Hello. My name is Mary.
And I'm here because...
It feels like...
...I live for the sake of others, not my own.
Hi, I'm here... because of my boyfriend.
-It is okay. -The things he does to me.
My name is Emily.
I have been divorced for three years.
My children have decided they don't want to see me anymore.
I'm...
Just take your time.
My name is Grace.
Okay. Can you tell me why you are here?
MY SAILOR, MY LOVE
-Are you okay? -Yes.
Far?
There you are!
Look what I have.
You know what...?
Shall we clean up a bit before Terry and Walter come?
-What is it? -You don't use the washing machine.
I wash in my own way.
If you find it difficult, I can get help.
A domestic helper.
Yes of course.
Then we would have more time together when I came to visit.
I know what you're planning.
Pardon?
I know what you're planning.
At any time you bring nursing homes back on track.
Well, Howard…
Martin.
Can you help us get the goods in?
-Let me... -Don't. I can take care of myself.
There they are.
Your favorite cigars, handmade Cuban.
-Here you go. -Nice.
You look good. Congratulations!
-Good to see you. -Thanks.
To the old captain: The best rum in all of Cuba.
I researched it.
-Havana is a busy city, isn't it? - You said that last time too.
-It is a beautiful city. -Definitely.
It took forever to plan the itinerary.
Glad you made it.
You should go there. You would love it.
Dad would love the rum barrels.
No thank you.
Here you go.
We were about 250 nautical miles
-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope.
The ship was loaded with wild and dangerous animals-
-when the ship was caught in a terrible hurricane-
-and we were surrounded by white teeth.
What are white teeth?
The white foam on the huge waves.
Then the cages flew up into the air and fell onto the deck.
And suddenly...
-Pardon. -Thanks.
And suddenly I saw a gorilla. Yes! A gorilla!
It danced on the machinist's head.
I became angry! I was furious!
I choked it! Like this. With those bare fists.
- It's a true story. -Not at all.
HOME HELP WANTED, URGENT
It must have been a beautiful garden.
If only my husband and I could come more often.
There he is!
-Martin, it's Annie. -Good day.
A pleasure to meet you.
-You too. -This way.
Far?
Just a warning. My father can be... a bit difficult.
-I understand. -He wants to be the captain of his ship.
So it's best when you're here-
- that you are as discreet as possible.
A moment. Sheep! We have visitors.
Far?
There you are.
Can't you be in peace in your own home?
Now be nice, Dad. The maid is here. Annie.
-No. -She's waiting. Let me introduce you.
Forget it! No.
I regret. He is busy.
Shall we do it another time?
No, that's fine.
Can you work two days a week?
Mor!
-Mother! -Sorry, but I'm busy!
-Where are you going? -I'll call later!
Hallo?
My Goodness! Pardon.
Grace said I could just go in if…
Your daughter loves you very much. Mine care about me too. Two pieces.
Kelly, the youngest, works in her husband's pub.
They are having a hard time.
Long evenings and early mornings. And the children must be looked after.
I try to help as best I can.
Suzy's daughter Melanie is already an adult.
She will probably get married soon and have children herself.
Then I'll be a great-grandmother.
Do you have a larger garbage bag?
Grace!
Your life right.
I'm sorry, Martin. Carol called. They are short of people again.
If I take this shift, I get the weekend off to visit dad.
Pardon.
See you later, okay?
Jo.
-Hello? -Hi, this is Grace Grimes.
-Good day. -Is it a bad time?
Not at all. A moment.
Pardon. Just keep going.
How will my father cope with the new regime?
- It is a bit early to say. -Of course.
But I think it will be good.
It is good to hear.
-Thanks again, Annie. -No reason.
-Goodbye. -Goodbye.
Let's see if it passes the test.
How much does she pay you?
-Pardon? -My daughter. How much per month?
Four hundred.
I give you five. If you stay away from here.
Mor.
Mor!
-What? -The Gorilla Man!
-Mr Grimes, can I help you? - I'm just looking for Annie.
If you go out with our grandmother, take us with you. Mother has to work.
-No. I can look after the kids. -No!
It is not necessary. It only takes a moment.
Goodbye.
-How dare you just show up! - I came to apologize.
Are you a man who enjoys humiliating women?
Howard Grimes, you can't fool me.
I came to apologize.
And ask you to come back.
-Hello. -Hello.
So.
-What is it? - We should talk together.
-About what? -U.S.
-Our future. -Martin...
This doesn't work.
Not now. I'm at breaking point.
Worries about my father and horrible working hours.
I go to therapy week after week.
Because you asked me to.
Listen up...
My employer is creating an audiobook department.
-They need an editor. -You?
And.
That's good, right?
-The office is in Munich. -Martin...
I just told you what I struggle with.
A moment.
You should do something with your apples.
-Like what? -I do not know.
It is a waste to leave them to the wasps.
You best!
-What is it? -The girls!
I had to pick them up from dance class. And the bus has left.
Girls! I am so sorry!
I am so sorry. Come on, get in the car.
-Hey you? -Yes.
Did you really choke the gorilla?
Why? Did you think I made that up?
What about this?
I made a necklace out of its teeth.
-Do we have to see it? -Must we?
- I'm not wearing it. -Where is it?
-At home. In my treasure chest. -Can we see it?
Must we?
Are you still in pain?
I will see if we can increase the dose.
So.
-Has your husband visited you? -No. He can't do that with his leg.
Of course not.
Owen, right?
-And your son? -He's coming tonight.
And his name is... Chris, right?
You remembered the names. You are a true angel.
Now you must rest.
-It looks good. -Thanks.
-Hello. -Hello.
The morphine dose in bed four must be increased.
-Can you get Miller to approve it? -Yes.
So.
I get my long weekend, right?
- Yeah. -Well.
How is your father?
Good, I hope. I will find out.
-And the therapy? - Don't ask.
- You must be committed. -You saw what I got myself into.
Okay...
Does anyone have anything to say?
None of you?
Belinda, come help! Come on!
Well. Do you want to pick up some more?
Such!
Off with you guys.
-Do you need help? -Yes!
Here you go.
See. I've been practicing for years. Clear?
We want a stress-free wedding-
-but he can't keep a secret.
They were at a real wedding-
-from head to toe in sequins and glitter-
-and a whole lot of frills.
We showed up in shorts and T-shirts, tanned and sweaty.
Hey Grace!
- I'm not disturbing, am I? -Not at all.
We have picked apples. It's my family.
Grace is Howard's daughter.
- Hi, Grace. -Good evening. A pleasure.
Didn't dad say I was coming?
That I took the weekend off to come?
Didn't you tell them, Dad?
-I forgot that. - Yes. You forgot it.
- There is hot food in the kitchen. -You get a plate.
No, don't. I ate on the way here.
This is Grace, Howard's daughter. Go and say hello.
Hi Grace. Nice to meet you.
Uncle Howard gave me these gorilla teeth.
"Uncle Howard" unfortunately lied.
- It's just fish teeth. -How do you know?
Because they are mine.
-Mother! -Hey darling!
Vent!
-Explain something to me. -What?
- You and Howard are friends. -Yes.
-But you work for him. -Yes.
Do you need money? Brian and I can help you.
You must not overexert yourself.
Let me tell you a secret. I like it.
Hallo?
Howard?
How to make it work?
-You are full of surprises. - Well...
It was Elaine's.
It has been here for years. Half finished.
Ever since she drowned.
It must have been hard.
It was a long time ago.
- Your husband must lie here. -Yes.
Do you want to visit his grave?
No. It is not necessary.
I haven't been here since the funeral.
Why not?
Did he treat you badly?
And the girls.
How bad?
- I would rather not go into details. -Of course.
Such a relationship can destroy you.
In the end, you don't know who you are anymore.
How have you managed?
Better.
This helps.
Which?
This here.
Hallo?
Hey, Grace.
I didn't get a chance to say it last time.
There was so much going on.
I wanted to thank you for your work.
And how you have affected my father.
So.
Since he retired, I have done everything to change his-
-stubborn and difficult behaviour.
Then you showed up.
What is your secret?
I do not know.
Maybe I'll just take him as he is.
- He's getting older. -Yes.
And over time he needs more rest and peace.
And routines.
I'm not quite there.
I have signed him up for the nursing home St. Bridget's.
When a place becomes available, we no longer need you.
I just wanted to warn you.
I understand.
And of course I expect you to…
...that my employee does not tell anyone about this.
Not even my father.
Does not?
He does not always know what is best for him.
Let's go for a drive.
come now!
We used to come here quite often.
-With Elaine? -No. With Grace.
Here she saw the cargo ships going into port.
She loved the sea.
-Because of you? -Safe.
She has marked all my ports on her map.
When I came home from my travels, she was waiting for me at the gate.
It must have been hard for her.
And for her mother.
So...
Elaine...
Maybe she shouldn't have married a sailor.
Why not?
It got harder and harder.
-To travel away? -To come home.
I felt like a stranger. In my own home.
One day...
No Grace at the gate.
What is it?
Grace plans your future.
-What? - You have been registered at the nursing home.
-How do you know? - That's what she said.
Why doesn't she just take care of herself?
Maybe she has your best interests in mind.
Yes. Exact.
Now, but I didn't have to say that.
Now you know.
I better go.
- Annie? -And?
- Do you agree with her? -Certainly not.
-What if... -What?
Nothing.
Just say it, Howard.
What if... Would you move in here? At my place.
As an employee?
No.
Bleach...
What we have together will not happen again.
And what about Grace?
What about her?
I work for her.
I can't go behind her back.
I'm talking to her.
Do you? Really?
I promise.
-Behind, in the side. -Okay.
-Which side? -This.
Are you sure about this?
Girls... I'm really scared.
Do you think everything is fine?
It will probably work.
Should we...?
Put us to sleep? Yes.
-Good night. -Good night.
You're convincing me, Martin.
I like this.
-What are you doing? - I am a publisher.
The mess is organized chaos.
-Hello. -Hello.
Estelle, Sunnyside Properties. What a cozy house.
So.
It's Grace. My wife.
-Is that you in the picture? -Yes.
I took that picture. We were in Barcelona.
It was a lovely evening.
- I'm looking at the kitchen. -Yes.
-What the hell are you doing? - I'll tell you later.
We tore down that wall to make more room.
-You can see what we did with the light. - Beautiful.
-Turn it off. -Isn't that your record?
I bought it, but Grace played it over and over again.
- I think it's good. Come on, Howard. -Stop it.
-Come on. -Two minutes.
-Where are you going? -Two minutes.
Howard?
-Do you remember if you passed out first? -No.
- Don't you remember? - No, I didn't pass out.
- I said I slipped. -Okay.
As for the physical damage, there is no danger.
- Why all this? -As a precaution.
You know how it is. You come in for observation.
-Have you said anything to Grace? -No.
Well. That would be a reason for her to pester me.
-What did they say at the hospital? -High blood pressure.
-Nothing else? -A lot of ado about nothing.
-What are you doing? -Do you know the selling prices of houses?
What are you talking about? - Now is not the time to sell.
- I just asked for an assessment. -Why?
-Pardon? -Why didn't you ask me first?
I tried, but you wouldn't talk about it. Like everything else.
- I was fired today. -I am sorry.
Due to reorganization.
Maybe... Maybe we can consider Munich now.
You know what? Just travel.
Go to Munich. Have fun.
Just you leave a roof over my head.
Okay.
- I just wanted to help. -Yes.
Far?
Grace.
Wait here a moment.
-What is this? -It's Christmas. I don't want to argue.
Does she live here?
Why didn't you say you were coming?
She is your housekeeper!
- Grace... - My employee.
She was your employee.
I can reimburse her salary, but listen...
I have invited her family for Christmas.
You are also welcome. If you come, I don't want trouble.
-Do you understand? -Trouble?
Do you understand that?
First, I would like to thank you for-
-that you spend the day with us in our home.
To hear the sound of children's voices in this house again is-
-a pleasure.
I will raise a toast-
-for a woman whose love and goodness-
-has made my life perfect.
Cheers to Annie.
For Annie!
-What are you doing? -Fix it there.
-Look this way. -It is good.
-My friends put garlic in. -No.
- Does it taste good? -I'm not hungry.
- Didn't your husband come? -No. He works.
At Christmas?
I would have stayed home too. I thought my father was alone.
And your brothers?
In a warm country in a luxury hotel.
Right, Dad?
Did you get any Christmas cards this year?
Gifts in the mail?
They will probably come.
In half a year you will have a birthday.
Then you get a bottle of rum or tequila-
-or what the national drink is at this year's holiday destination.
What?
Funnily enough, my father's bar cupboard is jam-packed.
His sweet sons have not noticed-
- that their father hasn't drunk in 100 years.
-By the way... -That's enough!
How are you behaving?
Something is wrong with Grace.
-She's not like your daughters. -It is true.
Because she's your daughter. And you hurt her.
She would have turned on us immediately.
If you had given her a chance, she would have gotten used to it.
I wanted her to accept it.
Why should I ask her permission?
That doesn't explain you breaking your promise to me.
I swear I wanted to tell her.
I love you-
-but if you treat your own flesh and blood like that...
...I don't know what to think about me and you.
Grace!
-What do I want? -Yes.
-To be appreciated. -What does it mean to you?
I know what it doesn't mean.
Continue.
That I must be constantly punished for taking care of others.
First for my mother and now my father.
-How does it feel? - Feel it?
Martin?
It's not a feeling.
It is a fact.
When we go through a process-
-we become aware of our life patterns.
Then we observe ourselves.
And we ask what that means.
Any thoughts?
Do you know what? I have had enough.
Pardon? Grace?
Forget it! This is a waste of my time.
God bless you.
Look mom.
-It is embarrassing. - I'll show you. Like this.
Pardon? I'll take a picture.
Great. Thank you.
Now you understand.
- You are a natural talent. -Barely.
Of course you are.
What?
I said: Will you marry me?
- Grace? -Hi Dad.
- Annie. - Hi, Grace. Shall I make tea?
No. Get the girls to bed.
Come on, girls.
-When does it happen? -Now. Immediately.
And your furniture?
Temporarily in storage.
- Grace... - What?
You cannot move into the upper floor.
The house is sold. Martin slipped. Where else would I live?
If you're looking for work here, rent a place.
Why should I? This is my home.
Mother's home.
The hospital probably has accommodation for you.
Is it because of her?
-She doesn't want me here? -Stop it.
You are always welcome to visit.
- But call first. -Can you hear yourself?
Don't talk so loud.
- The girls are sleeping. -They are not your girls.
- I'm your girl! -Grace...
It never meant anything to you. You've always cared about me.
And mother.
You must go now.
Dear Annie...
When I hired you as my father's housekeeper…
...I didn't know he would manipulate you into moving in.
Can't you see what's happening?
He gets your labor for free.
And everything else he asks you to do.
He always took what he needed.
Louder!
He never thought about the needs of others.
At least not mine or my mother's.
And soon neither will yours.
He can say he loves you-
-but he only thinks of one person.
You are the best, mother.
Do you believe her?
I don't know what to believe.
Whatever you do, put yourself first.
Goodmorning everybody. Grace will replace Dorothy.
Good day.
-Have some tea or coffee. -No thanks.
-Grace Grimes, right? - Yeah.
Joyce O'Malley.
- I think we went to school together. -Is it true?
- You were supposed to take care of your mother. -It is true.
I thought it was pretty incredible.
-Is Howard your father? -Yes.
I'm good friends with Kelly.
-Kelly? - Annie's daughter.
Well yes.
-What a sweet older couple. -Annie and Howard? Definitely!
Just imagine. To fall in love at their age.
You still have hope, Peggy.
-When is the wedding? - It has not been decided.
Grace? Are your dad and Annie on a date?
Catch me!
- Then that's enough. -No.
- I end up at the morgue. - Or the nursing home.
What is it?
Old people are left there-
-when they get too old or the family goes on holiday.
-Like with a dog? - Yes, like with a dog.
But you don't have to be on a leash.
Howard! Howard! You best!
It was an ischemic stroke.
-Okay. - His seizure was probably a warning.
-What seizure? -The one he had in November.
What are you talking about?
Grace.
-Why hasn't anyone told me? -Which?
About father's seizure in November.
He said it was just too high blood pressure.
Do you then do an MRI scan?
Let me tell you what else my father has hidden from you.
A serious stroke five years ago forced his retirement.
- If only I had known. - I said that when I hired you.
Peace and quiet, right? Let him be.
How did it go?
You put your grandchildren in the car even though he has a permanent driving ban.
You let it happen.
-I did not know it. -Exact.
You see a charming, loving man.
But he does as he sees fit, regardless of the consequences for you-
-or anyone else.
What has he told about my mother and me?
He said he didn't support you when he should have.
He left me…
...alene...
...with my clinically depressed mother.
I was only 14.
Fed, washed and changed clothes if I could get her out of bed.
I just knew that…
I had to get my mom dressed for dad's homecoming.
The worse she got-
- the faster my father disappeared far out to sea.
When my mother drowned...
...he blamed me.
Because I wasn't there.
I was not there.
I better go.
- Now he doesn't help. Do you know why? -I have to go.
-Because of you. - I'll leave you alone.
Yes, you just go! And stay away!
Wait, Dad. I am helping you.
So here we are. Welcome home.
Such. It is fine.
You will be well again soon.
Such. You just have to keep going. Such.
Would you like some tea? I put water over.
I will work shorter days so I can be here if needed.
We'll be fine, Dad.
Here you go.
Where is my phone?
Grace? Where did you put the phone?
So, Dad…
Grace?
-Hey, Grace. -Annie.
-I want to talk to Howard. -No.
-Why not? - He must not be upset.
If you care about my father's welfare, please go.
- I want to talk to him. -You have to go.
Annie!
-Dad, what are you doing? - Annie!
-Far... -Annie...
You must be hungry.
What did you say to Annie?
Answer me.
That you need rest. That you have to be taken care of.
She can take care of me.
Do you want the same thing to happen again?
But worse?
If I can't be with her...
...I might as well be dead.
What?
That's what mother used to say.
About you.
Okay. Let's get started.
Far!
Daddy, look at me!
Hello! Can I help you?
-I'm going to visit Howard Grimes. -Yes. Are you family?
-No, but I'm... -I'm sorry.
- Can I put something for him? -Yes.
-Who should I say it's from? - Annie.
-Annie Bell? -And.
He rests outside.
There he is. At the bench.
-Here you go. -Thanks.
Howard?
-Annie. -Howard.
I have something for you.
Don't cry, my friend.
Pardon.
What we had together was wonderful.
Yes, it was.
Should we still get married?
If you still want to.
With all my heart.
Nothing would make me happier.
Then it's settled.
Hallo?
- Was he alone? -No.
- You were with him, when he... - Yes.
I just wanted to say…
So.
Danish texts: Rikke Thomsen Iyuno