-[alarm blaring] -[screaming]
[man] Fire!
[man 2] Call the emergency services!
-[clamoring] -[man] Fire! Fire! Fire!
Fire!
Out of there!
[man 3] Fire in the building!
We have to get them out!
-[woman] Farida! -Run for the door!
-[man] Fire! -No!
[man] Fire!
-[woman] Where's the fire? -[man] Fire!
[suspenseful music plays]
[man] Fire!
[siren blares]
[alarm fades]
[theme music plays]
SEVEN MONTHS EARLIER
BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF FIRE
[footsteps approaching]
[somber music plays]
HAWALLY SERVICES OFFICE
DIVORCE CERTIFICATE BY COURT ORDER
FARIDA ADEEB AL-MA'MUN
[door opens]
Congrats.
You're finally free.
[violin music plays]
Farida, how are you?
You going to the party at Yara's?
Maybe some other time.
Mr. Bill hasn't announced who's gonna play the solo for the spring concert.
And honestly, I'm confident that I'll get the solo.
But even if Amna gets it, that's okay with me too.
-[man] Great job today, Jude. -Thank you, Adel. You too.
Ooh! I think we know who would get the solo if it were up to Adel.
Come on. Stop.
-Good afternoon, Maestro. -Good afternoon, Captain.
-You spoil her, Roshan. -[Jude chuckles]
Princess.
[boy] Okay.
Uh-huh.
Another mistake.
Juju, X must never have more than one value.
Same equation, its value is the same. You follow me?
It makes no sense. This X, it makes me very confused.
You know something, Juju? Math is my favorite.
I love making order from chaos.
[bell jingles]
Oh, you got this one right. Bravo. Jude!
Hey, Ma, they have the new collection. I need to buy a dress!
One correct equation doesn't mean a new dress.
Mm.
Sweetie?
Juju, what's this?
I don't know. Dr. Badra said to give it to you.
Okay, please, I just wanna look.
Come on, Mom. Please. We came to celebrate.
[dramatic music plays]
[phone ringing]
[machine beeps]
Hello, this is Omar. Please leave a message. Thank you.
-[beeps] -[Farida] It's me.
Can you call me back as soon as you get this message?
I'll be at my parents' house in a bit.
It's urgent, Omar.
[Jude] Wow! I love it! I love it! I love it!
It's gorgeous.
Well, hello.
Love it.
Come here.
So?
Yeah.
[woman] Do you need help?
Hi, Yara. Hello.
Farida. You should purchase it.
No, no, no, you take it. Please. You grabbed it first.
You shopping for the fundraiser tonight?
No, I already got my dress a while back.
And I just wanted something new for my closet.
I can't wait to see what you'll be wearing this evening.
Yara, I sent you my apologies. It's a busy time.
Well, I must've missed your message. I do apologize.
No big deal. We're good.
You know what? Gold is not for me.
I think you're meant to have it. I know you'll look beautiful.
Farida?
The dress would look great on you if you wear it tonight.
I hope you change your mind. Tonight's charity auction is really important.
We'll see.
It's 120 dinars, Ms. Farida.
All my cash has vanished. I need to go to the bank.
Open an account with us perhaps, ma'am?
Yeah, okay.
[man] James, you have under-reported
the war situation between Iraq and Iran
and the impact it has on our oil tankers.
And we are not even at war with them.
Hm.
And what are you hearing in Washington
about US ships offering protection?
Because you know Kuwait's influence goes beyond oil.
He only made it because
it's the trip that Hasanein Pasha was on.
-[door opens] -[Farida] Hi.
[woman] Hi, Jude.
-Here. -Hi.
-[Jude] Hi, Nojood. -Hello, sweetie.
-Your things arrived. -I see them.
-Omar message yet? -Why message you?
Why would he?
[sighs] It doesn't matter.
Why did you open my boxes?
I… Just to see what you brought and what you left there.
Mom, can I have a snack?
No eating until lunchtime.
JUDE'S ROOM
No!
They didn't pack my camera.
It's okay. Grab it when you go to your father's.
Two homes are better than one.
So do I get to eat twice?
Twenty oil tankers
bombed this year alone!
Why is the Washington Post calling you?
Maybe tell her about her grandfather.
Tell her.
Know who I am?
Of course they would consult me. Washington Post knows who I am.
It's my job is to analyze big news.
And I bring
insight mixed with balance.
Your grandpa's practically stuffed with news.
Just like zucchini.
Alas, what I do can't afford to buy new dresses.
-Seriously, how much you spend today? -On what?
-I was gonna return them. -Return what?
Good. I shall not pay for all of your shopping.
Use your money, dear.
Are you returning mine?
Seriously? Bought two? One for each?
What is going on?
I bought a dress for the charity event at Yara's tonight.
No big deal, okay?
-You can keep yours, Jude. -A party?
An auction.
A charity event.
Not a party.
Who cares if it's a party?
Just go. Have fun. Just stay relaxed.
And you just might find yourself a husband.
Awful, Mom.
A charity event.
What's this about?
To get rid of me?
You know what? If you could wait for the ink on the divorce papers to dry,
then you can rush me into marrying again.
-Have we ever forced her to get married? -Hell no!
We never rushed her into anything.
She rushed into marrying Omar so that she could get away from us.
Thanks for the meal. Jude needs to finish her homework.
[sigh]
[somber music plays]
[line ringing]
[machine beeps]
Hello, this is Omar.
Please leave a message. Thank you.
It's me… again.
Omar, I need to talk to you.
Will you just call me?
It's urgent.
[playing "Pachebel's Canon"]
I'm sure that if you keep practicing, you'll get it right. Trust me.
So how about you take your violin and practice in the other room?
I need to get ready. Please?
There's better acoustics in here.
Well, if the acoustics are better, I can't argue.
Stay as long as you want.
Um…
You smell like cigarettes.
Not true. Stop, Jude. That's not funny.
-When are you coming home? -A little late.
Jude, if you're sleeping here, then don't spread your legs across the bed.
At least, I move less.
Well, at the very least,
I don't ever snore.
Enjoy the acoustics.
[narrator on TV in Arabic] It's 290-kilometer long,
between latitudes 28 degrees
and 30 degrees north
and longitude 46…
[dad] Roshen is not here.
He's not working tonight.
[triumphant music plays on TV]
Would you give me a ride?
Did Omar mention money
during the proceedings at court today?
Why are you asking?
[sighs] Jude brought her tuition bill home.
Omar knows how important school is
and that it's the only stable thing in her life.
Maybe you should really stop depending on Omar
and handle your own expenses.
Or don't depend on anyone.
What should I do?
-Well, you could take a salary. -[chuckles]
The resume would be great.
Between my divorce
and me not having worked in 13 years…
[mysterious music plays]
Your dress is nice.
It's too expensive, but it's nice.
Thank you, Father.
It's nice. I know.
But it won't protect me at this party.
Aha!
So it is a party.
Go ahead.
[woman] Gets divorced in the morning and goes partying in the evening.
And did you see that dress?
Wow! You look incredible.
How sweet.
Thank you for the invite.
I wouldn't miss it for the world. [chuckles]
[Yara chuckles]
[horn honks]
[woman] Sorry.
Who's this?
[man] Can you believe she actually drove the car herself?
-[man 2] Such a nice car! -Sure is.
Your cousin couldn't help it.
She had to make a grand entrance here tonight.
[chuckles]
Just kidding.
I love Munira and her ways.
The auction is about to begin.
[Yara] We'd like to let you know all the profits of this auction
will go towards supporting the first Kuwaiti female athletes
to be able to participate and be shining future female Olympians!
Now, let me welcome our fencing champion,
Asma Al-Madhi, and her coach!
Farida?
Oh, hi, Munira.
I wasn't expecting you to come.
So glad to see you here. [chuckles]
I never miss these types of events.
But you know how people like to gossip and spread rumors.
There is a big difference between gossip and envy.
If you look around and see, you'll see you are getting all the envy.
No way.
I'm a ghost tonight. They're all busy gossiping about you.
-[crowd gasps] -Ya!
Well, I don't see why you would worry about all the gossip and chatter.
Munira, I am sure you will be back in the spotlight.
As per usual, you can't help yourself.
Ah!
You're mistaken, honey. I'm here tonight to support that champion.
I came for her,
not to make a show or satisfy the ego.
[laughs]
Nothing in this world can satisfy your ego. [laughs]
-Whoo! -[applause]
[woman] Whoo!
Whoo!
[dramatic music plays]
[chuckles]
Dear guests, this auction is sponsored by the Bank of Tomorrow.
I would like to thank my husband and vice president, your host,
Amir Hashem,
and his generous support.
Thank you.
Thanks for coming. Thank you.
The Bank of Tomorrow
has made a generous contribution,
and we are proud to be a part of all the hard work,
compliments of Yara.
All profits will go towards funding Asma's training,
and we're all counting on you,
on your kindness,
and on your generosity,
in order to give a chance to a Kuwaiti woman,
a chance to win a medal at the Olympics.
Whoo!
And now, let the bidding begin.
The watch set.
Our opening bid, 150 dinars. 150 dinars. Anyone wants to raise?
Two hundred dinars. Two hundred dinars.
Two hundred and fifty dinars. Anybody else?
Three hundred dinars.
Three hundred fifty dinars.
And once, and twice, and thrice.
Congratulations.
Moving on to the next item.
Opening at 200 dinars. Two hundred and fifty dinars. 250 dinars.
Three hundred dinars. Let me see 400 dinars.
Who wants to raise? Who wants to raise?
Four hundred and fifty dinars.
Four hundred and fifty.
And once, and twice, and thrice!
Next, we have an Italian diamond set.
Five hundred dinars! Five hundred dinars! Who will raise?
Six hundred dinars! Seven hundred dinars! Nine hundred dinars!
So anybody else? And once…
350 dinars! A thousand dinars!
Let me see. And twice! And thrice!
Once! Twice!
And thrice!
Congratulations!
Twice! And thrice!
We were able to raise 10,000 dinars for our own Asma.
[woman] Wow, Asma!
It is my pleasure to conclude our auction with this wonderful item now.
Pièce de résistance.
With all our gratitude for your generous bids.
May the best man or best woman win.
Our opening bid is 75 dinars.
Seventy-five dinars.
Do I see 100 dinars?
One hundred dinars over there. Anyone wants to raise? 150?
One hundred and fifty. 150. Can someone give me two?
Anyone wants to raise? Anyone?
Anyone for 200 dinars? 200 dinars. Anyone wants to raise?
200 dinars from the lady over here. 200 dinars.
Anyone for 250 dinars? Anyone?
Anyone wants to raise?
Two hundred and fifty dinars. Yes, madam.
Two hundred and fifty dinars! Anybody?
Three hundred dinars! Three hundred dinars!
Three hundred and fifty dinars! Three hundred and fifty dinars!
Can I get another 400 dinars to help Asma with her training and travel expenses?
What are you folks hiding in those pockets?
Let's see it!
Four hundred dinars here!
Four hundred dinars!
Anyone for four hundred and twenty-five?
Four hundred and twenty-five?
Four hundred and twenty-five!
Anyone wants to raise? Anyone?
Anyone for four hundred and twenty-five?
Four hundred and twenty-five!
No one? It's for her training and travel expenses!
Four hundred fifty.
Four hundred and fifty!
Anyone wants to raise?
Once! And twice!
And thrice!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the elegant lady on this beautiful masterpiece!
Congratulations! Congratulations!
Dear guests,
the show must continue.
We have a special something before we end things.
A final sculpture
that was created
with the same tree that the other was carved from.
But we ought to ask the woman in magnificent gold
if she'd like to bid on this piece?
Would you like to match your friend and buy this masterpiece
for 450 dinars?
[guests whispering]
So?
Can we count on you?
Yes.
Of course, yes.
[cheers]
[upbeat, magical music plays]
Your driver not here, Farida? Do you need a ride or something?
[sighs]
Driver's fallen asleep.
Uh, I stopped.
[chuckles]
One after your divorce to celebrate.
[chuckles]
You're the first person to say the word to me. "Divorce."
But not the last.
There are worse things than getting a divorce.
Mm? Such as?
Being married to someone you're not in love with,
even if he's handsome and rich.
Or being like me.
Thirty years old
and still single.
You are thirty-two.
[both laugh]
But I'm sure you're happier.
Not much happier.
But I guess I'd rather be unhappy on my own
than be unhappy with him.
You do have a nice car.
Thanks to your new job?
Used my money.
I took a loan.
-But in the end, my money. -[chuckles]
I know you work at the bank these days. But what's your position?
In the stock market in Kuwait, trading stocks for Bank of Tomorrow.
I make an incredible salary.
And I've had such a great month so far.
Oh yeah? What's so fun about looking at numbers all the time?
Cash flow, Farida. Cash flow is the thing.
[upbeat music plays]
-[Munira] Four hundred KBH! -[overlapping chatter]
Four hundred KBH!
-Yes, KBH. KBH! -Like this.
I want four hundred KBH.
-God Almighty! -Here. Here.
He wasn't gonna sell me Alumaco, but--
Stop.
I really don't care how you did it. Would you just log it so I can get out of here?
Well, thank you, my dear friend.
Oh…
If they're going to hire these women clerks in here,
why don't they tell them to cover more?
Hm.
Trades for Hassan Darwish, logged by clerk Munira.
Double check.
Today a clerk and tomorrow a trader.
Just making a friendly observation.
Do you know me? Because I don't believe we've met before.
I don't want to disturb you.
I'm impressed how organized Hassan's files are these days.
Nice to meet you, Munira.
Thank you.
And who told you I would settle for being a trader?
Two years from now, I'll be a portfolio manager.
Two years? That's too long.
I'd say you'll get there sooner.
How's that?
Because I manage portfolios.
And like the way you work.
Never seen a notebook in your hand
or use a calculator.
That's good.
Notice anything else?
[chuckles]
Mathematics are a valuable skill.
Negotiating.
That's the skill a trader needs to succeed.
May I ask you a question about something?
What do you think
we should do about Kazima shipping?
Standstill for six months. Instincts say wait a bit.
What are these instincts based on?
Kazima ships transport oil around the Gulf,
but with bombings,
the company's profits have plummeted.
If our neighbors in the north can make peace,
this would clear the way for Kazima.
But unfortunately, their bombings haven't stopped since '82 and are
not stopping soon enough.
-That's why I think we do nothing. -[man] That makes sense.
But a bank doesn't make money on instincts.
It relies on information.
Nathan Rothschild.
A German money man.
In 1815, this man used carrier pigeons to get news from the battlefield,
all the way from Waterloo to London.
Napoleon lost the war, and our friend
had made huge profits and was rich.
He had all this because he had information.
Handy little history lesson.
What if I said the Russians and Americans
might be willing to protect our tankers for us.
[chuckles] How do you find time to train pigeons?
Without protection, Kazima stocks will remain at the bottom.
But if those superpowers decide to make allies and have warships somewhere in--
-You turn into Nathan Rothschild. -Precisely.
-All I want is confirmation. -[chuckles]
Perhaps you can help me? Maybe?
If you can get it for me,
maybe there might be a way I can repay you. You never know.
[Munira] Wait. Wait.
You're Saud, the manager?
That's me.
And my office is on this floor.
But you my friend are
downstairs.
[Farida] So, um, I wanted to address this urgently
since there is obviously some misunderstanding.
Oh, dear.
Misunderstanding is an unfortunate word in the place of education.
And in the matters of money.
Yes.
Well, since Jude's father and I have,
you know, separated, the tuition bills should go directly to him.
I'm sure he'll pay the balance immediately.
I see, but our bursar did reach out to Mr. Haswi last week,
and he told us that Jude's mother would handle tuition.
So, misunderstanding indeed.
[dramatic music plays]
Shit!
[Yara] Farida!
Farida!
Well, if it isn't Miss Highest Bidder herself.
Hey, Yara. Good morning.
How are you?
I need to go drop-off supplies for the kids in the art classes.
Dr. Badra needs them.
The school is really lucky.
Your generosity is unmatched.
[chuckles] Uh, Farida, payment on the, uh, sculpture is due.
Actually, no need to rush.
But if we could just get it in time for dear Asma's training.
Of course. I'll have a driver bring it to your villa.
I'll see you soon then.
Take care. Bye.
Get the supplies.
Ugh.
[Omar] It's not just talk. This is excellent.
This is very good for us.
But we need to be careful and figure out how we're gonna handle the market.
Are you here to say sorry?
Why won't you call me back?
Take this file and put it on my desk so I can work on it.
Have a seat. Why are you standing?
I thought I mentioned it was urgent, Omar.
I'm under no obligation to you anymore.
Even the urgent matters.
Can we please talk inside?
Tsk. No, we can't.
I mean, you want to talk, right here.
It's gonna be like this? Okay.
Dr. Badra said you refuse to give your daughter an education.
[Omar] Mm.
Private schools are for little snobs.
My daughter is not a snob.
What is wrong with public education?
Look what it did.
You could've told me.
At least. Why did you surprise me like that?
I wanted a chance to embarrass Jude's Mother.
[suspenseful music plays]
You going to run to your father and have him handle this?
You don't know?
You don't know.
Your father, the family man, could barely afford to settle with me.
Settle what, Omar?
For the thirteen years of supporting his daughter with money.
You like my car that's over there?
I have more.
The poor guy is ruined because of you. It was too much for that old bastard.
[grunts]
Ah!
Hm? What are you doing?
Homework.
[sighs] You're going out again?
Leaving me alone?
Auntie Munira called and I have to go see her.
You have to practice violin? Use the acoustics that we have here.
No. I'm quitting it.
Why? What's wrong?
I'm over it.
It doesn't matter. I'm not getting the solo.
Amna beat me.
[exhales]
Juju,
you're really talented, and if you continue--
It's over. Mom, I'm done with it.
-[sighs] -[Farida sighs]
Your wrist?
Just a little burn.
More cigarettes? Yeah?
[sighs]
I knew it. I smelled it.
Fine, you win.
Your mother was bad and had one little cigarette.
You're so stupid!
When will you realize that it will kill you?
That is so irresponsible.
You left Dad.
And now you want to leave me,
and I'll end up as a lonely orphan!
[somber music plays]
Jude, it's just one smoke.
Just one of them.
I'll stop it.
Come.
It was my last one I swear.
I promise that its over. It's over.
Okay?
Hm.
Lovely blouse.
You're all dressed up?
I've worn this all day.
Let's sit in the garden.
I wish Auntie was awake.
Would've loved to say hello.
She would've loved to say hello to you too.
-You're her favorite. -Yeah, I know.
It's probably for the best.
I'm here to see you.
How is Jude doing?
She sends a big hello.
God bless her.
[sighs] She's so sweet.
She's starting at a public school.
Omar won't pay the bill for her tuition.
[sighs] Divorce is really complicated.
Now anything we do is becoming his choice.
The thing is
that bastard Omar gets to control everything.
Well, why don't you sell the wooden sculpture?
[dog barking]
I haven't even bought it yet. Actually, Munira, that's why I'm here.
-You told me you had some business? -Yes.
-We can benefit together. -How?
By getting me a bit of information about Kazima Shipping.
What? Kazima?
-Omar still works there as the manager? -Yeah.
Information about what they'll do. They'd benefit from an increase in security.
We need to know if this will happen.
Yeah, but after losing twenty tankers,
I guess it means the US might get involved.
What's more important is
how does this solve my issue with Jude's fees?
Farida, if you got this information,
you could help make money so I can pay for sweet Jude.
Besides, you know how much I care about her.
Public schools aren't what they used to be.
[sighs] Yeah. Agreed.
Farida, I'm not asking for much,
just what Omar thinks and knows.
And this can be very useful if we knew how to use it.
Information that's worth one million today might be worthless tomorrow.
Besides,
Omar has caused all the problems in your life.
Make him pay for it.
[suspenseful music plays]
I found it, Roshen!
-Farida. -[Farida] What's going on?
Are we meeting to go shopping or to close a business deal?
Business.
We have a deal?
If you agree to the terms.
Hm.
[Munira] Mm? What are your terms?
You write a check for that silly carving from the auction.
[laughs]
Four hundred dinars?
Four hundred and fifty.
What about Jude?
What happened to me paying for Jude's tuition?
I got that. Might have found a new job.
Really? Congrats!
-You know, you can use me as a reference. -[sighs]
Do we, um, have a deal?
-How much for it? -[man] 520 dinars.
Hm. Mm.
It's pretty.
I'll take it.
It's a deal.
Is this what you do at your work? Trading?
Something like that.
Uh, how much is it?
Four hundred and fifty, Munira.
[chuckles]
Is what you do at your work easy to learn?
Trading is in our blood sweetie.
But some of us are better at it.
Let's talk Kazima International.
[indistinct chatter]
-[man] What's the matter, Mustafa? -I closed the deal.
[man] Good. We have a meeting. Are you done?
-I'm done. -Where is it? Just make the transfer.
-I'll do this later. -Okay.
Have you seen Saud this morning?
I don't keep track of him. I keep track of you.
Besides, where is the tender's file?
-There in front of you. -[Hasan] Mm, I see it now.
She does seem pretty nice, doesn't she?
She's got very gorgeous eyes.
That's my weakness,
girls with nice eyes.
Something you guys need?
Uh…
Yeah, the other girl's nicer.
[chuckles]
Farida!
Ugh. Ah!
Why are you here?
Why did he do that to you?
I elbowed him in the ribs yesterday. What are you doing here?
-Hm? -[man 2] Ms. Farida.
Mr. Amir is waiting for you this way.
Yara's husband?
-I'll tell you later. -[man 2] Please come with me.
Farida Adeeb Ma'mun.
The auction's highest bidder!
-Your contribution was generous. -Least I could do, Mr. Amir.
Yara said you needed to ask me a favor?
How can I help?
Uh, it's not a favor. It's a job interview.
[Amir] Mm.
Look, Farida.
You know, dealing with men in here can be really difficult.
Especially
for a…
mother.
I'm really not into doing favors, even for my wife's friends.
[sighs]
But it's not a favor.
[unzipping]
Think of it as more of a trade.
[suspenseful music plays]
[bell rings]
Buy! Buy! Buy! Buy!
Now! Now!
Buy now!
Ten thousand shares of Kazima.
-Up it to fifteen. -[phone rings]
Yes, sir?
Yes, yes, we're on it.
Don't worry.
Okay.
[sighs]
[laughs]
[overlapping chatter]
So, how do you have the same information as the bank's vice president?
Hm.
A pigeon told me.
[theme music plays]