Here, sweetheart.
Thanks.
Your cross on the floor didn't work.
Same nightmare as always?
As always.
Can you help me?
Yes.
Of course.
There.
Will he like my dress?
I've no idea, you know...
I hardly know him.
I beg of you, make him love me.
Monsieur Deluc.
Good day.
It was open, so I came in.
You did right.
She's coming. It's just that it was a long trip.
- She'd rather you not see her like that. - Like what?
Here...
It's for you. She embroidered it.
It took her a long time.
She can do lots of things. Reading and even writing.
You have the money?
Of course.
- There. - Thanks.
Excuse me.
Be right back.
Good day.
Putting it out of its misery, see?
You should go in. It's better.
Some water?
No, thank you.
Something you don't want to say?
You're not a virgin, is that it?
As if I care.
Thank goodness. Me neither.
Your dress...
I'm a simple man.
I made it myself.
The ruffles are complicated to stitch.
I thought this.
A bit creased,
but it should be all right.
There.
I have something to say.
Yes.
I don't want a childless life.
I have a list of names.
Isn't it a bit early?
Why wait?
It must be quite something.
Someone loving you like that.
Unconditionally.
I guess so.
Saint Wilgefortis,
make him keep me.
You're asleep?
You really think he'll understand?
Excuse me!
Sir!
How can I help?
I'm looking for Barcelin.
- I'll fetch him. - Thanks.
Abel.
- How are you? - Well.
Your dowry?
Yes.
You know it's not enough.
My offer still stands.
You know the café's all I have.
Now I provide workers' refreshments, it's pointless.
How'll you cope with your back?
Leave it out of this.
I'm not alone anymore.
I have someone to help.
Congratulations.
Yes.
See you again.
Time to go.
Yes.
We're ready.
And you, Rosalie,
do you promise Abel to respect him?
Do you promise to live in truth with him?
Tell him, "Yes, I promise."
Yes, I promise.
Thank you.
Father?
He left this for you.
Stay longer, please.
Just one night. Please.
I'll visit next summer.
What if he spurns me?
Accept your woman's lot.
Please...
come.
I want to see you.
Please. Let me look at you.
Don't be afraid.
Come closer.
Closer.
It's all right.
Don't move.
You're entitled to be angry.
Don't be afraid, please.
Don't touch me!
We paid you.
What were you two thinking? That I'd accept that for 15,000 francs?
It took him years to save the money.
You've seen doctors?
There's no remedy?
Father tried everything when I was little.
You were born with it?
It's not a disease you catch.
At first, Father hid me.
Then he began shaving me.
So nobody found out.
Shame, I suppose.
You'll go back home.
You lied to me.
Told me a monstrous lie.
Monstrous?
Abel?
Don't move.
Do not move!
Yes.
Look.
I'll sell her at the summer fair.
How much can I ask for her?
I don't know.
I can get at least 150, right?
I'm Rosalie, his wife.
Pleased to meet you.
What would you like?
I'll have a coffee, please.
A coffee?
Yes. You know how to make coffee?
Of course.
Come on.
- You knew? - No.
It's quite hot.
Thanks.
I'm the one who should sleep here.
You were wounded in combat?
We can talk, can't we?
Move along.
I hoped...
What?
I hoped you'd be different.
I hoped you wouldn't be.
You realize it's unexpected?
What were you expecting?
I was expecting a woman.
Quite simply.
A woman.
Not a...
Go on...
Get out!
Thought this might be of interest.
Beautiful.
Very beautiful.
This too.
- Where'd you find it? - On the path.
Near the bridge, after the ruins.
Where did you plan to go?
What is it to you?
Up.
I'll take you back.
Here.
The rest?
It's all I could do.
I need more time.
There is no more time.
Why refuse to sell? You'd be set up.
Think it over.
You've known Abel long?
I served in his unit.
I stopped by, found a job at the mill.
Nobody bothers me here.
I like it.
It's quiet.
Too quiet, don't you think?
No one comes to this café?
The master frowns on workers in taverns.
Sad. We're not children.
A drink keeps you from brooding.
Rules are rules.
"The Lobster Woman. One of a kind."
Four francs!
Bit steep.
You saw her?
In town, the market hall.
It's difficult to miss her. She's...
- She's unwatchable. - Likely an accident, poor thing.
She's not a real phenomenon.
You think? What is a real phenomenon?
Women like you?
All right...
The horrors of war, we all saw them.
Real ones. We had our fill.
Abel's very lucky to have you now.
What on earth?
Augustine, why'd you do that? What on earth?
Sorry, ma'am.
It's fine.
Do you want some hot milk?
Jeanne!
Hurry. Stop daydreaming.
Come on, we'll be late.
Come on.
The Lobster Woman
Saint Wilgefortis, give me your strength.
Take it.
A woman with a beard, that's one.
Last time, you asked
what a real phenomenon was.
I'm telling you.
A bearded woman is one.
You never see any.
True, it's very rare.
They're often fake beards.
If I let mine grow out...
you'd see a real one.
Play. She's fooling you.
Want a bet?
How much?
Nonsense!
15 francs?
A lady shouldn't talk like that.
30?
35?
40.
It's a bet.
Come back in one month. You'll see.
Abel, what's your wife saying? Joking, I hope.
- What came over you? - How'll you pay your debts?
Nobody comes to your café.
It drums up custom.
People are curious.
They pay good money to see these things.
And I'll be of use to you.
It's worth a try.
Who knows, perhaps you'll like it.
Like it?
Yes.
It looks alive.
Thanks, Abel.
Coming.
So...
What's she like?
Is she pretty?
Do you keep your clothes on with her?
She must have something if you chose her.
It's a bet, nothing more.
I'll shave afterwards, I promise.
I'm only trying to help.
Abel's here.
We've finished.
Thanks. Put it there.
It took me a long time but...
it turned out well.
Yours for 100.
100 francs.
Take it off what I owe.
Thanks, Abel. You captured the expression.
Well...
What are these rumors I hear in my mill?
People gossiping about your wife.
People spout nonsense, as usual.
Can I come in?
We need to talk.
Open the door.
Look, people are talking...
I've had enough.
I'll inform your father.
Let's see what he thinks.
Please, don't. He'll kill me if he sees this.
Don't do it.
They'll humiliate you.
I know them. They're brutes.
You've no idea of the danger.
So? The big day?
We can't wait.
It's real?
Check for yourself.
It brings good luck apparently.
You laugh?
You're beautiful, Rosalie.
Unbelievable!
Ladies, come on in, take a seat.
What would you like?
It's not so serious.
Nothing ever is with you.
Business was good, I believe.
All this money will pay back Barcelin.
You don't have to keep the...
A bit longer and we can redecorate.
Wooden walls are old-fashioned.
We could organize a party, too.
Put a piano under the stairs.
You can play?
No, but I can learn.
You'll learn...
Why not?
I'd play music for customers.
I dreamed of being musical.
People came to see if it was true, that's all.
But they'll keep coming.
We could hire service help to relieve us.
It was simple curiosity.
It's a good start.
I don't embarrass you?
You'll see...
Soon, people will be bored with it all.
Believe me.
Here goes...
Smile.
Are you ready?
Look at me.
With pleasure.
Now the questions.
If you don't mind.
Please, go ahead.
Relax. I'm not from the police.
What's your current occupation?
I run the café with Abel.
What are the customers like?
Meaning?
How do they react to your presence?
You mean my face?
You want a touch?
I only ask since so many people think it's fake.
Lots of idiots.
Bemused that I don't hide.
Who'd rather see me at a fairground, I suppose.
Or a cave deep in the forest.
Luckily, that's not everyone.
It's never simple to be a woman.
Smile, please.
Here goes...
Perfect.
We can make up cards
with your photographs.
Folks love souvenirs. Fashionable and simple.
Leave it all to me.
Why not?
You still don't want to talk?
How does one live with this?
Out of love?
The profit motive?
How are you?
Pierre!
- Enough now. - Stop, don't.
Go home. Sleep it off.
Say, what's it like to live with a monster?
Get lost!
You're hurting me.
What do you want?
What?
She has balls under the hair?
Tell me.
She got balls under there?
Get lost or you'll regret it.
I asked you a question. Answer me!
That's what you like?
Monkey women?
Stop, Pierre.
You want trouble?
Shut up! Shut that mouth.
Shut it!
Thanks.
- Doctors told you to wear it? - Yes.
Don't always listen to them.
It weighs a ton. It's torture.
Thank you.
I'll be fine.
Tomorrow, shave that beard off.
Augustine! Come on.
I'll take a little rest.
You wanted to talk to me?
Since I'm here, no more nightmares.
A good sign, isn't it?
Another, sir?
Come in, gents.
A drink on the house?
No, thank you.
You know the mill rules ban alcohol consumption?
I care deeply about my workers' health.
No doubt.
I force no one. They come for a chat and a laugh.
Your foreman Pierre is off drink today?
You should be closed by now.
It's only six in the evening. The war is over.
There's no more curfew.
Here.
I forgot this.
I care about my customers, too.
This pantomime amuses you?
What pantomime?
Leaving already?
Yes, leaving already?
Shame.
I told you so.
The ideal woman.
Madame Rosalie?
The book.
Eyes toward me.
Smile.
The flowers perhaps.
Perfect.
Look, my lions adore music.
You'd play piano to them.
I'd have to learn first.
With a player piano, you pretend.
No one will know.
It's not only a show.
We're a family too.
Don't stay in this backwater forever.
The world wants to see you.
Your sourpuss husband.
He needs some more time.
Life is elsewhere.
I was worried.
I was expecting you last week.
I thought you must be sick.
Trouble with your café again?
Pay me later if you want.
We don't have to make love every time.
Play!
It's not funny.
- I win. No, I win! - I played an ace.
True.
You win this.
Weren't you staying over in town?
Sorry, I was expecting you tomorrow.
We'll go.
Good night.
Finish the game off?
Yes, why not?
- What are you playing? - War.
The loser cleans up.
Great start.
That perfume on you smells nice.
You enjoyed yourself?
- I win! - Yes.
I'm glad it makes you happy.
It's not still war.
Is it?
No.
Go to bed. I'll clean up.
- No, I'll do it. - Leave it.
Leave it, I said. I'll do it.
Barcelin wants me to stay away from you.
He acts like he's my father.
Never lets anyone do anything.
Where were you?
Customers asked after you all day.
You can't just flit away.
I didn't want to today.
It's your responsibility. It's your idea, not mine.
Come on.
Come on, please.
No.
I can't.
Please!
It's a child you want, not a husband.
So what?
I can't.
There you go.
Which is it to be?
That one.
Here, this is for you.
How sweet! What a pretty drawing.
- Do you want a card? - Yes.
Thank you so much.
Here.
A rose.
Hello.
- Get you a drink? - With pleasure.
You can have a rose, too.
I have to admit, she's odd but...
lovely.
Really.
She, at least, is full of life.
As you seem to like her, have a photo on me.
Take it.
- You like dancing, Rosalie? - I love how she dances.
She's really good for her age.
Excuse me.
An excellent party, ma'am.
Thank you.
Your hat is very pretty.
Thank you.
All right?
It all went well?
Yes, the cards sold well. Folks seemed happy.
That's good.
I reacted idiotically earlier. I'm sorry.
I was thinking...
It occurred to me...
Perhaps you should go on tour with your friends.
You could do an act with a bear.
So you can show off the rest.
You'd be a huge success.
Why not, if it entertains people.
If it entertains people?
You like that, do you?
You're a sly one, aren't you?
You love ruining my life.
That's your game.
You strut around,
on parade in my café.
After you lied to me...
after you trapped me!
And what do you do?
You move in here
and you strut!
On parade in my house!
In my café!
You're out to humiliate me?
- Are you or not? - Not at all.
Stay here. I'm not done!
Stay!
I never asked for this.
Never!
Your damn money!
You can keep it!
I don't want it!
You're scared of me?
You're scared of me!
You think I'll hit you?
Me? I don't hit anyone.
I don't hit anyone!
It's just fine, thank you.
Better without the robe.
Here goes...
- What do you want? - A drink.
On the house.
What brought him in?
He's lonely, like everyone.
I'm sorry.
Barcelin blames me. He says
I'd been drinking.
I hadn't.
- It's a lie. - Calm down.
I spilled liquid that caught fire.
Don't worry, come on.
We wanted to remind you all
two important rules.
Article two...
Mr. Barcelin saw her at the river with Jeanne.
I don't know what she wants with the girl but that...
woman
is a curse.
Alcohol comforts man in his folly,
makes him unrecognizable.
I know not who took him down that path.
Of course...
our religion advocates forgiveness.
Forgiveness for each of us.
But we must keep from certain temptations
and certain places that embody them.
Everywhere
and even here
in our community
places
of ill repute
where no man
no woman
can or should
be stripped of his dignity.
How dare you show your face?
And how dare you lie?
I'm not to blame for the accident.
Where and when does he lose his dignity? In my café?
Count yourself lucky I don't have it shut down.
You're very sober today, Mr. Barcelin.
Go in the peace, strength and joy of Our Lord.
Hello.
Thank you!
Don't touch her. Come here!
Don't forget the soap.
You don't like it?
I don't recognize you.
It was on your advice, though.
It's not you.
What do you know?
It could make a great act.
Who knows?
CLOSED
Go upstairs and get some rest. Leave that to me.
Listen to me.
- Leave it. - Let go of me.
Let go!
Listen to me.
Stop making a scene!
You're like them. Scared!
Rosalie, stop this.
Listen, go up...
Go to your room now!
Get off me!
You think I didn't recognize you?
It was your fault, the accident at the mill.
- It wasn't. She didn't... - Quiet!
What's this?
What is this?
What were you two doing at the river?
You disgust me.
That's no woman.
Leave me alone!
Let go of her!
Let her go!
Stop!
We'll do your job for you.
Get off me!
Cut it!
Go on!
Disperse!
Get out of here.
Come on.
- You're... - Leave me alone.
Don't touch me.
It's not very deep.
It will soon heal.
May I?
Go ahead.
Since when?
Since birth.
Sorry.
No visible protrusion in the anterior triangle.
I'd noticed.
You have a healthy appetite?
Sleep well?
As well as anyone.
And your period is regular?
If I may...
Have done with it.
Thank you.
You can dress.
People talk nonsense.
She's a woman.
However, a woman who'll never bear children.
It's a particular hormone disorder.
She has cysts on her ovaries.
Very apparent to the touch.
I'm sorry.
Thank you, doctor.
A womanly appearance might right matters.
Wake up.
Hear me? Time to get up.
Get dressed!
I told you, I won't work.
It's not about work.
Dress. I'll be waiting.
Very good.
Don't move.
That's good.
Sorry.
Did I hurt you?
It's not as if...
it needs much doing.
Perfect. Very good.
Second thoughts?
You're sure it's a good idea?
I have nothing against you, child.
God cares for all His creatures.
However, are you sure about Augustine?
I won't deny it's complicated with her.
She's a special case.
We're all special cases, aren't we?
It's a decision you made together?
Very well.
I'll pass on your request.
Come back to see us for notification of a decision.
Thank you, reverend mother.
May the Virgin Mary be with you.
Can I touch it?
It's soft.
I have to go.
You'll come to the gala to see me sing?
I promise.
Thank you, Abel.
Yes.
- See you tomorrow. - Good night.
Coming?
I can't swim.
It doesn't matter.
Nobody ever taught me.
I'll teach you.
You're beautiful.
Very beautiful.
Reverend mother, what are we waiting for?
One of our generous benefactors.
He sits on our supervisory board.
He sent us documents.
What documents?
Sisters, Abel...
Is that the posture and face of a mother?
Life...
Life is full of surprises.
The incredible destiny of this...
woman
whom nature endowed with a pelt
so soft
and silky.
Please applaud, if you will...
Madame
Rosalie
Deluc.
When I was little, we'd roll a blazing wheel down a hill.
If it reached the river, the harvest would be good.
I believed it. I found it beautiful.
I was scared I'd be late.
Sit down.
Madame Deluc...
we weren't expecting you.
I had a promise to keep.
Please...
Thank you.
And thank you, Mr. Barcelin.
This charity gala will raise the funds we need
for all our orphans.
Please applaud him.
You're tired. You should go home.
I'm just fine.
I also thank you for all you give to our community.
To love!
It's better for you.
And her, above all.
Rosalie!
Rosalie.