Emilia Perez (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[ethereal choral music playing]

[ethereal Spanish song playing]

Rising up

Into the sky

Falling

Into the abyss

Floating in limbo

[singing indistinctly]

Reaching

Ecstasy

- Floating

- [children] We buy

We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Stoves

Washing machines

Microwaves

We buy...

We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Washing machines

Microwaves

We buy

[child continues over megaphone]

We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Stoves

Washing machines

Microwaves

Or anything old you're selling

[singing continues in the distance]

Ladies, gentlemen

COUNSELOR-AT-LAW

[keyboard clacking]

[indistinct speech over TV]

[woman whispers quietly]

[woman sighs]

[cell phone ringing]

[woman sighs]

- Hello?

- [man] Making progress?

Almost done.

[man] The building super won't testify.

- What?

- [man] The building super won't testify.

Will the jury buy this?

[man] That's my problem,

I'll deal with it.

We'll make the case for suicide.

Suicide.

[man] You got it.

Sure, sir.

- [man] I'm counting on you.

- I'm on it.

- Goodnight.

- [man] Goodnight.

[sighs]

[woman] This prick kills his wife

and we call it suicide.

CASE: GABRIEL MENDOZA

OPENING ARGUMENA routine case?

[lively Spanish music

playing over speakers]

[woman] Mr. Magistrate,

your Honor,

honorable lawyers

for the family of the deceased,

honorable colleagues for the plaintiff,

esteemed members of the jury, etc.

I agree with my colleagues

from the prosecution.

This case is far too...

commonplace.

It's a case about violence.

Thanks.

[crowd chanting]

What are we talking about today?

We're talking about a couple

The couple formed by my client

And his wife

Whom he is accused of murdering

[crowd chanting continues]

[all] Rising and falling

[singing continues]

[woman]

What are we talking about today?

About violence

[crowd chants in response]

[all] About love, death

About a suffering country

[crowd chants in response]

What are we talking about today?

We're talking about a couple

The couple formed by my client

And his wife

Whom he couldn't save from suicide

A prosperous couple, envied

But a generous couple too

Who in Mexico City didn't love them?

This is not a fairy tale

This is a love story

Back to the facts

[crowd chants in response]

What are we talking about today?

[crowd chanting]

Violence, love

- About justice for sale?

- [crowd chants in response]

Corrupted verdicts sold by tabloids

Beheaded on the right

b*mbos on the left

Rumors gushing in the streets

[crowd continues singing]

Sold by tabloids

Beheaded

b*mbos

In the streets

More coffee?

Please.

Come and open the doors

To the Courtroom of your Conscience

Listen! Answer my question!

Could you grant my client

Mr. Gabriel Mendoza

The right to love his wife?

[all] Your Honor

I call for the triumph of love

Innocence

The defeat of bad faith

When we speak of violence

Let's speak of compassion

Let's speak of our dead

Let's speak of our shadows

Let's greet our world

[crowd sings] Victory over bad faith

- When we speak of violence

- My lord

- Let's open our hearts

- Long live love's triumph

- Let's love women, let's forgive men

- Let's forgive men

- Let's embrace Misery

- Victory over bad faith

Misery...

The misery

A big-hearted man, now a victim

of the media

that repeatedly slandered him.

Excuse me?

You'll be late.

You're right, sh*t!

[woman speaks indistinctly]

Gabriel Mendoza

did not k*ll his wife!

She took her own life!

This is a trial by the media

that repeatedly slander him!

They subjected my client and his

wife to public scrutiny.

We are right to blame him

and to condemn the harm he's

done.

Today, I wish...

Well...

[woman] That idiot forgets

everything.

- [man clears throat]

- [woman] I wish to appeal

to your consciences,

ladies and gentlemen.

I wish to appeal to your consciences,

ladies and gentlemen.

- [woman] Do you think my client...

- Do you think my client...

[woman] He looks like such a

criminal.

Against any woman? Against any

person?

[both] I have refuted not one,

but all the prosecution's arguments.

I demand the release of my client...

Mr. Gabriel Mendoza.

Thank you.

[woman] What bullshit!

My client and I never doubted

our country's judicial system.

[woman] Hello, Mom?

Yes, we won.

We won!

Yes, I'm glad.

But I feel like I ate sh*t.

I said...

No, forget it.

Sunday?

Uh, yes, yes, yes. The thing is...

No, I have tons of work.

I'll call you back, Mom.

Wish me luck. Okay.

Excuse me.

- Got a tampon?

- Yes.

I'm out of whack.

- Don't worry.

- Thanks.

This is a case that really

stands out.

[cell phone ringing]

[woman] f*ck.

[groans softly]

Mom, can I call you back?

[man] Ms. Rita Mora Castro?

Yes? What?

[man] Why are you in the bathroom?

You're the one deserving of

applause, Counselor.

Who is this?

[man] Do you want to become rich?

I have a proposition for you.

Be at the newsstand in 10

minutes.

Excuse me, but I don't know who...

Hello?

[sighs]

After all...

How much longer

Will I hang my head?

How much longer

Will I lick their boots?

How much longer

Will I waste my talent on them?

How much longer

Will I toil away for nothing?

What have you to gain?

What have I to gain?

What have you got to lose?

What have I got to lose?

Me and my f*cking law degree

Extra, extra, extra large

Me and my f*cking salary

Extra, extra, extra small

Me and my stone-cold heart

Extra, extra, extra hard

Me and my fat a*s

Extra, extra, extra

How much longer?

What have we got to gain?

How much longer?

What have we got to lose?

And my so-called friends tell me

"What about marriage?

What about kids?"

I have no time to make babies

And b*tches at work tell me

"When will you open your own firm?"

Who knows?

When I won't be Black

Why did he call?

Why me?

Why at the newsstand?

Why did he call?

Why me?

Why at the newsstand?

I have nothing to lose

You have nothing to lose

I have everything to gain

You have everything to gain

[panting]

DEATH

SHOT 8 TIMES!

MASSACRED IN THE STREE- [man] Ma'am?

- Yes. [gasps]

- [Rita yells]

- [man] Calm down.

[muffled lively music

playing over speakers]

[ethereal choral music playing]

- [indistinct chatter]

- [Rita groans]

- [dog barks]

- [Rita exclaims]

[tense music playing]

[lively Spanish rap

playing over car speakers]

- [loud whistle in the distance]

- [men yelling]

- [dog barks]

- [Rita squeals]

[man 1] Everyone, into the

pickup! Time to go!

[men chattering indistinctly]

[Rita panting]

Is anyone here?

[man] Are you afraid?

[Rita] Should I be?

No.

Do you know who I am?

[Rita] No.

Manitas Del Monte.

Pleased to meet you.

[Rita] sh*t.

What do you know of my situation,

Counselor Mora Castro?

[Rita] Your situation?

Your...

Your business is thriving.

Your cartel

wiped out the Alianza del Norte,

your competitor

in the synthetic drug trade.

You made new political allies

last year,

and the elections...

the elections proved you right.

[gasps]

Bingo!

[chuckles]

How can I help you, Mr. Del Monte?

Answering that question would mean

You've accepted

The mission and its secret

Once I tell you what it is

There's no turning back

Hearing is accepting

Also you must know

If I tell you what it's about

And if you agree

Considerable sums of money

Will be wired to Switzerland

The Caymans and elsewhere

Accounts of which only you and I

Will know the existence

Numbers and codes

Accounts and millions

Only you

And me

What do I risk?

Becoming rich.

All right.

All right what?

What do you want me to do?

I want to be a woman.

Um...

I don't get it.

What don't you get?

Well, like...

you mean physically a woman?

Yes.

Do you want...

to change your life

or to change your sex?

What's the difference?

Well...

I'm a lawyer, Mr. Del Monte.

I'm not a surgeon.

That's why I hired you.

To find a good one.

Mr. Del Monte, it could take...

years, it's not at the snap of a finger.

[jacket unzipping]

I started treatment two years

ago.

[gasps]

[jacket zips]

There's no backtracking, kid.

Not for you, not for me.

Find me a safe place for the "reset."

Far away,

not here, not in the United States.

A place where no one could ever find me.

Get me someone untraceable.

Someone competent, spotless.

Your predecessor

wasted a lot of my time.

Counselor Mora Castro,

you now dispose of all my resources.

And, as you can see,

they are unlimited.

[woman] Mexico-Bangkok,

then Bangkok-Bombay, Bombay-Rio.

I have a Mexico City-Haneda.

4-hour layover, Haneda-Bangkok.

- How long would it be?

- [woman] 26 hours.

[gasps] No, no, no.

I have to be back Thursday

for a court hearing.

[woman] You won't make it.

Find me something else.

[woman] Like what, a rocket?

Another class.

[woman] Business?

It's much more expensive.

- And above that?

- [woman] Above what?

Business.

[woman] Wait, you really want me

to check First class?

Yes.

[woman] It exceeds the rates we agreed to.

- How will you pay?

- Credit card.

[woman] What kind of card?

- [woman 2] Rita?

- Huh?

- [woman] Well?

- [woman 2] She's with a client.

[pilot in English]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

this is your Captain speaking,

according to our flight time,

we will arrive...

Hello, very nice to meet you

I'd like to know about

Sex change operations

I see, I see, I see

Man to woman or woman to man?

Man to woman

From p*nis to vag*na

Is it for you?

For me? No

What would you like to know about it

Madam?

I wanna know it all

What is the protocol?

The techniques and the risks?

How many operations?

How much time do you need?

- Mammoplasty?

- Yes

- Vaginoplasty?

- Yes

- Rhinoplasty?

- [all] Yes

- Laryngoplasty?

- Yes

- Mammoplasty?

- Yes

- Vaginoplasty?

- Yes

- Rhinoplasty?

- [all] Yes

- Laryngoplasty?

- Yes

Chondrolaryngoplasty?

What is that?

Adam's apple reduction

[gasps]

Yes, yes, yes, yes

[all] Vaginoplasty

Yes

[all] Penoplasty

Yes, yes!

[all] Laryngoplasty

Yes

[all] Mamoplasty

[all] Man to woman, woman to man

Man to woman, woman to man

[in Spanish] The butt?

[in English] Just for the butt.

How much will it be?

For you? $4,500.

[chorus singing in Spanish]

Vaginoplasty for the men too

[gasping excitedly]

Vaginoplasty makes the men happy

Vaginoplasty for the women too

- Penoplasty

- Man to woman

Penoplasty

[upbeat music playing]

[Rita screams]

Listen, b*tch.

[Manitas] Where are you at, Mora Castro?

Think I pay you to act like hot

sh*t in First class?

Huh?

Move faster, goddammit.

- I'm running out of time.

- [Rita groans]

[speaking English] So, um, your client...

he doesn't have a name?

For the moment

he desires to remain anonymous.

Mmm.

Mexican, like you?

Yes.

He has tons of money.

Okay.

So?

- Has he started hormone therapy yet?

- Yes.

- When?

- Two years ago.

Any medical issues since?

Somatic, psychiatric?

No.

Lady

You know I only fix the body

Skin, bones

But I will never fix the soul

If he's a he, she'll be a he

If he's a she, she'll be a she

If he's a wolf, she'll be a wolf

If he's the wolf

You'll be his sheep

Lady

I've been a doctor since I'm 24

I fight and fix

But I'll never stop the w*r

My door is not God's door

Lady

Lady, will you please

Tell your Mr. Mystery

Instead of having plastic surgery

He'd better change ID

Doctor

I know you did a lot of studies

Doctor

But let me say I disagree

Please

Changing the body changes society

Changing society changes the soul

Changing the soul changes society

Changing Society changes it all

Doctor

You'd better trust my Mr. Mystery

If you had seen

What he has shown to me

You'd be a better man

Doctor

You don't know

What it's like to be a queen

When you were born to strive

And raised to k*ll

You'd better dance or die

Ladies and gentlemen

And everyone in between

And everybody no one has ever been

I'll never let you down!

- [Rita] Doctor

- Lady

- I've been a doctor since I'm 24

- I've been a lawyer since I'm 24

- Don't want to say...

- I fight and fix

- ...what I'm doing this for

- But I'll never stop the w*r

- I'll never plead guilty

- My door is not God's door

- Lady

- Doctor

I didn't come your way

To waste your time

Tell your Mr. Mystery

- Changing gender is not an alibi

- Instead of having plastic surgery

- You'd better change your mind

- He'd better change his mind

- You'd better change your mind

- ...his mind

- You'd better change your mind

- ...change his mind

[sighs] Your mind.

Your mind.

Can I meet him?

That depends.

On what?

On you.

If you're not willing to accept,

I don't think it's worth talking to him.

To listen is to accept.

[lively rap playing on speakers]

[doctor] Could you ask them to lower

this f*cking noise please?

- [Rita] Not a good idea.

- [doctor] What?

[Rita] I don't think that's a good idea.

[doctor] Okay, okay.

[doctor speaking indistinctly]

[man laughing]

- [indistinct radio chatter]

- [dog barks]

[car approaching]

[Rita sighs]

Manitas Del Monte.

- Dr. Wasserman.

- [lively rap playing on car speakers]

[Manitas] Good evening, professor.

Did you have a good trip?

Beside the shitty music it was excellent.

Yeah.

Are you hungry

Would you like to rest...

Neither. We can start wherever you want.

[Manitas] I have always been two.

My real self and the beast that has

followed me like a shadow.

[sighs]

[Manitas] Do you know what it is like

to come from the pigsty?

In order for my true nature

to remain hidden

and Manitas to be respected,

Manitas has to be more b*stard

than the other m*therf*ckers

around him in the pigsty.

[in Spanish] I can't cope anymore.

I constantly thought

about k*lling myself,

but it's not fair to leave

without living my real life.

[Manitas sighs]

[Manitas in English]

Help me, Doctor.

This is my only hope to live my own life.

[in Spanish] The life

nature wouldn't give me.

- What are you doing here?

- [gasps]

And what about you?

Me? I'm his wife.

- Jessi Del Monte.

- Rita.

Rita Mora Castro, lawyer.

I work with your husband.

I figured, but what do you do

for him?

A lot of things.

Are we leaving the country?

- Excuse me?

- [in English] Are we going back

to the United States?

[in Spanish] Sorry, I don't know

anything about that.

Who's the guy with you?

So you've met?

Yes. I was asking Rita

who the guy with you is.

Business, honey.

Where are the kids?

Dancing with the others.

Let's join them.

Coming?

No thanks, I'll just stay here.

Nice meeting you!

[children chattering excitedly]

[Manitas grunting playfully]

[Wasserman in English]

Let me ask you a question.

When you were a child...

you always wanted it?

[Manitas] Yes.

All my life.

[in Spanish] Ever since I'm able to think

this is what I wanted.

But...

in the world I come from,

it's very difficult.

Very difficult.

[Manitas sighs]

I must leave a great deal behind me.

But...

I have no choice.

- [men speaking indistinctly]

- [car doors closing]

- [sighs in relief]

- [car engine starts]

[in English] The notebook.

[car engines revving]

Goodbye, Rita.

Bye, Doctor.

Manitas told them about the music.

Is this necessary?

Yes.

[Rita in Spanish]

The passports with their new names.

They'll have to learn them by heart.

Here are the bank accounts.

The wire transfers

are scheduled and secured

as per your instructions.

They'll be rich.

They'll live here, in Lausanne.

Lakefront, spacious, calm.

You know, Switzerland.

I'll go with them

and help them settle in.

I imagine it won't be easy at first,

but over time,

they'll forget you.

[Manitas sighs]

They'll forget you.

I don't lack sky

I don't lack sea

I don't lack a voice

But I lack song

I don't lack money

I don't lack m*rder

I don't lack lust

But I lack desire

I want another face

I want another skin

I want the depth of my soul

To smell like honey

I don't desire desire

Or to be desired

Let everything that was

No longer be

My only desire

Is to be

Her

SWITZERLAND

[man 1 in French] Welcome, Madam.

[woman 1 in French] Welcome, Madam.

[sniffling]

[man 2] Good evening, Madam.

[man 3 speaks in French]

[woman, in Spanish] Welcome,

ma'am.

- [man, in French] Welcome.

- [Jessi crying]

[in Spanish] This isn't our house!

I want to go home!

Why did he do this to me?

What did I do to him?

Nothing, it's to protect you,

Jessi.

If you go back, your husband's

enemies will hunt you

and your children.

He's sheltering you, see?

Please,

I don't want this.

I don't belong here.

[in English] Why can't we go to

my sister's in the States?

[in Spanish] Please... Please...

- How long will this last?

- I don't know.

Several months?

Maybe more.

[sobbing]

[Rita] It's done.

They moved in.

It was very hard,

but they're safe.

[Manitas, over phone]

Everything must disappear.

You're rich now.

Enjoy it.

Your mission is over.

All right.

[Manitas] Farewell, Rita.

[sobbing]

[laughing]

DNA from human remains found in

Veracruz has been identified.

- They belong to Manitas Del Monte.

- [Jessi gasps]

The drug lord, thought to have

fled the country,

had, in fact, fallen into the

hands of his enemies.

- Next...

- [child] Mama.

[sobbing]

[heartbeat monitor beeping]

[Manitas gasping]

[groaning softly]

[breathing heavily]

- [muffled chatter]

- [Manitas groans]

[Manitas straining]

[sobs softly]

[muffled chatter on TV]

- [blinds rattling]

- [birds chirping]

[groans softly]

[chuckling weakly]

[sobs]

[Emilia] Emilia...

Prez.

Seora Emilia Prez.

Emilia Prez.

Seora Emilia Prez.

Pleased to meet you.

I am Seora Emilia Prez.

FOUR YEARS LATER

["Swing Supreme"

by Robbie Williams playing]

LONDON

[indistinct chatter]

[all chattering indistinctly]

- [in English] Rita.

- Yes.

What's the dirty on Maxwell?

I think that he will sign by Monday.

He's a bit mercurial but give him time.

Mercurial? What do you mean?

Today he says yes, tomorrow he says no.

By Monday I think he's gonna say yes.

- Ah... He's like someone I know.

- Touch.

Are you... English?

Me? No.

No, I'm not English. Why?

No, because you have something...

special... something different.

You are pretty.

Sorry.

I'm Mexican.

- Really?

- Yes.

[in Spanish] Me too.

No kidding?

What part?

Monterrey.

[man in English] You want to switch seats,

maybe you can talk?

- Yes. Yes.

- Thank you.

- No problem.

- Thank you, my friend.

[sighs]

- [in Spanish] Gentlemen are rare nowadays.

- [Rita] That's true.

I'm from Veracruz.

I was born in the Dominican

Republic,

but I went to school in Mexico.

Lovely!

It's nice speaking Spanish.

You miss Mexico?

Me? Um...

In fact, no, not really.

Sometimes,

but I'd always wanted to travel

and live elsewhere.

And you?

No, I've been in transit for ages.

I even lost my northern accent.

I hear it.

- Who did you come with?

- Simon.

Oh?

He sees to my business in Europe.

[Rita] Simon?

Actually, Simon and I...

[Emilia sighs]

Is it you?

Bingo.

sh*t.

What are you doing here?

I have business in London.

Cut the crap.

You had me tailed?

Not at all. Don't worry.

I don't recognize your voice.

Just my voice?

Don't tell me you came by chance

That you're just passing through

Don't tell me you came by chance

Tell me you came to erase the past

To get rid of the last witness, me!

By chance

Don't tell me you came here by chance

Tell me that you came to k*ll me

To clean up, so no one knows

Who you were and what I know

Don't tell me you came by chance

No.

By chance

No Rita, I haven't come by chance

Nor have I come as a friend

To thank you once more

And toss you flowers

No Rita, I haven't come by chance

No Rita, I haven't come by chance

I didn't come to look into your eyes

And see the shock of your life

"It's her, no it's not

Yes it is her!"

I didn't come to look in a mirror

Or to tell you my life either

- What are you doing here?

- That I changed skin and body

Suffered like hell

But it was worth it

That I'm happy now, I'm myself

No Rita, I didn't come for any of that

No Rita, I haven't come by chance

You can flee, run away

I won't stop you

But one day you may understand

What it's like to change lives

And leave everything behind

I have something to ask you

Something to ask me by chance?

I need you to bring my children

back to Mexico.

I can't live without them.

I beg of you.

[ethereal choral music playing]

[Jessi] Where will we live?

[Rita] Her place.

She has a mansion in Las Lomas.

Do you know this Emilia Prez?

Manitas mentioned a distant cousin

you could trust, if anything happened.

She knew how to join me.

When it was time,

she sent me for you.

[Jessi in English] Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Pray for me. I'll miss you.

[in Spanish] I knew nothing of this.

No one...

No one could know.

[car doors closing]

Falling

Into the sky

MEXICO CITY

Rising up into the abyss

[woman] Madam Emilia, they're

coming!

My children!

My family. Jessi.

They're coming. Hurry!

- Yes, Madam.

- Hurry!

Help them, quick!

[all chattering indistinctly]

Welcome.

Welcome to your home.

[Emilia breathes deeply]

Come.

[Emilia sighs deeply]

We've never met, right, Jessi?

No, I don't think so.

You were Manitas' wife.

He left us. Peace be with him.

You're like my sister now.

This is your home. Welcome.

Thank you, ma'am.

Emilia, please.

Emilia, hmm?

[chuckles softly]

Guys!

Want to see your rooms? Eh?

Want to?

[Emilia exclaims, laughs]

Careful, there's no railing.

Uh, Rita, you'll stay with us?

No, I'm at the Four Seasons.

That's mine, thanks.

I have to get back to London.

Wait a second.

[Emilia] How do you find her?

[Rita groans] Totally out of it.

You know her better than me.

[Emilia] I did before.

I don't know about now.

[Rita] Don't dwell

on how others have changed.

[Emilia] You're right.

[Rita] It's a miracle

she didn't recognize you.

Be careful with the children.

[Emilia] Why?

[Rita] Stop kissing them all the time.

You're their aunt, not their mother.

[cutlery clinking]

Anything else?

No, thank you.

You don't like it?

Not talking to me?

Do we have to go to school?

Yes, uh...

Children go to school.

And their parents go to work.

Mommy doesn't work.

Uh, that's true.

I don't want to go to school here.

- Me neither.

- Okay.

What do you want to do?

Can we stay with Mommy?

I want to ski like in Switzerland.

What?

Skiing in the snow.

Me too.

[chuckling]

[knocks at door]

[door opens]

[maid] Good morning, ma'am.

- [Jessi groans]

- Your breakfast.

[Jessi in English] No!

- [door closes]

- [Jessi] f*ck

Welcome

To your beloved country

My darling

To your luxurious home, cousin dear

Where everything's costly

Pleased to meet you!

And many thanks to the family

Welcome

Be polite

Say hello, my dear

To the big boss Aunt Emilia

And the new guards, cousin dear

Of your gilded prison

Welcome

[muffled] To your fairy trap

Cousin dear

[normally] To the life of your dreams

My pretty

Look at that clothesline, dear child

All that laundered money

Hanging to dry

Look at your golden handcuffs

My dear

Your padlock necklaces

Cousin dear

You'll feel so good in here

Fool

You'll never want to run away

Welcome

Welcome

I obeyed my dead man

In Switzerland

I took care of our kids

Enough!

I cried my eyes out

Fool

I took care of everything

Welcome

I'm at your service

f*ck you

Now don't mess with me

Cousin dear

I'll jump over the wall, my darling

I'll quench my thirst

Welcome

Venerated

Excited

Admired

Overjoyed

Adulated

Mega-liked

Welcome

[song ends]

[exhales]

[birds chirping]

I don't know if this is

Gustavo Brun's number.

It's Jessi.

If it's your number, Gustavo,

I wanted you to know...

that lawyer, Rita Mora,

called to tell me I could come back.

That I no longer risked getting

shot stepping off the plane.

And I...

[in English] I'll just cut to the chase.

Gustavo...

[in Spanish]

you're the reason I came back.

My p*ssy still hurts

when I think of you.

[ethereal music playing]

[crowd chattering]

And if I pay you?

For what?

For you to stay.

Enough with that.

What would I do?

Nothing, just stay around.

That's kind of you.

But no.

Thanks.

What's up in London?

You have someone.

Work is the only thing that's up.

I offer you to stay and do

nothing, and you want to go?

- You want children?

- Yes.

I do. I just need a father.

- We'll buy one.

- [laughing]

Tell me.

Tell me who you want

and I'll buy him.

Him?

You like him?

Once and again

Where the dog failed

MISSING: OCTAVIO VARGAS

That's Octavio.

My eldest. He was 23.

He disappeared in 2013, on

November 18,

in the Michoacn.

He was a student.

He disappeared on a trip down

south.

He wanted to be a teacher.

I'm sorry.

Once and again

We can't find anything

Edgar...

[man speaks indistinctly]

[woman continues singing

indistinctly]

[Rita sighs]

You ever think, once in a while,

about everything Manitas did?

All the horror?

Quiet, not here.

I don't know who Manitas is.

Yes, I think about that.

And there's a lot that I regret.

Of course.

[people singing in the distance]

Thank you.

[car engine starts]

[Emilia sighs]

Auntie Emi?

Why are you up?

I can't fall asleep.

You'll wake up your brother.

Close your eyes.

[boy sniffing]

What are you doing? What are you doing?

What are you doing?

[sniffs] You smell like my Papa.

I love it.

Do you miss him?

Yes.

[sighs]

Papa, Papa, Papa, Papa, Papa

You smell like Papa

You smell like the mountains

Leather and coffee

You smell like food

Spicy, spicy!

You smell like sugar

Lamb roasting on the fire

The engine of the car

You also smell like Coca

Cola

Light

With lemon

Ice cubes

And sweat

You smell like Papa

Would you rather

I wear perfume?

Auntie...

I like how you smell

but I don't like the perfume you use.

He smelled of little pebbles

Hot from the sun

He smelled like grass

Like mezcal and guacamole

He smelled like dogs

In car rides

He smelled like cigars

When he hugged us

For the last time

The last time

[Emilia sobbing softly]

The last time

The last time

Papa, papa, papa, papa, papa

Papa, papa, papa

Papa, papa, papa

CENTRAL PRISON

[indiscernible]

[door buzzer blares]

[indistinct chatter]

[man] Do you know him?

f*ck, no.

I don't recognize the face.

Maybe from when we stole hostages

from the Tiburones.

It got ugly.

We had to get rid of them in town.

Where?

The old San Cristbal refinery.

[door buzzer blares]

[car trundling]

[indistinct chatter]

[Emilia] When she kissed my hand,

I felt her tears,

and for the first time, I loved myself.

[metal scraping nearby]

How many disappearances

in this country?

[Rita] Tens of thousands.

[sighs]

It's horrific.

We can't stand idly by.

We must help them.

[sighs]

How?

I know former sicarios

willing to do good.

That's too dangerous for you.

- You'll go see them.

- Me?

You're a lawyer.

You'll persuade them.

[Rita gasps softly]

[sicario 1] We left them

scattered over the Sinaloa.

We burned them.

Some were taken to Tierra Caliente,

near Guerrero.

Others in Veracruz.

Um... The town of San Martn.

Otherwise we cut them into pieces.

[Rita] Did you bury them?

We dismembered them

and left them on the road.

When was this?

Two years ago.

Just you?

No, with the g*ng.

- How many?

- Four.

- Was it a family?

- Yes.

There was a mother, two brothers,

and a friend of theirs, I guess.

We grabbed the old man

and put him in the van.

When we got there, we k*lled him.

We burned them.

[sicario 2] We left no traces.

We burned them.

[sicario 3] Threw them in the river.

[sicario 4] We ran all over the

country to destroy the evidence.

[overlapping conversations]

Hello, everyone.

[reporter] Seora Prez,

why "La Lucecita"?

Named after our goal.

A ray of hope for those with none.

How will your NGO be financed?

With my money,

but we'll take help from anyone.

Thank you.

All information will be

available in the NGO's charter.

Thank you, now excuse us.

[Emilia on TV] Our NGO operates

in compliance with the law.

We are not a replacement

for public services.

We work with them

to help those who need it most.

Our main goal

is to help families

find their loved ones.

Here there are no guilty parties.

We don't judge anyone.

For a new life, a new horizon:

La Lucecita.

[indistinct chatter]

[melancholy music playing]

So that I know where

When and how it happened

So I can tell those he loved

How it ended

So his friends can mourn him

So that I know

Where the bad people hid her

So that I can engrave his dates

I am here

So I can talk about the color

Of his face

I am here

So that I can look myself

In the mirror

So I can raise my children

With clean money

So there can be a life before

And a life after

So I can learn to calculate

That one plus two makes three

So I can cleanse my skin of tattoos

I am here

So I can put my errors to good use

I am here

Here, here, here

I am here

[all]

So that the disappeared can reappear

So mother and child can be reunited

So we can look the nightmare

In the eyes

So deep down

There is strength and hope

So we can overcome society's mockery

So we can cross over and face evil

So that our hearts

Can scream the truth

So we can walk

Our heads held high

So we can eat, live and breathe

We are here

So we can ask for forgiveness

And forgive

We are here

[music fades]

["Amor a Primera Vista" by Belinda,

Lalo, and Los ngeles Azules playing]

[song continues over speakers]

[Emilia] Evening, beautiful.

Have a good time?

Yes.

- Want some?

- No.

Whisky?

Sure.

[liquid pouring]

- Can I ask you something?

- Mm-hmm?

How was it with your husband?

I don't know.

[laughing] What do you mean?

Did you love him?

I was crazy for him.

Did he love you?

I don't know.

After the kids were born...

[in English] Wasn't the same anymore.

[in Spanish] For you or for him?

For him.

Did it make you sad?

I was alone.

What would have happened

if he hadn't died?

I don't know.

He'd have done like the others.

He'd have found himself

a younger one.

He'd have had kids with her

and sent me to hell.

Or maybe I'd have found another guy.

Did you cheat on him?

With who?

Why do you ask?

No reason.

Simple curiosity.

Did it last long?

Why not?

It was too intense.

I couldn't think about anything else.

I'd never experienced anything like it.

What happened?

Nothing.

I ended it.

I stopped wanting to see him.

You never thought

about running off together?

Did you know your cousin

or not at all?

No matter where we went,

he'd have found us.

He'd have cut us into pieces

and fed us to the dogs.

I'm going to bed.

[in English] Good night.

[in Spanish] Goodnight.

This is Channel 3,

here with Seora Prez.

The victims seem to have been

m*rder*d

by Los Globales,

one of Mexico's largest cartels.

What do you have to say, Ms. Prez?

I'd like to emphasize that

almost 100,000 people

are missing in Mexico,

victims of drug-traffic related violence.

After discovering what can only

be called a mass grave,

the Department of Public Safety

didn't open an investigation.

They didn't even send a team here.

About that,

there's another point

I insist on making.

We've had to enlist

the help of other cities.

Police here

don't have sufficient resources

to lead the investigations

that need to be led.

BENEFIT GALA

FOR FAMILIES OF THE DISAPPEARED

[indistinct chatter]

[woman] What are you hoping for?

[Emilia] Empathy and support.

- [man] You mean money?

- [Emilia] Dough, yeah.

Financial support.

Thank you.

[Rita] I saw the guest list.

Who are the people you added?

Drug kingpins,

corrupt officials, crooks.

- [sighs in exasperation]

- You mind?

[breathes deeply]

If we're funded with dirty money,

yes, I mind.

I don't know any British royals yet,

so I invite the rich guys I know.

- [MC speaking]

- How do I look?

Gorgeous.

[MC] And now let's greet...

How about me?

...Emilia Prez!

f*cking b*tch.

[applause]

Rita!

I'm Berlinger, your old boss.

Remember?

- Yes, yes.

- Call me when you can.

[Emilia] How wonderful

to see you here tonight.

I am proud and satisfied, truly.

Esteemed ministers,

esteemed senators,

representatives

of the Chamber of Commerce,

Minister of the Interior,

Minister of Culture.

Look at the Chemist

Got made Minister of something

Had his partner's throat slit

His family's too

What about the corpses?

Acid!

Look at Judge Santos

Cares only about children

Cartels kidnap them

Steal them from their villages

And Santos has their cases dismissed

No evidence

Talk, all these people talk

But now they are going to pay

To pay, to pay

Talk, all these people talk

But now

They are going to pay

They are going to pay

[Emilia]

You have the upper hand

Everyone knows you

No one knows me

Or barely

I am Emilia Prez

A Mexican woman!

A woman like any other!

Look at the Minister

Of Public Education

Specialist in shell companies

The contracts are real

But the schools aren't

So now tell us!

Where did you get your jet

Your pool, your hotel?

Look at the Governor

Who voted him in? The cartel?

They bought the farmer vote

One by one

Pay the cartel

They're already sitting

On your f*cking throne

[Emilia speaking indistinctly]

Talk, all these people talk

But now they are going to pay

To pay, to pay

Talk, all these people talk

But now they are going to pay

They are going to pay

And thank God

I have by my side

An exceptional woman

Rita Mora Castro!

She is intelligence incarnate!

Intelligence incarnate!

It's very difficult

Look at the cr*pple

Not lame from birth

Next time you pay late

You'll end up in a wheelchair

Or like him, without a hand

Be on time if you're corrupt

Look at our dear Mendoza

With his new wife

Very young

Very blonde

Blonde!

[gasps]

Talk, all these people talk

But now they are going to pay

To pay, to pay

Talk, all these people talk

But now they are going to pay

They are going to pay

Talk, all these people talk

Losing a loved one is a tragedy

Losing their remains

Is a life sentence!

A life sentence!

It's a life sentence!

Earthquake!

[all] Cheers!

[indistinct chatter]

[knocking at door]

Come in.

- Emilia?

- Yes.

Mrs. Epifana Flores.

- Show her in, thanks.

- Yes.

Go on in.

Thank you.

Come in, have a seat.

[door closes]

What can I do for you?

You found my husband.

Where is he?

At the morgue.

At the morgue?

[Emilia] Mm-hmm.

What's he doing there?

He's dead.

Are you sure it's him?

Yes, 99.99%.

I'm very sorry.

[laughs]

[laughing hysterically]

Excuse me.

[sobbing]

I'm very sorry.

Excuse me.

[sobbing]

Forgive me, perhaps I was too abrupt.

I thought he was going to be here.

I was so scared.

I had five years of peace.

Then I got your letter...

He used to hit me,

steal my money, r*pe me.

If he weren't dead, I'd...

I'd have...

I even brought a knife.

No one can hurt you anymore.

It's over. Hmm?

[Epifana sobbing]

Do you want anything?

Water?

Are you okay?

Yes, I am.

Stop.

Have a good day, Mrs. Flores.

Thanks a lot.

- [telephones ringing]

- [indistinct chatter]

Mrs. Flores!

Tell me,

what do we do with the corpse?

Throw it away!

That's it?

Okay.

You really brought a knife?

[whispering] Can we meet again?

What for?

Just to see each other.

Yes.

Goodbye.

[Epifana] You found everything?

Yes.

[chuckles]

- Leaving already?

- Mm-hmm.

To get home

before the kids wake up.

Kids?

Um...

You have children?

Yes.

Well, no.

Same difference.

Same difference?

Their father died. I'm their aunt.

Oh.

Um...

Will I see you again?

You want to?

Yeah, I do.

You?

- Yes.

- [chuckles]

[Emilia] Love me

Protect me

Half him

Half her

Half papa

Half aunt

Half rich

Half poor

Half kingpin

Half queen

Half here

Half there

Half dead

Half alive

Half inside

Half out

Everything

Nothing

Who am I? I've no idea

I am what I feel

And for the first time

I feel a feeling

Life without love

Has been an endless fall

What joy

To make love with love

Emilia

Emilia

[Emilia] And Epifana

[Epifana] Emilia

[Emilia] And Epifana

Half me

Half her

Half together

Half alone

Half down

Half up

At the beginning

And at the end

Who am I? I've no idea

I was born at this very moment

I was born of her desire

I was born from her belly

Life without desire

Has been like a mountain

Now my desire

Leads me to the river

I am in love

In love

[Emilia humming]

- [telephones ringing]

- [indistinct chatter]

- How did you learn this?

- What?

You change people's lives.

Not just them. Me.

Everyone.

I spent my life studying, and for what?

So the rich get richer,

and the b*stards get worse.

Is something wrong?

I'm 40 years old, Emilia.

My love life is a desert

and my professional life, a sewer.

What can I say?

Nothing.

- [sighs] Nothing.

- [Emilia sighs]

None of this would exist without you.

This is your professional life.

You should be proud.

Am I wrong?

Thanks.

- [lively music playing]

- [indistinct chatter]

[in English] He's so up his own arse,

that guy.

He's always talking about himself.

I'm like, "Can't you just keep it quiet?"

- Becks... You know Rebecca Blank. She...

- Yeah.

She... [laughs]

She is amazing.

She said, "Look, Jack,

if you're gonna come to my wedding,

I'm the bride,

you let me be the star of the evening."

[woman faintly singing in

Spanish]

[Simon] You need to go

and have a cold shower...

[continues speaking

indistinctly]

Yes to say no

I want to, I want to

[both] I want to love myself

I want to love my life

To love what I feel

I want to love myself

To love myself fully

To love myself as I am

I want to love the little girl

That they wouldn't let me be

I want to love the old lady

That I may become one day

I want to love myself every day

Every hour, every second

I am, and that's enough

That's what being a woman is, right?

I want to love myself

The way I want to be loved

Loved

I want to love myself

To love my life

Love myself the way I am

If I fall off a cliff

It's my cliff

If I double over in pain

It's my pain

If I go to seventh heaven

It's my heaven

If I go down the wrong path

Who cares?

It's my path

I want to love

Myself

To love my life

To love what I feel

It's my path

I want

To love myself

To love myself fully

To love myself as I am

When I go out

[children exclaiming] Right, right.

- [announcer in English] 30 seconds left.

- [children in Spanish] Right.

- [announcer in English] Speed run!

- [children in Spanish] No, right.

[children exclaiming]

- [children exclaiming] Right

- [Emilia exclaiming indistinctly]

Stand straight.

25 seconds.

[children giggling]

More over there.

Stop, left.

No!

I'm going to crash!

[indistinct chatter]

[children] Right, right!

[indistinct shouting]

[announcer speaking indistinctly

in English]

The scent of my boys!

[indistinct conversation]

I'll pick them up.

[child] Bye, Aunt Emi.

I entrust them to you.

Yes, madam. Thanks.

[game announcer continues

indistinctly]

[door closes]

[maids chatter indistinctly]

[knocks at door]

- Hi, Jessi.

- [in English] Oh, jeez!

- [in Spanish] You scared me.

- [Emilia] Sorry.

Do as you please here, but...

- I know, the children.

- [Emilia] Yes.

Just be careful. They're young.

I know, I said.

Thanks.

I have something to tell you.

Go on.

[speaks in English] I'm getting married.

[shower pours]

[chuckles]

[in Spanish] Getting married? To who?

Gustavo.

- Still seeing that guy?

- Yes.

Doesn't this seem... a little hasty?

I've been waiting 5 years for this.

Okay.

If you're happy, I'm happy.

[chuckles]

[Emilia sighs]

Where will you be living?

Uh... We're looking at a villa in Polanco.

- And the kids?

- What about them?

They're staying here.

No. Why? They'll live with us.

And this villa in Polanco has a garden?

Yes, it has everything.

Any good schools there?

We haven't looked yet.

When you say...

"The children will live with us,"

you mean you and your pimp?

What?

When you say

"the children will live with us",

you mean with you

and your f*cking pimp?

My pimp?

Yes!

Who are you to talk,

f*cking old d*ke?

Want me to tell you about your wh*re?

[both grunt]

You can go f*ck your mother

with your f*cking pimp,

but my children

stay here!

[breath trembling]

They're my children.

[Jessi] Your children?

Your children?

Are you out of your mind?

They're my children!

My children!

[breath trembling]

[Gustavo groaning]

Here's 100,000.

Get out of Mexico City.

If I see you again,

you're dog meat.

Get it?

[Gustavo breathing heavily]

[all panting]

What time did they leave?

I don't know.

Everyone was asleep.

They didn't leave a note?

I didn't find one.

[Emilia breathing heavily]

Jessi, it's me, Emilia.

I don't know why you did this.

Call me when you can, please.

[Emilia] She left with the children

With my sons and all their

Stuff to Polanco for sure

With her pimp

She can't do this

Okay, I get it, she's the mother

Then what am I?

I won't let her do this

Calm down

Don't worry

Calm down

Relax

Calm down

I can't even buy food

No more money

She cut me off

None of my cards works

All my accounts, blocked

She wanted to take my kids

And now my money?

Calm down

[both] She wants to steal my kids

[in English]

I'll f*cking k*ll everybody

How could I have married that sl*t?

[in English] Everybody

How could I have married that ingrate?

You should have thought twice

What do you think?

You can manipulate people

As you please?

That was another life

Things are different now

How could I have lived with her?

How could I have trusted that b*tch?

I don't know why she did it

I'll talk to her

I'll sort it out

I'll set things right

It's Manitas' money, my husband's

- The money he left me when he died

- Calm down!

She can't do this

How the f*ck could you do this?

Why not tell me first?

How can she access my accounts?

Calm down

Don't worry

It was done by Manitas

Your husband, to protect you

[in English] How the f*ck

Did you know that?

I want my children

If you want your children

You must put out the fire

I want my children

[in English]

Where the f*ck is my money?

You must put out the fire

- I want my children

- [in English] f*ck you

[sighs]

[Rita in Spanish] Good evening.

- [worker 1] Good evening.

- [worker 2] See you tomorrow.

[Rita] Turn out the lights

before you leave.

[woman] See you tomorrow.

The office is open from 9 to 5.

We're closing.

You had an appointment?

- Yes.

- Can I help you?

Not really,

I'm here to see Seora Prez.

Are you Epifana?

You're Rita, right?

- Yes.

- [Epifana chuckles]

- It's done.

- What is?

We've finally met. About time!

Come. I'll get my keys.

- Goodnight.

- [people respond indistinctly]

It's me.

Have a seat.

Can I say you're here?

Yes.

Epifana is here.

We're waiting for you.

Call back soon.

She speaks often of you.

Oh, really?

- Mm-hmm.

- What does she say?

Since she met you,

she's like a teenager.

A fifteen year old...

Effusive.

- Glowing.

- [chuckles]

She often speaks of you.

- Oh, really?

- [Epifana] Mm-hmm.

What does she say?

She says you're like her sister.

That you changed her life.

How did I change her life?

When? What did she tell you?

She told me about her family,

about the children,

the nephews she adores.

She said she owes this place to you.

That you made her...

smarter

and more generous.

- Did I say something wrong?

- No, no, no.

Not at all, sorry.

Emilia is exaggerating as usual,

but it moves me.

You and I are her only friends.

[chuckles]

Talk about a f*cking fan club!

- [chuckles]

- [cell phone vibrating]

Yes?

It's me, yes.

[police sirens approaching]

What?

Where?

You're here?

[police sirens wail]

Wait a minute.

[indistinct radio chatter]

[officer] We found Ms. Prez's car.

Her driver is dead.

Ms. Prez has been kidnapped.

- [screams]

- I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

[nervous chatter]

[Rita] A white shirt

and a black skirt...

[officer] Ms. Mora Castro?

Excuse me.

[sighs]

[gasps]

[Rita] Emilia!

[Gustavo] No.

This isn't her.

Did you get the package?

[Rita] Yes.

[Gustavo]

You know how to count with fingers?

[Rita] 30 million.

[Gustavo] Good.

Put her on so I can hear her.

- [Emilia, weakly] Rita.

- [gasps]

Yes, Emilia.

[Emilia] Do what they ask, okay?

[voice breaking] Of course I will.

[Emilia] I'm not here by chance.

[sobs]

Time flew...

[Emilia] Time flew so fast.

Bingo.

[Emilia] That's my line, dummy.

[laughs]

[sobbing]

Come on, come on...

[breathes deeply]

Ponchis.

You have to come to La Lucecita.

Bring 8 or 9 big guys.

[indiscernible]

[g*ns tap and clack rhythmically]

[g*n clatters]

sh*t.

Goddammit!

[Ponchis over radio]

Continue straight ahead.

We'll go ahead.

We'll take the next turn.

Jos, turn left.

k*ll the lights.

[Emilia breathing heavily]

[breathing heavily]

What will you do with me?

Recover the money

you stole from me.

And then?

You're nothing to us.

You'll k*ll me?

She's coming.

Lights off.

[indistinct chatter]

[Gustavo] Lights off!

Turn off your f*cking lights!

[Rita yelps]

[Gustavo] Get up and walk.

- Your left hand.

- No!

Let me see Emilia.

I want to see Emilia!

f*cking old b*tch.

Show me your f*cking left hand, b*tch!

I told you.

If you don't come out with Emilia,

there's no money, as*h*le!

You hear me?

Come out with her!

Okay, you two come with me.

- You cover us.

- [man] Understood.

Honey,

get her ready.

Come.

[Jessi grunts]

[Gustavo] Stop moving!

[Rita] You hear me?

No money till I see her!

Come out with her!

f*ck!

She's not alone!

[Rita squealing]

[Jessi whimpering]

[high-pitched ringing]

[g*nshots fade]

[g*nshots stop]

[muffled] Emilia!

[ethereal music playing]

[gasps]

[Jessi exclaims]

I met you when you were 17

Back then

I was seeing Julianne, your sister

What are you saying?

When I was with Julianne

It was you I'd stare at

Then one day in the Azucena

I kissed you

And we went upstairs to do the rest

You kissed me?

We went upstairs to do the rest

Who told you this?

When we wed

I gave you two necklaces

You told me...

Quiet

You told me you'd lost one

But I knew you gave it away

To Julianne so she'd forgive you

On the day of the wedding

You were so ashamed of your family

You didn't want to see them

So you put them

In the back of the church

Who are you?

Emilia

Manitas

My God, what have we done?

Jessica

Forgive me

Forgive me

[both] Forgive me

[both] Forgive me

Forgive me

Forgive me

[Gustavo yelling]

Forgive me

Forgive me

Forgive me

[Gustavo] Shut up, you f*cking b*tch!

I'm demanding you here!

[whimpering]

Jessica.

[Gustavo] Get in the car!

What are we doing?

Get in the car, Jessie!

[whimpering]

Get in the car, Jessie, f*ck!

Yes, yes, yes.

[car engine starts]

g*dd*mn m*therf*ckers!

Stop!

- What?

- Stop!

What's your problem?

Stop the car!

Get off me, you lunatic!

You're f*cking crazy!

What's your problem?

He's in the trunk.

Manitas.

He's in the trunk.

My husband!

- What?

- In the trunk!

Stop the car!

Careful with that.

Careful with that thing.

- Watch out.

- Stop the car!

What are you doing, Jessi?

Please!

Calm down.

I'll pull over.

Relax.

Calm down.

[Jessi exclaims]

[Jessi grunting]

[Jessi screaming]

[Jessi and Gustavo exclaiming]

[Rita panting]

Madam Rita.

They're coming.

[sighs]

[sobs softly]

[whispering]

Your mother had a car accident.

She won't be coming home.

Now I'll take care of you.

[Epifana] I dedicate this poem

To the beloved, so loved

For a fleeting instant

To the woman of my nights

The one who left at dawn

Never speaking about herself

To she who drank from my fountains

Whose mystery I miss

Like a distant star

[all] To she who let me be free

Free like the air

Free like her scent

To she who in a spark

Her arms wide open

Crossed our path

To she who worked the miracle

Of changing lead to gold

And enchanted the world

To she who hoisted beside us

For the cause of the damned

The flag of Truth

To she whose fiery countenance

With her marvelous grace

Filled us with Happiness

To she who will never come back

To she who kept her secret

I offer these flowers

[crowd vocalizing]

[vocalizing continues]

[song fades]

[melancholy music playing]

[children] We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Stoves

Washing machines

Microwaves

We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Stoves

Washing machines

Microwaves

We buy

Mattresses

Bedsprings

Refrigerators

Stoves

Washing machines

Microwaves

We buy

My life

My soul

We buy

If I fall off a cliff

It's my cliff if I double over in pain

It's my pain

If I go to seventh heaven

It's my heaven

If I go down the wrong path who cares?

When I go out

A lot partying

When I act

Like a b*tch

When I am

The perfect lady

When I say yes

To say no

I want to, I want to

I want

To love myself

To love my life

To love what I feel

I want

To love myself

To love myself fully

To love myself as I am

I want to love

The little girl

That they wouldn't let me be

I want to love

The old lady that I may

Become one day

I want to love myself every day

Every hour, every second

I am, and that's enough

That's what being a woman is, right?

I want to love myself

I want to be loved

Loved

I want

To love myself

To love my life

To love what I feel

I want

To love myself

To love myself fully

To love myself as I am

If I fall off a cliff

It's my cliff if I double over in pain

It's my pain

If I go to seventh heaven

It's my heaven

If I go down the wrong path who cares?

It's my path

I want

To love myself

To love my life

To love what I feel

It's my path

I want

To love myself

To love myself fully

To love myself as I am

When

I go out

A lot partying

When I act

Like a b*tch

When we speak of violence

Let's speak of compassion

Let's speak of our dead

Let's speak of our shadows

Let's greet our world

When we speak of violence

Let's open our heart

Let's love the women

Let's forgive the men

Let's embrace misery

Misery

Misery