It's Friday.
It's almost 7:00 in the evening.
My husband's siblings will come to our house soon
because they have a family matter to dispute.
"Dispute," without a doubt, is the most appropriate verb
when it comes to Julián and his siblings.
Give me the other one. The same one as last week.
And some cheese too.
Julián said not to buy anything, but I thought,
since they almost never get together… right?
There are three of them. Víctor is the eldest.
Then there's Natalia.
And, finally, there's Julián, my partner.
It was Natalia who insisted they needed to get together
to talk about their father.
My father-in-law is 89 years old.
He's a widower.
She's absolutely right to say he can't live alone anymore.
He's been getting lost more and more often.
And lately, he's developed the bad habit of showing his penis to female neighbors.
That's all. What do I owe you?
The thing is, according to Natalia, they need to make a decision fast
before the situation gets worse and something serious happens.
Víctor already said he'd arrive a bit late.
Apparently, as always, he's just swamped with work.
Víctor is married to Marisa.
They have four children and two dogs.
They met at college when they were very young.
After a lot of persistence, they finally started dating,
and Víctor managed to get her pregnant.
His father-in-law is an important and well-known lawyer.
Before long, Víctor was working at the family firm.
Although, to this day, nobody knows exactly what he does.
He's a wannabe, a blowhard,
as Julián always calls him.
A man who does whatever his wife tells him,
just to hold on to a status he never imagined he'd have.
Natalia.
Natalia, on the other hand, is nothing like her two brothers.
She is a serious, introverted woman,
obsessively methodical, and a real perfectionist.
She's a highly respected professor, and, as if that weren't enough,
in what little free time she has,
she writes articles and translates from who knows how many languages.
Natalia married Jerónimo.
They have a daughter.
But she's never been happy.
Jerónimo has always cheated on her.
We all know it.
Fortunately, Natalia has a friend she shares a strong bond with.
They go everywhere together and get along wonderfully.
Her friend is single.
I don't mean anything by it,
but sometimes I wish Natalia weren't so serious,
so uptight, and, I don't know, that she'd loosen up a bit.
Bye.
They hardly ever get together.
And I love watching them when they do,
when they argue and fight.
I'm an only child.
My parents have passed away.
And now they're my family.
And family is the most important thing because your partner…
Well, your partner can leave you at any time.
And friends come and go.
But family, siblings, they are always there.
They don't know how lucky they are.
53 SUNDAYS
The front door.
Hello!
It's Julián. He just got here.
I'm sure he's gonna pretend he didn't remember.
Didn't what?
Nothing. I was talking to myself.
-Where are you coming from so late? -A casting.
Wow!
-You didn't tell me. -No.
A casting for a TV show?
No, for a commercial.
-Well, commercials are also on TV, right? -That's what they say.
What was the commercial for?
Gazpacho.
I play the tomato.
Well…
I'm gonna take a shower.
Sounds good.
But don't take too long. They'll be here soon.
Who will be here soon?
You're meeting your siblings, remember?
Today? Are you sure?
You said Friday, right?
Today is Friday.
Maybe I was trying to forget.
That must be it.
Some snacks?
Some snacks, yes.
-Because I knew you'd forget. -What are you insinuating?
I'm not insinuating anything. Relax.
All right.
No, I'm just saying,
the more food we give them, the longer they'll hang around.
Sure, but they don't come over often, do they?
I'm a nurse, and I work in a hospital.
Julián is an actor.
But he hasn't had much luck with work, poor guy.
When he was young, he had a few TV and theater gigs,
but things never really took off.
We met just five years ago and fell in love almost immediately.
He did, especially.
We don't have children, and we're renting this apartment.
I have three missed calls from my sister.
Yes, she called at noon to talk to you.
-I told her to call you on your cell. -What did she want?
-To see if you'd talked to Víctor. -About what?
About a light bulb.
What light bulb?
I don't know.
But she said she'd call your cell because it was very important.
A light bulb could never be that important.
It's impossible.
Carolina.
Yes?
What are you doing?
Oh, I bought some flowers.
Since we don't have any other vase, I grabbed this one.
-It was stored in the closet. -Hidden.
It was hidden in the closet. That's very different.
Your brother gave it to us, and I thought since he was coming today…
Since he was coming today, what?
Weren't you going to shower?
We discussed this. Maybe you don't remember.
I wanted to throw it off the balcony, and you didn't let me.
Oh, yes, that's true.
-But where should I put the flowers? -Tell me you didn't do it on purpose.
Oh, we have to feed the cat.
Carolina.
I'm listening.
Did you buy the flowers so you could take out the vase?
I bought the flowers because they look nice,
and it's a nice gesture for our guests.
They're my siblings, not our guests.
We don't need to make a good impression.
On the contrary.
If you don't understand how family dynamics work,
honey, you'd better stay out of it.
-How what works? -Family dynamics.
-This vase is an insult. -I don't think it's that ugly.
It's an insult, and you know that perfectly well.
It's ugly, tacky, and pretentious.
Like my brother.
And maybe you forgot,
but Víctor gave it to us for Christmas.
And then we found out the department store had given it to him.
Could you open a can?
And he thought,
"Since I have to get a present for my dumbass little brother,
I'll give him this shitty vase and look like a class act."
What can?
The anchovy can.
And forgive me for saying this,
but thinking it would be a good idea
to put the vase in the middle of the dining room
so Víctor would think we really liked his shitty vase
pisses me off even more.
Relax. I'll find another place to put them.
There you go again. I'm relaxed.
Don't I look relaxed?
I don't know what to tell you, honey.
Did you have a good day?
Up until recently, yes.
All I'm saying is we have to be careful with gestures.
Because you might mean well, but he's going to see it another way.
And we don't need to give him any special consideration.
He's my brother, not the prime minister. Understand?
Perfectly.
And as if them coming over weren't enough, now we have to feed them too.
Because, of course, he made sure that we do it here.
We are not worthy of getting invited to his villa in La Moraleja. No!
God forbid we stain one of his Persian rugs.
Hey, now I'm actually getting a bit nervous.
A bit, yes.
Go on, take a shower.
-What should I do with the anchovies? -Put them on the toasts.
-What time did you tell them to come? -I told Víctor to come at 8:00 p.m.
-But it's already 8:00 p.m. -I know.
He'll be half an hour late, like he always is.
Cool people, like him and his wife,
always show up last, looking like they're doing you a favor.
Your sister is the complete opposite.
That's why I told Natalia to come at 9:00 p.m.
-Want to know why I told her that? -I'm dying to find out.
Because, since I know she'll show up half an hour early,
it's the way to make sure they both meet at the front door at exactly 8:30 p.m.,
walk up together, and don't piss me off.
Having siblings is exhausting, honey.
Well, you don't get it.
If your sister arrives early, it's 'cause she wants to help.
No. If you show up early, all you do is bother people.
But, of course,
since she has this need to get involved,
always anxious for everything to go smoothly…
Like this meeting.
My father got distracted, got on the wrong bus,
and we had to pick him up in Colmenar de Oreja.
Well, so what?
Is that a reason to stick him in a home?
And do you know… what else?
Tell me, honey.
If my dad wants to show his dick to the neighbor, let him.
Fine by me.
-Right. -Dad is on his way out.
That's how men are, and it's not our fault.
Sure.
I'm not sure if I fully understand, but we'll discuss it another day, okay?
When we don't have guests.
Natalia.
Yes.
No, you don't need to bring anything.
It won't take long, right?
Where are you?
What?
Oh, we didn't plan to meet today?
Tomorrow, Saturday.
No…
No worries.
No, I must have got it wrong.
Oh, yes… No, don't worry.
We'll put the anchovies back in the can, and that's it.
I'm kidding.
All right, see you tomorrow at 8:30 p.m.
No, at 9:00 p.m.
Come at 9:00 p.m.
Goodbye.
Honestly, I just feel sorry about the vase.
Now that we'd gotten it out of the closet.
Let's go in five.
One, two, three, four, five…
It's Saturday, and it's almost 7:00 p.m. again.
This morning, Julián woke up in a really bad mood
and ready to cancel today's meeting.
He's convinced that yesterday's misunderstanding
wasn't his fault, but his siblings'.
Apparently, they often make decisions
and change their minds without telling him.
According to Julián, it's been going on since they were kids
and has to do with how younger siblings are often looked down on.
Luckily, after lunch, his mood improved a bit,
and he came to terms with this afternoon's meeting.
Natalia.
-You're always so punctual. -I came early to help you.
Of course.
-How are you? -Very well.
Come in.
Julián.
Natalia.
I was ringing, but you didn't open the door.
Oh, because I was doing my relaxation exercises.
I always do them when I have guests.
-Has Víctor arrived yet? -No. Strange, isn't it?
Because I thought you'd come together.
I must have miscalculated.
-What? -Nothing. Don't listen to him.
-I'll be right back. -Where are you going?
I'm going to the store to buy cat food.
-I'll go with you. -Yes, go with him.
Are you sure?
We don't want to start arguing too soon.
I'm going to take a shower. I wasn't able to at the gym.
Go ahead.
-I called you three times yesterday. -Yes.
Carol told me. Something about you being very worried about a light bulb.
Exactly.
You know your sister is very hysterical.
-Are you angry? -A little.
-Come on, you never get angry. -Well, things are starting to change.
Well, you should have told me.
I just wanted to know if you'd already changed it.
-The light bulb? -Yes, Julián, the light bulb.
Sure, because exactly which light bulb are we talking about?
-The one in Dad's bathroom. -Oh.
Didn't you talk to Víctor?
Who's Víctor?
-The bathroom light bulb flickers. -It flickers?
-Yes, Dad says it makes little blinkies. -Little what?
Blinkies. That's what Dad says. It turns on and off.
The poor guy's been asking me to change it for ages.
Could you do it this week, Julián?
Sure, I'll do it.
Don't worry. Relax.
I'm very relaxed. Don't I look relaxed?
Well, I don't know what to say.
"Little blinkies," really? What a shitty expression.
I mentioned it to Víctor days ago.
I thought you'd already talked about it.
He said he'd call you and you'd change it.
-What? -What?
Can you repeat what you just said?
What I said. He said he'd call you.
The second part of the sentence?
And that you'd change it.
And why me?
I don't know, Julián. Because someone has to change it, right?
Sure, someone has to, but why me? Why doesn't he change it?
Or the cleaning lady.
The cleaning lady is older than Dad, Julián.
She'll get dizzy climbing the ladder. And Víctor…
And Víctor?
Well, you know, he's very busy, and…
Yes, that's true.
Poor thing.
-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.
And how did he tell you?
What do you mean?
The tone he used when you were talking about the "little blinkies."
What did he say?
"Julián will change the light bulb."
"He has nothing better to do."
It's just a light bulb, Julián.
Of course, he won't lower himself to change Dad's light bulb.
Aristocrats don't do that type of thing.
No, since I still owe him money…
-You still owe him money? -Goodbye.
Yes. So what?
Look, Julián, we're just talking about changing Dad's light bulb.
Víctor thought you had more time, that's all.
Sure, and why do you think he thought that?
Because, to him, I'm the family butler,
the gofer, the errand boy.
I'm not changing it.
What are you doing?
Looking for the keys.
Well…
So what do we do?
Well, I don't know.
Put it on the agenda.
First, we talk about Dad's wiener, and then about who changes his light bulb.
Other than that, is everything fine?
Great. If we don't go into details, everything's great.
-And you? -I need a glass of water.
I have to take a pill.
You and your migraines.
Well, yes.
Oh, what beautiful flowers!
Yes, very beautiful.
It's a shame because we'll have to throw them away,
unless someone wants them.
They come with the vase.
Thank you.
Well, what can I do?
Put the anchovies back on the toasts.
Very well.
We haven't talked about it yet.
-About what? -Whether you liked the book.
What book?
The novel.
What novel?
Well, the one that… Víctor wrote.
My brother wrote a novel?
We have to buy Dad a new washing machine because--
-Natalia. -Yes?
Don't change the subject on me.
-You noticed? -Yes, kind of.
I didn't know you didn't know.
It's okay.
Yeah, I know it's okay. Why wouldn't it be?
I'm sure Víctor told you, but you forgot because you're very…
Very what?
Well, you know, you forget things.
He'll give you the novel. Relax.
I am relaxed.
Don't I look relaxed?
I'm super relaxed. I'm fucking amazing.
Well, well, well…
So my brother wrote a novel.
Impressive, right?
It's not a big deal, is it? I mean…
It's great news.
Since when does my brother write novels?
Why don't we talk about Dad, which is why we're here?
It's just to catch up, while we wait for the artist.
-When did he write it? -I don't know.
Yes, you do. Come on.
Well, I don't know. I think a while ago. A year, maybe?
-Wow! It's already been a year? -Around then.
Is it something you talk about often?
No, just every now and then.
When I'm not around.
Yes, Julián, mostly when you're not around.
He told me about it because he asked me for advice.
He asked you for advice?
It's just a Sunday hobby.
A Sunday hobby? What do you mean?
He wrote the novel on Sundays.
On Sundays?
Yes, Julián.
That's what it says on the first page.
It took him 53 Sundays to write the novel.
I'm coming!
53 Sundays?
Goodness!
-Now I understand everything. -Understand what?
Why he never answers the phone.
It must be difficult to write a novel, Julián.
-Don't defend him. -I'm not defending him.
Yes, you were about to. Always trying to justify his actions.
I'm just saying it can't be easy to write a novel, Julián.
Exactly.
And what that comment implies
is that writing a novel must be so complicated
that Víctor never has time to answer the phone,
especially if the person calling him is his dumbass little brother,
who happens to be me.
Come on, Julián. You know what Víctor is like.
He only answers when it's convenient, when he wants to, when he feels like it.
And why?
Why what?
Why'd he write a novel? What's he up to?
I don't know. Maybe he feels the need to talk about things…
-Talk about things! Wow! -You know what I mean, Julián.
I know what you mean, Natalia. I know what you mean.
Well, I hope so.
Poor guy.
I talked to the neighbor yesterday about Dad,
about him showing her his genitals.
You know what she told me?
So what did you think of his little novel?
-There's no need to make fun of him. -I'm not.
Yes, you said "little novel."
-You were being sarcastic. -Really?
It's true. I admit it. I just can't help it.
It's because I'm jealous.
Deep down, I really admire my brother.
-You admire him? -A lot.
-Can I use the bathroom, Carol? -Of course. All yours.
Thanks.
Víctor hasn't arrived yet?
He should arrive any minute.
-What were you talking about? -I'll tell you later.
And what's it about?
Is it erotic?
It's… a bit long.
-Yikes. Have you told him yet? -No.
But he calls me every day to ask me if I've read it.
He's being really annoying, trying to get me to tell him what I think.
Shit. That really sucks.
He wants me to be honest and objective.
You should never tell the truth.
In general, you mean?
In general and always.
Telling the truth is in poor taste.
My brother wrote a novel.
A novel? That's great, isn't it?
Anyway, you must be very proud.
-What'd I do now? -No, nothing. That's it.
He listens to you. He values you.
For him, your opinion is a form of recognition.
Julián, my opinion isn't worth more than anyone's. Please, let's not start.
For Víctor, my opinion ranks about the same as his cacti's.
Enough, Julián. It's not a big deal!
He'll give you the novel. If not, even better.
Then you won't have to read it or tell him what you think!
She gets angry now.
That's great.
Yes.
Besides, Víctor values you in other ways.
-What? -He values you in other ways.
Did you hear that, Carol?
-My brother loves me. -Isn't that great?
When did he give it to you?
I don't know. A few months ago.
Oh, I see. A few months ago, really?
Yes, the day we went to Dad's house for his birthday.
You weren't there. Maybe that's why he didn't give it to you.
No. I was there that day too.
-No, you weren't, Julián. -Yes. I was late, but I was there.
-Oh, really? -Yes.
And Dostoevsky didn't give me any novel.
Not everything is as complicated as you think, Julián.
Maybe he didn't have any more copies on him,
and that's why he didn't give it to you.
A limited edition for select people?
Most likely.
And?
And that's enough.
If Víctor isn't here in five minutes, I'm leaving.
Is it well bound?
I guess.
Come on, it's important.
I don't know. It's bound, Julián.
Hardback? Sturdy?
No, not really.
To save money.
All rich people are stingy.
-What was the cat's name? -Fanny.
-Fanny… -Did you feed her?
Yes, honey. And did you like it?
What's with the face?
What face?
The one you made when I asked that question.
Can I smoke in here?
No. The cat has asthma.
It's all good if you didn't like the novel, Nati.
Well, look, I liked it a lot.
Oh, really? A lot?
Quite a lot.
A lot or quite a lot? Because it's not the same.
It's not bad. It could be better, but--
-Yikes… -"Yikes," what?
You added a "but" at the end of the sentence.
Because some things don't quite work.
For example?
There are too many characters. And there are too many narrative levels.
Careful now! Careful with those narrative levels!
Narrative levels…
And the ending doesn't really make sense.
A rushed ending.
Look, it's a good read. It's not very entertaining, but…
-You mean, it's a… -It's his first novel, Julián.
Yes, it's his first novel, Nati, but it's a…
-It's a… -It's a what?
-It's a… -What is it, Nati?
It's a piece of shit!
I'll get it!
I'm very proud of you.
Well, I'm not happy I didn't like my brother's novel.
But I can see you are.
It's low of me. I have to admit it.
But it is what it is. Besides, arrogance shouldn't be rewarded.
Oh, so it was arrogance that led him to write the novel.
Of course.
Don't tell him what I told you before.
-Please. I'd feel terrible. -Of course not.
-I'm not that cruel. -All those Sundays working. Poor guy.
-Yeah, poor guy. Poor you. -Me? Why?
Because now you have to tell him what you think.
That his little novel is a fucking piece of shit. Right, Natalia?
-Who was it? -Víctor.
Oh. And what does he want? For us to go down and park his BMW?
No, he says they're not coming.
They're staying in Marbella because they want to go sailing tomorrow and…
Well, you can meet up next week.
Or any other day.
You don't believe me, Natalia,
but I really do admire my brother.
Do you know why?
Because I'd love to be like him.
Now who's going to change Dad's light bulb?
-Don't worry. I'll do it. -Allow me.
Thanks.
After the second failed attempt last Saturday,
they decided to meet during the week.
Natalia begged Julián to bite his tongue and not cause any conflict with Víctor,
after the "regrettable lack of respect the other day."
I'm quoting Julián word for word.
-Have you been waiting long? -No. Not too long, no.
What awful timing for the rain. My God.
But is something wrong?
No. Why?
No reason. You're just so punctual today.
You don't want to take your shoes off?
-They're soaking wet. -Yeah, maybe I will take them off.
-Yes. Make yourself comfortable. -Yes.
Excuse me.
And I was this close to grabbing an umbrella, and then…
Just look at these beautiful flowers!
-Right? -Yes.
They're starting to look a bit wilted, but this vase makes them look great.
Don't you think?
-The vase, I mean. -Yes.
I brought some wine.
Come on, you didn't have to.
Yes. Otherwise, you'll criticize me later.
It's a Gran Reserva, a Bordeaux.
I'm sure you've never tried anything like it.
I'm sure we haven't.
Besides, in this house, we always drink cheap wine.
Right?
-And how are the girls? -They're great.
Hopefully, they'll find boyfriends soon and move out, because…
And your wife?
Marisa is doing wonderfully, as usual. Gorgeous.
She wanted to come,
but since Natalia insisted this be a meeting without in-laws, well…
Natalia's right about that. Otherwise, it would drag on forever.
Are you sure you don't want to take off your socks?
Or let him use your slippers.
My slippers?
No. Hell no.
There's no need, Carol.
Besides, the meeting won't take too long, will it?
That's the spirit, Víctor. That's the spirit.
Hey, Julián, if you agree with me
that it's not necessary to put Dad in a nursing home…
Thank you. It's the two of us against Natalia.
We can hire someone to help him at home, and that's it, case closed.
Because you agree with me, right?
My lawyer told me not to make any statements
until the three of us are present.
-Hey, Carol… -Yes?
I felt awful about not coming on Saturday, but we absolutely had to go to Marbella.
Don't worry. Natalia already told us.
Víctor, being rich must be very tiring, right?
You can't even imagine, Julián. It's… it's exhausting.
Just exhausting.
Besides, I had promised to take my father-in-law out sailing
with some of his friends who had come all the way from Santander.
Important people. People with a lot of money, Julián.
Important people with a lot of money… We know how that goes.
Relax. It was no trouble at all, right?
We'd just prepared a few snacks.
Yes, and anchovies love going in and out of the can.
Anchovies, nice. Are they from the Cantabrian Sea?
No, they're from the supermarket.
I'll get you some slippers. You can't stay like that.
Well, how are you? How's everything?
Everything's great.
And you?
Any news? Anything I don't know about?
No. Why?
No reason. I just wanted to catch up.
Well, we exchanged WhatsApps last week.
There hasn't been time for anything noteworthy to happen since.
If nothing noteworthy has happened since, that puts my mind at ease.
-A lot of work lately, that's for sure. -Wow.
The thing is, I've become… too indispensable.
Careful, they might end up making you CEO, and then the fun's over.
You're absolutely right.
Exactly.
We're so different, aren't we?
You and I, I mean.
-You think so? -Yes.
I keep wanting more and more, and you keep settling for less.
I'm looking at you like this because I'm not sure what to say.
I hope my comment didn't offend you, Julián.
I don't know yet.
You and your sense of humor.
I envy that about you.
You don't take anything seriously, no matter how things are going for you.
It's called survival instinct, Víctor.
Excuse me.
The slippers.
Oh.
I'm going to the pharmacy for a moment. I'll be right back, okay?
And don't fight without me.
No, please.
For the last few days, I've been thinking,
"When you see Julián, you have to tell him something."
-But now I can't… -Oh, really?
What was it?
What could it be?
I don't know. It'll come to me.
I've been calling you lately, but I never seem to reach you.
When?
-On Sundays. -On Sundays?
In the afternoon.
In the afternoon? That's strange.
Oh, really? Why?
Because I'm always home.
You're always home on Sunday afternoons?
I'm always home.
And if we go out for the weekend, we always come back after lunch.
-It's a habit. -Is that so?
I never answer if I don't know who it is, Julián.
-Oh, you don't? -No.
Because I don't want
to be distracted.
Of course, because you must be
focused on doing whatever you do.
Exactly.
It's nice to have those moments,
to be alone,
to think, to reflect,
and to figure out how to shape
everything you want to express
but don't quite know how.
Julián, you described it perfectly.
Yes, I know.
I'm going to hang the clothes. It looks like it has stopped raining.
One moment. Make yourself at home.
If Natalia rings, open the door.
Shall I come too?
If you must.
I'll go with you.
And what did you want?
To ask for your advice.
But since you didn't answer, I called Natalia.
What a shame.
She used the opportunity to go on and on about Dad.
What she has is a sickness, Julián.
-This tragic feeling she has about life. -I couldn't have said it better.
Like this urgent meeting we have to have.
Dad got distracted, got on the wrong bus,
and we had to go pick him up in Torrelodones. So what?
Just the other day, she called me three times. Three times!
What'd she want?
For Dad's light bulb. Apparently, it makes little blinkies.
Yeah, little blinkies.
I told her to calm down and that you'd change it.
She mentioned that, yes.
Do it quickly before she snaps, because she's driving me nuts, Julián.
You know what the problem is, Víctor? I'm very busy lately and…
Oh, really? Did you get a new project?
I'm working on it. I had a casting.
For a TV show?
No, for a commercial.
A commercial. That's great. What for?
Gazpacho.
They needed someone with experience to play a tomato.
-A tomato? -Yeah.
Julián…
Your line of work… I worry about you.
-Really? -Yes.
Isn't it strange Natalia is taking so long?
Yes, it is, actually.
This is quite a spot, Julián.
-You think so? -Yes.
Nothing like my house. My house is…
Yeah.
-And you look good. -I am good.
Especially if we don't go into details.
So you have time now.
Time?
Yes, to go to Dad's house and change the light bulb, the one that…
Yes, the little blinkies, yes.
-You know what the problem is, Víctor? -Tell me.
Between playing a tomato and taking the cat for a walk,
I don't have much free time.
Couldn't you head over, say, on Sunday?
Sunday? Impossible.
No.
-You know what? -What?
Natalia should change the bulb.
-Natalia? -Why not?
Hey, you're right.
Why do we have to change it? Because we're men?
-Aren't women modern? -And feminists?
They can change the damn light bulbs.
-Enough of the joke. -All the goddamn little blinkies.
-Natalia's so smart. -Right?
She has a lot of master's degrees, Víctor. You know what that means.
And she fools you, with that innocent face of hers.
She gets away with it.
And she'll never tell you what she really thinks. Never.
Even if you ask her to be objective?
Then it's possible. Yeah.
It'll be hard. It won't be easy for her, but yes.
Relax.
I am relaxed. Don't I look relaxed?
It was just a figure of speech.
I'm gonna wash my hands. Where's the bathroom?
Where it's always been. End of the hall, to the right.
Oh, Julián!
I remembered what I had to tell you.
Nothing important. It's silly.
I wrote a novel.
A novel?
You?
Me. Your older brother, yes.
I know you're my older brother.
It seems like you're at a loss for words.
I'm… well, I'm impressed. I never would have thought.
You know, Julián, I like challenges.
We know. Your whole life is an adventure.
Julián…
No…
It'd make me very happy--
Really?
…if you also…
For me? Holy shit. What an honor.
…if you also read it.
You know, things like this can make me emotional.
Give it to me. I'll dedicate it to you.
Is that necessary?
Well, it's the right thing to do, and it's no trouble for me.
In that case…
-If you can't think of anything to write-- -No.
-You can do it another day. -No, it's coming to me.
"To my little brother,
who may not seem like he is…
but, deep down, he is."
I don't really know… what to say.
I'm totally speechless.
Speechless.
-Julián. -Yes?
-There's one thing I wanted to ask you. -Don't say anything.
-There's no need. -Yes, there is.
No. There's no need.
What you want is for me to tell you what I think after I read it.
To be objective and, above all, to be honest, right?
Holy shit, Julián!
It was exactly that.
I saw that coming.
I saw that coming and…
You know, even if I wanted to,
I couldn't be anything but honest with you.
I had my doubts about whether to give it to you. I wasn't sure.
Oh no? Why?
Because I thought you'd feel pressured to read it,
and it might be a bit of a drag.
Not at all. I'm really excited to read it.
But since you never read, it'll be harder for you.
You mean harder than it is for other people?
A lot harder because you don't have the habit, Julián.
Sure, because you think it'll be harder for me to understand it
than, for example, for our sister.
Way harder.
Oh, is that so?
Of course. You know, Natalia has two university degrees.
She speaks and reads in four languages,
and she's used to abstract thinking.
And you…
I'm a tomato.
They are different professions, Julián.
I can't argue with that.
The novel is… complex.
Yes. I bet it's full of narrative levels.
-How do you know? -I can imagine.
There are so many narrative levels that--
You can't understand anything.
What?
Don't worry. I like complicated subjects.
It's not my first book. I've read a few little novels.
"Little novel"?
Novel.
Excuse me.
Carol?
Yes.
Yes?
Yes.
What are you doing?
No, nothing.
It's a game we've been playing a lot in this house lately.
We take the anchovies out for a walk, then we put them back in the can.
What did Carol say?
Just that Natalia called her,
and she's very sorry, but she's in bed with one of her atomic migraines,
and she can't make it.
Really?
Wow. What a setback.
It's all the rage now.
You throw a dinner party, and nobody shows up. Didn't you know?
So what should I do? Should I stay for dinner or… what?
-There's no need, don't you think? -You're right.
Let's save it for when we're together, all three of us.
I agree. We don't want to get into an argument and ruin it.
Could you call Natalia?
Yes. I'll call her, yes.
And why do I have to call Natalia?
To tell her to change the light bulb.
Oh! Yes, that's right.
-She should change it herself. -Revolution has a price.
Revolution has a price!
-We'll talk later. -All right.
-Give Carol a kiss for me. -I will.
Julián,
that vase…
That vase is very ugly.
You should use the one I gave you.
It's 6:45 p.m., and it's Friday again.
I just finished my shift at the hospital, and Julián should be about to arrive.
He was at the commercial shoot today, and he got up very early, poor thing.
Víctor and Natalia are already here.
Julián will be happy because they finally arrived together.
But it looks like Víctor left his phone in the car.
Julián threw away the flowers yesterday because they were wilted
and put the vase back in the closet.
But, from what I see,
today, Natalia showed up with another bouquet.
I saw them when I walked by the flower shop, and I thought…
They're beautiful, really. But you didn't have to.
Yes, of course I did. Especially after not coming the other day.
And since you like flowers so much…
Oh! We love them. Especially Julián.
He's not answering. He hasn't answered me since last night.
-Who? -My father.
He can't use his hearing aid, doesn't hear a thing, and never picks up.
We could have lunch one day with your father and the kids.
I really like it when you come over.
She likes it too much, and this is going to end badly.
-Julián. -We thought you weren't here.
We ended up finishing early.
Natalia, how are your migraines?
Better.
I felt awful for not coming the other day.
We felt worse.
We had no other choice but to criticize you.
-Look at the lovely gift Natalia brought. -I know you really like them.
We love them.
And Víctor?
He went back to the car. He forgot his phone.
These artists, they're always so absent-minded.
You won't believe it. We ran into each other at the front door.
-What a coincidence! -It really is.
There's a lot of work behind it, Natalia.
How was the shoot?
Oh, you had a shoot?
A TV show?
-I'm gonna take a shower. -A commercial.
Oh! What was the commercial for?
-Why don't you tell her? -It's really not necessary.
-Gazpacho. -Oh.
He played the tomato.
Oh, well, that can be interesting too, right?
It can't be easy to play a tomato.
Well, well.
Víctor told me he finally gave you the novel the other day.
You must be happy, right?
I'm not sure.
You were so excited to read it.
He's read it twice.
Oh, really?
That was fast, wasn't it?
He spent all afternoon on the couch. It seemed like he wasn't even breathing.
Are we talking about Víctor's little novel?
I wouldn't call it a little novel.
Don't tell me you liked it?
He loved it.
-This is one of your jokes, right? -You have no idea how mad it makes me.
-I'm really struggling, Nati. -That's impossible.
How could you have liked the novel?
I don't know.
That's why I'm worried.
There has to be a reason, Julián.
I hope so.
Maybe you didn't understand it.
That's what I thought at first.
Then I read it again. I liked it a lot more than the first time.
I loved the metaphors.
-He loved them. -What metaphors?
-I didn't want it to end, right? -Right.
I'll get it.
Did he ask you to be honest too?
Honest and objective.
-Sorry. -What's so funny?
Nothing. I just want to hear you tell him how much you liked his little novel.
I'm not going to tell him.
If I have to tell him the truth, so do you, Julián.
Besides, he probably figured I wouldn't finish it until the summer,
given that it'll take me much longer than any other human being.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna sniff some shampoo.
Maybe it'll cheer me up.
-Víctor. -Carol!
-How are you? Welcome. -Back again.
Come in.
I get the feeling I've been to this apartment more times
in the last few days than in all the years they've been living here.
Have they been living here long?
Yes, Víctor. Since they got together.
-Oh yeah? -Yes.
Really?
Carol, Julián hasn't arrived yet?
Yes, he's taking a shower.
He had a shoot today. He did the commercial.
Oh yeah, the commercial. He told me that he was playing…
-What was it? -A tomato.
Carol, it's about time he gives it up, don't you think?
If you haven't achieved your dream, it's time to move on.
I can get him a job at the firm.
As a driver. We're always short-handed.
You tell him.
Of course. I will. But another day would be better.
Yes, another day would be better.
Well, well, well. We're finally all here.
You must be happy, right, little sister?
What are you insinuating?
Nothing. I'm not insinuating anything.
No, you said "happy."
I'm not an idiot, Víctor.
Are you angry? You never get angry, Natalia.
Well, from now on, I do. Get used to it.
-You should have warned me. -No fighting unless you're all here.
No, we're not fighting, Carol. Not yet.
We're just catching up, right?
You said "happy." You really dragged out the "a."
-I didn't mean to. -Well, you did.
And what bothers me is your tone, what you're insinuating.
Carol, did it seem like I was trying to insinuate something?
Julián made me promise I wouldn't give my opinion today.
Since in-laws are not allowed…
As if you were doing me a favor by coming here.
As if Dad's well-being wasn't your concern as well.
That wasn't my intention. Relax.
No, I am relaxed.
Don't I look relaxed? Because I'm super relaxed.
But I'm tired, Víctor, of the way you two treat me.
The way you always act superior to me.
Especially considering I'm the only one who ever worries about anything.
Maybe you shouldn't worry so much, Natalia.
What's that supposed to mean?
That when you take things too seriously, they stop being funny.
Wow. That's a very interesting theory. Where did you get it from?
From the writer's manual for beginners I recommended to you?
Excuse me.
Shouldn't you wait for Julián before you start fighting?
-Yes. -You're right.
-You're right, Carol. Sorry. -Oh!
Carol, I brought a little something.
Some anchovies, but the good ones.
Amazing. Thank you very much. You didn't have to.
Could I have some water? I have to take my migraine pill.
-Of course. I'll get you some. -Thank you.
My mom used to say migraines were drawers not shut properly.
"Drawers not shut properly"?
What does that mean?
It's a metaphor, Víctor.
Now that you're a writer, you should know that.
Hey, now that you mention it…
Mention what?
Did you finish reading my novel?
Carol!
Yes?
-Do you need any help? -No, there's no need.
Are you sure?
-Natalia? -Yes?
-What happened? -When?
Now.
Are you trying to change the subject?
You noticed?
Kind of, yes. Of course.
If you didn't like it, it's all good. You can tell me.
I know it's all good. Why wouldn't it be?
All I want is for you to tell me the truth, be honest, and--
I know.
But don't you think it would be better to talk about all this another day?
-Right. -Your water.
Thank you.
I mean…
With all the important and sensitive things
we have to discuss today…
-Right, Carol? -Sure.
Come on. Just one remark.
Your first impression after reading it.
First impressions are always tricky.
"Tricky."
Yes…
And they don't always reflect what you really think.
Well, but just four words. Like that. Like a headline.
A headline for what?
Just her impression of my novel.
She's already read it.
-Oh, really? -Yes.
You've already read the novel, Nati?
But you didn't tell me.
-And what did you think? -I…
This is great. All three of you are here.
-We're very happy you're here tonight. -That's not true. Don't listen to her.
When you want, have a seat at the table.
I'll be watching a show in my room, so I'll let you… talk in peace.
-Thanks, honey. -Thanks, Carol.
Thanks.
Natalia.
We're listening.
How long did it take you to read it? More than a week?
-Why? Is that important? -It's super important.
The faster and more continuously, the better.
-You didn't know that? -No.
I don't know. A couple of weeks, I think.
Yikes.
"Yikes," what?
-I read it whenever I had time, at night… -And?
Well, the truth is, it really surprised me.
It really surprised her.
-Yes, I didn't expect it. -She didn't expect it.
-But is that good or bad? -That depends.
What does it depend on?
On many things.
The truth is, I never imagined you could write something like that.
It's not an easy novel.
I'm not sure if I fully understand you, Natalia.
-That's what reviews are like, Víctor. -I just want to know if she liked it.
He just wants to know if you liked it.
The truth is, Víctor, that I don't…
I want you to know it's not easy for me to tell you this.
That's the thing about telling the truth.
The truth is that I…
I loved it!
What did she say?
That she loved it.
You loved it, Natalia?
Yes, I really liked it.
Are you sure?
For a first novel, it's very good.
"For a first novel, it's very good" can be interpreted in many ways.
I feel… relieved.
To be honest, I was nervous to hear what you thought, little sister.
Did you really like it or love it? Be more specific.
Why don't we sit down and start the meeting?
So you didn't find it boring, did you?
Not at all.
Quite the opposite. I congratulate you.
-You congratulate him? -She congratulates me.
Thank you very much, Natalia.
-Her opinion is very important to me. -Of course. Hers is.
Yes, because she's the target audience.
-Excuse me. -Of course.
Marisa.
Honey. Yes?
Well, well, well…
So you loved the little novel, huh?
No, don't worry…
We're here to talk about Dad and come to an agreement.
Oh, I see. So it's all part of a strategy.
Of course.
What do I gain by telling him his novel is shit?
To get him offended and pissed off before we even start talking?
-You didn't like his novel? -Not at all.
No, besides…
Now it's your turn to tell him that you liked it too.
He'll be so happy that, next week, we'll have Dad living in his house.
With the wine cellar and the pool. Showing his penis to the maids.
He gave me his little novel because he was excited to sign it for me.
-He doesn't give a shit about my opinion. -Víctor values you more than you think.
Natalia,
I may be a tomato, but I'm not an idiot.
-What are you looking for, honey? -My tablet. I don't know where I left it.
Your cat is eating a plant in the living room.
I'll go.
Sorry for the interruption.
What were we talking about?
-About your novel. -Oh yes.
Julián was telling me that he also read it.
-Already? So fast? -So? Did you like it?
Above all, say what you think.
He'd be incapable of being dishonest even if he tried.
Incapable.
But let's discuss it another day, okay?
Julián, I'm also interested in your opinion.
-See? I told you so. -Really?
But are you as interested as you are in Natalia's?
No, they're different. You can't compare them.
In what way are they different?
Look, Julián, that's not important right now.
What Víctor wants to know is if you liked it,
if you connected with the characters, what you thought of the metaphors.
What metaphors?
-The title. Do you like it? -Do you like it?
53 Sundays.
It surprised me.
And is that good or bad?
That depends.
You know what, Julián?
Yes?
I'd rather you didn't tell me anything yet.
You should reread it before you tell me what you think.
Are you saying that because you think I didn't understand it?
A second read is always a good idea.
Especially for those of us who work in gazpacho, right?
It's only fair you take your time.
You're not used to it, and it's not an easy read.
Don't rush it. Read it again.
Again?
Again what?
He's already read it twice.
You've read it twice, Julián?
In a row.
In a row?
Julián, I'm speechless.
I didn't expect that. I'm getting emotional.
So if he's already read it twice,
he can tell you what he thinks.
Of course. In that case, of course you can.
And?
As a headline.
As a headline?
And, for the record, it's also very hard for me to tell you this.
I found it to be
long, a little boring, too many characters, too many storylines,
and a rushed ending that doesn't make sense.
I'm telling you this because I promised to be honest and objective.
Otherwise, I would have lied to you, which is what everyone does.
But since you insisted so much…
Very good.
It was as a headline.
Víctor?
Are you okay?
Yes, it's just the first bad review I've received, so I'm a little…
The thing is, asking people to tell you the truth, Víctor, is a bitch.
You should know that.
I didn't think you'd take it so seriously.
I hope you're not upset that I was so honest.
-So what? -Let's not get angry now over a hobby.
No, it's not a hobby, Julián.
That's exactly what I told Natalia.
Not to use that word.
I guess I'll have to get used to all kinds of criticism,
even if it's not objective.
What do you mean by not objective?
He doesn't mean anything.
Please, why don't we sit down at the table and finally start the meeting?
You're my little brother. You can't be objective. It's only natural.
But what does whether I liked your little novel have to do with us being brothers?
"Little novel"?
It's a figure of speech.
It's a derogatory term.
You used it the other day, but I pretended I hadn't heard it.
First of all, we need to agree on what to do about the light bulb.
Víctor can change it.
Now that he's finished writing, he'll have plenty of free time.
Are you listening to me?
It's only natural you can't be objective. You're probably still jealous of me.
Since when have I been jealous of you?
You've been jealous your whole life.
It's a very common pathology in younger siblings.
But jealous of what, exactly?
Of me.
That things have gone well for me and not so well for you.
What things?
You're your father-in-law's chauffeur and your wife's butler.
Now I do think what you just said has upset me a little bit.
I think I'd better go.
-I'll see you another day. -No…
Víctor…
Víctor, I'm asking you…
I'm asking both of you, please, let's make an effort.
It wasn't easy to get the three of us together tonight.
We need to make some decisions. Please.
First, he will have to apologize.
Apologize? For what?
Among other things, for the way you made that snide remark,
and I quote,
"Maybe I could change the light bulb
now that I've finished writing my little novel."
Yes. I may have dragged out the "i" a little.
It's a family habit, Víctor. You know that.
The bad review was enough.
There was no need to make fun of me.
It's survivors' humor, Víctor.
You used to love it.
I used to, yes.
Oh, and by the way, you should probably know,
we both think that you're the one who should change the light bulb.
You and who else?
Me and Natalia.
Víctor!
Well, well, well.
You don't tell me anything, sis,
considering how much we've seen each other lately.
So you two already discussed it.
Perhaps we did once.
Not just once, Natalia. Many times.
Many times?
And why should it be me
who has to change Dad's light bulb, if I may ask?
Because we pay and you don't.
You lost me there.
-What do you pay for? -Things.
I'll tell him, Natalia. He'll understand it perfectly.
You'll see he won't.
I'll try to understand, but I can't promise anything.
We both thought that you should change the light bulb
since we're the ones who take care of Dad's expenses.
What expenses?
There's no need to go into details.
Yes, there is a need, Natalia. The details are very important.
What expenses?
Well, medical expenses.
Hearing aids, his special diet, his new dentures, the physiotherapist,
the cleaning lady, the washing machine… Things, Julián. Things.
-Everyday things, you know? -Everyday things over the last few years.
Did he say "years"?
He's exaggerating.
Natalia?
How many years?
I don't know…
Four, five.
Four or five?
The thing is, Julián, Natalia didn't want to tell you anything
because we didn't want you to feel like a broke loser.
That's why.
It makes sense why you didn't tell me anything.
Well, we both know you're always short on money,
and we thought that--
Hold on. Let me see if I've got it right.
Since I'm a broke loser
and I can't help cover our dear father's expenses,
you both thought I could make up for it
by being the family handyman.
Is that it?
-Yes. -Víctor!
-It's what you said, Natalia. -Yeah, but it sounds awful put like that.
It does sound awful, Natalia.
Oh, here it was.
-You haven't sat down at the table yet? -We're about to, honey.
Julián…
The other day, when you told me that Natalia had called
to talk about a very important issue related to a light bulb,
what did I tell you?
A light bulb could never be that important.
Well, it was.
See? You never know.
You never know, honey.
-Julián. -Yes?
We argue for the sake of arguing.
-No doubt about it. -No. Let's see.
The other day, didn't we agree that Natalia should change the light bulb?
-Me? -Yes. That's right. You.
And why me?
The other day, while we were discussing the light bulb,
we realized that it wasn't fair
that your name wasn't on the list of candidates, Natalia.
We are a modern, left-wing, feminist family.
We realized that, maybe unconsciously, we had eliminated you from the equation.
-What equation? -The little blinkies.
When it comes to DIY and such things, it seems women count themselves out.
"The men will take care of it." Well, no.
Well, I'm not changing it.
What did she say?
Why won't you change the light bulb, Natalia?
My psychologist would get mad at me, and rightfully so.
Your psychologist doesn't want you to change Dad's light bulb?
We've been discussing it, and he told me not to do it.
You talk to your psychologist about little blinkies?
It's all part of a therapy plan, and I can't change it.
Why doesn't your psychologist change it? The light bulb.
Or you change psychologists?
And just so you know, I'm seeing this through.
For the first time in my life,
I've found someone who understands me perfectly
and who is helping me.
Helping you with what?
To stop being the woman I thought I was
and discover the woman I truly am.
I'm serious.
Could you please just take me seriously for once in your lives?
Besides being your sister, I'm also a person.
-Don't get angry. She gets angry now. -I see that.
The first thing I have to do is stand up to you two
and tell you what I think, no matter what it takes.
But you always say what you think. Right?
I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.
Then I'll confront my husband and kick him out
for the miserable life he's given me.
And finally, I'll become a lesbian.
But what did we do wrong, Natalia?
A lot.
I've been the maid of this house ever since Mom died.
I asked you to meet to talk about Dad
because I think he can't live alone anymore,
and you act like I'm some hysterical drama queen.
Who do you think organizes his underwear and socks?
Who buys him food and medicine?
Who cuts his toenails?
Who changes the battery in his hearing aid,
his alarm clock, and his three cordless phones?
And who has to apologize to the neighbor when Dad shows her his genitals?
And after all that,
you also want me to be the one to go to his house
to fix the little blinkies
because neither one of you can spare a lousy hour of your lives
to stop by and see him, check if he's still breathing,
and change his fucking light bulb?
I'm going to the bathroom.
I'll get it.
-This psychologist must be expensive. -Very.
Did she say she cuts his toenails?
Well, so what do we do about the revolution?
It doesn't look good.
I think light bulbs will still be our responsibility.
How about we flip a coin?
Or we can call an electrician.
After all, you two are paying.
We pay because we care about Dad, Julián.
You know, I could take that the wrong way.
Take it however you want.
Is that the same cat?
You already made that comment once.
It must be because, since you never invite us over, I forget.
We never invite you over because the one time you came,
your wife didn't want to sit on the second-hand sofa.
It made her uncomfortable, and I don't want her to suffer.
Poor Marisa.
I'm feeling better now. Can we start the meeting?
Marisa is very sensitive and has a lot of allergies.
She must be allergic to poor people.
Are you going to criticize my wife now?
Because then I really will get angry, Julián, and I'll have to leave.
Well, if you leave,
take your shitty vase with you.
It was hidden in the closet, but since my wife is such a good person,
she took it out, thinking you'd be happy to see it.
Ten minutes. If we set our minds to it, we can do it.
Let's talk about Dad's affairs for ten minutes,
and then we never have to see each other again.
Not even on Christmas?
We're going on a safari at Christmas.
Or until Dad's funeral.
Ten minutes.
Víctor?
If there's no other choice…
Okay. Don't worry. I'll let him know.
Bye.
Excuse me.
Yes, honey?
The neighbor called.
Which neighbor?
Your father's neighbor.
How strange. She always calls me.
She said she's been calling you, but you didn't answer.
My phone must have run out of battery. What did she want?
Apparently, she has been hearing your father's phone ringing all day.
I'm sure it was me. I've been calling him all day.
He can't change his hearing aid battery, so he can't hear.
Right.
So she went to knock on his door, because she heard music playing.
But since he didn't open the door, she decided to go inside to see…
And where was Dad?
Lying on the floor.
What was he doing lying on the floor?
He was unconscious.
And his head was bleeding.
-You see? -What?
He can't keep living alone. I was right.
Hey, are you suggesting it's our fault?
Which hospital is he at?
-None. -What do you mean, none?
If he has a concussion, he needs to go to a hospital.
That wasn't necessary.
When the ambulance arrived and they tended to your father,
they realized that, many hours earlier,
he had died.
Who?
Dad is dead?
From a blow to the head.
What blow to the head, Carol?
The one he got when he fell.
When he fell?
My father-in-law loved music.
Especially classical music.
He listened to it all the time, and the house was filled with melodies.
Hello.
Many years have gone by, but now, after thinking back on it,
they won't be able to help recalling memories from their childhood.
Memories of long-forgotten moments, of when they all lived together
and their father used to wake them up on weekends with the music blasting.
They'll remember those Sunday mornings with their endless breakfasts,
their fights, their games.
It will move them.
The music will remind them
that the same blood runs through their veins,
that they are inseparably connected,
and that, despite the arguments, they share a very deep bond,
an instinct connected to the mystery of life
and that helps us to feel less alone.
Happy birthday…
And tonight, after a long time without doing so,
and perhaps for the last time in their lives,
they will embrace.
And like that, together,
even if only for a few seconds,
they will share this unforgettable and unrepeatable moment.
-Are you okay? -Yes.
Carol, where did Dad fall from?
That's enough, Natalia. That's enough.
We all get it, Natalia.
He fell off the ladder.
What was he doing on the ladder?
He wanted to change the bathroom light bulb.
Apparently, it made little--