White Widow (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Taxi! Taxi!

Don't think it's going

to happen.

Heathrow?

Yeah.

Yeah, me too.

Where are you headed?

The U.S.

Had a lay over last night and...

All I wanted to do

was see London, but

I haven't given

myself enough time.

I'm sorry.

I haven't had much sleep.

I'm just...

- What time is your flight?

- Nine.

We still make that.

I know a way.

You ready for this?

Come on.

Have you got bags to check?

This is all I've got.

You said you were going

for a connecting flight.

Where are you coming from?

Have you missed it up?

Not yet.

Would you like a lift into town?

My mother told me never to

get into cars to strange men.

I'm supposed to have a ride.

You should wait.

I wouldn't advise you to get into a

car with one of this lot by yourself.

Why would I assume

that you're any safer?

Because you're white and Western?

No, that isn't what I meant.

Okay, let's do it.

This is Nevada.

Living in Africa must have been incredible.

Can't place your accent.

Oh, I'm Irish.

It's so neutral.

Sound like you're from nowhere.

I suppose I move around a lot.

Is that where you're going now?

- To Ireland?

- Yeah.

Do you live there?

No, no, I live in London.

Kind of.

I've been staying with

a friend for the past while.

I'm a bit in between things.

Transitional period.

I'm adrift.

You're very honest.

Ah, Jesus, I don't know about that.

I can lie with the best

of them sometimes.

Don't let her youth deceive you.

Natalie is one of the most brilliant

biochemists we've ever had.

The research has helped

dramatically boost plant use

and that's already attracting

significant investment.

Natalie has spent almost

three years perfecting

the strain at a lab

in Rutgers University

and is now ready to

test it on a large scale.

We've seen a dramatic increase

in the nutritional value

of the lab samples.

Upward of 50% compared

to the generic seeds.

It's delicate, but if we

get it right, it'll save lives.

How sure are you that it will work?

Well, that's why I'm here.

I made it work in the lab,

so now I'm going to

make it work in the fields.

So how long before you have a crop?

Well,

depending on the rainy season,

we should be expecting

a late September harvest.

So, um...

why are you going home?

I don't know if I call it that. Um...

My dad's sick, he's dying.

I'm sorry.

No, don't be. Please.

f*ck him.

We've been estranged for years.

You're going to confront him?

I always thought I would one day.

When I was ready.

I suppose when I...

Made something of myself,

become somebody, you know?

Don't think I'm there yet.

Jesus, I don't even want

to do this at all, actually.

Sorry.

I don't know why I just told you that.

It's just weird saying it to a-

To a complete stranger.

No, it's nice.

You'll never see me again

after today.

- Oh, thank you.

- Yeah.

This is a nice surprise.

But beautiful.

They're lotus flowers.

When the sun goes down,

they close up really tightly.

In the morning, they...

they live again.

These are from Lake Tana,

the source of the Blue Nile.

You might have seen them there.

You work on the plantation

and can prepare a road.

Do you keep records

on your laborers?

I just work in the lab

at the moment.

Spare me your f*cking skills,

Ray.

What have you achieved here

apart from a six figure salary?

I hear you're a Wunderkin

PhD student whose

research is the basis

for a massive expansion.

Sounds like you have a file on me.

No, it's a small community.

Why are you so interested

in our laborers?

Let's be f*cking honest with each other.

This continent is more f*cked up than ever.

I'll get through it.

It's just fine.

It's true,

it's just all just fine!

Excuse me.

But I'm proud of

what I've done here.

Liberal!

You're f*cking kind to yourself!

- Yeah.

- Keep him off.

Keep up the good work,

everybody.

It's all going to burn.

And you better get

out before it's too late.

Let's get a whiskey.

- I'm worried about him.

- I don't know...

I think the heat is getting to Brad.

I'm thinking of contacting the U.S.

to ask for replacement.

Hey, Wilson.

Where are you going?

We need more hands.

- I'll come with you.

- No...

it's our China Square.

Not a nice place.

Wilson?

So, you decided

to get your hands dirty?

Occupational hazard.

What's your deal?

What are you doing here?

Working. Same as you.

And what is your work,

exactly?

I write reports.

It's quite dull, actually.

On what?

Different things.

- It depends.

- That's vague.

What about right now?

I'm writing about this thread of

Iranian-sponsored Islam in East Africa.

So what's got you so interested

in our plantation workers?

A couple of your flower pickers are

undocumented Somali immigrants.

Just like those guys.

People want to make

sure we've got a handle

on any radicals

planning to strike them.

Well, this is me and you

need to get off at the next stop.

You should just make it.

What if I miss my flight?

I know your dad is sick,

but Dublin's close, right?

What about 24 hours in London

with me?

That sounds crazy, but...

I've had a f*cked-up year,

and it's taught me that

you've got to do things

when they feel right.

Look, I'd love to, but...

My bags are going to Dublin.

Hi.

Hi.

- Is that your diary?

- Something like that.

- What can I get you?

- May I have a cup of tea?

Tea. Thank you.

Why did you call me?

I wanted to apologize.

For the other day. For what

Gregor said to you at the party.

Isn't it Gregor who should

be apologizing?

Yeah, but...

I knew he never would, and I saw

a chance to get to see you myself.

So, what's Gregor to you?

I don't know.

A cautionary tale

or a wise old friend.

He's been here forever.

I work with his wife.

- Is that for your files?

- No.

I just like these places.

It wouldn't have pegged you as...

someone who believes in God.

No, not anymore, anyway.

Just like the building.

Churches, mosques, synagogues.

They're peaceful.

The only places I find more

relaxing are graveyards.

That's very macabre.

How about you?

I'll bet anything you're

a believer.

So, who do you write

these double reports for?

It's a sort of think tank.

The information's sold on.

To Western governments?

To whoever wants to buy it.

Are you a spy?

Why was I embarrassed to say

that I believe in God?

It's the unique quality I have.

You're not going to be

good for me, are you?

What was that?

Natalie!

Oh, my God!

- We have to help!

- No, we have to go!

We have to go.

We have to leave now.

- No, we can help! We have to try!

- We can't! We can't help.

We have to leave here right now!

Come on! Come on,

we have to go.

- We can't-

- We have to leave!

We could have done something.

We did the right thing.

I shouldn't have listened to you.

I could have helped.

No, you couldn't.

How do you know what

I'm capable of doing?

Please don't give me some

crap about not getting involved.

El Shabaab will claim responsibility.

They're trying to intimidate

the African Union troops

into withdrawing from Somalia.

There are people on the

street who needed help.

I'm talking about being human.

The political context of

the situation is irrelevant.

- It's always relevant.

- Just give me a break.

El Shabaab likes to do things in twos.

First b*mb's a decoy.

People rush in to help.

That's when the real one goes off.

- It'll help.

- I don't want it.

I really shouldn't be here.

I should go.

So, um...

- I have a name?

- So do I.

Should we just get it over with?

Tell each other our life stories?

No?

- Not interested?

- Not one bit.

I'm joking.

Tell me about yourself. What

do you do when you're not adrift?

I'm a translator.

Freelance.

Oh, what are your languages?

My specialities are Greek,

ancient and modern, and Latin.

Greek, really?

You can test me if you like.

What does "amaranthus" mean?

Well, "amaranthos" is unfading.

And "tos", flower.

It's impressive.

For a party trick.

As in demand as those languages

are, I'm not very successful.

It's depressing.

Why did I suggest this?

How about no names?

No back stories?

No past?

You can just be

whoever I want you to be.

I thought I was supposed

to bring you flowers.

Hmm.

Check out mister sensitive.

And to think the word in the FCC is

you're a bang'em and leave'em type.

What do your Brits call it?

A shagger?

Don't sweat it.

I'll be out of here after the harvest.

You'll forget about me in a week

and end up with the woman

your mom always wanted for you.

The Mdecins Sans Frontires doctor.

The stunning beauty who speaks

the same ten languages as you.

I hate her already.

She'll end up giving you an heir and

doing w*r photography on the side

and curing A*DS.

I don't want September to come.

This is what my fields

would look like then.

Amaranthus caudatus...

love-lies-bleeding.

It's what I came to Africa for.

Hey, excuse me.

Excuse me.

Would you mind?

- Sure.

- Tthank you.

Hey, great.

- All right.

- Thank you.

- Have you been in?

- No.

It's wonderful, but it is so vast.

I mean, but that's London, huh?

So much to see.

- Never enough time.

- How long are you here for?

Oh, only a week.

It's our second honeymoon.

Would you mind taking a

photo of us?

- Oh, yes, sure.

- Thank you. Just, um,

- point and sh**t. Yeah.

- Okay.

All right.

Okay.

We're on honeymoon too,

but it's our first.

Smile, my boy.

These are the best years

of your life.

- Thank you.

- Oh, my.

That's beautiful.

I do hope you'll

both be very happy.

- Y'all have a nice day.

- Take care.

You're married?

Yeah.

Do you remember?

Try to keep up.

It's hard to believe

they're all fakes.

They're not fakes.

They're copies.

They're productions.

There's a difference.

Takes something away, though,

doesn't it?

I mean...

they lack the aura of the originals.

They're just casts. They're soulless.

I don't think so.

Even copies can be beautiful.

You're quite young to be married.

- Have you split up?

- Don't cheat.

No life stories.

It's Mercury and Psyche.

Benefits of a classical education.

I'm completely unemployable,

but I know crap like this.

Mercury was

the messenger to the gods.

His mission...

Is to take Psyche

out of the mortal world

and to reunite her with

her lover in heaven.

She looks dangerous.

No, she's...

intoxicated and struggling.

He has to be careful, 'cause...

she might bring them both down.

You scared me.

Close your eyes.

Why?

What you gonna do?

I'm gonna drown you.

What?

You're a crazy woman.

What's gotten into you?

Can you take me to London?

What now?

No, after the harvest.

After the harvest?

On your final holiday

before you go home?

No, let's not talk about that.

I wanna see your city.

I wanna meet your family.

Some are old and dead

and they're awful.

Well, you're friends then.

Can you take us here, please?

This isn't

my usual first date experience.

You think this is the first date?

We're way beyond that.

So, where are we going?

Uh, no.

We don't have a reservation.

Do you have the John

Bechman suite available?

Let me just check for you.

Yeah, you're in luck.

It's available for tonight.

We'll take it.

Just give us a second.

We can't do this.

Why not?

I'm not comfortable with that.

This is so like you.

Why can't you just go with it?

Look, I'm sorry, okay?

Don't worry about it,

it's on my dad.

Okay?

You might just enjoy it.

You're f*cking crazy.

Jolly good, sport.

Take me over the threshold.

My turn.

Say aren't you the lucky one you end

up marrying a guy like me then, hey?

I thought you knew

what you were doing.

Most of the time I'm pretending

I know where I'm going.

Really, I'm totally lost.

The question is...

why did you marry me?

Be absolutely honest.

Partly because I was attracted

to you from the moment I saw you.

And maybe because it was easier to run away

than to face up to what I had to do.

Do you want a drink?

Yeah.

I'll just go and get myself cleaned up.

If I died, how long would it

take you to find someone else?

At least two or three days.

Hmm.

I mean it.

How long would it take?

I don't know,

I haven't thought about it.

If I died, how long would it

take you to meet someone else?

It's easy, I'd k*ll myself.

I'm not ready to sleep with you.

Okay.

I thought I was, but...

I need time.

You can wear this.

I love that shirt on you.

Why don't we go somewhere?

Can you just go with this?

Come on, the light's fading.

We'll have to hurry or we'll miss it.

You're right, it's perfect.

What happened to him?

You're so out of it.

How long was I gone?

48 hours.

And then another 24 you're...

delirious.

You were saying some

pretty crazy sh*t.

Jesus.

What did I say?

What's Hungerford Bridge?

The bridge crosses the Thames

at Waterloo, what did I say?

You were saying that...

that you're on Hungerford Bridge.

And that if you turn back,

you die.

And that... if you crossed,

you'd never see me again.

So it was...

it was the perfect place...

place to ask...

To ask what?

You said it was

the perfect place to...

to propose.

Pretty sure you were

completely out of your mind.

We could honeymoon in London.

Are you...

are you asking me to marry you?

I thought I already did.

Note the giant stone lotus

flowers at the base of the pillars.

Symbolic to the Victorian proprietors.

Because every night the lotus flower dies.

And in the morning is reborn.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah, I'm fine.

It's just jet lag.

Do you want to go back?

No, no, no. We can't.

We're nearly there.

You've got this whole

day planned out, don't you?

It's all done in your little book.

I'd like to know what happened.

"...and if God choose..."

I will but love thee better

after death.

I k*lled him.

Are you okay?

It's okay. Come over here.

Come over here.

I'm fine.

I'm fine. I'm fine.

You sure?

- I'll be okay.

- What is it?

Do...

Do...

I'll be okay. I mean it.

It's okay. I'm here.

Can you... Can you take me back

to the hotel?

Will you lie with me?

Can you hold me?

I love you.

You are a very clever young man.

You make me so happy sometimes.

What happened?

That was Saul on the phone.

He wants you to present

at the Tel Aviv conference.

- Seriously?

- Yes.

So you're going away?

Every so often they had to report

to their Christian paymasters.

It's not for months.

They say you have

the greatest sex of your life in Tel Aviv.

- Why do they say that?

- Don't encourage him.

Because in Tel Aviv...

everyone is living like

it's the last night on Earth.

There is a fear.

Getting on the bus and being blown up.

So everybody's more aware,

more alive because of it.

Sounds intense.

But after 9-11...

7-7...

Manchester, London again,

Nairobi again.

Aren't all cities just like that now?

No, son tu, Charlie.

All of us are living

like it's the last night.

I think that might just be you,

mate.

Sex and death are the only thing

that could interest a serious mind.

Yates.

You know, my husband

hides behind the words

of better men to make

him seem more important.

He likes to wear masks.

She wears the masks.

So how's the flower business,

Natalie?

You may have your work

cut out for you.

You know, fragile, pretty things

don't tend to do so well out here.

The thing is about Amaranth is...

it thrives in the harshest conditions.

It's food, fuel, medicine, so...

This pretty flower might

not look tough, but it is.

Fascinating.

Are you going to Tel Aviv, too?

Absolutely. I wouldn't miss it.

Andrew will do all the heavy lifting

while I pamper myself in a nice hotel.

Tel Aviv.

I thought you'd left.

No, I just went to get tobacco.

You could be with someone else.

Someone better.

Because you're probably the most

interesting person I've ever met.

You're a mystery.

Thank you for the lift.

And don't worry,

I will take care of him.

- Sure you're going to be alright?

- Yeah.

I'm going to be busy

planning our honeymoon.

Bye.

I'll see you in a couple of days.

Alright.

- Oh, thank you.

- There you go.

Come on.

Where are we going?

It's a pretty cool spot.

It's a bit out of the way for

someone that doesn't know London.

I hope you're thirsty.

Beer?

Tequila.

Two tequilas.

Four.

- Four?

- Mm-hmm.

She's thirsty.

So what's the plan for tonight?

Just see where it takes us.

Ready for this?

To tonight.

You gotta do yourself.

Okay.

Ready?

No, we should slow down a bit.

No, we shouldn't.

We should speed up.

Wow...

Where'd you meet him?

- Oh, can I steal one?

- Yeah, of course.

Where are you-

I might need him later.

Listen, I'm having a party.

At mine later.

It's just around the corner.

I'm going to head there

after I close up.

You're both welcome to come.

Maybe...

She's a firecracker, mate.

How'd you end up marrying

a bird like that?

Huh?

I've been asking myself the same question.

I'm going to get her a drink.

It's everyone who ever lived

in this house.

You two look good together.

I thought so.

What happened?

We met at university.

We were together for years.

He had a change of heart and he

ran off to the other side of the world.

Hey, did you know Drew?

How are you coping?

I don't think it's really hit me yet.

I spoke to his parents yesterday.

His father's going over to

try to bring his body home.

His mum couldn't face it.

Is that your real hair?

Is that a real smile?

Yeah, stupid grins.

My face's default setting.

You wouldn't know it from looking at you.

What's that?

That your best friend just died.

In Africa?

What was he like?

Private?

He didn't let many people in.

He was really intelligent,

you know?

He can't have been that smart.

I already married some American b*tch.

Why would you say that?

Hmm?

Did you know her?

Who the f*ck are you, Charlie?

Laughing?

Flirting?

Are you mourning?

Is this supposed to be a wake?

No.

Why? Honestly,

I don't know what the f*ck this is.

Do you know what actually?

f*ck off.

I don't have to explain myself

to you.

This is the way too f*cked up.

We should leave.

I'm having fun.

Look, I'm not comfortable with this.

Well, you can go if you want.

I'm not standing in your way.

Don't do this to me.

Just in time.

I'm fixing you a real drink.

Sure.

I know.

It's you.

I understand.

What are you doing here?

Huh? Who the f*ck

do you think you are,

coming in my house,

telling me how to

grieve for my best friend?

I just wanted to see

what it would be like.

Seeing you.

Being here.

He'd still be alive

if it wasn't for me.

Look, man, you're upset.

You shut the f*ck up.

I don't even know who you are.

You're sick.

You are f*cking sick.

It was my fault, Charlie.

No, no, no.

You get out!

Get the f*ck off me, b*tch!

The American girl...

it's Andrew's wife.

How f*cked up, are you?

I know what that was.

That was his house.

Those were his friends.

These were his f*cking clothes.

And this is his wife!

What happened?

What did you do to him?

Have you ever been to Tel Aviv?

They say you have the best sex

of your life in Tel Aviv.

Everyone's terrified.

Living like it's their last night on Earth.

And did something happen in Tel Aviv?

You've never been.

Stop!

Wait!

I don't even know if it's

me you're talking to or him.

What's the difference?

The difference is I'm not him.

You know what I think?

I think what frightens you so

much is you love playing the part.

You can't just walk away from me!

Come on, get in.

Tell me what happened

or I'm leaving you.

Hey, it's me.

Finally hear your voice.

Do you like Ethiopian food?

I haven't tried it.

Don't they use knives and forks?

Ethiopians are sensual people.

It's customary

to feed your guests.

You're full of sh*t.

Yes.

That's really f*cking good.

Oh, yes it is.

You just eat like this.

Wow.

I met Kate in Ethiopia.

In a cafe just like this.

Did you stick your fingers in

her mouth too?

Not right away.

You've covered a lot

of ground together.

Oh, yes, we have.

She spends a lot of time

with Andrew.

Andrew is like a son to me.

And Katie...

Well...

everyone has needs.

You're not monogamous,

are you?

We have our moments.

You make a big deal out

of it when you're young.

But your perspective changes

when you get older.

Do you think they're f*cking

their brains out right now?

I know they're having

the best sex ever.

Inside your head.

I don't think about it.

But I know what I'd be doing

if I was there.

Tel Aviv Palace,

how can I help?

Hello. Can I be put through

to Andrew Warner?

Which hotel room please?

I don't know what hotel room

he's in.

Could you put me through?

I'm his wife.

Connecting you now.

Hello.

Who is it?

You're not going anywhere.

- You can't afford it-

- Stop it!

- You want the prize?

- What prize?!

What are you doing?

It's okay.

I know what you want.

You wanted it from the beginning,

your a shagger.

No, I'm not.

Yes, you are.

You all are.

Don't ruin this.

Don't ruin this.

I can't be who you want me to be.

Can you pull over please?

Can you pull over please?

Put the ring on

or get out.

Just drive.

Tel Aviv was even

better than last time.

Katie landed us two new contracts.

Thanks for picking me up,

by the way.

Despite Brad's driving.

Too much.

Sometimes it's just too much.

What kind of chance

have they got, you know?

Your dog gets better food

than they do.

I used to think we could help them.

Does it really bother you?

It doesn't upset you.

If you were alone in the car, would

you have had the same reaction?

You're saying I'm full of sh*t?

Yeah, I'm saying I'm hoping

you're full of sh*t,

because if you let

that get inside you,

you don't stand a f*cking chance, mate.

Not here or anywhere else.

Because I see that every day,

everywhere, in every city in the world.

- You don't feel any guilt.

- Why should I?

- I don't feel anything at all.

- I don't know...

Don't feel a thing.

Well, it must be pretty lonely

in your world then.

Would you stop the car?

I want to get out.

- I'll see you back at the compound.

- We're miles out. It's not safe.

I'll be fine. I like to walk.

Thanks for the ride.

as*h*le.

You woke up married

for f*ck's sake.

You sure you're up for this?

I feel totally fine.

We'll run the numbers

again, but I don't think...

where do we get the

figures from the embassy?

They're always just lazy.

They never...

sh*t!

You ruined everything!

We will be judged

for what we've done here!

You're so beautiful.

Brad, get down!

You'll fall.

- Oh, Brad!

- f*ck you!

Why don't you feel bad,

you heartless f*ck!

You just screw with your American

wife and your British b*tch too!

Why don't you just jump?

At least there will be one less

piece called "c**t" in the world.

Jump!

No!

No!

All of us will burn!

We're gonna burn!

You're incredible, you know that?

Have you?

I'm not gonna rise to this.

I know Andrew's lying to me.

How do you live with it?

You get used to it.

When will this be over?

Still a few days to go.

I never really understood

this f*cking game.

What's your name?

- What's your name?

- Ginolaco?

Ngo.

Angio.

Ngo.

N-G-O?

You're kidding me.

No.

If you plan something here, you

don't always know what would grow.

Sometimes you have to burn

the first crop.

And then start again.

Come here.

Why did you do that?

Burn your own work.

So is the sex life in Tel Aviv,

everything it's cracked up to be?

The hotel made a mistake.

How am I supposed to believe that?

You're supposed to trust me.

For what it's worth...

nothing happened or ever will

happen between me and Kate.

I love you.

I have to go to work.

It's a Saturday.

It's just for a few hours.

It's Akili's birthday.

I hope that works,

therapy.

you said you'd be there.

Did you ever wish you

could go back in time?

To say one thing?

It was my fault.

It's not about whether he's dangerous,

it's whether we can trust him.

I wouldn't be inclined to trust him.

Don't, don't, don't!

She's in there.

- Andrew!

- Natalie!

Natalie!

Please. Look at me,

look at me now.

Our honeymoon is supposed to end.

It's over.

Andrew?