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The New Girlfriend (2014)
THE NEW GIRLFRIEND
Laura was my best friend. My friend for life. The moment we met, it was love at first sight. Because it was her... and it was me. We were only seven, but we knew we'd be together forever. Please welcome your new classmate, Laura. Back to our grammar lesson. Regular verbs. Who can give me a regular verb? Together forever... Hey, Laura! What's wrong? May the Lord strengthen your vows. May his spirit move you to serve him in harmony together. I bless this union in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. United in holy matrimony... these rings will forever symbolize your love. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Laura... As we did when we were children, we made a pact. I made you a promise. And that promise, Laura, I will keep. As long as I live, I will watch over your daughter Lucie and her father David. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Claire, time for work. Get up. I don't want to go. Make an effort You need to get your mind off it. Ok? See you tonight. See you tonight. Here we are! Bravo. Everything ok? Yes. But I wanted to tell you... I took a week off. Really? I can't concentrate. Don't worry, I understand. Have you called David? No. Maybe you could go see him. Help him with his daughter. I'm scared... of seeing Lucie. She reminds me so much of Laura. Dinner was great, thanks. You hardly ate a thing. But it was delicious. Thanks. - Do you want to? - Yes. Are you sure? Of course I am. This is David, I can? come to the phone... Anyone home? Hello madam, I... Sorry, I won't bother you. No, Claire, wait! Stay. Let me explain. You don't have to explain. Please, hear me out. I'll just put Lucie down. Make yourself a drink. She's sleeping. I'll have a drink too. First of all, Laura knew. Seriously? I know she told you everything, but not this. Before we were married, I confessed to her that... I sometimes dress as a woman. Just occasionally, for fun. For pleasure. She accepted it. The only thing she asked was that I don't do it in public. So now that she's dead! Claire, I've never left this house as a woman. No one has ever seen me. Except you, today. By accident. While Laura and I were together, I stopped feeling the need. Her presence, her femininity, were enough. I loved her so much. When she died it started again. Very naturally. It started a Week after the funeral. I was with Lucie in my room. I tried to give her a bottle. She was screaming. She'd barely eaten in two days. That's when {realized she missed Laura. Just like I did. This is Mommy's blouse. Suddenly, the pain of her absence was gone. Laura's perfume, her clothing... A wave of serenity washed over me. It was like she was there. Talking to me. She was in me. Raising a child alone is too hard. I just thought I could provide a maternal presence. Every child needs a mother. And a father. I'm doing both. It's temporary. To soften the blow of losing Laura while we adjust to her absence. You're not doing this for Lucie. It's for your own pleasure. You're a pervert. You may be right. Claire, please! Don't tell anyone, not even Gilles. I don't know. Laura's parents might try to take Lucie away. I love her so much. I know. I'd like you to understand. The way Laura always did. Stop bringing Laura into it. Hi, honey. How are you? You smell good. So, what'd you do today? Nothing much. - Did you go out? - Yeah... - I saw a friend. - Really, who? You don't know her. A friend from school. Did she know Laura? Vaguely. How was your day? I'm beat. We're swamped at work. Good. I forgot to mention... - What? - I called David. You didn't, so I did. I invited him out to dinner with us. Cheer him up a little. What'd he say? He's up for it, he just has to find a babysitter. He hasn't been out once since Laura died. - When did you talk? - On my way home. It's yours. Not answering? Sure. Claire, ifs me. You're crazy, using her number! Sorry. I wanted to be sure you'd answer. What is it? Why are you calling? I need to see you again. It felt really good talking to you. Sharing ll with you. Honey, I'm off. I'll call you back. - Please, Claire... - I'll drop by later. Who was it? That friend I mentioned. She's a mess right now. - What's up? - Husband problems. What's her name? Virginia. See you tonight. Have a good day. Thanks. Who's there? Me, Claire. Come in. Thanks for coming. - Wearing Laura's perfume? - Yes. And Laura's dress? Yes, I let it out. Like it? You called me to show me the dress? Among other things. Time for a bottle. Sit down, I'll get Lucie. I love your lipstick. It suits you. Thanks. Coming, Lucie! Look who's here. Your godmother, Claire. Give her a big smile. She looks so much like Laura. The same eyes. The same mouth. Hold her while I get her bottle. It's ok, sweetie. Don't worry. Mommy's coming right back. What? It's ridiculous. This can't go on, David. It's madness. I know. But it's all I've got. What about work? Paternity leave. Laura's dad gave me time off. Why not hire someone? A full-time nanny? A feminine presence... No. I promised Laura I'd watch over her. So did I. And watch over you. You're doing that now. Did you tell Gilles to call me? No. Did you tell him? Of course not. I sew a lot. And order clothes and wigs online. I dream of real women's stores. Shopping, trying out large sizes. But I've never dared. Laura had so many clothes. Take what you like. What about you? They're mostly small sizes. Too small for me. - Do you wear this? - I'd love to. It's too hot to wear inside. I'll let out the shoulders. Works, doesn't it? Not bad. But I'm against fur. This one's long dead. Belonged to my mother. And you kept it? To remember her by. I loved my mother. I kept some dresses too. - Is she the reason? - The reason? Why you dress like a woman? I don't think so. I loved dressing up as a kid. But not in her clothes. Well, sometimes her lingerie. She wanted a daughter. No, she loved having a son. So did my father. - Shit! - Who is it? My mother-in-law. Claire! Hello, Liz. What a nice surprise. I came to watch Lucie. How sweet of you to help. I brought her a present. How nice. She's napping right now. - How's David? - Fine. - He's resting? - No, showering. Showering, now? I think so. He'll join us. I still can't wrap my mind around it. How are you? It's hard. You should come to church. It'd do you good to talk, and pray. It helps me a lot. Maybe. What a lovely couple they were. Robert and I have decided to leave everything to David, so he can raise her comfortably. That's nice. He has no savings, and his parents weren't wealthy. Hi Liz, sorry. How are you? I'm so glad to see you. How are you? Lipstick! What's the matter? What's wrong? Must be something he ate. Poor dear, he's really not doing well. Sorry. Have some hot tea. I need something stronger. And Lucie? How is she? She's great. Thanks to Claire. She helps me a lot. Laura could always count on her best friend. Thank you. I have some errands to run. - So soon? - I'm meeting Gilles for lunch. Goodbye, dear. Give my love to your darling husband. I'll show you out. Thank you, Claire. I forgot to tell you... What? Don't use Laura's number anymore. I deleted it. Wearing a dress? - No good? - It's just been awhile. For our night on the town! - What? - Looks good on you. Hold still. What're you doing? Like it? I look like an old whore! No, you're sexy. So you found a babysitter? Better. Lucie's with my in-laws. For a week. I need a little time to myself. Just what I told Claire. - Time is important. - It scares me. Why? Lucie keeps me too busy to think. Now I'll be alone. On my own, without Laura. I can't do it. Sure you can. And we're here for you. Right, Claire? Of course. - Ready to order? - I'll have the beef. - How do you like it? - Medium rare. Same thing, rare. And you, honey? The sea bass, please. Actually I'll have the fish too. Same wine? Perfect. She's a cutie. Don't you think she's pretty? Gilles, stop it. What'd I say? Her dress is very pretty. Excuse me... - Where are the restrooms? - Downstairs. Gonna wash my hands. When do you go back to work? Tuesday. Monday, then. I'm not sure we should. Please. I want you to take me shopping. As Virginia? Virginia? I mean as a woman. I like that. Virginia. He's coming. Pick me up at 2. Pull into the garage. I'm starving! I like David, he's a good guy. - What's wrong? - Nothing. - Come on, I can tell. - The waitress thing was obnoxious. What'd I say? David just lost his wife! I was just lightening things up. Anyway, he clearly wasn't interested. I've always felt he was a bit... A bit what? There's something very... feminine about him. - Really? - Yeah. I'm sure he loved Laura and she loved him. But I imagine men like him too. - Did you come? - No. But it's ok. David, are you here? Coming! Hello. Are you serious? What's wrong? I agreed to go out discreetly. Not with a 6 foot 4 tranny drawing looks. What do we do? Couldn't you just wear pants? My first time out, I want my legs to breathe. Where's the other dress? - Which one? - The one you let out. - It's in the hamper. - Get it. - It's wrinkled! - This isn't a fashion show. It's just two girlfriends shopping. Ok. Just let me iron it. There. Perfect. Do I keep the stockings? - I don't know. - Or wax again? Keep them. It's faster. I'll need your help with my lower back hair. I can't reach it. Damn this dress. Hang on. Thanks. Careful, it comes loose. Look what you make me do! Harmless fun. Got a less flashy wig? I've got plenty- There we are. Nice, you did my hair like Laura's. Isn't this a bit much? - The neighbors mustn't know. - For sure. - Where to? - Downtown. Where? The mall, so many shops! Claire! Is my wig ok? It's fine. - Are you sure? - Very pretty. Let's go. You'll call me Virginia? Ok. My first time out as a woman! You might want to change your voice. Hello. Got the car keys, Virginia? Cat got your tongue? They're in your purse. Right, silly me! Room for improvement, Virginia. Just you wait. - Think they can tell? - No. - Wish I'd worn the other dress. - No, this is great. It proves you're credible. Look! Too much? No, it's you. Virginia? Like it? Beautiful. - Looks great. - Thanks. But is it me? Sure! It's gorgeous with your hair. Gives you a tiny waist. - Really? - And it's a steal. Have a nice day, ladies. Shall we go in? Not today, I'm not ready. Why not? You know. I didn't wax my legs or cleavage enough. Right. Next time. You'd do this again? Sure, why not? - Gilles. - What about Gilles? I don't know. None of his business. He wouldn't get it. The film's about to start Not so fast, my heels! I love that actress! May I sit here? Let's move. Tell me the truth. You're into men, right? Not at all. That man turned you on. Oh, him! Not the way you think. I was happy he took me for a woman. And fondled you. It may seem strange, but men have never turned me on. Whereas women always have. Maybe that's why I want to look like one. Ever try with a man? No, never. I sometimes masturbated with the boys at catechism. Nothing more. Like to try as Virginia? Never occurred to me. It's my first time out as a woman. Men are noticing me. Who knows? I might try it. A girl only lives once. It's so new for me. Thanks to you. I feel reborn. Maybe you shouldn't hold my hand. That man's staring. Don't worry. Women often hold hands. Certain women. What a wonderful day. I think you were right. What? This isn't just for Lucie. What? My lipstick. Hang on. There. So Gilles won't suspect anything. I have to take this. David? No, Virginia. Can we do lunch? Fm a mess. {need to see you. Not until 1:30. Near your office? Across the street. Thanks. See you then. Coming as a man, right? No, I said H was Virginia. - Sorry, I can't. - Why? Right near work? I can't take the risk. What risk? It went fine last time. Meet me at 1:45 at the tearoom in the mall. There you are. Sorry I'm late, it's busy at work. Sunglasses? You said to be discreet. It's ok here. I'll grab a sandwich. Want something? I'm not hungry. Are you sure? One of those sandwiches, please. I love your skirt It suits you. Thanks. Forget to shave? - Does it show? - A little. Shoot! Being a woman is hard work. What pills do you take? Nothing. Anti-depressants. Our day at the mall was a revelation. I've never felt so happy. A happy woman. I have to try again. I'm back at work, it's complicated. Don't leave me on my own. I need you. Laura's parents have Lucie this weekend. We could go to their country house. Impossible. What'll I tell Gilles? The truth. You ok? This job is a nightmare. Gotta finish. That's my scarf. I grabbed it, I've got a sore throat. Looks pretty. My mom called. She's not doing well. What's wrong? I think she's depressed. We could go see her this weekend. Too much pressure. I have to work. You go ahead. You don't need me. Would've been nice to go together. We'll go when work slows down. I promise. All set? Lot of stuff for a weekend. I'm well-equipped. - What'd you tell Gilles? - That I'm seeing my mother. Do you lie to him often? No. Only since I've known about you. I never lied to Laura. Here I am! That was quick. I'll finish my make-up in the car. Hold this. Anyone notice you? A truck driver saw me leaving the men's room. He seemed to like my dress. - Want a tip? - Sure, what? When applying mascara... Right eye, right hand. Left eye, left hand. Brilliant! Works a treat. I remember. We were sixteen that summer. I know. - Which bedroom do you want? - Whichever. The parents' bedroom has great closet space and a mirror. I'll take Laura's room. - Her childhood room? - Yeah, I want to. It's a small bed. I don't mind. Are you ok? Yes. But seeing all these photos... and the painting is getting to me. They were happy times? Yes. That's what matters. No regrets. Just happy memories. Shall we take a walk? Want me to push you? Can't find it. Sure it was here? Yeah. Look! It hasn't faded. It's beautiful. I remember what they told us as kids. "Boys are born in cabbages, girls are born in flowers." Guess I was born in a cauliflower. - What's wrong? - I didn't recognize you. I changed to haul wood. Easier as a man. Of course. Rather have dinner with David or Virginia? As you like, I don't mind. For Gilles, Virginia's better. I've got a problem. What? You know what. There isn't much. Please, you promised! Ok. Not too hot? The pores have to dilate. How long? I don't know. 10 seconds. 1, 2, 3... Go on. Rip it off! You ok? Gotta suffer to be beautiful. Let me see. We should've shopped. No, it's delicious. I feel good here. I dream of life in the country. A peaceful, less stressful life. I should move away. Where nobody knows me. Start a new life. As a woman. What's life as a woman? A life... doing everything I'm not allowed to do as a man. Are you serious? Yes. With Lucie it's impossible. I know it's complicated. But when there's love, anything's possible. You're dreaming. It's just a game. You have to wake up to reality. You like this game too. We weren't close before. Virginia brought us closer. No. Laura's death brought us closer. To our dear Laura. To Laura. Good evening ladies, good evening gentlemen! Here at the Amazone tonight, I'm proud to introduce the fabulous, devilish, mischievous Eva Carlton! The men I used to see were bizarre As light as the ashes from their cigars They threw parties at the Chateau de Versailles But they possessed nothing inside In that golden desert I was wasting my time I was alone when your eyes met mine Others were buried You were alive You sang just like a child You were as happy as an Italian who knows there will be love and Wine And for the first time ever in my fife, f felt like a... woman... A women with you You reminded me of a time now past When white horses ran free and fest Your face was grave, your smile bright I walked straight into your light No matter what we do we're making love When Pm with you time flies like a dove For you are a man and you are kind And you know how to make our lives shine You're as happy as an Italian who knows there will be love and Wine Every time is like the first time when finally, I became a... woman... A women with you You ok? Yeah. Tired? No. There's something I haven't told you. What? When Laura died, the funeral parlor asked me which clothes I wanted her buried in. I proposed her wedding dress, and asked if I could dress her. Usually they have to do H. But I insisted, and they let me. They left me alone with Laura, in the middle of a big room. I was cold, and scared. Then I pictured her smile on the day we met... Her eyes tearing up on our wedding day... Our honeymoon night. It gave me strength. First, I put on her stockings. They slid, delicately, over her thighs. Next, I put on her bodice. I buttoned her dress, put on her jewelry and her shoes. Then I gently pinned a wreath of flowers in her blond heir. I think that's when my desire to dress as a women came beck. Very naturally. Good morning. Hi. Did you sleep well? Not very. Told you the bed was too small. No, it's Gilles. What's up? Yesterday I forgot to call him. He called my mother. She said I wasn't there. Shoot. Did you call him? No, he left tons of messages. I better call now. Will you tell him? Tell him what? That you're in Crancy, with me. Why would I have lied about that? You've done nothing wrong. That's the main thing. I'll just be a minute. This is getting dangerous. What? Gotta stop. Stop? - Seeing each other? - No. You dressing as a woman. I thought you understood. You're sick, David. You need help. Are you sleeping with David? No, don't be silly. Then why lie about your weekend? He asked me to. What? You were right. Right about what? David has realized... he likes men. So? What's that got to do with you? He needed to talk about it, he feels guilty. Why go to Crancy for that? He feels good there. Close to Laura. It's hard, you know. Hard to accept, especially since she died. It does me good to see David too. I know. Why'd you say that? I had to say something. H just came out, sorry. Great! I'll look ridiculous. Gay is less ridiculous than tranny! I'm fed up with all these lies. You should come over for dinner. Why? To show Gilles there's nothing between us. There is something between us. Not what he thinks. Are you free Friday? Is your friend Virginia coming? - Didn't I tell you? - What? - She can't come after all. - Really? - Just us three? - Yep. Hello! Come in. Let me help you. Claire, David's here. With his daughter. - How are you? - Good. Hi, Lucie. Hi, pumpkin! How are you? You're up late. - Had her bottle? - Not yet. I'll give it to her so she'll sleep. She's so cute. l-low old is she now? Six months already. Let's sit down. Will you get some wine? - Shall I heat it? - No, it's still warm. I should've come as Virginia. - Why? - To be more honest. She was hungry. She's voracious. Are you tempted? It just dawned on you? Yes. Well... I think I've always been attracted to men. Subconsciously. Even before Laura? While we were together I never felt the need. When she died it started again. Very naturally. No problem now, they're everywhere. Take my work. A quarter of the guys are gay. Lesbians are rare. Don't see many. - What about Lucie? - Yeah. A dead mom and a gay dad... tough for her. I don't think so. I'm going back to work. - Really? - Yeah. I need to get back to normal. My mother-in-law found a nanny for Lucie. And I'm seeing someone. - You met someone? - Yeah. I'm seeing a shrink. A shrink? A woman. Very sweet. It helps me to talk to her, about Laura, my future with Lucie... She understands me. Doesn't judge. Good for you. Certainly can't hurt It's late. I think I've had one too many! Mind driving me home? I have to tidy up. I'd rather Gilles take you. Do you mind? No, of course not. I'll get Lucie. Well? Well what? Has he got a boyfriend? - No. - Really? Lovers? Why don't you ask him? What's this about a shrink? You suggested it. - Did you tell her? - Sure. What's she say? "Everyone grieves in their own way." - See you next week? - No. It's over. You're good for Claire. She hardly mentions Laura anymore. It's funny. When I met Claire I was jealous of Laura. They were so close. I even thought they were together. Laura always loved men. Of course, Claire too. You put ideas in our heads. Ideas? We've decided to have a baby. - Need some help? - No, thanks. Have a good day. You too. Sorry. I suck today. You're doing fine. I'm off my game. Look. - Why's he here? - I invited him for doubles. Hey, David! - Looking good. - Glad you came. - Hello, Claire. - Hi, David. I'll let you two play. - Let's play doubles. - We're three. You two against me, ok? Let's go. We'll crush him, Claire. How are you? Great look. I prefer you in skirts. Go on. Got it. I need some water. Why'd you stop calling? I didn't want to bother you. You said it was over. - I just meant... - I was afraid. Of what? Starting again. You stopped? Yeah. Since we stopped. Let's play- - Need a ride? - I've got my car. What about Claire? Women always shower by the hour. Shit, forgot my racket! Something wrong? I miss Virginia. Wait. Come with me. Stop. We can't do this to Laura. Took you long enough. - Did you see David? - Yes. - Is he coming? - He said not to wait. Sorry for tennis. Tomorrow 1:30 Virginia Hotel. Hi, Claire. Hi, Virginia. Sorry, I'm a bit late. I was changing in a room. Here you go, ladies. I ordered champagne. For our reunion. Thank you. You got me back into it. I'm sorry. During dinner at your house I realized... I was falling in love with you. You were right. It was better to end it. But at tennis, when you said, "I miss Virginia," it all came rushing back. I missed her too. I can't let my life pass me by. It's inside me. Only you can help me accept it. What do you want to do? A little shopping? Let's stop lying to ourselves. You want it as bad as I do. What are we doing? Don't speak. What's wrong? Sorry, I can't. Why not? You're a man! What're you doing, are you crazy? No, I am woman. Liz and Robert are here. It's terrible, kids. What happened? A car hit him as he crossed the street. How is he? He's in some kind of coma. The doctor says he may not wake up. It's awful. Laura left us 6 months ago and now David. He's still alive, Liz. But poor Lucie could wind up an orphan. - Where's Lucie? - With her nanny. Looking after her is too hard for us. Can we see David? Yes. But... You should know something first. What? Tell them. So... David, for some reason, was found dressed as a woman. As a woman? He was wearing a skirt and a wig. Really? We can't imagine why. He may have been going to a costume party. It was early afternoon! Please keep it to yourselves. No one can know. You can trust us, Liz. Did you know he was crossdressing too? Yes. Incredible. Why didn't you tell me? I'm sorry. Are you sure about Lucie? Yes, I'm her godmother. How will we manage? It's no small feat. I'll take time off to care for her. I promised Laura. Thanks. Don't forget her bottle in an hour. Bye. Lucie, how are you? We came to get you. You'll sleep at our house tonight. Ok? Get the door. David, it's me. I came with Lucie. Can you hear me? It's good you brought the baby. You think so? And the more you talk to him, the better his chances. Virginia... Virginia, it's me. I'm here with Lucie. Can you hear me? Virginia... David! Madam! - What is it? - He woke up! Sir, can you hear me? - I swear he opened his eyes. - I believe you. Unfortunately it doesn't mean he's awake. Your presence is good for him. David. Hello! Not so loud, Lucie's sleeping. How is she? Fine. I just put her down. I've got good news. What? Max called me in today. He's giving me a promotion, and a raise! Wonderful. Show a little enthusiasm. I'm happy for you. What is it now? Nothing. David's still in a coma. These things take time. Don't worry. It feels like Laura all over again. Same hospital. It's horrible. Yes, but stop bringing Laura into it. You must forget her. It's about David now. You're right. It's David now. The men I used to see were bizarre As light as the ashes from their cigars They threw parties at the Chateau de Versailles But they possessed nothing inside In that golden desert I was wasting my time I was alone when your eyes met mine Others were buried You were alive You sang just like a child You were as happy as an Italian who knows there will be love and Wine And for the first time ever in my life I felt like a... woman A women with you You reminded me of a time now past When white horses ran free and fest Your face was grave, your smile bright I walked straight into your light No matter what we do we're making love When Pm with you time flies like a dove For you are a man and you are kind You know how to make our lives shine You're as happy as an Italian who knows there will be love and Wine Every time is like the first time when finally, I became... a woman... You like that! We're in here. Hi, Gilles. Meet my friend. But... It's you, David. No, it's my girlfriend Virginia. Lucie's mother. Hi, sweetie. I'll explain. 7 YEARS LATER |
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