.
-[Tonio] Bye.
-Bye.
-Fuck.
[door closes]
[electronic music
playing through headphones]
[girl] Hi.
Morning.
Is everything okay?
Hmm.
Sorry. That was a stupid question.
[sighs]
Do you want to hang out some time?
[Tonio] Hmm.
[girl] At your place this evening, maybe?
I don't know.
[girl] It'd be nice.
Just the two of us.
Listen to music. Chat a bit.
-[girl 2] Maryam.
-[boy] We want to get going!
Yes, um… Yes.
Come on, please.
Please, please, please, please.
-Yes?
-Yes.
I'll call you later, okay?
-Okay.
-Okay. See you later!
-See you. Ciao.
-Bye.
[electronic music
playing through headphones]
Joy.
The main theme is joy.
-Are you absolutely sure you…
-Yes. That's exactly what I want.
Very well. Um…
I'll drive over to the cemetery office
and try to arrange things as we've agreed.
-[Konstantin] Okay.
-[Karla] Hmm.
Oh, and there's fresh coffee.
[keys jangling]
[Konstantin sighs]
[sharp exhale]
-Thank you for all your effort.
-[door chimes]
Of course.
I've already written the speech.
I can give it to you beforehand
if you want.
Thanks, but that won't be necessary.
[Karla] Okay.
Mrs. Fazius,
do you think Sarah would have liked it?
Well…
Are you not so sure?
Yes and no.
I mean… we were married for 12 years.
That's a long time.
[inhales deeply]
Well…
But still…
How long does it take
to really know someone?
[Konstantin sighs]
I can't answer that.
I don't know.
And in your case?
[sighs]
Um…
[exhales]
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to get too personal.
-No, it's fine.
-I crossed the line.
No, everything's fine. Um…
[sighs] I think there are secrets
in every relationship.
[clicks tongue]
But that doesn't mean
you don't know someone.
Uh…
[in English] I can smell her fart
in a room full of farts.
[in German] James Joyce
said something like that
when he was asked how well he knew
his wife of over 30 years.
What was it again?
[in English] I can smell her fart
in a room full of farts.
[farting noise]
-[farting noises]
-[Karla laughs]
-[in German] Good one. [laughs]
-[Konstantin laughs]
Do you know what's crazy?
The fact that I often…
find myself thinking and feeling
that she's still there when I'm at home.
[sentimental music plays]
I mean, for real.
It happens, yes.
[Karla] Good evening.
Hey.
We're going to talk now.
-Could I first--
-[Judith] It's about Mina.
[sighs]
May I sit?
Right. We won't be able to find
a new nursing home for her.
-Don't worry. I'll think of something.
-She's been kicked out of five homes.
-Then we'll find one in another town.
-There's no point.
Don't say it.
-She'll have to stay here for now!
-Judith--
[door opens]
[sighs]
[door closes]
[Judith] Hey.
Hello.
Hey… darling.
-Hello, Maryam.
-Hi.
Will you spend the night?
Actually…
she isn't.
-Are you?
-You two look very hungry.
I'll make you something.
[hip hop playing]
[sighs]
How's your family doing?
Well, one of them is dead…
one of them is annoying,
but other than that…
What about your mom?
Why do you ask?
Well, she…
She's been acting a bit…
a bit strange.
Strange?
No. Well, not exactly.
No idea.
Sorry.
It's all just a bit too much for her.
I'm there for her and all,
but she's not around much.
Tonio, what I meant to say was…
I'm here for you if you need anything.
Mm-hmm. Cool.
[sighs]
[sighs]
What kind of music is this?
-[music stops]
-Got anything cooler?
[Tonio sighs]
[thuds]
-Ouch! What wrong with you?
-[whispering] You have to go.
-You have to go.
-No, what's wrong?
-What's wrong?
-Please!
-Explain it to me.
-Later.
-What's the problem?
-Go.
-Tonio, tell me.
-Shh, be quiet.
-I'll explain it later.
-No, Tonio, stop it.
Go!
[birds chirping]
[lawn mower whirring]
[woman sobbing]
[funeral guests chattering softly]
[Karla clears throat]
We're gathered here today
to bid farewell to Sarah.
But what does that mean?
Farewell?
[brass band playing upbeat song]
Bidding farewell means letting go.
Today, we're parting ways
with a beloved person
so that we can get on with our lives.
But that doesn't mean
forgetting about her.
On the contrary.
We have gathered here
to commemorate Sarah, all together.
Sarah would have said, "Loosen up."
[laughter]
"Just loosen up."
So I'd like to ask you all to stand up.
Please, stand up.
Let's all loosen up.
And now I'd like to ask you
to stop hiding in here.
Let's go outside
and shout from the rooftops
what a wonderful person
we're bidding farewell to today.
Let's form a guard of honor for Sarah!
Come on!
[woman] Sarah, you live on!
[Konstantin] I loved kissing your neck
and biting your ears!
You were the bravest, Sarah!
-[woman 2] You were the best!
-Sarah, we miss you!
You made me laugh so much!
[man] You were the most wonderful person
I've ever met! Except for Stephanie.
-[woman 3] We're thinking of you!
-[man 2] You were a great friend!
-[woman 4] Everything was better with you!
-[Konstantin] I love you!
-[birds chirping]
-[breathing heavily]
[sighs]
[sobbing]
[sobbing and breathing heavily]
[blowing nose]
[Konstantin exhales]
[exhales]
[exhales]
[sniffs]
[Konstantin sobs and sniffles]
[exhales]
[sniffles]
Thank you. It was…
exactly the right thing.
[shaky breath]
I'm glad to hear that.
[sniffles]
[Konstantin exhales]
[Andi] It was good.
Thank you.
Really good.
[Andi clears his throat]
-I don't think Sarah's parents liked it.
-Hmm.
You can't please everyone.
[sobbing]
[Mina] Just take me to the countryside
and leave me there.
-Or just roll me into a lake!
-[Judith] Grandma, please.
Karla, are you ever planning
on coming out of there or…
Karla!
-[Mina] How will I be able to sleep here?
-I'm coming!
[Mina] In the same room
as my granddaughter?
What about my privacy?
[Judith] Karla!
-Please come here.
-And…
You made it clear
it won't be easy for you, okay?
-It won't be easy for us either.
-[sighs]
We're all making an effort here,
and it would be great
if you could just show some gratitude!
[laughing]
[continues laughing]
You sound like the head teacher
at the Catholic boarding school
that ruined by childhood!
[laughing]
Relax!
If you can't cope, then I've got something
that could help you.
Your patient.
[Mina] Somebody had to tell her.
Mina, goddammit!
-[keys jangling]
-You stay here.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[chuckles]
[humming]
[continues humming]
[rock music playing]
Pfft…
Are you done yet?
Yep.
What do you think?
Dazzling.
[gasps]
[gasping]
[sneezes]
[grunts]
[deep voice] Hello.
[sniffs]
I'm Peer.
I think I'm a natural.
All right, kids…
Let's see what we can do
at our little awesome birthday party.
Hey, little mouse. You, in the front row.
You're such a cute little mouse.
Well, what have we got here for you?
Oh, we've got a lovely hula hoop
for the little mouse.
Let's do some hula hooping.
[Judith sings melody]
[gasps] Oh, look, kids!
There's a banana peel!
What's that doing th--
[screams] Fuck!
-[Peer] Shit. Are you okay?
-[inhales sharply] Oh, fu…
-Is everything all right?
-No.
Oh, God!
Oh, shit.
[panting]
I think I should reconsider this.
[Peer laughs]
[soft rock music plays]
-I still love you.
-[Judith] Hmm?
-I still love you so much.
-[Judith] Mmm.
[sighs]
Did you have to say that now?
[sniffing]
I'M BEGGING YOU
ME
MY LOVE
[door unlocking]
-[keys jangling]
-Shit. [chuckles]
[woman moaning over computer]
[woman grunting and moaning]
Grow up, Grandma.
SHE LOVES ME
BUT WHAT DO I HAVE
[sighs]
I'm so glad you got in touch, sweetie.
You're looking well.
[Karla sighs]
[softly] Thank you.
Vivian…
Yes?
[Karla sighs]
Since his death, I've discovered
so many things that don't make sense.
This must sound crazy, but…
[inhales deeply]
[Vivian] Man!
Is everything all right?
Vivian?
-Vivi!
-He told me not to tell anyone.
He wanted to tell you himself.
Then it became
more and more important to him.
[Vivian inhales deeply]
We came to an agreement.
From then on…
he'd spend every day at the studio…
and not at the clinic.
[keys softly jangling]
[soft instrumental music plays]
Eight years.
You've had this basement for eight years.
You'd come here to paint…
or just to have some peace and quiet
or whatever…
and you never said a word.
[inhales]
[sighs]
Then you quit your job…
and… what?
And you'd leave the house
every morning for two years…
and come here.
Why?
Hmm? Why?
[sniffles]
I just wish I could understand why.
[shaky breathing]
I wish I could understand why.
I want to understand you.
[deep breath]
[sobbing]
But most of all, I just miss you so much.
I just miss you so much. [sobs]
I just wish…
I just wish you were here with me.
I wish you were here.
-[shaky inhale, sniffles]
-Don't worry.
I'm right here.
[sobbing]
[continues sobbing]
[whimpering]
Man!
[yells] You fucking asshole!
[whimpering]
[mid-tempo music plays]
Don't walk away from me!
-Anyway, you said it was a good speech.
-[Andi] What?
You said it was good and that I have
what it takes to be a eulogist.
-[Andi] What? Really?
-Yes. Along those lines, anyway.
[Andi] Uh-huh.
Is… Is there someone in there?
[exhales] No.
-I'll go downstairs, okay?
-Yeah, sure.
I just want a chance to prove myself.
Yes. But unfortunately,
I don't have any jobs at the moment.
How can you have no jobs?
People are always dying.
[laughs] Yes, but no one comes to us.
Sorry, I've got to get going.
To be honest, looking around here,
I can actually understand why.
And anyway, you owe me a favor.
-A favor?
-Yes, all the chaos at the funeral.
[inhales]
Mrs. Fazius.
Mr. Borowski.
I think you're a very good speaker.
And you certainly have a lot of, uh…
-[sighs]
-[Karla] Hm?
…charisma.
Thank you.
But do you think now is a good time
to start out in the funeral industry?
So soon after your husband's death?
Yes, I do.
[sighs]
Fine. If you're really serious about this…
I'd suggest you attend a seminar.
Afterwards, think very carefully
about whether you're really up to the job.
Then, if you come back…
-That's all I needed to hear.
-[Andi] Okay.
Goodbye.
[softly] Oh, God.
-[inhales deeply]
-[door closes]
Um…
What do you mean, "up to the job"?
I'm not as weak as you think.
[thuds]
♪ I'm gonna live till I die ♪
♪ I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry ♪
♪ I'm gonna take the town
And turn it upside down ♪
♪ I'm gonna live, live, live until I die ♪
♪ Gonna dance, gonna fly ♪
♪ I'll take a chance ridin' high ♪
♪ Before my number's up
I'm gonna fill my cup ♪
♪ I'm gonna live, live, live, live, live ♪
♪ Until I die ♪
Of course you're weak.
-[scoffs]
-You're suppressing everything now,
but at some point it'll hit you.
But you said
I should look for a new job, right?
Yes, but I had something
very different in mind.
-[Karla] Oh, and what's that?
-A cashier, for example.
Right. Something more suited
to my capabilities.
Well, more suited to your knowledge
and experience.
That's what's good about this.
You don't need qualifications
to work as a eulogist.
I go to the seminar, and bam, I'm in.
No, you'll jump in full of enthusiasm,
and bam, in a week
you'll be under the bed crying.
-Judith, love.
-Karla, love.
[sighs] Just relax.
Everything will be fine.
[keys jangling]
-[softly] Fuck you.
-[door closes]
"So now I place it in your hands…"
"Everything that moves my heart…"
"It is the last flower offering…"
"Laid upon a loved one's grave."
-[man clears throat]
-Theodor Storm.
A beautiful poem, isn't it?
If necessary, it can be used
in any situation. Just a tip for you.
But…
this poem…
also tells you something
about the job you have chosen.
"So now I place it in your hands…"
"Everything that moves my heart."
-We as eulogists get from the mourners--
-[snapping fingers]
[woman] Oh, no, not again.
-Mrs. Fazius, you have something to say?
-[Karla] Yes.
Listen, that really is a lovely poem.
We all know it from school.
But you can't say
that this poem suits every funeral.
Yes, it does.
Oh, no, it doesn't.
-[people murmuring]
-Yes.
[Karla] No.
[man] Oh, geez.
-[woman murmuring]
-No.
The certificate…
that I will present to all of you
at the end of this seminar,
doesn't only give you a good start
in your new life as a eulogist…
No. It also comes with responsibility.
Congratulations
and good luck on your journey.
Mr. Teichert, congratulations
and good luck on your journey.
Mrs. Fazius.
Mr. Elster.
"So now I place it in your hands."
Thanks. Good luck on your journey.
BOROWSKI FUNERAL SERVICE
ESTABLISHED 1890
[tires screech]
[indistinct chattering]
I have to pay our suppliers
and do the accounts at some point.
Yes, this is the damn week
when all the insurance money goes out.
-[Karla] Hello.
-[phone chimes]
[Frauke] Do you have any jobs
in the near future?
VIVIAN: HI SWEETIE, SHALL WE MEET UP
FOR A CHAT SOON?
[Andi] Shall I just cook up some bodies?
[Andi and Frauke continue indistinctly]
Isn't it odd being here?
Sorry?
To be here in this place.
Yes.
Yes.
I've complained about the decor, too.
[laughs]
And the…
decisions you have to make.
The long lists of detailed choices.
Right? I mean, it's funny, right?
[laughing] Sometimes I catch myself
turning to my left
to ask Sarah, "What do you think?"
"A wooden or a ceramic urn?
Which shall we go for, darling?"
[laughing]
This is Sarah.
Do you mind me asking who you've lost?
I'm here on a professional basis.
I'm a eulogist.
I'm a certified eulogist.
It's there in gold on white.
Well, beige.
-Wow.
-Yes.
[Andi] God, Frauke,
I know the numbers are shit,
but what can I do?
-[Frauke] Phone the Fritsch family, maybe.
-What about them?
They still haven't paid.
I've sent them two reminders already.
They lost their daughter.
[Frauke] Yes, six months ago.
They arranged a very lavish funeral.
-That's because they lost their daughter.
-You already said that. It's €4,000.
-You want this place to stay afloat.
-Yes, of course. Me.
Could we speak about this later?
I've got a customer.
Then I'll do it myself.
You won't.
You can do a lot more than just
reel off a few dates or recite some poem.
It sounds as if Sarah
was a really great woman.
Yes, she was.
Mr. Nowak, sorry to have kept you waiting.
Shall we go into my office?
Yes.
-We'll talk after, okay?
-[Karla] Mm-hmm.
So, everything that you…
that we talked about,
that you suggested…
uh…
it kind of seems a bit random.
-Hmm. Yes.
-[Konstantin] You know what I mean?
-Yes… Yes, I think so.
-[Konstantin] It just doesn't seem right.
-Not right?
-[Konstantin] Yes.
[inhales deeply, sighs]
I need to be able to say farewell
to my wife.
-Of course.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
-Yes, um…
-The man you sent about the speech…
-Mr. Kaneti.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
Kanoti. I tried to talk to him
about my wife…
to tell him about her,
but he only seemed to be interested
in dates.
That is part of it.
[Konstantin]
Then he suggested poems to me.
And he looked as if…
as if his wife had just died.
[Andi] Mm-hmm.
Maybe Kaneti wasn't a good suggestion
on my part. I've got a list.
Are they all as depressing?
[sighs]
-Well, it's… a funeral.
-[Konstantin] Yes.
That's exactly what I don't want, you see?
My wife was very much alive.
Shall we start from scratch?
The woman out there,
would she be available, by any chance?
Mrs. Fazius?
Yes.
Perhaps she'd be more…
what I'm looking for.
Is she available, by any chance?
[Andi] I, um… [exhales]
I could talk to her, sure.
[soft instrumental music plays]
-[Judith] Good morning.
-Hello.
What are you doing?
Uh, the laundry.
We all have to help out now, right?
Yes, sounds good.
Shall we have lunch together?
Yes, sure.
Are you nervous
about going back to school?
Yes, of course.
PEER: LET'S MEET UP AGAIN.
BEST, PEER.
[Judith] Hmm.
[inhales deeply, sighs]
If it's shit, call me
and I'll pick you up.
It'll be fine.
[students chattering]
[school bell rings]
[students continue chattering]
[chattering quiets down]
[students shushing]
-[teacher] Good morning.
-[class] Good morning.
[teacher] Put your books away.
I've got a surprise test for you today.
[students groaning]
[girl] Man, he's doing that on purpose.
Tonio?
I just want you to know
that we're all here for you.
Isn't that right?
[students] Yes.
And you don't have to take the test today.
-[boy 1] Great.
-[boy 2] I wish my dad had died.
[students gasping and chuckling]
[shushing]
Tell me… did I hear that right?
[sobs quietly]
Have you lost your mind?
[Konstantin] Well,
after however many rounds of chemo…
[bell tolling]
…when we knew that it…
[inhales deeply]
[exhales]
Get this.
I came home two months ago, and she'd…
decided who should be my next girlfriend.
Yes. She introduced me to her.
Anna. A friend of a friend.
Newly divorced…
-What? So you meet up… the three of you?
-Yes.
Yes. She arranged that.
Uh, and she got it spot on.
Exactly my type.
Still in good shape.
-But…
-[laughing]
She was very much alive.
But the suggestions made…
[inhales deeply]
…by your colleague
were a bit lifeless. Mr…
-Borowski.
-Borowski.
Yes. We'll do it differently.
I'll come up with something,
and I'll talk to Mr. Borowski.
We'll arrange a sendoff for Sarah
that she won't forget.
-[Karla] Hello.
-Oh, hello.
So, how's your first assignment
as a eulogist going?
Well. Really well.
-Really? Great.
-Mr. Nowak and I had a chat.
And there are one or two changes
we'd like to make to the funeral.
What changes?
Order of service, decorations, music.
Small changes.
I haven't thought it all through,
but just to warn you.
[inhales, sighs]
-Mrs. Fazius.
-[Karla] Karla.
Yes, Karla.
You…
You are a eulogist.
You give the speech. That's it.
The speech, order of service,
and decor are all connected.
No.
Yes. Whatever. We all want
the best possible funeral for Mr. Nowak.
For Sarah.
And I imagine the ceremony will be
significantly more expensive than planned.
Mm-hmm.
-I suggest that I call you when I'm done.
-[Andi] Mm-hmm.
-[Karla] Of course, Karla. Bye, Karla.
-[door opens, closes]
Uh…
[phone line trilling]
-[Karla] Hi, love. What's up?
-Where are you?
-[Karla] At work.
-Oh, at work! Right, that's…
-[Karla] Are you just calling--
-No, listen. It's about Mina.
[Karla] What is it?
-The nursing home just rang.
-[Karla] Is she dead?
-No, she's not dead. Quite the opposite.
-[Karla] What's she done?
She's been trading meds
with patients and nurses.
The nurse called it dealing.
We have to collect her
as soon as possible.
Karla. Are you still there?
Well, I… I really don't have time
to deal with this.
Okay, but I--
They won't throw her out onto the street.
-We'll find a new home--
-This is about your mom!
We'll talk another time.
I have to arrange a funeral.
-[Judith] Karla?
-Yes? Okay, love you.
-[Judith] Okay, right.
-Bye.
[soft instrumental music plays]
[birds quacking and chirping]
[keys jangling]
[sniffles]
[sniffles]
[sniffs]
[sniffles]
[sobs]
[sniffles]
Yes, Mrs. Fritsch, I get that.
But that was half a year ago,
and I have to ask you to pay the--
Mrs. Fritsch, we arranged
a very nice funeral for you and…
-Fine.
-Frauke.
If you think there are things
that need to be sorted out…
-[Andi sighs]
-…then send your husband over. All right.
[hangs up receiver]
[Andi sighs]
Done.
I would have done it.
[Andi sighs, grunts]
Not in a million years.
[doorbell buzzing]
[children playing]
[train car rattling]
[bell jingling]
Hey!
Hey!
[panting]
Peer?
Sorry, I didn't want to keep you waiting.
I've just finished work.
[laughs]
So good to see you.
[Judith chuckles]
I'd just had enough of casting calls
and auditions and all that shit.
Then all this waiting around in bars
with other frustrated actors.
And that's how it happened.
Thanks.
It's really good making people laugh.
-[Peer sniffs]
-Good.
What about you?
Did you actually end up
a successful photographer?
[Judith] I certainly get by, yep.
Art director for product photography,
mostly for ads.
I make really good money.
I travel the world a lot.
So that means you photograph
washing machines and toilet paper?
Yes.
That kind of thing, yeah.
And that's enough for you?
I'm… I'm not unhappy.
That's enough for me. Yeah.
Okay.
What is it?
Say what you're thinking.
You think I should be an artist,
like the rest of the city?
Or shall I go to kids' birthday parties
with you? Be a clown?
I work in retirement homes and hospices,
and yes…
I think we'd make a good team.
[laughs]
Mmm.
Mm.
[Andi] …brought along. What is this…
-[door thuds]
-[yelling] How dare you?
You and your wife?
Do you have any idea how we are feeling?
-Can you even imagine--
-Mr. Fritsch, calm down.
-Don't tell me to calm down!
-[objects clattering]
Mr. Fritsch, my sincerest apologies
for my wife's call.
We really don't want to pressure you.
My wife just wanted to remind you
that the bill has not been settled.
-In case you'd forgotten.
-Money, money, money!
That's all it's about for you!
You rip people off!
When they're at their most vulnerable,
you rip them off!
Mr. Fritsch, I understand your feelings,
but I assure you
that for me, it's all about
giving my customers a good sendoff.
Enough with the gibberish!
Here. Look, here's your money!
There. Take it all!
There you go!
[door slams shut]
Wow, amazing.
Thirty-two euro.
[sighs]
-[knocking]
-[Karla] Tonio?
-Tonio!
-Yes?
-Did I say "come in"?
-Am I disturbing you?
-Yes!
-I just wanted to… I…
Oh. I just wanted to tell you I'm leaving,
so you have to get your own breakfast.
-Yeah?
-[Tonio] Yes.
And wash your hands.
-Love you.
-[Tonio] Bye.
-Bye.
-Fuck.
[door closes]
[electronic music
playing through headphones]
[girl] Hi.
Morning.
Is everything okay?
Hmm.
Sorry. That was a stupid question.
[sighs]
Do you want to hang out some time?
[Tonio] Hmm.
[girl] At your place this evening, maybe?
I don't know.
[girl] It'd be nice.
Just the two of us.
Listen to music. Chat a bit.
-[girl 2] Maryam.
-[boy] We want to get going!
Yes, um… Yes.
Come on, please.
Please, please, please, please.
-Yes?
-Yes.
I'll call you later, okay?
-Okay.
-Okay. See you later!
-See you. Ciao.
-Bye.
[electronic music
playing through headphones]
Joy.
The main theme is joy.
-Are you absolutely sure you…
-Yes. That's exactly what I want.
Very well. Um…
I'll drive over to the cemetery office
and try to arrange things as we've agreed.
-[Konstantin] Okay.
-[Karla] Hmm.
Oh, and there's fresh coffee.
[keys jangling]
[Konstantin sighs]
[sharp exhale]
-Thank you for all your effort.
-[door chimes]
Of course.
I've already written the speech.
I can give it to you beforehand
if you want.
Thanks, but that won't be necessary.
[Karla] Okay.
Mrs. Fazius,
do you think Sarah would have liked it?
Well…
Are you not so sure?
Yes and no.
I mean… we were married for 12 years.
That's a long time.
[inhales deeply]
Well…
But still…
How long does it take
to really know someone?
[Konstantin sighs]
I can't answer that.
I don't know.
And in your case?
[sighs]
Um…
[exhales]
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to get too personal.
-No, it's fine.
-I crossed the line.
No, everything's fine. Um…
[sighs] I think there are secrets
in every relationship.
[clicks tongue]
But that doesn't mean
you don't know someone.
Uh…
[in English] I can smell her fart
in a room full of farts.
[in German] James Joyce
said something like that
when he was asked how well he knew
his wife of over 30 years.
What was it again?
[in English] I can smell her fart
in a room full of farts.
[farting noise]
-[farting noises]
-[Karla laughs]
-[in German] Good one. [laughs]
-[Konstantin laughs]
Do you know what's crazy?
The fact that I often…
find myself thinking and feeling
that she's still there when I'm at home.
[sentimental music plays]
I mean, for real.
It happens, yes.
[Karla] Good evening.
Hey.
We're going to talk now.
-Could I first--
-[Judith] It's about Mina.
[sighs]
May I sit?
Right. We won't be able to find
a new nursing home for her.
-Don't worry. I'll think of something.
-She's been kicked out of five homes.
-Then we'll find one in another town.
-There's no point.
Don't say it.
-She'll have to stay here for now!
-Judith--
[door opens]
[sighs]
[door closes]
[Judith] Hey.
Hello.
Hey… darling.
-Hello, Maryam.
-Hi.
Will you spend the night?
Actually…
she isn't.
-Are you?
-You two look very hungry.
I'll make you something.
[hip hop playing]
[sighs]
How's your family doing?
Well, one of them is dead…
one of them is annoying,
but other than that…
What about your mom?
Why do you ask?
Well, she…
She's been acting a bit…
a bit strange.
Strange?
No. Well, not exactly.
No idea.
Sorry.
It's all just a bit too much for her.
I'm there for her and all,
but she's not around much.
Tonio, what I meant to say was…
I'm here for you if you need anything.
Mm-hmm. Cool.
[sighs]
[sighs]
What kind of music is this?
-[music stops]
-Got anything cooler?
[Tonio sighs]
[thuds]
-Ouch! What wrong with you?
-[whispering] You have to go.
-You have to go.
-No, what's wrong?
-What's wrong?
-Please!
-Explain it to me.
-Later.
-What's the problem?
-Go.
-Tonio, tell me.
-Shh, be quiet.
-I'll explain it later.
-No, Tonio, stop it.
Go!
[birds chirping]
[lawn mower whirring]
[woman sobbing]
[funeral guests chattering softly]
[Karla clears throat]
We're gathered here today
to bid farewell to Sarah.
But what does that mean?
Farewell?
[brass band playing upbeat song]
Bidding farewell means letting go.
Today, we're parting ways
with a beloved person
so that we can get on with our lives.
But that doesn't mean
forgetting about her.
On the contrary.
We have gathered here
to commemorate Sarah, all together.
Sarah would have said, "Loosen up."
[laughter]
"Just loosen up."
So I'd like to ask you all to stand up.
Please, stand up.
Let's all loosen up.
And now I'd like to ask you
to stop hiding in here.
Let's go outside
and shout from the rooftops
what a wonderful person
we're bidding farewell to today.
Let's form a guard of honor for Sarah!
Come on!
[woman] Sarah, you live on!
[Konstantin] I loved kissing your neck
and biting your ears!
You were the bravest, Sarah!
-[woman 2] You were the best!
-Sarah, we miss you!
You made me laugh so much!
[man] You were the most wonderful person
I've ever met! Except for Stephanie.
-[woman 3] We're thinking of you!
-[man 2] You were a great friend!
-[woman 4] Everything was better with you!
-[Konstantin] I love you!
-[birds chirping]
-[breathing heavily]
[sighs]
[sobbing]
[sobbing and breathing heavily]
[blowing nose]
[Konstantin exhales]
[exhales]
[exhales]
[sniffs]
[Konstantin sobs and sniffles]
[exhales]
[sniffles]
Thank you. It was…
exactly the right thing.
[shaky breath]
I'm glad to hear that.
[sniffles]
[Konstantin exhales]
[Andi] It was good.
Thank you.
Really good.
[Andi clears his throat]
-I don't think Sarah's parents liked it.
-Hmm.
You can't please everyone.
[sobbing]
[Mina] Just take me to the countryside
and leave me there.
-Or just roll me into a lake!
-[Judith] Grandma, please.
Karla, are you ever planning
on coming out of there or…
Karla!
-[Mina] How will I be able to sleep here?
-I'm coming!
[Mina] In the same room
as my granddaughter?
What about my privacy?
[Judith] Karla!
-Please come here.
-And…
You made it clear
it won't be easy for you, okay?
-It won't be easy for us either.
-[sighs]
We're all making an effort here,
and it would be great
if you could just show some gratitude!
[laughing]
[continues laughing]
You sound like the head teacher
at the Catholic boarding school
that ruined by childhood!
[laughing]
Relax!
If you can't cope, then I've got something
that could help you.
Your patient.
[Mina] Somebody had to tell her.
Mina, goddammit!
-[keys jangling]
-You stay here.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[chuckles]
[humming]
[continues humming]
[rock music playing]
Pfft…
Are you done yet?
Yep.
What do you think?
Dazzling.
[gasps]
[gasping]
[sneezes]
[grunts]
[deep voice] Hello.
[sniffs]
I'm Peer.
I think I'm a natural.
All right, kids…
Let's see what we can do
at our little awesome birthday party.
Hey, little mouse. You, in the front row.
You're such a cute little mouse.
Well, what have we got here for you?
Oh, we've got a lovely hula hoop
for the little mouse.
Let's do some hula hooping.
[Judith sings melody]
[gasps] Oh, look, kids!
There's a banana peel!
What's that doing th--
[screams] Fuck!
-[Peer] Shit. Are you okay?
-[inhales sharply] Oh, fu…
-Is everything all right?
-No.
Oh, God!
Oh, shit.
[panting]
I think I should reconsider this.
[Peer laughs]
[soft rock music plays]
-I still love you.
-[Judith] Hmm?
-I still love you so much.
-[Judith] Mmm.
[sighs]
Did you have to say that now?
[sniffing]
I'M BEGGING YOU
ME
MY LOVE
[door unlocking]
-[keys jangling]
-Shit. [chuckles]
[woman moaning over computer]
[woman grunting and moaning]
Grow up, Grandma.
SHE LOVES ME
BUT WHAT DO I HAVE
[sighs]
I'm so glad you got in touch, sweetie.
You're looking well.
[Karla sighs]
[softly] Thank you.
Vivian…
Yes?
[Karla sighs]
Since his death, I've discovered
so many things that don't make sense.
This must sound crazy, but…
[inhales deeply]
[Vivian] Man!
Is everything all right?
Vivian?
-Vivi!
-He told me not to tell anyone.
He wanted to tell you himself.
Then it became
more and more important to him.
[Vivian inhales deeply]
We came to an agreement.
From then on…
he'd spend every day at the studio…
and not at the clinic.
[keys softly jangling]
[soft instrumental music plays]
Eight years.
You've had this basement for eight years.
You'd come here to paint…
or just to have some peace and quiet
or whatever…
and you never said a word.
[inhales]
[sighs]
Then you quit your job…
and… what?
And you'd leave the house
every morning for two years…
and come here.
Why?
Hmm? Why?
[sniffles]
I just wish I could understand why.
[shaky breathing]
I wish I could understand why.
I want to understand you.
[deep breath]
[sobbing]
But most of all, I just miss you so much.
I just miss you so much. [sobs]
I just wish…
I just wish you were here with me.
I wish you were here.
-[shaky inhale, sniffles]
-Don't worry.
I'm right here.
[sobbing]
[continues sobbing]
[whimpering]
Man!
[yells] You fucking asshole!
[whimpering]
[mid-tempo music plays]