Only Love Matters (2023)

[bunniefuu]

[bells tolling]

[dramatic music]

[water running]

Are you okay?

[Indian music]

[singer vocalizing]

[Indian music resumes]

[muted]

[tires screech]

[sighs]

[breathes deeply]

[tense music]

One... two...

...three, four...

...five.

[horse whinnies]

[birds chirping]

How are we feeling today,

Beatrice? Hey.

Bet we feel good now that

our mane's all combed, don't we?

They should be here soon.

Are you excited?

-Not really.

-Nothing wrong

with a bit of glamor.

I guess.

Do you think I could be

in the sh**t, maybe?

[chuckles] Have you

ever modeled before?

-No. But I think of myself

as a natural.

-[snickers]

Oh, this is cool.

It's okay.

[chuckling] Oh.

Look at that guy.

-Makes me wish

I was one of the horses.

-[camera shutter clicking]

-[Stef] Natasha,

can you please...

-[sighs]

-I'll be in the office.

-You're not going to watch?

He might take his shirt off.

[chuckles]

Stef.

Oh, my God.

[laughing]

What, are you trying

to hide from me? [chuckles]

No, of course not.

Are you sure

you're not stalking me?

[scoffs] You wish.

Oh, don't tell me

you're shallow enough

to think models

don't like to read books.

I think no such thing.

I'm only teasing.

And, honestly,

I'm not following you.

No, it's, it's fine.

-What are you looking for?

-Hmm?

Book. You looking

for anything specific?

No, it-- um...

Well, uh... No. [snickers]

Go on, tell me.

[soft music]

I have this stupid tradition.

I always get one book

the day before my birthday.

Oh, I like that.

That's not stupid.

That's a great tradition.

How about you? Are you looking

for anything specific?

Not particularly.

Tell you what?

We go around the store

and we pick a book

for each other.

-What?

-Come on, it will be fun.

I'll go round

and see if I can find a book

that you haven't read before

and will hopefully

find interesting,

and you do the same for me.

Okay, I guess.

Okay, great.

I'll see you at the counter.

Okay.

You've been sent a gift.

I didn't remember

it was your birthday today.

Yeah, I just don't like

to make a fuss.

Don't like making a fuss.

Luckily, someone else

did for you.

Secret admirer?

Not really. [chuckles]

Well, good for you.

[chuckles]

R.R.

That doesn't stand

for Ryan Reynolds, does it?

Natasha, it's not nice

to snoop like that.

[Natasha]

Sorry.

It's not Ryan Reynolds, right?

No, obviously.

If you must know,

it's Ryan, the model

from the sh**t the other day.

Well done, he's gorgeous.

-I guess.

-[Natasha laughing] Yeah, right.

Chocolate cake

and a card like that?

You've done more than guessing.

-Natasha.

-Just saying.

I have work to do.

I can't believe

you're not ready yet.

We're gonna miss the start.

[Ryan]

I'm almost there.

[tense music]

Okay. Let's go.

What is this?

-Is that a trick question?

-I'm serious.

Why do you have this book?

It was my sister's book.

[hesitates] What's the big deal?

-Your sister?

-Yeah. She was intersex.

-I need to leave.

-Stef, hold up.

Stef, we'll miss

the start of the movie.

Stef. g*dd*mn it. Stef!

[sighs]

[rain pattering]

I'm sorry.

I really freaked out on you.

I just have an issue

with that topic.

That book caught me by surprise.

Can I ask why?

My mother, m-- my adoptive mum,

is intersex.

And...

...I haven't seen her in years.

I'm so sorry, Stef.

[sighs]

So you have a sister?

Uh...

I did.

Rachel.

She died a few years ago.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

She had a tough upbringing.

Never really felt comfortable

in her own skin.

Rachel went to that bridge

we met on on many occasions.

But then that book you found

came into her life and...

...it was a revelation.

It changed everything for her.

[gentle piano music]

Suddenly she knew

she wasn't the only one.

She didn't feel so alone.

It was a tragic irony

that she left this world

soon after all that.

The author of this book, Stef,

she went through

so much in her life,

but she never quit.

She never gave up.

She just kept going.

And she did so much good

in this world.

And that inspired Rachel

to keep going...

...and to be true

to who she really was.

What?

Please, Stef,

give the book a read.

No, I can't do that.

Please, Stef.

[man 1 on TV]

Charles, my old dear friend.

-[man 2 on TV] You were lucky.

-[turns off TV]

[sighs]

[birds chirping]

-[cows mooing]

-[bells chiming]

[scratching]

[pleasant guitar music]

No, Samesh.

Put this thing away

before your father sees it

and goes mad again.

It's not a thing.

It's my friend, Ratisha.

[Pihu chuckles]

You, shh.

And stop encouraging him.

He took it by himself.

Go and put it away.

Go.

[Indian music]

-[teacher] I...

-[students] I...

-[teacher] ...C-E.

-[students] ...C-E.

-[teacher] C-E.

-[students] C-E.

-[teacher] C...

-[students] C...

-[teacher] ...R-E...

-[students] ...R-E...

-...A-M.

-...A-M.

-[teacher] Ice cream.

-Ice cream.

[Suneil]

No.

I don't want to talk

about this anymore.

I thought I had made myself

perfectly clear on the subject.

But, Suneil, Samesh looks

like a girl even at bath time.

I don't care.

At the time of birth,

doctor said

baby more looks like a boy.

So he grows up like one.

Already we have a daughter.

We will not have another one.

And don't bring this up...

...otherwise you will regret it.

[peacock calling]

[roosters crowing]

[camel bellow]

[tense music]

How dare you disobey me?

I will skin you alive!

You hear me?

-I will k*ll you

with my own hands!

-No, Suneil. Please stop.

[somber music]

[train chugging in distance]

[Samesh]

I have written a letter

to the God.

Can you go with me

to the temple?

[both laughing]

[temple bell rings]

[Samesh]

Oh, God,

is playing with dolls a sin?

My dad beats me just because

you made me like this.

I'm not a boy.

Why don't you take me to heaven?

[temple bell rings]

[Suneil]

Stop worrying, Sai.

Your son has secured

a very good job.

He will earn a lot of money

and be very successful.

[Sai]

But... he doesn't know anything

about that country.

[Suneil]

Aryan is a trustworthy man,

and he's spoken

to a very nice family there

who will keep him

like he's one of their own.

[Punjabi music]

The transaction is complete.

Good to go.

You spoke to the lawyer?

Everything in order?

Samesh...

...this is Hiran and Parisha.

From now on,

you have to obey them, okay?

You have to be respectful

and behave well.

Well, Samesh,

the gods are

smiling down upon you.

And from now on,

you'll be fortunate and honored

that you'll be serving

in our home.

And you will have the privilege

of staying with us.

Do you understand,

or are you

as simple as you look?

Well?

I understand.

-[knock on door]

-[gasps softly]

Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you.

I'm Navya.

Hi, Navya.

I'm Samesh.

Are you going

to be living with us?

I guess so.

Do you like these earrings?

[pleasant instrumental music]

Were you planning on stealing

my daughter's earrings?

What? No.

Don't lie to me.

Mom, we were just

gonna play dress up.

Shut up, you.

I'll fix you.

-Hiran!

-Mum, this is not right.

I told you to shut it.

Hiran!

-What?

-I caught Samesh here

thinking of stealing

our daughter's earrings.

-He didn't.

-[slap]

We will not tolerate thieves

in this household.

You filthy animal!

-Do you understand that?

-Please don't. Please.

Stop it, please.

[melancholic violin music]

Be thankful that

our daughter is so grateful.

Maybe we should stop.

No. Your ordeal here

will be without end.

The previous servant had his arm

broken in just the first week.

-Really?

-Yes.

So, you see,

you must take this chance now.

[dramatic music]

[softly] Go.

[Navya screaming]

[Parisha]

What is it, Navya?

[Hiran]

Honey, we are here.

What happened?

[Navya speaking indistinctly]

[Samesh breathing heavily]

[grunting softly]

[panting]

[birds chirping]

Oye, oye!

Get out of there, you dirty bum!

Go on, get lost!

[tense instrumental music]

[locks latch]

Ah, Jesus.

You want some food?

-Here.

-Thank you.

[sentimental music]

Don't be afraid. It's okay.

I just wanna chat.

You speak English?

This place is your home then?

That's not good.

You want a job?

The pay is not great,

but you can stay

in the storage room

until you find your feet.

How does that sound?

My name is Stavros.

What's your name?

Samesh.

Samesh, eh?

How about I call you Sam?

Okay.

Here, come on.

Here, ta-- take me that.

[grunts]

[people chattering

on the background]

So you're the new guy, Sam.

-Yes.

-Hannah.

So, how do you find

working here so far?

Very good.

Stavros is a good boss.

He might look stern and mean

most of the time,

but deep down, he's a softie.

He says you're from India.

Yes.

-From village.

-Wow.

You'll have to tell me

all about it one day.

How are you finding London

so far?

Different.

[chuckles] I bet.

I gotta get back.

I work at front.

Reception and floor management.

Okay.

Do you drink coffee?

Uh, no. Just tea.

You've gotta try mine.

I think you'll like it.

I'll make you one

on our next break.

Uh, okay. Thank you.

[uneasy music]

[Britney on radio]

Thank you for joining us

on this show today.

Flo, tell us about your book,

Glory in Living.

[Flo] Thank you

for having me, Britney.

My book is based on people

like Nelson Mandela

and Mahatma Gandhi,

who've made

a big impact on history.

[people chattering

in the background]

Here you go, Sammy boy.

You're a boy, right?

I'm busy, Jeremy.

Jeans suit you.

Let me work.

[softly] I'm doing nothing.

It's just...

What?

Your breath stinks.

[woman laughs]

Exactly.

Do your dishes, Sammy.

[water running]

Get the hell out of here.

I can't believe

you went through all of that.

It's okay.

I was lucky 'cause I escaped.

[sighs] I'm really sorry

to say this, Sam,

but your father really sucks

for arranging such an atrocity.

I know.

[sighs] Well,

whatever happened, happened.

The present is what counts.

Do you have any idea what

you wanna do with your life?

No.

Do you like books?

-Yes.

-I think you should go

into study.

Get into a college.

I'm doing a masters

in Business Studies myself.

I really want to run

my own place someday.

And what would that be?

Caf, of course.

Oh, I would have

shelves of books and mags

for the customers.

Oh, and famous people

like Madonna, Bruce Willis,

Sean Penn, Demi Moore,

and Brooke Shields

would all come in.

Who are they?

Oh, Sam,

you have so much to learn.

So, so much.

Hey, Sammy,

have you got a second?

-What is it?

-I need you to help me move

these into the storage room.

Okay.

[slaps the bag]

So, rumor has it

you sleep in here.

Is that true?

Do you want help

with the bags or not?

You get undressed in here?

Sleep in the nude?

Stop it, Jeremy.

What if I don't want to?

[tense music]

[sniffs]

You're not a man, are you?

Let me go.

I can't decide what you are.

-Please stop it, Jeremy!

-Shut the hell up or--

Get away from him now!

We were just messing around,

Hannah. Weren't we, Sam?

I know what I saw.

Sam, tell her.

Sam.

He was trying to hurt me.

Shut up, you slimy foreign git.

What the hell's

wrong with you, Jeremy?

What is this?

National Pick-on-Jeremy Day?

He was

sexually harassing Sam, boss.

I was not. You lot are crazy.

-Get the hell out of here

right now!

-Make me.

-[grunts]

-[groans]

[Stravos]

What did you do to Sam?

What did you say?

-[sobbing]

-Oh.

[exhales]

-He was

a Panathinaikos supporter.

-Oh, fair enough.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Me and my colleague here

are from the Home Office.

We're doing a check to see

if you have any employees

who are working here illegally.

All right. Um...

Yes, of course.

[tense music]

So, uh,

this is the storage room.

Boss, these are the people

from the Home Office.

I'm Stavros, the owner.

Mind if we, uh,

take a look around?

No, no, no. Feel free.

Be my guest. Uh...

Mi casa es tu casa.

I don't even know

why I said that.

It's not even Greek. [laughs]

Uh, I'm mumbling, aren't I?

Uh, boss, I think, uh,

Penelope will need your hand

up front.

Okay, yes. Good, good, good.

Sh-- shall we?

I'm so sorry. I, I didn't mean

to cause any trouble.

Okay, Sam, it was my fault.

I should have asked you already

about your situation. Hmm?

Can you girls take Sam

to my lawyer

and get the necessary documents,

sort this out?

-Sure, boss.

-Let's finish cleaning up.

Thank you.

-Sam?

-Yes.

Come stay with me

a little while.

I have a large couch.

You can use my room

for your clothes

and your belongings.

Come on, it will be fun.

We can have movie nights,

and parties, and stuff.

Are you sure it's okay?

I'm asking, aren't I?

[upbeat music]

Yes. Yes! Thank you so much!

-[laughing]

-Oh, we've got a hugger here!

This is what a mouse

must feel like when the life

is squeezed out of it

by a boa constrictor.

[laughs]

Um, you can use these shelves

for your clothes.

-Is that all you have?

-Uh, yes.

But it's okay.

Uh, I don't really like them

much, though.

So what do you like?

I like these.

You like dresses?

You wanna try one on?

Oh, no. I, I don't know.

Oh, come on. It's just me here.

Here. Let's see.

Here.

Try this one.

Okay.

[Hannah]

Oh, wow.

It really suits you.

Come.

You really think so?

Look how good you look.

[gentle instrumental music]

[breathing heavily]

Hey.

What's wrong?

I'm sorry.

I don't know

why they made me a boy.

I've always felt like a girl.

I look like one, you know.

What the hell?

You mean like down there?

[scoffs]

I remember my father telling me

that the doctor said I

just look too much like a boy.

Okay. Uh,

did you ever have periods?

No.

Um, that is, that is bizarre.

But don't worry,

we'll get to the bottom of it.

I'll help you register

with the local GP,

and he'll do

a full checkup, okay?

-Okay.

-Also, keep the dress.

It's yours.

No, Miss Goldberg.

Transgender is based on choice.

It deals with a person

who feels opposed

to their assigned birth sex.

While your friend,

according to her test results,

has 46,XY intersex,

also known as AIS.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.

Which means that

her body never allowed her

to develop fully

as a male or a female.

Her genitals

are incompletely formed,

which explains

why she never had periods

and wouldn't be able

to bear a child.

In effect...

...you have what is known

as a "blind pouch."

-Hmm?

-The what now?

Blind pouch.

Instead of an uterus and cervix,

she has inner testicles.

Wow.

Damn. [chuckles]

g*dd*mn.

You are in a category

which has historically

been known as hermaphrodites,

but in the term

increasingly used

in recent times, intersex.

These people

are neither male nor female.

Not in the conventional sense,

that is.

She feels very much

like a woman, Doctor.

That's understandable.

It differs

from person to person.

There are many variations

of this type.

And we have some leaflets

at reception

which provide

further information.

Blind pouch.

What sort of

ridiculous term is that?

I want to know

who comes up with these things.

Like, is there a special

committee or something,

or does the whole thing get

put through some sort of vote?

I could just imagine

a bunch of old guys

in a room going,

-"Hello. On today's agenda,

there are people out there...

-[chuckles]

...with lower and outer parts

of vag*na,

but no cervix and no uterus.

So, we positively, categorically

must have a term for this.

-[chuckles]

-No other option.

But our options

are 'eyeless sack,'

-'incomplete purse,'

or 'blind pouch'."

-[laughing]

Yeah, it's probably

how it happens, actually.

It's funny.

Also scary.

I have ba*ls.

Yes, you do. [chuckles]

[gentle music]

-Cheers to that.

-[laughs]

[Stavros humming]

[Hannah]

It will be fine, okay?

Sam is female from now on. Okay?

Good for her.

[chuckles]

There you go,

always running back to God

-like, like he's your mummy.

-What's a mummy?

No, no, my children.

Stop this at once.

-She started it.

-I did not.

You said that

I was stupid and forgetful.

Eve, is this true?

-Yes. He is stupid

and forgetful.

-[scoffs] You are!

-You are!

-[Bill as God]

Oh, for the love of me.

Um, just calm down.

He was supposed to bring berries

for our supper.

-Instead he comes back

empty-handed...

-[sighs]

...face covered in red juice.

-[laughs]

-[Darren as Adam] I was hungry.

It was a long walk back.

See? Do you see

what I have to deal with?

-God, why did you have to go

and create a woman for?

-[scoffs]

-Oh.

-I thought you wanted

the company.

He's got his monkeys.

He's hardly at home.

-Look, I told you

I need my space.

-[scoffs]

This isn't going as planned.

Perhaps we need to see

a couple's counselor.

Nah, they're charlatans.

Would you rather be

alone again, Adam?

Maybe.

I don't know.

[Bill as God]

Don't you see...

[birds chirping effect]

...she's the other half of you?

She's the part of you

that's missing.

Together, you are one whole.

I feel that in time

you will come to realize this.

You will come

to understand this,

and you'll both honor

and respect each other.

I guess we could give this

another shot.

I'd like that.

Good, good!

I'm so happy to see this.

I have to go now.

My wife will yell at me

if I'm late again.

Oh, and if you see

an apple tree...

[gentle music]

...mm, and a snake,

turn and go the other way.

Do not talk to the snake.

Snake... bad.

Okay?

Are you thinking

what I'm thinking?

-Let's go get that snake.

-Yup.

[guitar string pluck]

-Thanks so much for coming out

to see us tonight.

-I promise we would, didn't I?

-I hope we didn't bore you

too much.

-[all chuckling]

-Exactly.

-No, it was fun.

I can't believe

you haven't been here longer.

Your English is really good.

Well, Hannah's

a really good teacher,

and she lends me

all her gossip magazines too.

Do you miss your life in India?

Some things I miss a lot.

[romantic music]

How long have you been an actor?

Uh, over six years.

[scoffs] I don't know

if I'm gonna continue,

to be honest.

Why not?

Well, I'm always broke.

I waiter in between acting gigs

just to keep afloat.

[scoffs]

And I'm just pretty tired of it.

But you're really good.

You think so?

Of course.

[chuckles]

It's your passion, isn't it?

I guess.

Then you should

never let go of it.

Okay. Okay, Sam, I won't.

[Darren chuckles]

Well, I, I, I better get Hannah.

You can't stay longer?

We could go clubbing or...

We have an early

call time tomorrow, I'm afraid.

Oh. Really?

Yes.

But it was so nice to meet you.

Yeah. You too.

So...

...bye. [chuckles]

[chuckles]

Sam...

...do you wanna go out sometime?

Like a date?

[chuckles] Yeah.

We can't.

[sighs]

[stutters] Why not?

'Cause this hasn't been arranged

by my parents,

so it's not possible.

Oh. [chuckles embarrassed]

Really?

Yes.

I'm only joking, Darren.

[laughs]

-Oh, you got me.

-[laughs]

You got me good, Sam.

You need to lighten up,

or are Englishmen this serious?

Maybe it's just me. [chuckles]

Maybe you can help me with it.

Maybe.

[engine running]

[serene instrumental music]

[muted]

We had a really fun time.

It's a shame you and Bill

aren't an item anymore.

We could have all gone together.

Well, ice skating really

isn't my thing, anyway.

-That's true.

-So, when are you gonna have

the "by the way, I have ba*ls"

discussion with Darren?

I, I don't know. It, it,

it doesn't really lend itself

as good conversational material

for dinner, does it?

I guess not.

I've tried to bring it up, but

the timing has never felt right.

What if it never is?

-Do I have to tell him? Like...

-[sighs]

...wouldn't it be some kind

of unparalleled kindness

if I don't tell him, like, ever?

-No.

-No?

Tell him before it's too late.

This is where

we first saw each other.

[strums guitar]

[chuckles softly]

Sam...

...will you marry me?

-[instrumental music]

-[exhales]

I'm so sorry.

I can't.

Sam!

[instrumental music continues]

[birds chirping]

[sighs]

Darren?

-Yes.

-You're still avoiding him?

-Yes.

-[sighs] You have to tell him.

[somber piano music]

-I know.

-No time like the present.

-I can't.

-Sure you can.

I'm in the middle of my shift.

We're not that busy.

Go. I'll cover for you.

He's going to hate me.

I've left it too long.

Honey, no.

Darren's one of the good guys,

and he deserves to know.

What's wrong?

-Girl stuff.

-Oh.

What do I do?

The only thing you must be.

Brave.

So, yeah, super busy.

[scoffs] Busy bee me.

[sighs] Auditions,

voiceover work, theater.

The work's just been piling on.

[scoffs] Today alone,

I have a fitting at 1:00,

and I've got, uh...

I'm intersex.

Uh, you're what?

I was born a female,

with a bit of male,

and raised male by my parents.

Is it s-- something, um...

Th-- that word

I heard the other day?

LGB something?

LGBT+.

LGB is about sexual orientation,

and T is for transgender,

who are either born

male or female.

Like not all men and women

are in LGBT group...

...similarly, some intersex

identify themselves

as LGBT, and some do not.

[gentle piano music]

I am intersex.

Born with variation

of sex characteristics

that do not conform

with either male or female.

I don't have

a full reproductive system

like other women.

I'm missing the upper parts

of my vag*na,

my cervix and my uterus.

So...

...I can't have kids.

And, yes,

I have internal testicles too,

but they don't w-- work

or anything.

Darren, I'm so sorry.

I should have told you

all of this.

I'm just

a good-for-nothing coward.

-I better leave.

-No.

Wait. Just...

Yes, you should have told me.

And you should

have known that...

...I would understand.

Okay, so you have an interesting

biological makeup.

Cool.

It doesn't matter to me.

-It doesn't?

-No.

I, I like you

for who you are, Sam.

I don't care about the past.

All I care about

is the present and the future...

...and I want those

with you by my side.

You do?

Yes!

A million times, yes.

And...

What?

I want my on-the-stage question

to be answered.

Yes.

A million times, yes.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

-We, we're getting married?

-Yes, we are.

[birds chirping]

So we're not

getting married then?

You being registered male

on your birth certificate

would make this

a same-sex marriage.

What are we going to do?

I don't know.

[tense music]

No, to hell with this.

I'm going to register

as a female,

and I'm gonna have surgery

to remove the inner stuff.

And I'm gonna start

the legal proceedings,

and they're not gonna

be able to deny me.

Hi. The surgery

has now been successful,

-and the patient recovered well

from the anesthesia.

-[sighs in relief]

Can I see the, uh, ba*ls?

[chuckles]

What? I'm curious, okay?

[snickers]

Can't tell me you're not.

Hi.

[Sam chuckles]

Hey, how are you feeling?

Well, I don't know

how anybody's supposed

to recover from hospital food.

Don't worry, girl, I've got you.

I already made some arrangement

for some fine cuisine.

-Really?

-Mm-hmm.

So, no ba*ls anymore, huh?

-Hello, hello, hello.

-Oh, come on.

Hi.

-How you doing?

-I'm good.

-[Stavros] Huh?

-Mm-hmm.

-She's hungry.

-Hungry? Fantastic.

That's great. Don't worry,

I'm here now. Huh?

Okay, please.

For the love of all that's good

and pure in this world,

take this sh*t away, huh?

-Yeah, I got it. I got it.

-Oh, my God.

Oh.

Souvlaki wraps.

-We got stifado, keftedakia.

-[chuckles]

Tzatziki?

[sighs] Sam, please.

Do you even have to ask?

Oh, Stavros,

you are such a hero.

I love this stuff.

Okay, eat. Come on.

How do I look?

[chuckles] For the fifth time,

you look beautiful.

Don't worry so much.

Just be yourself.

Jokes and all?

Uh... [chuckles]

maybe without the jokes.

-Ah, Jesus.

-Oh, and, uh,

don't say that name.

-Oh. Damn it.

-[knocks]

It will be fine, okay?

Deep, deep breaths.

Okay.

-Darren.

-Mum.

-Uh, this is Sam.

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Come on in.

[soft gentle music]

Darren tells us

you work in a restaurant.

Is that a family business?

Oh, uh, no.

It's, uh, Stavros's restaurant.

He's my boss.

Uh, very good food.

[chuckles lightly]

I waitress there.

Sam is thinking

of starting her studies again.

Well, that's good.

Education is important.

"Sam." Is, is that short

for Samantha?

-Um...

-See, the thing is...

It's actually

the Indian name Samesh.

Samesh? Funny sounding, that.

What religion are you, Samesh?

David.

What? It's a perfectly

normal question.

She's agnostic, okay? Like me.

You're not agnostic.

You were baptized as a child.

-Okay, let's not

get into that right now.

-I'm whatever I want.

I find Christianity

really interesting.

And Jesus is so cool.

Will you get married

in St. Peter's Church

like we did?

-It's only fitting, Darren.

-[Darren sighs]

Uh, Mum, you,

you're not getting this.

There's not gonna be

a religious wedding.

Our son is losing his mind,

Martha.

Uh, we were thinking

of having it take place

in a forest.

A forest?

Like freaking pagans?

[chuckles nervously]

No. Uh, just, um...

-I mean, we love nature,

and trees, so--

-Honey.

We're thinking about it, okay?

It's not a done deal.

We're just looking at options.

Yes, that's right. [chuckles]

[soft instrumental music]

[inhales deeply]

-So they're not coming

to the wedding.

-[Darren sighs]

I'll talk to them.

They'll come around.

They think

we're having a Druid wedding.

They don't even know

that a woman is giving us away.

-They don't even know

that I was born with testicles.

-[laughs]

Yeah, they definitely

don't know that.

[man scatting]

[melancholic violin music]

[Darren chuckles]

[man continues scatting]

I'm so sorry

that I can't give you a child.

It's, it's okay.

We'll have our own family.

We can adopt.

It's not the same.

Sweetheart, what matters

is for us to be together.

Everything else will work out.

You'll see.

[birds chirping]

Look, I know...

...it's not the ideal wedding

that you wanted,

and I'm sorry, but...

...Sam and I

really want you to attend.

Can't you have a nature ceremony

and a church ceremony

for us, son?

[sighs] It wouldn't be

an honest thing, Mum.

You won't even baptize

the children, will you?

W-- what? L-- let's just get

the adoption sorted first.

Adoption?

[scoffs] See?

Can't Samesh have kids?

Uh, who says it's not me?

Is it?

[somber music]

This gets better by the minute.

Listen, son, this is too much.

I mean, we tried to support you

through this insane decision

you made to be an actor.

When you're

a fully qualified solicitor,

you can't expect us to sit by

and do nothing

while you completely

ruin your life.

[sighs]

I'm tired of this.

I'm tired of being afraid of how

you'll react all the time,

and of your

small-minded bigotry.

-[Martha] Darren.

-No, listen to me. I don't care.

Sam is the love of my life.

She was born intersex.

Do you know that?

She was born

and raised as a male,

and that is absolutely fine

with me.

Do you know why?

Do you wanna know why?

It's because I love her.

So you either come

to the forest wedding

or you don't.

I don't care anymore.

What the hell is intersex?

-[gentle instrumental music]

-[sighs]

[grunts softly]

Hmm.

[panting]

[grunts]

[Sam]

I can't believe

you really went through with it.

-[chuckles]

-I told you I would, so...

-[chuckles]

-Speak of the devil.

Look who's here.

Really happy that you're here.

Your mother

is fond of reminding me

that we only have one son.

-[Darren chuckles]

-So we weren't gonna miss

your big day.

-You look beautiful.

-Thank you.

All right, ladies and gentlemen,

let's get the show on the road.

I personally have

some heavy drinking

to get started on, okay?

-Yeah, I know.

-Yeah, me too.

Blimey. Is that

a Druid priestess?

I think so.

Times have changed, David.

Times have changed.

[all cheering]

[both chuckling]

Me and my husband

have been coming

for a very long time now.

Please, you must have

some good news for us.

Well, in England,

there are roughly 2000 children

waiting for loving

adoptive parents.

Unfortunately, in your case,

there are a number of issues

that are making things

not only difficult,

but next to impossible.

[somber music]

[scoffs]

I wouldn't get your hopes up.

[scoffs]

[birds chirping]

[phone ringing]

Hello.

-[gasps, chuckles softly]

-[joyful music]

[Sam chuckling]

This is your room, Stef.

-We hope you like it.

-[chuckles]

-Do you like it? [chuckles]

-Mm-hmm.

What's wrong, honey?

Do you want some toast?

Maybe with some jam?

This one's from your college.

Thank you.

What's wrong?

They say I might be off

the volleyball team.

What? Why?

[soft tense music]

They have somehow found out

that I was registered

as a male at birth

and had surgery

before becoming a woman, so...

...they feel I shouldn't play

for the women's team.

I can't believe this.

This isn't fair.

[sighs] What the hell?

I'll, I'll go have words

with them.

No. No.

S-- sweetie, it's okay. I...

There's too much discrimination

against people like me and

I need a backbone.

I need to defend myself.

Well... Stef and I

are always here for you.

You know that, right?

I know.

Oh, I see.

Are you a transgender female?

No. I'm intersex.

I have medical clearance

proving that I'm not male,

and I'm now female

on all my official documents.

This is a difficult

subject matter.

The fact is that, uh,

you were not born female.

That you had to undergo

surgical procedure--

But I was not born male either.

That's what the doctors

and my parents decided for me.

And that was so wrong of them

to do so.

I'm now female,

and I'm proud to be one.

All I want to do

is be on the volleyball team

and compete

with my fellow team players.

The board of directors

made this decision,

and I cannot go against them.

I wish that there was something

I could do to help,

but this is a female team

and not an intersex one.

Should I apply for the male

volleyball team then?

I did not say that.

This just means that

intersex people have no right

to take part

in female or male sport.

Do you think that's fair?

Hmm. Hmm.

Thank you for your time.

What's wrong, sweetie?

Do you want to eat this?

-Uh-uh.

-[Sam] No?

I know something you'll like.

Darren.

-How's this?

-[Stef] Wow.

-[laughs] Wow.

-Do you want it?

-Yeah.

-Careful.

It's dripping down this side.

Yeah, you're gonna have

to lick it really quickly.

-[chuckles]

-[Darren] Does it taste good?

You know,

some very, very famous classics

have used genderless pronouns,

like Shakespeare's Hamlet

and Chaucer's

The Canterbury Tales.

-Okay.

-So, we say "mister" for male

and "miss," "missus"

for female, right?

Mm, yeah.

I think that we should not

decide on pronouns

based on

stereotypical appearances.

Like, the boys

have the long hair

and the girls

have the short hair.

Trying to think

of more options and...

But we have rather than

"them," "their," or "they."

[indistinct chatter on TV]

You know, I really think

you're gonna do

some great things for the rights

of intersex people.

Really?

Easy now.

[sighs]

-[groans]

-Are you okay?

Uh... [groans]

I'll be back. Um...

[controlled sobs]

I, I need to go home. I'm sorry.

[controlled sobs]

-I'm sorry.

-Do you need help?

-I can take you home.

-No, I want to be alone.

-I'm sorry.

-[Jane] She was okay

this morning.

Of course. Any time.

I spoke to Natasha.

She told me what happened.

Uh, are you okay?

I don't know.

I feel like

everything's unraveling.

I'm scared I'm losing my mind.

That might not

necessarily be a bad thing.

How can you say that?

It might be

that you need to be broken down

before you can rise anew.

Seems to me

that your soul is simply...

...detoxifying right now.

That sounds like some BS, Ryan.

[snickers softly]

I, I don't think it is.

You clearly have some stuff

from your past that

you need to make peace with

and let go of.

I guess my teenage years

were challenging.

[gentle violin music]

I'm so sorry, Stef.

Mm, it's okay.

What's done is done.

Have you read the book?

Uh, not all of it.

Finish it.

I think it will prove helpful.

Okay.

I should go.

[water lapping]

[pensive music]

-[water splashes]

-[gasps]

[inhales deeply]

[inhaling sharply]

[traffic humming]

[Sam]

Darren.

-Okay, you go play, honey, yeah?

-Yeah, okay.

[phone ringing]

Hmm.

Hello?

Where is he now?

Okay. Okay, okay.

[somber piano music]

[siren blaring]

-Mrs. Patel Davidson?

-Yes.

I'm terribly sorry.

We did the best we could.

But your husband succumbed

to his injuries of head trauma,

-internal bleeding

at 21:19 hours this evening.

-No.

No. [sobs]

[sobbing] No.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

[melancholic music]

[sobs]

Pihu.

[Pihu]

Dear Samesh,

I hope this letter

finds you well.

It had been years

since I saw you last,

so the picture you sent

took me by great surprise.

You have changed so much.

I have never forgotten

our childhood memories.

I'm sorry, Samesh.

I bring sad news.

Sai passed away last month

from a stroke.

She always asked about you.

Well, she was sad you were away,

but happy that

you had found yourself...

...and was living a good life.

She loved you so much, Samesh.

Oh, Mother. [sighs]

It is my wish

that you can visit sometime.

I would very much love

to see you again.

I'll try my best, Pihu.

Remember the coins that Mother

used to give you secretly...

...hiding from Father

just so you can buy some sweets?

Here I am returning something

that belonged to you.

[melancholic instrumental music]

[metallic clinking]

[sniffles]

With all my love.

Your sister, Pihu.

Oh, Pihu.

-Can I get you anything else?

-No, that's fine. Thank you.

-[keyboard clacking]

-[message pops]

[yawns]

[chuckles] God, Sam,

you scared me.

What, are you waiting up

for me now?

This is not acceptable, Stef.

You cannot be coming home

this late every night.

Sure, I can.

You're drunk.

What is this? You suddenly

wanna play Mother of the Year?

[sighs deeply]

I'm trying my best, Stef.

[scoffs]

You're trying your best.

Listen, Stef.

[inhales] I know

this is not fair on you.

I want you to know

that I do understand this.

I wish I could spend

more time with you.

I miss you.

But we're just going

to have to wait and see

until things get better.

Stef...

...I want you to know...

...that no matter

what the circumstances,

I will always be there for you.

Is that a joke?

[sighs]

Okay.

Just go to bed.

-You have class in the morning.

-Whatever.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

I'm telling you, Stef,

he will ask me out.

Not if Susan has anything

to say about that.

-That's over already.

-I hope you're right.

Of course I'm right.

I'm always right.

-[chuckles]

-What's this all about?

[dramatic music]

Your mum used to be a man,

didn't she?

[boy 1 chuckles]

Is it true, Stef?

What a freak.

-Does she have testicles?

-Oh, man, that's disgusting.

[boy 1]

Did she used to perform

in the circus?

Freak. Freak. Freak.

[both]

Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.

Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.

Freak. Freak. Freak. Freak.

[laughing]

[Sam and Hannah]

Happy birthday to you

-Surprise!

-Surprise!

What is this, Sam?

More fake effort to suddenly win

the Mother of the Year award?

-What's wrong, Stef?

-[Stef] What's wrong?

[melancholic piano music]

You don't care about me at all.

That's what's wrong.

If you did, you never would have

adopted me in the first place

and ruined my life.

Mother of the Year.

You're not even a woman.

How can you be a mother?

You're a freak.

[sobs softly]

[shudders]

[sobbing]

"S.D."

[rain pattering]

S.D.

Sam Davidson.

Sam?

Sam.

Stavros called you. He's worried

you won't answer the phone.

What happened?

She's gone.

What?

[sobs softly]

Stef, she's gone.

-She ran away.

-Oh, God.

She left this letter.

[somber music]

[sobbing]

She hates me so much, Hannah.

Oh, no.

[Hannah]

There was word from Stef.

She sent a message

through the police.

She doesn't wanna be contacted,

and she wants to be on her own.

She'll change her mind, Sam.

You'll see.

She's a teenager full of raging

hormones and rebellion.

Try now and get some rest.

Social Services will be here

early in the morning

for an interview.

They don't need to.

It's obvious

I'm a horrible mother.

Sam.

I'm not good

with life anymore, Hannah.

I can't go on like this.

I want none of that.

You hear me?

You will go on. That's just

the way it's going to be.

You still have

so much to live for

and you can help others

who are born like you

and who are hurting.

You could be a beacon

of light for them.

No.

Yes.

Listen, I'm starting

my business now,

and I want you

to help out, part-time,

so you can re-enroll in college

and finish your degree.

Will I ever see her again?

Yes.

And that's another reason

to keep going.

[Sam]

Hannah kept her word.

And day after day,

night after night,

she stuck by me,

encouraging me...

...and so I kept going,

dedicating all my time

and energy

in study and research.

This led me

down the path of realization...

...for it became clear to me

that I was not female

no more than I was male.

I was born intersex,

and I'm proud

to be known as one.

-[giggles]

-Come on, let's go find him.

[Stef]

Hmm, were can he be?

-Found you. Yeah, we win.

-[laughing]

[epic music]

[Sam laughing]

You have to dust yourself off,

put on a brave face

and march on.

For Stef.

[breathing shakily]

I'm gonna have to quit college,

you know.

You do?

One job isn't enough.

Okay.

Okay, we'll figure

this out together.

I'm by your side. Always.

Thank you.

And my academic pursuits

have kept me busy and content.

Yet...

...the regret lingers

heavy in my soul.

So, each night,

I say a prayer...

...that my little girl is safe,

and brave, and happy...

...and that she finds it

in her heart

to one day forgive me.

[sobs]

The author is your mother?

What the hell?

-Are you sure?

-What do you mean?

It's, it's my childhood.

Of course I'm sure.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

You have to see her.

I don't know

if I could face her.

I left her.

I haven't seen her

in so long now.

But can't you see?

This is kismet.

The way you found

that book, it's,

it's the damn universe

trying to bring

the two of you together

so you can reunite.

[sighs] I don't know.

I abandoned her.

Caused her so much grief.

But...

...whatever you decide, Stef,

I'll help you and support you.

[chuckles softly]

[somber violin music]

I remember

when you first came to me.

All wide-eyed and pimple-faced.

It was

with fierce determination...

...demanding a job here.

Not for your benefit

so much as my own.

-God, I was so c*ck

and arrogant.

-No.

You made me

see something in you,

and so I hired you.

And over the years,

I've come to care for you

more than just your boss.

And I know

when something's bothering you.

It's always been difficult

for me to open up.

Just know I'm here for you.

And, hell,

I believe I'm a good listener.

Okay. Well,

as you might have guessed,

when you first met me,

I had just run away from home,

from my adoptive mother.

I was confused and hurt,

and so angry with her.

[sighs]

But now I've come to realize

that I acted foolishly.

She was trying her best,

and I never gave her a chance.

I gave up on her.

And, and now I fear

that it might be too late,

that maybe I should just

let the past be the past.

Hmm. I see.

All I know is

that I'm absolutely certain

that you will know

what the best course of action

will be soon enough.

What if I don't?

What if I mess it up again?

It's just fear and doubt.

We all experience that.

Have faith in yourself, Stef.

You're a beautiful human being.

Don't you forget that.

[melancholic music]

Ryan?

Ryan?

[dramatic music]

-He k*lled his own sister.

-What?

-No. You misunderstood.

-I read it in his diary.

He m*rder*d his sister, Rachel.

Stef, just listen, damn it.

He... he wanted you

to find the diary.

He was trying

to find a way to tell you.

He just didn't anticipate

that you would run off again

like that.

He is not a m*rder*r.

Anything, he's a savior.

Rachel went to take her own life

when she discovered

that her external genitalia were

removed at the time of birth

to make her female

due to being born intersex,

having ambiguous genitals.

But he, he gave Rachel

new life as Ryan.

[dramatic music]

What?

Ryan was Rachel.

And he saved you too,

when you were on the bridge.

I, I didn't mean to startle you.

-Go away.

-Okay, I will.

I've been

in the exact same position,

and had the exact

same look in my eye

with the thought

of taking my life away.

Truth is,

Ry-- Ryan's not a model.

He's been trying to help you

out of your depression,

to help you better your life.

Jane and I knew about it, but,

but we promised

we wouldn't say anything to him.

God, I, I feel like...

Please don't be upset.

I need to go.

Stef, you've got to understand.

We were so worried about you.

Please don't be mad at us.

No, I just need

to be alone for a bit.

[inhales]

[Ryan]

Yeah.

I was

Rachel.

For 19 whole years, I was her.

[melancholic music]

[sighs]

My parents hid the truth

from me, but...

...I was born intersex

with ovotesticular.

[sighs]

I never felt real

as Rachel.

I always knew

something was wrong.

So, when I found out

the truth...

...I had to let Rachel die.

I had to shed that skin

and begin anew.

Did they force you to be Rachel?

Yeah.

As an infant...

...the doctor told my parents

I had a condition

called "true hermaphroditism."

Part testes and part ovaries

on the inside.

And

the external was ambiguous,

and needed to be...

...corrected.

So, they went on and...

[hesitating]

...experimented on me.

They forced me

to be female, but...

...all I felt was anxiety

and sadness all the time.

My sexual experience

as a female was painful.

I was sexually impaired

because of the surgery.

How could they make

such an irreversible decision

without thinking that

they could potentially be wrong?

When it comes to the surgery...

...they take

the approach that...

...it's easier to dig a hole

than it is to build a pole.

So that's what they did to me.

They made me a girl.

Most important decision

of my life...

...and my parents made it

without my consent.

I'm so sorry, Ryan.

So, now you understand.

I've held back

my feelings for you because...

...we can't ever be together.

What?

Of course we can.

There's only one thing

that matters.

Love.

And my heart

is full of it for you.

But, Stef...

...I can't give you

what you'd expect from a man.

I don't care about that.

I just...

I just want to be with you.

Will you be my life partner?

-Yes.

-[laughs]

[male singer]

Light hit me so quickly

You are my day

You are my night

You captivate my senses

And this feeling

grips me tight

Just say you need me

I'll be there by your side...

So, I think this is it.

-Oh, God.

-You'll be fine.

...told me you were mine

Only love matters

And I belong to you

Only love matters

[sighs] Let's do this.

[knocks]

Yes?

Oh, um...

...we're looking

for Sam Davidson.

Does she live here?

Oh, she's...

May I ask

what this is relating to?

I'm her daughter.

-You're Stef?

-[Stef] Yeah.

She talks about you

all the time.

She's...

I'm so sorry to tell you this,

but Sam's

in a serious condition,

fighting cancer.

[sentimental music]

Unfortunately,

the cancer has metastasized,

and it has now spread too wide.

So, you see,

she hasn't got

much time left, I'm afraid.

She has put up

one hell of a fight though.

She's been talking

a lot about you, Stef.

Telling everyone about you.

[knocks]

There's guests here to see Sam.

[somber instrumental music]

-Stef.

-Aunt Hannah.

-[sobbing]

-Oh, come here.

I can't believe you're here.

She's been holding on.

She was...

You have to go in.

[knocks]

Sam, there's a visitor for you.

[heart monitor beeping]

Stef?

Yes, I'm here.

[somber instrumental music]

I'm so sorry.

I should never have

run away that night.

I was upset and confused.

I made the worst mistake

of my life.

[inhales deeply]

No.

I should be...

I wasn't there for you.

I could have done

so much better.

[inhales shakily]

I failed you, Stef.

-[sobs] I failed you.

-No, you didn't.

I know that now.

I know that you

went through so much,

and you kept going.

I know that you cared

and provided for me

while dealing

with discrimination and tragedy.

And now you're an inspiration

to so many other people

who are trying to survive.

I'm lucky and honored

to call you my mother.

You never called me that before.

I will from now on.

[music continues]

Don't cry, my sweet girl.

You make me so happy.

All I wanted was to...

...to see you grow up into a...

...strong and beautiful girl.

And now my wish has come true.

Oh.

I love you, Mum.

I love you too, Stef.

Mum?

[heart monitor beeps rapidly]

[monitor flatlining]

Mum?

Mum? Mum?

[sobs] Mum.

It saddens me that Dr. Davidson

is no longer with us today

to witness

the fruit of her labor

and the big shift

in society's consciousness

in regard to intersex-related

issues and concerns,

and overall awareness

and acceptance.

However, I'm sure

she's smiling right now,

pleased that

her daughter is here

to receive this award

on her behalf.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Miss Stephanie Davidson.

[sentimental music]

[applause]

Thank you.

I'm very honored to be here.

My mother lived

a truly remarkable life.

She was an inspiration not only

to the intersex community,

but to all of us.

[male singer]

Light hit me so quickly

I'm happy that

the echo of the struggle

for the rights

of intersex individuals

can now be heard

at the United Nations

and in parliaments

across the world,

and that change

has started to take place.

...you need me

I'll be there...

I only wish

we had more time with her.

...your side

'Cause I fell deep for you

I love you, Mum.

[applause]

-Thank you.

-[male singer]

Only love matters

And I belong to you

Only love matters

And that will never change

Only love matters

You'll always make me smile

Only love matters

And I believe it too

[female singer]

Something led me to ya

And we grew together

It never felt so clearer

[male singer]

Now nothing can stop us

Our love shines

brighter than the moon

And there's no way

to count the infinite ways

That I love you

[female singer]

Just say you need me

I'll be there by your side

'Cause I fell deep for you

When you told me

you were mine

Only love matters

And I belong to you

Only love matters

And that will never change

Only love matters

You'll always make me smile

Only love matters

And I believe it too

[male singer]

Just say you'll need me

I'll be there by your side

'Cause I fell deep for you

When you told me

You were mine

[both]

Only your love matters

And I belong to you

Only love matters

And that will never change

Only love matters

You'll always make me smile

Only love matters

And I believe it too