[keyboard clacking]
[inhale, exhale]
[teen] Nothing works. I don't know what's going on.
The only things that help are pills and writing fanfics.
[grunts]
[quirky music playing]
[toilet flushing]
My therapist says I can't spend my whole life daydreaming
and stealing psych meds from my dad,
but... [scoffs]
...I don't give a shit.
[woman] Summer break can feel like it stretches on and on,
like a big rubber band.
But one mustn't wait to start preparing.
School is our second home, after all.
We're like one big family here,
and I expect you all missed me too.
- Very much. - [laughter]
I really did, though.
In the month of October,
all second-year students will go on a trip to an unusual place.
Of course I mean Malbork.
When you arrive, you'll be able to, uh, observe an extraordinary building.
The world's largest...
A trip to Malbork.
There, you'll observe and tour
the world's largest secular brick building.
What is it?
I'll just wait for my turn.
[students laugh]
All right, then. All yours.
Please.
[mic feedback whines]
To the owner of the white Mercedes, plates WX 5236, your headlights are on.
[chuckles]
Sorry, when I'm stressed I tell jokes.
Unfunny ones.
But in my defense, it'd be hard to come up with something funnier than
"the world's largest secular brick building."
[laughter]
[quirky music continuing]
And me?
My name's Leon.
I got a scholarship and came here from a very small town.
So if you ever see a horse illegally parked outside,
- that was probably me. - [laughter]
And I have many problems with the Polish education system.
Welcome, Leon!
[students cheering]
FORMAL INAUGURATION OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
[woman] There, you'll be able to, um, observe and tour
an extraordinary building,
the world's largest secular brick building.
And we'll have a lovely bus ride.
Then, in December...
[vomiting, coughing in other stall]
[bell rings]
FANFIC
A SHORT STORY MIXING THE WORLDS OF FICTIONAL AND REAL CHARACTERS,
CREATED BY FANS, PUBLISHED ON THE INTERNET
[teen] I wanna puke.
I wanna puke. Half of my life I wanna puke.
And the other half, I just wanna sleep.
Artur.
- [laughing lasciviously] - [girl] Asshole.
[boy] You dropped something.
Don't weigh it like that.
Huh? What?
You've already eaten half of it.
Is that better?
[kiosk beeping]
Hey. Could you hold my spot in line a sec?
I wanted to browse the electronics department.
Joking. Sorry.
Hmm.
Pardon me.
Could you tell my friend about any deals or special offers you currently have?
'Cause he's shy and afraid to ask.
[chuckles] My friend got it right. As it turns out, I'm a bargain hunter.
A shy bargain hunter.
Keep the change.
- Hey. - Hi.
- Emilka. - And her?
Uh, and that's Tośka.
Don't mind her. She's always like that. Wanna grab a beer?
No, no, no, no. This shy bargain hunter has other plans.
Yeah?
I like your nails.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[Tośka] "I like your nails"?
Nails, shmails.
Okay, screw it then.
"The concert went well."
"Very well, even."
"Twenty thousand people screamed at the top of their lungs,
singing his songs."
"His largest tour was slowly coming to an end."
"Lucky for him, 'cause he was really exhausted."
"With fame, the burden of stardom, all these people..."
"He stepped off stage and was immediately bombarded by an assistant,
but all he really wanted was to hide out up in his...
dressing room?"
- Get out of here. - Who is that?
- [indistinct vocalizing] - You hear it?
THE STAR
[singer] ♪ I like ♪
♪ I really like your nails ♪
♪ I like your nails ♪
What?
- What? - [music swells, halts]
[vehicle beeping]
Don't tell me you did everything right, Andrzej. Come on.
[Andrzej] Well, then maybe I'll call the glazier?
[man] What glazier, man?
What are you even saying? You know how much this costs?
- [Tośka] Hi, Dad. - Hi.
Hi.
You could have called me, ya know? I wouldn't have come.
[Tośka's dad] It's not a big deal. Half an hour and we'll head out.
Well, I'm hungry already.
Okay. No problem.
- I'll handle it all. - Handle what?
Well... I'll secure it and tidy up. Don't worry at all.
All right, tidy it up then. And that too. Why is that standing there?
It should be lying flat, or it'll shatter more windows.
[worker] I told you, Andrzej.
[Andrzej] Boss! Uh, you mentioned something about an advance.
- Start of the school year? - What?
You look nice.
Elegant and stuff.
The school year started today, right?
I don't dress up for school.
It's not any of your business anyway.
Of course. I... I just thought that...
maybe someday that... you'd like to, for instance, go--
No.
-"No," what? - No, I don't want to go out with you.
Because I work for your father?
No!
- All right, relax. - What are you doing?!
- What? What? - You judging me?
Fuck right off! Don't ever touch me again!
Ah!
Have you lost it?
Fuck! Why is it that I want to tear everyone to pieces?
Why is it that...
Ah!
Okay.
[quirky music playing]
[door opens]
[music halts]
Do you have to behave like that in front of my employees?
Couldn't you just once act like a normal girl?
I don't know. Smile nicely, talk politely, say something non-aggressive.
You're just sulky. You're off. You're resentful all the time now.
I really... I don't get it, Tosia. Will you tell me what's going on?
What?
Tosia, I'm talking to you. Tell me what's going on.
[Tosia's dad sighs]
[clattering]
Here, I bought some tampons for you.
You couldn't just have bought pads, Dad?
You wanted tampons.
They added this in here as a freebie.
Check it out.
It is a menstrual cup, size L.
For people who've already given birth.
I look like someone who's given birth to you?
[rock music playing faintly]
[Leon] Let go of me. Let me go.
Let me go, ya big lug.
Let me go.
Let go.
Oh, sweetie!
PISSED-OFF CINDERELLA
Hey!
Sweetie, hey! Hey! [laughing]
Fuck, I guess you need a singer, huh?
[Leon cackling]
Guys! Guys, come on, let me go!
[Leon laughing]
Maybe I could use a singer?
- [knocking at door] - [father] Tosia, hurry up or I'll be late.
Coming!
COMMENTS YESTERDAY
I'M STOKED I'M SPEECHLESS
YOU'VE GOT TALENT
GOOD, COOL GREAT! AWESOME
[bluesy Polish rock song playing]
CINDERELLA
THE STAR COULDN'T REMEMBER ANYONE THAT FUNNY
THE STAR FELT THAT THEY WERE SIMILAR
Hi. What's up?
CINDERELLA CAME TO HIS DRESSING ROOM. ELECTRICITY! MAGNETISM
[Leon] So?
[laughs] Come on!
ROKSANA TOTALLY DOPE! LOVE READING YOU!
- [bell ringing] - ♪ I like your nails ♪
Mrozowska, please come up here.
[quirky music playing]
You were on the catwalk before school today?
- [Mrozowska] I can't believe this. - I'm right here, doll.
[door opens]
Good morning.
Twelve minutes after the bell.
That means an absence.
- [Leon] I apologize. - That means you're free to go.
Can I stay in class though?
I'm not in the habit of repeating myself.
All right, I'm sorry.
What's that there?
A breath mint.
[instructor] Faster, girls. Keep up the pace!
- She won't let me take my finals too. - What are you saying?
- Won't graduate. - Matylda, you will.
- Matylda, I know a great geography tutor. - [instructor] Lift your knees higher!
Do you know how many geography tutors I know?
[instructor] Harder, Emilia! I can see you!
Faster, girls!
Keep up the pace! One! Two! Three! Yes!
Tośka...
Hey, when I wrote that last fanfic was too short, I...
What I meant was, it was so good that I thought it could've been longer.
- Mm-hmm. - [instructor] Double pace, girls!
Come on! Good! Good!
Hey, that new character, the Cinderella who's pissed?
Super. I love all that.
Really rad. Dope.
Roksana, please, stop trying so hard.
[upbeat, folksy music playing]
- [whistle blows] - [disappointed groaning]
Really? She got it.
[boys] Good!
[overlapping shouts of encouragement]
[boy 1] Come on! Go forward!
[boy 2] Whoa!
[message tone bleeps]
LEON - HOW'S YOUR POLISH? STILL THE PRETTIEST IN TOWN?
- [whistle blows] - Foul!
Come on, that was a foul.
[Artur] That's not how you play.
Who are you texting, huh?
- [chuckles] - [Leon] Tośka.
Who's this Tośka?
It's our Tośka.
Tośka from class?
[Leon] Yeah, so what?
She's a weird one.
I don't mean she's unpleasant or anything. She's just weird, man.
Why's that?
[chuckles] 'Cause Maks, well, he couldn't seal the deal with her.
[Artur, Maks chuckle]
[Leon] Tosia!
Hold up!
Will you drop by my place tonight?
What do you actually want here?
Do I have to want something?
I'm not interested in you, okay?
There'll be a few people from school.
Mm-hmm.
I'll make you guacamole.
Later.
How are your stories, Tosia?
Fanfics.
That's right, yeah. How are your fanfics then?
[quirky music playing]
Um, good. People like them.
I'm just finishing one, only...
Only what?
[slick guitar riff]
I'd like for you to prescribe me medication.
Tosia...
did you take your father's meds again?
We both agreed you wouldn't anymore.
I didn't agree to anything.
And if you don't wanna prescribe meds, then I'll stop coming to our appointments
[doctor] Mm-hmm.
I can see that you're mad. But that's okay. That's okay.
Anger gives you the power to implement change.
Don't you get that I don't want to be angry?
That I can't stand being this mad?
Tosia, you must learn to expel your anger.
Otherwise, it might result in another episode of self-harm or violence.
[clattering]
[music halts]
[rock music playing faintly]
Follow me. Come, come, come, come.
Look at these vultures, already going after the food. Ha!
[rock music playing faintly]
HIS OWN MANAGER DIDN'T BELIEVE IN HIM
I thought of you. I'm starting a project for next season.
- But hold on. Wait, wait, wait. - Okay.
- Without him. - One sec.
He's over. Done. He's yesterday's news.
- [girl] I just gotta... - [manager] I'll keep you in mind.
We'll get it sorted. Have fun! Eat! Eat as much as you can!
Eat till you drop, okay!
- [girl] Whoo-hoo! - [chuckles]
That tune you played me yesterday, that... [manager imitates guitar]
That was fire. Hot fire.
It's fire, and we can show it in a couple of places.
I've already arranged some stuff. So, practice, please!
Sup?
Hey, everybody get out!
The party's over!
[thunder rumbling]
My Rolex!
No!
You're a wacko!
HE THREW THEM OUT OF HIS PARTY, HIS HOTEL ROOM AND HIS LIFE
[Tosia] I'm normal.
I'm completely normal.
Totally normal.
There's nothing wrong with you.
[electronic dance music playing faintly]
Tosia.
What's up?
You're soaking wet.
Leave me the hell alone, Maks.
[electronic dance music continuing]
[partygoer] Cool party. Yeah, Leon.
[Leon] Oh.
[partygoer laughs]
You are into me, right?
Am I?
So what's the deal? I thought you were hitting on me.
I dunno, maybe I'm a romantic.
- [partygoer 2] Tośka? - [laughs]
Oh, good. I thought I'd made a fool of myself.
Hey. Gimme a hand here.
- [Leon] Hi. - Give them here.
Hey.
[partygoer 3] Hey!
Ciao.
[grunts]
- Shall we? - [partygoer 4] You're a witch!
Let's go.
- Hiya. Hey. - [partygoer 5] Hi.
What is this place, huh?
Konrad set me up here.
Until I can find a normal place, anyway.
You're drenched to the bone, Tosia. Go get changed before you get sick.
I'm fine, don't be silly.
[Leon] My clothes are over there.
Put something on.
Wear your clothes? Okay, I guess.
- [boy] What about that guacamole? - [Konrad] Hold on. Just a sec!
All right then.
Be my lookout.
I came here today 'cause I've been thinking about you a lot lately.
And, I mean, you kinda pop into my mind on your own.
Do you happen to, um, know the story of Cinderella?
You really make one cool Tosiek.
[dance music fades away]
["Walk Walk" by Sylvie Kreusch playing]
Can I borrow these clothes please?
♪ Now, baby, walk ♪
♪ Mmm, the sound of me letting go ♪
♪ Before you ♪
[vocalizing]
♪ Mmm, now, baby, walk ♪
♪ Mmm, the sound of me letting go ♪
♪ Before you ♪
[singer vocalizing]
- ♪ Back in love ♪ - [steady, strong beating]
♪ You'll find me on my tallest tiptoes ♪
♪ Back in love ♪
♪ And I can't keep it quiet no more ♪
♪ Back in love ♪
♪ You'll find me on my tallest tiptoes ♪
♪ Back in love ♪
♪ And I can't keep it quiet no more ♪
[strong, steady beating]
♪ Mmm, walk, walk, walk ♪
No, only after the 18th.
[song trails off]
Yeah. No, I won't really have a chance.
[man on phone] All right. Do you work on weekends?
Hello? Hello?
- [door closes] - Hello, do you hear me?
- Hello? - I'm here. Can you hear me?
Yeah, the connection was bad.
- [bell ringing] - You wanna, um, copy it?
[student strumming guitar]
Can you stop? It's just so annoying.
I see there was a sale at the thrift store, Tośka.
[Artur] Three-pointer.
[student] Oh, you better watch out.
Tosia? Do you want some mascara?
No, thanks.
I'm here. Get back to your seats, please.
- Hiya. - Hi.
Let's get started, hmm?
- Is everyone here? - Super.
Well then. Tośka?
Before we move on to chemistry, first let's talk about our class affairs.
- I want you to pair up-- - [Artur] What for?
To prepare presentations, Artur.
[teacher continuing]
Hey, Tosia. Tosia! If you want, I have a whole bag of old clothes.
- I can lend you some. - Oh, very funny.
[teacher] Maks? Maks.
What are you going to do for your presentation?
Well, I think, uh, my classmate has inspired me,
so I've decided to take on
the subject of recycling clothes, conscious consumerism,
wearing old, smelly hand-me-downs.
It's a really good topic.
Maks, everybody wears what they want and whose clothes they want.
Oh, so if I want to, I can come to school in your pajamas?
I sleep naked, but maybe I could find something.
Guys, this is chemistry, not a free period. Can we begin?
No, 'cause Maks can't last five minutes without being in the spotlight.
I think we should all give a big round of applause to Maks.
- I reckon he really needs it, yup. - You want me to get up, Konrad?
- [teacher] Artur! - You're already up.
- Calm down. - Don't scratch your nail polish.
Your girlfriend does my nails free of charge.
- [Maks] Leave my girlfriend out of this. - Get a grip.
[teacher] Do you need a moment?
Roksana!
- Can we do the presentation together? - But everyone is...
Shut the hell up, Maks!
Fairy.
Roksana, please go sit down.
- Yeah. - We'll do the presentation together.
Just a second. We'll do the presentation and...
- [teacher] Roksana! - You look so cool.
[Konrad] Listen, I think Maks would like to add something.
[Maks] Do you suffer from identity or personality disorder?
[Konrad] You got a problem?
[Maks] No, you got a problem, dude, 'cause I don't paint my damn nails
and look like a clown.
- [teacher] Hey! - Got a problem with self-expression?
Yes, I do!
- [Konrad] Let's talk! - [teacher] Maks! Maks!
I got a problem with cringe-y outfits and with people like you!
Maks! Maks.
[Artur] Why are you egging him on?
[bell rings]
Is Maks always like that?
Always.
Need much time to find those pajamas for him?
- Yeah, it might take a while. - [chuckles]
If you get it done quickly, you might have a free afternoon today. Maybe?
"How transgender people define themselves today."
Boom!
Uh, that's the topic I came up with for our presentation.
Okay.
Will you write something?
Uh, won't you comment on it?
Um, if you like it or not? If it's interesting or not?
It's interesting. So, will you write something?
You seem different.
And I have to tell you that, you know, as a friend.
Roksana, you and I are not friends, okay?
Love you too.
[instructor on video] Make sure your skin is dry and clean before taping.
All this is so that the glue retains its adhesiveness while taping.
When cutting out pieces of tape, remember to round the corners.
This is helpful when removing the tape.
The tape can stretch to 180%, so don't cut out pieces that are too big.
Avoid adjusting the tape when sticking it onto your skin.
If you accidentally peel the tape off,
the glue will never recover the same level of adhesion.
If you're having trouble finding tape at your local drugstore
or looking for links to buy some online...
- [knocking at door] - [door rattles]
Dad.
I'm sorry.
What?
- Do you have a minute to talk? - About what?
I don't know. I thought that, uh...
The weather is great. It's Saturday.
Maybe we could go out for lunch, or to the zoo.
Dad, I'm 17 years old.
And? Who cares how old you are?
Come on, come out with me.
You could wear something nice.
[sighs]
Listen, I don't wanna see that therapist anymore.
What's going on?
He doesn't want to prescribe me meds.
Tosia, why do you need meds? You don't need any drugs.
Mmm, I wouldn't be so sure, Dad.
Tosia, I just can't. Let's not talk about this now.
Dad, I steal pills from you.
[tense music playing]
What do you mean?
If I don't take them, I feel like hurting myself.
No, wait. You've got to be joking.
[door slams]
Tosia, unlock it!
[Polish rock song playing]
You hear me, Tosia? Open the door.
[frenetic, intense rock music playing]
Tosia, either you open up or I'll break down the door!
Tosia, open the damn door!
- [music halts] - [grunts]
[chuckles] Be careful, or else you might hurt yourself.
[grunts]
Girl, what have you done with your hair?
Boy.
What?
I'm a boy, Dad.
What are you talking about, Tosia?
[introspective, poignant music playing]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[frenetic rock music continuing]
[song trails off]
Leon? Can I borrow more clothes from you?
'Cause I don't have any and I wanna look good,
because this is the real me.
And... I'll be hurt if you won't want to be friends anymore,
because I really like you, but I'll understand, and...
I dunno. I had nowhere else to go.
Just admit it, okay?
You're just super into me and want to look just like me.
[both laughing]
[cathartic, emotional rock music playing]
Sorry, I'm way sexier than you.
Yup.
- Can I ask you something real quick? - Go ahead.
What's this all about?
What's going on with you?
Do you remember back when we first met?
Mmm.
You weren't the only one barfing.
I wasn't barfing.
I saw you, though.
It's like...
Well, it's like...
Sometimes it's all just too much for me, and...
Usually, my father's pills help, but back then they didn't.
- What pills are these? - Zoloft.
So what?
Meds can help.
I just don't get why you gotta steal them from your dad.
Without them I feel like I'm...
It's this feeling, like you're about to tear someone apart.
Everyone. And then yourself.
I felt like that all the time. Or would be groggy from the medicine.
And... back here, at your place,
when I saw myself in your clothes, I...
I understood that I'm not a normal girl.
I mean, that I'm not a girl.
That I'm a boy.
That anger went away.
[message alert chimes]
KONRAD ARE YOU COMING?
Wanna go to a party?
For real? Are you kidding?
No.
At Konrad's sister's. [chuckles]
- Me? - Yes.
- Today? - Yeah.
[Leon chuckles]
[raucous Polish hip-hop playing]
[partygoer] Oh, dude!
Into me?
Just a second.
[gentle, wondrous music building]
[hip-hop trailing off]
[gentle, emotional music continuing]
[wondrous music tinkling]
Such a good party.
[Konrad chuckles]
What are you playing at?
What do you mean?
He's a great guy, isn't he? I really like Leon.
Uh-huh.
Generally, he hasn't had it easy.
He could only count on himself. And...
it wouldn't be cool if someone fucked him over now, right?
For example, some attention-seeking chick.
Who, me?
Well, not me.
[Leon] Hey, listen, I'm gonna tell you all a joke!
Homos in general are dangerous. They know magical tricks.
Look, Dad.
I'm gonna make your son disappear.
Poof!
Look, Daddy, Daddy, I'm gay.
[laughter]
Whoosh! Your son has vanished.
[partygoers laughing]
Generally, homos are really well-off here.
For real. For instance, they always have a free gift for Grandma.
They only need...
- Hi. - Seriously? You invited him?
[Maks] Stumbled under a lawnmower?
[Leon] They only need to send their grandma a text.
"Hey, I broke up with Patryk."
"Happy birthday!"
[laughter]
So, when is your grandma's birthday?
[laughing]
[house music playing]
Leon.
Come here.
Come here. Come on.
Come here.
[music playing faintly in distance]
[both chuckling]
Is that... Is that Maks' bike?
Yeah.
He's gonna kill us.
His father will buy him three bikes like this. Come on.
Tosiek!
[dreamy electronic music plays]
- [Tosiek whooping] - [Leon whooping]
[Leon spits]
- I missed that one. - [Leon] Me too.
[laughs]
[Leon] You wanna go to my place?
All right.
You prefer the lips or the eyes?
Neither of them.
Girl, would you get down?
[Tosiek] You get down, girl.
[siren squawks]
Run!
[chuckles]
[dreamy, atmospheric music playing]
Leon, are you gay?
What?
You heard me.
Yeah, I am.
Super cool.
Super cool?
Of course.
I've got a question.
Yeah?
Are you after Tosiek or Tośka?
What do you think?
May I kiss you?
You may.
32 MISSED CALLS FROM DAD
Fuck.
Do you know what time it is?
I know, Dad. We left and...
I mean, we were upstairs
and I left my phone in my jacket downstairs,
and I just didn't hear it.
Tosia.
Tosia, listen.
[sighs] I know I haven't spent too much time with you.
I know that it's... all my fault.
I apologize for that. [sighs]
Because I've been working a lot,
I've been doing all I can so that you could have everything.
[sigh] But I've neglected you.
I've made many mistakes,
and I've hurt you.
And for that, I'm sorry.
[poignant music playing]
Nah, come on, it wasn't that bad.
Come here.
All right, Tosia.
Now that we've cleared all that up,
sweetheart, could you stop with the playing dress-up already?
Please, Tosia.
[distressing music builds]
I promise, from now on,
I'm going to give you all the attention you'll need.
Leave.
Leave!
[distressing music continuing]
I said get out!
[sighs]
MATYLDA FUCKING HELL
CHECK THIS OUT
SUCK BALLS, YOU TRANS
DEVIANT
SHIT RAINBOWS
IN YOUR FACE
EVOLUTIONARY ERROR
[man] What're you watching there?
I'D STILL FUCK HER
Nothing.
You can go ahead.
Go on, keep watching.
Whatever the hell it is.
About to say something?
Of course.
If I were you, I'd be worried
that someone stole my bike.
STUPID BITCH
QUEER SCUM!
GET YOUR ASS READY
FAIRIES
[phone buzzing]
He--
[phone buzzing]
Hello?
[Roksana] We were supposed to work on the presentation, Tosia.
- Hello, are you there? - Obviously.
- We're about to be called in. - Hiya.
How are you feeling?
I'm fine.
Super.
- Super that you're not bothered. - Bothered?
Uh... you even seen it?
Well...
I don't know who posted this, but... I know that I despise that person.
What a jerk! An internet bully.
People like that should get a lifetime ban on internet access,
in my opinion.
[interviewee] Um, hi. Are you waiting for me?
- Are you Roksana? - Uh, yes...
I gotta go.
[Roksana] What?
- I'll kill him. - [Leon] Who?
- Maks. - How do you know it's him?
It has to be him.
- He realized we stole his bike and-- - You stole his bike, Tosiek.
I did. Never mind.
It, like, pissed him off or something, and now he wants revenge, get it?
Tosiek, you have no idea whether it's him.
Someone's been taking those photos over weeks, not just yesterday.
- If not him, then who? - I don't know.
REPORT
[Maks] Hiya.
Hey, you comin'?
[indistinct chattering, giggling]
[boy 1] Fuck me.
[laughter]
[boy 2] You're sick, dude.
[bell rings]
[phone chimes]
KONRAD HEY, I'M WORRIED. EVERYTHING OKAY?
[teacher] My dear, could it be that the time you spend on homework
is inversely proportionate to the time you spend in front of the mirror?
Hmm?
Maybe you should follow the example of some of your classmates
who refrain from doing their hair, I presume in the interest of learning.
Bravo.
I propose shaving your head bald.
[chuckles]
My intuition tells me that...
you might not graduate this year.
TOSIEK WHERE ARE YOU?
A pretty face...
JASTRZĘBSKA'S AT HER BEST
...and a wonderful figure
are not enough to pass in my class.
[indistinct chatter]
I'M COMING OVER
[student crying]
I'm okay.
I hate this school.
These shitty teachers.
They think I'm an idiot just because I'm pretty.
It's just that I've got no one to talk to about it,
'cause Emilka says, "Tough, that's how the world works."
I don't even know if I want to go to college.
No?
I don't know. Maybe I'm weird, huh?
- And you? - What?
Well, do you consider yourself a totally normal girl?
Boy, actually.
Oh, sorry. A normal boy.
Hey, forgive me for asking.
Um, how is it that for 17 years you didn't realize that you're...
You know.
- How was it I didn't know? - Mm-hmm.
I dunno.
It seems super obvious when I look back on it now.
But it wasn't like that at all before.
I dunno. Maybe it's something too vast to wrap your head around.
Or I was just too...
too afraid to notice.
I gotta go.
Hey, are you gonna finish that?
- That's for you. - Thanks.
[Tosiek laughs]
[distraught music playing]
- Things are getting out of hand, huh? - What are you talking about?
Nothing, darling girl. Nothing.
Darling boy.
- What? - Darling boy.
Tośka, you're such an attractive girl.
I just don't get why you would wear those rags.
They don't look good.
- Of course. - [Maks] No, really.
And besides,
you tell us to address you as "darling boy,"
but you keep staring at Leon.
If you'd at least be chasing skirts,
that would make sense, be somewhat logical.
Since when is this about logic, Maks?
Emilka, did I ask you anything?
Firstly, don't call me Emilka, 'cause I'm not a kid.
Secondly, what are you, my father? Don't talk to me like that.
Should I explain it to you?
Maybe explain it to me. Sometimes I don't get what's going on.
Explain it to us.
- Gender is a social construct. - [Maks scoffs]
Most of us are born as men or born as women.
Okay? And what is expected of women and men
is a made-up theory.
And it's imposed, so not innate.
You do get that, right?
Okay, Maks.
You can be a cis girl and be attracted to girls.
Yeah?
Or boys.
Or you can be born...
a trans boy and like boys or girls.
Or you're not able to relate to any gender and you might like--
Aliens.
[exasperated sigh] Wow.
I just know when something feels okay and when it doesn't.
Well, that's what's most important.
Now it doesn't feel okay.
[laughing]
Hi.
Koko, don't go.
It's great that you convinced Leon to come back.
There's no point in worrying about that stuff, right?
Can you take our photo?
Of course. Yeah.
Okay...
Bit closer.
Show me, show me.
That's not what it looks like.
I caught you.
Leon, I can explain this, really.
Leon, I can explain this.
You idiot!
Yeah? Yeah?
[raucous Polish rock song playing]
[students whoop]
[Tosiek] You-- [grunts]
Hey, stop!
[grunts]
Relax.
[crowd whoops]
Sit down, Tosia.
Tosiek!
Leave her alone!
Seriously?
Ow! Ow!
Maks! Artur!
Stop! Get down!
Maks. Maks!
Maks.
Get down.
[song ends]
[line connect tone droning]
My father's not answering.
Leon didn't do anything, I'm telling you.
Wait in the hallway.
I was addressing the students.
Oh. Excuse me.
[chuckles]
I'd like to request for Maks to stay.
One must be able to face the consequences of one's actions.
We'll come to that. For now, I'd rather talk to you gentlemen in private.
Ma'am, I pay full tuition,
- so I think I have the right... - Come on.
Did I ask you to say anything?
Go outside.
Outside, now.
[door opens]
How long do we have to wait?
Leon's parents live outside Warsaw.
He must have a guardian.
I don't think it's any of our business.
Did I ask you to say anything?
Let's make it clear.
I don't like your tone or how you address me.
And I dislike the way you address your child even more than that.
[scoffs] Jesus Christ.
I can't stand jerks who fight with their own kids.
It's good you were there to tell him off.
I almost fucked things up with Konrad as well.
When he came out, I tried to convince him that it'll pass
and other such pure bullshit.
Luckily, I realized it's harder for him than for me.
I was filming my sister.
I swear I didn't post that.
Gotta tell you, Maks, I understand you a bit better now.
'Cause of my dad?
He's not that bad.
He's just pissed because of my bike.
[Konrad] What bike?
[Maks] Someone stole my bike at your party.
- [Maks] Come on. - Tell him.
- [Maks] Come on, come on. - No.
Come on, hurry.
We were supposed to give him back the bike.
We will. Relax.
You relax.
Why are you so worried about it?
Like, nothing's gonna happen if he waits a bit more for his damn bike.
I don't feel right about it.
You afraid?
You seriously don't get it.
What is it I don't get? I get it all, man.
You were so afraid to have a girlfriend.
So you're going to out me now?
- [Leon] All right. Ready? - [Tosiek] Yeah.
One. Two. One, two, three and...
- [Leon] What? - Drums need to start.
Oh, right. Sorry.
[Tosiek] One, two, three and...
[stripped-down punk rock music playing]
[Leon] ♪ I like your nails ♪
What?
- What is it? - You're doing it wrong, dude.
- In what way? - We're in G, not in F.
Cinder.
- You're in the wrong key, dude. - What wrong-- Nah, fine. Fine.
- It's a completely different key. - Fuck this. Fuck this band.
Who even is that?
Fuck you.
Yeah? I like your nails.
[laughter]
[teacher] Yes. Thank you, girls. Top marks, of course.
Um, all right, let's keep going.
Mmm, next up, next victim.
Tosiek and Roksana.
Uh...
I apologize, but we didn't prepare anything.
[class] Ooh!
Not even you, Roksana?
I chose the wrong topic.
Um...
Transgender issues don't interest me much after all, because...
because they're boring.
Boring as...
Uh...
Boring as something very boring.
[door opens]
[door closes]
This isn't because of Roksana.
I'm the one that messed it up.
I'm sorry,
but transgender issues are boring.
Because gender is boring.
Because it's like a label.
And I don't know if anyone's interested in labels.
Some might be, but...
not us.
[teacher] Thank you, um, for your good intentions.
But to be clear, you still have to complete the project.
All right then. Um, let's maybe move on to the next pair.
Careful. Turn right here. Come on, right.
Good.
Right one.
See? No trace of it.
Uh-huh. How come there's no one here?
I gave them the day off.
- Together. - [Tosiek chuckling] On three.
- [both] One, two... - [grunts]
Where?
- [chuckles] - Let's go.
[Tosiek] What?
Okay. Let's do it like this.
- Facing each other? - Yeah, facing each other.
[both] One, two, three.
Oh, that's good.
LEON I WANNA TALK
TOSIEK I'M WORKING WITH MY DAD
[Tosiek's dad] There's some glass...
CAN I COME OVER?
...left over.
We need to sweep it.
[chuckles]
Mmm. Got... Got some on my face.
- Right? Napkin. - Yeah, you got some here.
[door opens]
[Leon] Hello there.
[Tosiek's dad] Hello.
Mmm, damn it.
I forgot what time it is.
The store should still be open.
Silicone. It won't buy itself.
All right. I'll be going then.
I'll eat on the way.
See you later on.
[door closes]
I'm listening.
What did you wanna discuss?
I didn't hang out with you only so that I would have a cover.
Okay.
Initially I did.
But then I realized that...
I like you.
And Konrad?
What about him?
Well, I've seen you with Konrad.
[poignant music playing]
I'm not into Konrad.
I'm into you.
[gentle, emotional music playing]
[soulful Polish music playing]
I'm just joking. Really.
[both laughing]
[Leon] You do this.
- One more time. - Quickly.
Relax your stomach. You're still too tense.
[belches]
You just gotta let the air come down here.
[belches] Not like that, you gotta do it quickly.
Come to me!
[song trails off]
[both chuckle lightly]
[loud clattering in distance]
[Leon chuckles]
I think your old man is back.
[worker] Everything here was smashed up. The boss was pissed...
[Tosiek] Hello?
[worker] Oh, hey.
You weren't supposed to be at work today.
[worker] What's the problem? There's enough room for all of us, right?
- Nah, forget it. - Beers?
- There's no point. Let's go. - What do you mean?
You said no one's here.
How was I supposed to know
the boss's daughter would have the idea to come here too?
Dude, that's a chick? For real though? [laughs]
- Got a problem with me? - [Leon] Tosiek, come on...
Tosiek? [laughing] Tosiek!
- I can't even... - Yeah, Tosiek.
- Whether you like it, or not, it's Tosiek. - We're leaving, guys, okay?
Why are you in such a hurry, pal?
- Why are you so on edge, girl? - You talking about yourself?
- Fuck you say? - [worker] All right, Arek. Come on.
[Leon] See you, guys. Tosiek, let's go.
You're leaving so soon?
- Are you scared? - Hey.
Don't touch me. You scared?
- Stop. - You're more scared than a chick.
And you're so brave, huh? Why? 'Cause there's three of you?
- Fucking what? - [loud clattering]
- Fuck, Oskar, you moron! - I'm sorry, man!
Get a grip on yourself. I'm gonna have to clean this up tomorrow.
- Come on, man, fuck. - [door slams]
He's gone.
[laughter]
Fuck me! Oh, man!
Got a brave fucking boyfriend, huh?
- Cool guy. Okay, let's go. - [Arek] All right. Let's get outta here.
- Pack it up. - See ya!
[worker] Move your ass, Oskar!
Fucking pussy. [Oskar laughs]
[distressing music playing]
[slow, faint beating]
Tosiek.
Tosiek, I'm sorry.
Tosiek.
[sighs]
Don't be mad at me, okay?
Did they hurt you?
I'm a mistake, I know.
I'm a failure.
[gate opens, closes]
[teacher] Mrozowska.
I thought you'd come to your senses.
Your odds are not good.
Not good.
God, you old hag, how much must you hate yourself, to...
enjoy picking on pretty girls so much?
[Konrad clears throat]
[students whispering]
[teacher] Tosia.
Lately, I regret not being able to pick on you.
Such a pretty face, huh?
Stay away from my face.
What did you say, missy?
Young man.
Stay outta my face.
It's my business how I dress and how I look.
And I use he/him pronouns, so please address me accordingly.
Listen up, missy...
School is no place for such antics and dress-up,
and everything that you represent.
I've been watching you for some time, and I'll be honest,
- one more stunt, young lady, just one... - [Emilia] Excuse me...
- Excuse me, Professor. - One more stunt.
Emilia?
Nobody cares what you have to say about it.
[students laughing]
Sit down.
First, apologize to Matylda and Tosiek.
Did you watch too many American movies?
So, respecting other people is something only from American movies?
If you don't like people...
Then you shouldn't be working in a school.
Maybe you should find some hobby to help you deal with the stress?
I said sit down.
- Maybe yoga? - [Emilia] Or origami?
- Try go-kart racing? - Mindfulness meditation helped my mom.
I play League of Legends, ma'am, and I'm looking for a new clan member.
Or just set up a profile on Tinder.
[all laughing]
This class is over. You'll all regret this.
- That's three nos. Thanks. - You'll regret this!
[Maks] Goodbye!
[imitates buzzer, laughs]
Hey, thanks. Seriously.
Okay, don't get so emotional.
I'm doing it for me too. There are limits to them butting into our lives.
[scattered chuckles and chatter]
I did it.
Did what?
[chuckles]
Nah. You weren't even there at that party.
You see? You're doing it even now.
Humiliating me.
You only think about yourself.
And they still like you, and they still invite you to parties.
It's so unfair!
You don't even... You don't care what other people feel.
What I feel, what Leon feels, what Konrad feels.
You think you're so effing cool, hanging out with Leon?
Tell me, do you ever talk to him?
Do you know how he's doing?
Do you know that his parents cut all ties with him because he's gay?
Do you know that last year he spent three months in the hospital,
because someone beat him up for dancing with some guy?
No! You don't know that!
You don't, 'cause you don't care about anything other than yourself!
[tense, distraught music playing]
How do you know this?
Because maybe, contrary to you,
it crossed my mind to actually talk to him about it.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[line connect tone drones]
[woman] Hello?
Hi.
Hi, sonny.
How're things with you guys?
Good. Yeah, good.
Um, yeah, it's good.
And how are you?
I'm fine.
Yeah?
And how's school?
Do you think I could speak to Dad?
[falteringly] Uh, you know what?
No, um, he's very busy and he won't be able to come to the phone.
[indistinct party chatter]
[Konrad's dad] Don't listen to him, he's always exaggerating.
- Hi. - Hi.
Glad you dropped by. Come in. Careful, careful. Low door frame.
[partygoer 1] Listen up, let's drink to, uh, to redheads.
To redheads!
[partygoer 2] ...politically correct at this table?
My Tosia's gone.
There's Tosiek.
I'm going to miss her.
Yeah. [sniffs]
You will.
[partygoer 1] Sit down. What were you discussing out there?
- [Konrad's dad] We were quitting smoking. - [laughter]
[woman] What's so amusing about apples? No.
Film us when we're eating the apple pie.
- [Tosiek's dad] Magda, look here. - Yeah?
- Come on, look here. - [chuckles]
[partygoer 1] Is your hair real or dyed? Let them loose!
Let's have a contest now. A contest for the best hair color.
[Polish pop song playing]
[partygoer 1] Sexy!
[Tosiek's father] So much hair!
[Magda] Don't play with the hair, please!
[upbeat Polish synth-pop music playing]
Should I cut your hair too?
We're gonna cut Daddy's hair, huh?
Yes!
[Tosiek's dad] Well, look at you.
[Magda] It's nice.
- Look. - Do you like it?
[Tosiek's dad] Your new short haircut? [chuckles]
[Magda] We're all blondes.
- [Magda] Yours is the shortest. - I'm about to go bald. Won't be anything...
There was this stage once.
It started somewhere around kindergarten.
Some boy really impressed you.
His name was Daniel.
[chuckles] See there?
And you... you wanted to be like Daniel.
You even told us to call you Daniel.
You told us to cut your hair.
Skirts were out of the question.
[Magda] Should I cut your hair too?
And my mom?
- Did she allow all that? - Of course.
[pauses video playback]
Why didn't you tell me about all this?
Mmm, I just didn't know how.
I always thought I had to be like my mom, because she's gone.
That somehow, she'd want that for me.
And for you.
I thought it would be better for you.
For me?
What could've been better for me, huh?
Thinking I was weird all my life, that I was seriously fucked?
Did you think that, I don't know,
you'd pretend that this doesn't exist and it really wouldn't?
I was afraid of what was happening, Tosiek.
I know that I completely fucked things up.
It'll be all right.
It'll be all right, kid. You'll see, we'll handle it.
There's nothing wrong with you, okay?
You hear that?
There's nothing wrong with you, okay?
Dad, I think I did something really wrong.
What?
Did you argue with Mom?
Of course, yeah.
And how did you make up?
[Tosiek's dad] We talked to each other.
[Tosiek] And if she didn't want to talk?
[Tosiek's dad] Rather, it was me who didn't.
[Tosiek] So, what would she do then?
[Tosiek's dad] She wouldn't give up.
Koko, do you know where Leon is?
[Konrad] I do.
Will you tell me?
At home.
I'm at his home. He's definitely not here.
He went back to his parents.
Do you know where they live?
No.
Are you free right now?
- Think this'll work? - It's all we've got, right?
We should get a girl. Girls are better at this.
They can smile, flutter their eyelashes...
Yes, yes, yes. I've got an idea.
Hi, would you like to help me and Koko break into the principal's office?
[chuckles] We need someone who can flutter her eyelashes.
Super. Okay, see you, then.
Is that your bicycle, Maks?
- Yeah. - Hmm.
Miraculously found.
Stolen bike.
Stealing each other's bikes become the norm nowadays?
It was borrowed.
Without asking? Without permission?
- I forgot. - [Maks' dad] Hmm.
I loaned it to them a while ago.
A buddy needed help, so I helped him.
Now we need your help again.
It's about Leon.
Ms. Ewa! There's a fire!
- What? What? Where? - In the chemistry lab!
I was doing an experiment, but I might've messed up the proportions.
Do you smell smoke?
I smell it.
[sly, funky music playing]
Hey, my geography test.
[Maks] Hey! Oh.
[record scratch]
Good morning.
We need Leon's address. I mean, Leon's parents.
Leon took his transcript yesterday and gave up his scholarship.
But we really need it anyway.
All right.
[music trails off]
[GPS] In 54 miles, turn right.
[soft, contemplative music playing]
Hey, what's with the rainbow?
[keypad beeping]
[door alert trilling]
He wasn't at home?
Wait, that's him! Hold on, pull over.
Leon!
Dude!
[emotional rock music playing]
THE END PEACE & LOVE
WHAT NEXT? THEY KISSED FOREVER!
THE STAR & CINDER FOREVER
I'M SORRY
LET'S DO IT!
[audience cheering]
I'M AFRAID. BUT I WANT TO ANYWAY
[Tosiek] This is how the story of the Star's and Cinderella's band ends.
They lived happily ever after, somewhere very far away or quite near.
And all that junk.
We're outta here. Later.
[stirring, uplifting synth music playing]
[Tosiek] No one is a failure.
No one is a mistake.
He's afraid, and I am too.
But that's okay.
Who we are is okay.
BASED ON THE NOVEL "FANFIK" BY NATALIA OSIŃSKA
[quirky outro music playing]