Previously
It's Vincent. He was at the Bataclan and took two bullets.
I'm Philippe's girlfriend.
I told you not to come back here until you'd sorted things out with his parents.
If anyone needs to talk...
So last time, we mentioned the idea of forming an association...
Victor told me you tore up one of his drawings.
You have until the count of three.
Fuck, mom !
I can't make you stop, but I can't be your accomplice either.
Did you enter the venue before the concert started?
Yes.
While inspired by real-life events, this series is a work of fiction.
All personal circumstances are purely fictional.
JANUARY 2016
It is with great emotion that I'm happy to announce
that Vincent came out of his coma last night.
He's been transferred to the coma awakening unit!
A huge thanks to his medical team!
Vincent, we can't wait to hear from you!
It's just an advance,
while they review my file.
How are you holding up?
It's so ironic.
When I first starting going to rock concerts,
my mother always worried about me.
I guess you should always listen to your mother.
How much cash are we talking about?
- 3,000. - 3,000?
That's quite a sum.
I'm sorry to bother you with the legalities.
There's a minor regulatory issue.
The law gives us 14 days to cash checks.
To allow time for verification.
I don't understand.
The check is from a State fund.
It says "Victims Compensation Fund" right there.
We apply a verification procedure to atypical accounts.
In particular, for customers
who have already presented forged checks.
Mr. Girardin, I've made mistakes.
But I've paid my debt.
I understand.
But verification criteria are defined by the head office.
Moreover,
you won't receive additional funds
until your case has been approved by an expert.
Unless...
your claim is ultimately rejected.
I'm seeing a psychologist for the Victims' Fund on the 16th,
to tell my story yet another time.
I don't know what more I can do.
Do you know how many victims there were at the Bataclan?
90, I believe.
91.
Since last Thursday.
Diane Casaro, 29, was a survivor from the pit.
She hid in her parents' garden shed
and slit her wrists.
Her mother is very active in the "Stand for Paris" group.
I talk to her a little every night.
There is also Armand Morin, who tells me about
his pregnant wife who died before his very eyes.
Mr. Girardin,
I'm pretty much homeless.
I just want to be available for the victims
who need me.
Can you understand that?
1,500. That's the best I can do.
THE CONFIDANTE
Hello?
Cédric, I'm in the courtyard.
Look up.
- It's up here, 6th floor. - OK.
You OK? Sorry about the elevator.
I could have used a helping hand.
This way.
This is the apartment in the photos?
Well, yeah.
Alright.
In that case, 60 euros is a little pricey.
Are you kidding?
I saw a really cute apartment in the center of town.
No mention of "no elevator".
No mention of "poorly insulated".
No mention of "very damp".
That's quite a few oversights!
Yeah, but I'm paying for the electricity.
True...
With that old heater, I'll freeze my butt off.
How about 50?
40.
What?
And I'll pay a month upfront.
Three weeks.
Why?
I'm not sure when my folks get back.
OK.
Three weeks it is, then.
My Vincent, the great warrior!
Can't wait to meet you!
Vincent, happy you're back! Your strength inspires us, Myriam.
Hi everyone, it's Vincent!
I woke up to all your kind words!
Working hard to get back on my feet...
Chris, a special thanks for all your support!
Jean-Michel?
- You OK? - Yeah.
Did you contact the Victims' Fund?
I'm not interested.
It's worth thinking about. Receiving compensation...
That's not why I want to join the association.
Yes, but...
It's not about the money.
The security guy who opened the emergency doors...
- Did you identify him? - Yes.
- Is he alright? - Yes.
He's still in shock, but he's OK.
When I reached the main street, I looked back.
And I saw him...
heading back into the venue.
This is for him.
I'll make sure he gets it.
Thank you.
How are you two doing?
- Yes. - We're only talking about me.
Just file a complaint at any police station.
To qualify for the Victims' Fund?
That's right.
They open a file and give you an advance.
Right away?
Yes, right away.
Then, the evaluation process begins,
including an interview with a psychiatrist.
You'll have to describe what you went through at the Bataclan.
This meeting is essential.
It's usually the only one.
You still have your ticket stub?
For the concert?
I received it by e-mail, so...
- They don't ask for it! - Yes, they do.
They do.
Are you sure?
I spoke to them yesterday. It's a requirement now.
In the heart of darkness,
some men are capable of redeeming all of humanity.
Thank you, Jean-Michel.
Hello, Jean-Michel.
It's Chris from "Stand for Paris".
I'm sorry to bother you. Is this a good time?
I'll be really quick.
We've run into a few problems lately.
So, in order to join the association,
we need proof of good faith.
It could be your concert ticket, for example.
Would you mind sending it to us?
Yes.
OK.
Great.
I'll send you my personal e-mail.
Here it is!
They really are the fathers of French punk!
I pissed off my mother so much with this song!
Stiv Bators!
A total waste product, but so brilliant!
The guy actually pretended to hang himself on stage!
And once, I kid you not, he almost died.
Yeah! I know this one!
It's not punk.
It is punk...
it's radio punk.
"Mainstream" punk, if you like.
It's about a guy who feels alone in a crowd,
alone on a dance floor.
It's really about people's loneliness and disasters,
everyone's...
You OK?
Nico is downstairs. He needs the new code.
He's such a pain. He has the keys.
Are you back together?
Sorry, you were saying?
Nothing... I was finished.
I'll go, don't worry.
We didn't get much work done.
It's all set for tomorrow. We're fine.
All the legal stuff... I'm not ready.
- Don't worry. - OK.
- Hi there. - Hello.
Nicolas, this is Chris.
- How are you? - Good, and you?
I'm good.
- Want a drink? - No thanks.
Am I interrupting?
No, Chris and I were talking about punk music...
We got sidetracked on Billy Idol.
"Dancing with Me".
"Myself".
It's fine.
I'll get going.
OK. You sure?
You're beat, hon.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Want a ride home?
No, that's alright. I'll be fine.
I don't mind. I'm parked in front.
I'd like to.
OK.
How's your friend doing?
Better since he woke from the coma.
Not great, but better.
That's what Emilie told me.
Vincent is a fighter.
That's good.
- He's in music, right? - Yeah.
Emilie told me his group's name. What's it called?
"The...?
"The Dancing Rats"?
- No! - What?
"The Rising Rats"!
My bad.
It's over? I mean, they split up?
Yeah, a while ago.
In the end, you and I are sort of alike.
- We're both indirect victims. - True.
We're trying to help them.
You, with your friend. And me, with Emilie.
We know what it's like to be a victim.
It's here, isn't it?
- Yeah, here. - Alright.
- Is this your place? - No.
I'm renting an Airbnb for the moment.
I'm going to Los Angeles after.
- On vacation? - No.
My boyfriend, Fred,
is a sound engineer.
There.
Thank you.
It's not easy for Victor.
It hurts to see your kid suddenly grow up.
Tell me,
what happened that first night you came over?
Emilie told you?
Victor told me.
Then Emilie told me your version.
Yeah. Well, I was...
very clumsy.
Really stupid.
Did you mean to tear up his drawing?
Of course not.
Even if he stood up to you?
- No! - Of course not.
You scared him. He doesn't want you around.
So,
if you didn't threaten him, why is he scared?
I'll be honest with you.
I don't trust you.
I need to sniff people out.
Especially with Emilie, and especially now.
You and Emilie work together in your victims' association.
But other than that,
it's over.
You get it?
- Is that clear? - I understand.
- Am I clear? - Very clear.
- Thanks. Good night. - Yeah, good night.
Shit!
- Yo! - Hi.
I tested it. It's an oil heater. Works well.
Great!
Thank you.
It's fine. I got it.
I wanted to tell you...
I didn't tell you because...
A good friend and his cousin came to a party last August.
He was at the Bataclan, too.
The friend's cousin?
I didn't say much to him at the party.
Just "Hey, how are you?"
I feel like it was just the other day.
But...
For him,
it's all over.
All Parisians more or less knew someone there.
Those bastards turned Paris into a village.
That's very true.
- I'm not far away if... - Sure, OK.
- On the fourth. - Thanks a lot.
- Have a good evening. - You too.
Urgent! Call every day.
"I lost the life I had."
Put in contact on Dec 16th.
They became friends.
Call once a week.
Hello everyone!
If anyone needs to talk, you know where to find me!
1 new message from Myriam.
How did it go? Answer anytime. No stress.
The PT was happy, so was I!
Chris was there.
She made me laugh with her antics.
She's nuts!
If that's what it takes to visit you, I can be nuts, too!
Wait until I'm presentable.
And you?
How are you doing?
Bored in my dorm room.
Picture?
What's with the guitar, you play?
A little.
Here are the wonderful bylaws for our non-profit!
Beautifully stamped by the competent authorities.
Cool! Awesome!
Our structure is official.
But there's more to do.
Some questions need answers. Starting with how to do things right.
We need resources. And resources means cash.
Vincent, the non-profit is official!
As discussed, we have a few options.
We could keep everything as is,
with the good old Facebook group
and whoever is available to lend a hand.
Thanks to Farid, we have a place
where we can meet. Thanks again, Farid!
You're welcome, friends.
We could also create our own website,
with a proper internal forum, office space
for permanent psychological and legal assistance,
with one or two employees.
This has come up before.
It's a good idea to work more seriously.
I agree.
I think we all want it to be professional.
Who do you have in mind?
We're lucky because we have Emilie,
who greets and directs newcomers with Chris.
And Myriam, who has experience
in non-profit admin and secretarial work.
I just worked twice at a music festival.
Only twice? More than me.
- Performing? - No!
I helped out with the boring stuff,
like invoices and payroll.
We have meetings on the 19th at the Mayor's office,
the 26th at the Ministry of Justice, and the Regional Council on the 3rd.
The three potential contributors.
So far, there's no reason to think they won't back us.
Exactly, but we don't know to what extent.
Emilie drew up a preliminary budget.
With office space and 2 employees, we need a minimum of 150,000 a year,
which is totally normal. But here's the question:
- Do we rely only on public funds? - I don't think so.
I agree. It's very important.
We can't depend only on the State.
So we agree. Good.
But to have that freedom, we need solutions.
- Chris, you have a proposal. - I do.
I have an idea,
which may be a sensitive subject for some...
Anyway, here goes!
I thought we could organize a big concert.
We negotiate a percentage of the bar.
And if it works, we'll do others.
Yeah. Killer idea!
Everyone I've spoken to likes it. Even those who said
they'd never go to another concert.
Like me.
How will you find a venue and a band?
What's your plan?
As some of you know, I used to work in the business.
It was a while ago, mostly in London,
but I still have a few contacts.
And I think I can help out with that.
Did you really meet Iggy Pop?
Emilie!
For real? Hang on a minute!
Go on, Chris.
Not now!
Yes, now!
Come on, the cat's out of the bag.
There's not that much to tell.
I was in Manchester, in front of the International 2.
A few of us were waiting.
Then, far in the back,
I could see that the venue was almost empty.
The roadies were moving around. All of a sudden,
I spot him, 15 meters away.
He glances over at us.
And I get the impression he's looking at me.
Then, something crazy happens.
He swivels around,
and runs straight toward us.
I'm kind of scared,
wondering what he's doing!
He goes through the security barrier, opens his arms,
and talks to me.
I'm completely in shock.
Heart attack mode.
But I answer.
And he answers back.
Then he gives me a hug.
A monster hug!
It lasts maybe 2 or 3 long seconds.
What a hug...
And then he pulls away.
He turns around and disappears.
Unbelievable!
I haven't showered since.
That was in 1996.
Bastien's parents are here.
I'm afraid I'll forget something.
Don't worry. It'll be fine.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hi Vincent, my name is Nicolas.
I'm Emilie's boyfriend. She works with Chris.
How are you? Holding up?
Farid?
- Can we get two coffees, please? - Right away.
Hey everyone
Great news!
I've just been admitted to the physical therapy unit,
near my folks
in the Limousin area.
Thanks.
Big hugs to you all.
Mom, are you OK?
I'm fine.
You look tired.
A little.
Don't worry, sweetie.
I wish I had a friend like that.
What?
Like Vincent and Chris.
He's liked all her posts for the past ten years.
Did you see he left Paris?
Yeah, I saw his post. Great news.
I looked up his band, "The Rising Rats".
Couldn't find it.
Can you ask Chris for Vincent's last name?
What are you looking for?
Nothing. I want to listen to it.
Put in contact on Jan 13th.
- Ms. Blandin? - Yes.
Come in, please.
I was...
near the bar.
not far from the door,
when...
Ms. Blandin?
Excuse me.
Were you waiting there for your friend?
Exactly. But she didn't show up.
Do you know why?
Her babysitter stood her up.
And saved her.
So, you were near the bar?
Yes.
Actually, I wanted to get around the bar,
but there were too many people hiding underneath.
"I wanted to get around the bar,
but there were too many people hiding underneath."
I was completely paralyzed. That's when
I made eye contact with...
one of the...
I remember him because he looked like my first boyfriend.
A really nice guy.
With eyes that were
very gentle and beautiful.
That's when you started running?
Yes.
I don't know how far I got.
I remember falling down
and lying on the ground.
I kept totally still.
I could hear the shots.
My right leg was totally trapped
under...
other people
who were no longer moving.
I pulled hard.
All of a sudden,
I was sucked into a stampede.
A security guard
had just opened the emergency exit.
I remember this sudden crowd movement,
while they were reloading.
I wound up on the street,
and started running.
I didn't know where to go because they were shooting everywhere.
Everyone was running like me, except the security guard.
When I looked back,
he...
I saw him go back into the venue.
Now I know what bravery is.
Because, in the midst of this nightmare,
this man
not only saved lives,
he also saved our vision of humanity.
When I think of this man,
I tell myself
I have no right to break down.
Thank you, Ms. Blandin.
Hi Vincent, it's Nicolas again...
Can you please call me?
I'd like to talk to you.
Yo!
- You good? - Yeah. Come in.
- Want something to drink? - No, I'm in a rush.
What's your "little problem"?
- You know my musician friend Vincent? - Of course.
He used to be in a band.
A journalist wants to write a book on glam rock.
- Glam what? - Glam rock.
Don't you know it? David Bowie,
Kiss, T. Rex, Queen!
Not really.
OK. Anyway...
This guy's harassing my pal who just left the hospital.
What an asshole!
He doesn't know about the Bataclan,
because Vincent won't talk about it.
I'd like you to call this guy and pretend you're Vincent.
The more distant Vincent is, the more the guy pushes.
He just won't leave him alone.
And my pal needs peace and quiet.
So, I figure it's no big deal for you,
and it'll be a relief for him.
A huge one.
Isn't that a bit much?
All you have to do is leave a message.
Hi, this is Vincent. I got your messages.
Sorry, it's not a good time for me. I'll call you back. Bye.
- I think it's clear. - Yeah, I guess.
But could you try to sound more out of it?
Like I'm stoned?
No, out of it, like from the hospital.
Sit down. A little more chilled out.
Put the phone like this.
Hello, this is Vincent. I got your messages...
That's it. That's great.
You sound more...
But will he call him back?
- Who, Vincent? - Yeah. He says he will.
No, I don't think so.
- Why? - Well...
If I say, "Maybe I'll call you back",
the guy knows he won't.
He knows "maybe" means "never",
but it's not aggressive. Vincent just can't see him.
- Sure. Totally. - See what I mean?
Yeah, let's do it.
What if he answers?
An unknown number at midnight...?
If he picks up, hang up right away.
- OK. - Got it?
Ready?
I'm calling. Here you go.
Voice mail.
Hello, it's Vincent.
Sorry, I won't be able to meet you.
I'm not up to it. Maybe I'll call you back.
Bye.
- That was great! - Yeah?
I totally improvised.
It was awesome. Bravo.
- Cool. - Great.
But you have to change your voicemail message now.
Say, "Leave me a message, I'll call you back."
Neutral. OK?
- Shall we do it now? - I'll do it right after.
- Let's just do it now. - Downstairs.
- Come on! - I'll do it. I promise.
- You'll forget. - I won't. I'll do it downstairs.
Hey, wait...
He might call from a different number.
If you see an unknown number, don't answer.
How long is this going to last?
You're an angel, Cédric.
Vincent will write you a song.
Super cool.
- Thank you. - Thanks!
- Good night. - You too.
Oh, no!
Holy shit!
Can you go faster, please?
Emilie, it's Chris.
I came as fast as I could.
The doctor said that a heart attack
was one of the post-traumatic after-effects.
I had no idea.
It's like a poison inside you.
What about Nicolas?
He's dropping Victor off at his parents'.
I'm quitting the association.
I can't deal.
I understand.
For the meeting at the ministry,
can you take my place?
Honestly...
It's not really up my alley.
I'd feel better if you were there.
It's not technical.
You just need to pressure them.
Alright.
I hope we get the money.
The other day,
we were saying if we put someone on payroll,
it would be you, of course.
If you agree, of course.
Yes!
Thanks for everything, Chris.
Chris!
Why are you running away?
What's wrong? What are you afraid of?
Of me?
You have no business here.
Yeah, but I do what I want.
Nice story you cooked up about Vincent.
I contact him,
and he comes out of his coma and leaves Paris.
And that kid who left me a voicemail...
You think I'm a moron?
I didn't know you wrote him. Did he respond?
I have family in public administration.
- Really? - Yeah.
You have a record.
- Fraud, identity theft... - And I'm Jack the Ripper.
Shut the fuck up.
Leave Emilie alone.
Stop fueling her stupid dreams.
Dangling government aid so she'll stop working.
You have two choices.
Either you write a nice message to the group
explaining that you're torn,
but you have to join your boyfriend in the US,
or I'll post your police record.
Get lost.
Go on! Get lost!
Are you alright?
Follow me, please.
Our greatest difficulty is to protect the allocated sums
for a minimum of 3 years,
given that the city budget
has just been voted.
Realistically speaking, in Year 1,
this ministry will have to make a bigger effort.
And when I look at your document in detail,
for example, line 4, page 2,
you propose 27,000.
That's really on the high side.
This number would require
approval by the Ministry of Finance.
In lay terms, what does this mean for us?
It means it may take longer.
Either you cut back below the 20,000 mark,
or you reallocate the extra to the overhead.
Maybe we could reallocate some to the region.
Yes, possibly.
We're dealing with an overall figure here.
We have the same issue with the insurance quote.
Excuse me, I think we're off on the wrong foot here.
What do you mean by that?
It sounds like petty haggling.
Go easy.
We're just trying to understand your operating budget.
You're haggling over the injured, survivors, the dead.
- Don't. - What's wrong?
- Don't talk like that. - They're victims!
People in pain. We're trying to help them.
While you talk about spreadsheets.
Remember who's behind these figures. Victims.
I think everyone is aware of that.
I suggest a 5-minute break.
What do you tell people who can't leave their homes?
Or who can't sleep?
- That you need to reallocate? - Chris...
There's a whole community waiting for aid.
It's simple. I can let people know how you see things.
- We know a lot of journalists. - Come on, stop that!
- It's up to you. - Of course!
Excuse us.
- Have you lost your mind? - They're eating us alive.
- We have to put the pressure on. - What are you doing?
Posting and tweeting. They won't get away with it.
Stop it!
- Stop! - What?
You can't blame them for negotiating.
It's public funds. They have to check figures.
I know these people!
- They're trying to con us. - You're delirious.
What "people"?
Now go home.
- I'll handle this with Myriam. - Léon, wait.
Go home.
In my opinion, you were too blunt...
But it worked! They're giving us more than expected.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Hugs, Léon.
You play electric guitar?
I can even play with my feet.
He played with his teeth, behind his back.
Will you let me play at home?
Sure, I'll show you.
Hi, Victor!
Look. I've got something for you.
Do you like it?
Get into the car, Victor.
- Give me a second, son. - OK.
Just a second.
What the hell are you doing here?
I said I didn't want to see your face.
We got off on the wrong foot.
No, you're a nutcase.
I called Emilie, I'm going to see her later.
I think she really needs me.
And most of all,
I think she should quit her shitty job.
And get out of Paris.
She should live in the country. In nature.
With animals.
For Victor.
He needs his mommy to be happy and available.
So,
you have two choices, Nicolas.
Either you do what you said.
You make good on your threat.
But go in for the kill. Full on. No regrets.
Even when you realize you blew a gasket over nothing.
For Emilie, on the other hand,
it'll be pretty hardcore.
I don't know what you think,
but in my opinion,
you should watch out for her fragile heart.
You're a monster.
You do have another option.
I'll forget about Emilie,
and you'll forget about me.
Not bad, huh?
Up to you.
You OK?
Chris and I said we'd have lunch when I got out.
She can't make it?
She's with a new member who's not doing well.
She's always so involved.
She's great. The association needed someone like her.
For sure.
I don't want to hear about the Bataclan anymore.
I want to get away from it all.
I'm here for you.
Subtitle translation: Holly Diener
Subtitling TITRAFILM