Thepersianversion Screenplay
Thepersianversion Screenplay
Written by
Maryam Keshavarz
A SERIES OF EXTREME CLOSE-UPS:
NUN
And the winner of this year's Best
Halloween Costume is...Miss
Burkatini!
LEILA
Nice legs.
2.
HEDWIG
Nice cultural commentary.
LEILA
Oh my god, I love drag queens.
HEDWIG
Oh no, I'm an actor, I'm playing
Hedwig at the Belasco. I was
supposed to come in this
Frankenstein thing but it --
LEILA
Shhh, okay? You're so beautiful
until you talk.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Ow! Why would you do that?
HEDWIG
I'm so sorry, I thought that was
sexy.
They keep making out. He tries to take off her bikini top.
LEILA
Ow, ow! You're scratching me with
your nails.
HEDWIG
Sorry.
LEILA
Here, let me show you.
HEDWIG
(laughs)
You did that with one hand?
3.
LEILA
Yeah, I've had a lot of practice.
LEILA (CONT’D)
(to camera)
Obviously I've have some issues
with "culture". But can you blame
me? I come from two countries who
used to be madly in love with each
other.
CUT TO:
LEILA (V.O.)
And like any great romance, it
ended in a bitter divorce.
LEILA (V.O.)
As early as I could remember, my
two cultures didn't just hate each
other: they were at war.
Hedwig and Leila are in bed now; Hedwig is asleep and Leila
continues to address us directly, while trying to make her
getaway while not waking him up.
4.
LEILA
(to camera)
And like a child of divorce, I was
right in the middle, being pulled
at from both sides. Being a girl, I
couldn't be drafted into the
Iranian military...
LEILA (V.O.)
...so I was the only child of my
family who could travel between
these two countries...
LEILA (V.O.)
..these two parents who wanted each
other dead: Iran and America. I
never fit in anywhere.
LEILA (V.O.)
Too Iranian in America, too
American in Iran. Unresolved
childhood trauma.
LEILA (V.O.)
Clearly this neurosis led me to
become a writer. Hey, free therapy.
LEILA (V.O.)
Writers and neurosis, what's more
New York than that?
CUT TO:
LEILA (V.O.)
As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I
thought we were the all-American
family. Sears family portrait and
all. We even had our archetypes.
LEILA (V.O.)
The disco king, the troublemaker,
JFK Junior minus the plane crash,
the braniac-future-Harvard-grad,
the goth, the hippie, the greaser,
and the metrosexual. And me, the
outsider.
YOUNG LEILA
I'm almost done!
LEILA (V.O.)
I was just an all-American girl.
But the Americans didn't see it
that way.
AMERICAN BULLY
You smelly terrorist!
LEILA (V.O.)
Meanwhile, in Iran ...
CUT TO:
PERSIAN BULLY
You smelly imperialist! Go back to
where you came from.
Young Leila watches a space shuttle lift off with the rest of
her rapt second grade class.
YOUNG LEILA
(to camera)
In America, I learned how to put my
faith in science.
YOUNG LEILA
(to camera)
In Iran, I learned how to put my
faith in politics.
LEILA (V.O.)
The only way to survive was not to
put my faith in any of the rules.
YOUNG ROSTAM
Leila!
On the other side of the bathroom door, Leila alone wears her
brother's Batman Underoos.
YOUNG LEILA
(directly to camera)
... the only thing I could put my
faith in was ART!
Young Leila opens the door and tries to walk normally past
her brothers.
8.
LEILA (V.O.)
Growing up in a home with eight
boys, I knew that men had it
easier. But still, being the only
girl in a family had its benefits.
CUT TO:
Young Leila stands in line for customs with Shirin (35); both
of them have their hair covered. Young Leila tries her best
to walk normally.
LEILA (V.O.)
Both for getting in line first and
for smuggling. So, after the
Islamic Revolution, the Iranian
government wanted to distance
itself from its former lover: the
US-of-A.
LEILA (V.O.)
So, if in the past everything
American was cool, after the
revolution, anything Western was
forbidden and the source of all
evil.
LEILA (V.O.)
So, logically, I became the mule
for all good from America.
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
(in Persian)
Search their bags.
While Shirin opens her bags for the CUSTOMS OFFICIAL, Young
Leila squirms uncomfortably and puts a hand over her crotch.
9.
SHIRIN
(in Persian, to Leila)
What the hell is wrong?
LEILA (V.O.)
I smuggled Michael Jackson, Prince,
and Cyndi Lauper back to the
homeland. But I had to play it just
right. If we were detained at
baggage control, they would do a
full-body check and I would be
busted.
CUT TO:
Back to Young Leila shoving the tape down her pants. A record
SCRATCHES. She looks at the camera with fear.
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
(in Persian)
Take them for a body search.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Leila! Why are you squirming so
much?
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
(in Persian)
You alright little girl?
YOUNG LEILA
(in Persian)
I have a really bad rash.
That's TMI for the Customs Official. Shirin eyes her askance.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
What?
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
(in Persian)
You're free to go.
YOUNG LEILA
(whispered)
Yes!
Leila and her mother arrive at the old family home - it's a
sweet homecoming. Hundreds of relatives kissing and laughing.
LEILA (V.O.)
I loved those mother-daughter trips
to Iran.
COUSIN
What did you bring us?
LEILA (V.O.)
We brought a little America to
Persia.
Young Leila reaches into her pants and pulls out ... THE
SMUGGLED TAPE!
YOUNG LEILA
(in Persian)
Victory!
SMASH CUT:
Leila ducks into another aisle and looks in the mirror. She
looks like shit- Gatorade stained sweatshirt and crazy hair.
Not a time to run into your ex! She lets her hair down and
peeks around the corner.
LEILA (V.O.)
If you ever wonder what it's like
to run into your ex when you look
like shit --
LEILA
(under her breath)
Oh my god, okay, okay, okay.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Oh. Shh. Don't scream.
LEILA (V.O.)
It feels something like this.
EMPLOYEE
Ma'am, do you know this child?
LEILA
I'm sorry. I don't know him.
12.
KID
She put on the gorilla mask.
ELENA
Leila --
LEILA
(under her breath)
Fuck.
ELENA
Is that you?
Leila is busted.
LEILA
Elena, hi, how are you?
ELENA
Evidently better than you. You've
got to stop calling me.
LEILA
Maybe I called a few times.
ELENA
I have fifty-four missed calls from
you.
LEILA
Okay, maybe more than a few times.
ELENA
Leila...
LEILA
I just, I think we should give it
another shot. I still love you.
ELENA
I don't think you know how to love.
You have too much baggage.
LEILA
Ouch.
ELENA
One day you're really gonna have to
learn how to confront your family.
Especially mommy dearest.
13.
LEILA
Really, Elena, we're still going
there?
ELENA
I've moved on. Let me have my life.
Maybe you can finally come pick up
the rest of your stuff.
Elena leaves and Leila charges away, ripping off the mask.
LEILA (V.O.)
You know the best thing about gay
marriage? Gay divorce.
LEILA
(under her breath)
Fuck.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
Shirin, darling. Make peace with
your daughter.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Okay.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Ali Reza! Ali Reza! The hospital
called three times. Wake up! It's
our turn.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
What's happened?
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
You're getting a new heart.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
What if we don't make it?
ALI REZA
Maybe it's not my destiny.
SHIRIN
You're getting a heart.
(in Persian)
Crazy traffic!
ABBAS
Where's Leila?
SHIVAZ
You know Leila, God knows.
15.
HAMID
Uh, hi, our father is going to have
surgery soon. His name is Ali Reza
Jamshidpour.
LEILA (V.O.)
Crazy, my dad's about to get a
heart. Imagine carrying someone's
heart in your body but not really
knowing anything about them.
LEILA
Hi, Mom.
SHIRIN (O.S.)
Leila, I didn't want to call you,
actually, but we had to leave. We
are in the car, Mamanjoon is
waiting for you at home. For some
reason, she won't stay with anyone
but you.
LEILA
Okay, well, how's Dad!
SHIRIN (O.S.)
(in Persian, yelling at
another car)
Hey moron, it's a car not a donkey!
Move it!
LEILA
Hello?
(frustrated)
Oh my god.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Why is it so busy? Come on, go!
It's getting late. Yah Imam Zaman!
We need your help.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
(in Persian)
He came!
LEILA (V.O.)
Stop! Wait, wait, wait, wait.
LEILA
(to camera)
Okay, this is where I have to stop
the story.
LEILA
So, Shi'ah Muslims are really into
this magic realist stuff. In our
family there's always someone who
comes in to save the day. His name
is...
(whispered)
Imam Zaman.
LEILA (CONT’D)
(normal voice)
He's this amazing saint. He
disappeared a few hundred years
ago, literally disappeared into
thin air one day. He's a busy guy.
A true believer says his name and
he appears in times of need. And he
can appear in human or animal form.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Oh, you're skeptical, huh? Well I
sort of am too.
LEILA (V.O.)
This close to getting what she
wants, of course she pulled a favor
from the big guy.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom really believes in this
stuff. I'm not sure I do. She's old
world, I'm new world. This is my
mom and I's relationship in a
nutshell.
LEILA
(addressing the camera)
Imam Zaman is cute tonight, am I
right? Well, obviously you can't
see his face. Well, because you
just can't. Just trust me on this.
SHIRIN
I told you he'd come.
18.
LEILA
He's doing his magic.
MAJID
You're gonna have your very own
personal Persian fan club after
this.
DR. MANZANO
Just immediate family, please.
MAJID
(trying to set her at
ease)
These aren't even all my siblings.
We're like a litter of cats.
DR. MANZANO
Usually the stronger kittens eat
the weaker ones.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Does she think we are cannibals?
MAJID
Maman, Dr. Manzano's the best heart
surgeon in New York. Dad,
unfortunately the same can't be
said for the heart you're getting.
We're on the B-list. But still, a
second-rate heart is better than
the one you have now. You've been
in and out of hospital for so long.
This should give you another two
years, five if we're lucky.
19.
DR. MANZANO
That's like 35 years in dog years.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
Is she saying I'm a dog?
SHIRIN
Shivaz, be strong for your father.
MAJID
Dad, with your history, this
procedure could take eight hours,
maybe more.
DR. MANZANO
That's a lot for a man of any age.
I haven't lost many patients, but
this is still an experimental
program.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
Find Vahid.
HAMID
We'll find him, Dad.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
And when I wake up, I want to see
all my children. Both Vahid, and
Leila.
LEILA
Oh, I love Persian soap operas.
Where's the popcorn?
LEILA (CONT’D)
Mamanjoon. Are you okay? They told
me you were sick.
MAMANJOON
I feel good when you're here.
LEILA
You're the only one who likes me.
Shall I take you to the hospital?
MAMANJOON
Your mother doesn't want me there.
LEILA
It's me she doesn't want there. MY
MUM IS HEARTLESS!
MAMANJOON
You two can't fight forever. You're
a writer. If you want to understand
your mother, write about her.
LEILA
(sighs)
I'm tired.
LEILA
So, are you ready to meet my
family?
21.
ELENA
I love you, okay? This is gonna be
great.
SHIRIN
You're early.
LEILA
Okay, well, happy Thanksgiving,
Mom. You remember Elena?
SHIRIN
Happy Thanksgiving.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
I actually have a cold. Yes.
Awkward.
LEILA
Hi, Dad.
BROTHERS
Oh, hey Elena!
ABBAS
Come sit with us! You play
Backgammon?
ALI REZA
(in Persian, to Leila)
How's life?
LEILA
Is that a trick question?
ABBAS
Play with us.
22.
ELENA
I mean, I haven't played since I
was five.
SHIRIN
You know what today is?
LEILA
Of course. It's the anniversary of
Grandpa's death.
SHIRIN
I remember --
LEILA
I read Elena some of his poems on
our way here.
SHIRIN
Well, I think if he saw you today,
he would be so ashamed of you.
LEILA
No he wouldn't. He was a poet. He
wasn't afraid of something just
because he didn't understand it.
SHIRIN
You barely knew him.
LEILA
I read his books more than you,
Mom. Of all people, Grandpa would
want me to live my truth.
SHIRIN
(contemptuously)
Your truth? Your truth is going to
kill your father.
23.
LEILA
Wait, sorry, now we're talking
about killing Dad? I thought I was
supposed to be scandalizing Grandpa
on his anniversary!
(beat)
You're such a coward, Mom. Hiding
behind dad, hiding behind your
father. But it's not them who don't
want me to be who I am, it's you!
SHIRIN
You were always like this, ever
since you were a kid. Stubborn.
Selfish. And there was not one rule
you did not want to break.
LEILA
I'm not breaking any rules.
SHIRIN
I think you should leave - you and
Elena. Both of you.
LEILA
You're throwing us out on
Thanksgiving?
SHIRIN
You want to live outside of the
rules? Live outside the rules.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom could be so cruel.
LEILA (V.O.)
She just didn't have room in her
heart for me.
INSERT: A flood of texts from Hedwig over the last few weeks.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
How's Duncan?
LEILA
(to camera, in English)
If you're going to have one last
boyfriend before becoming gay, you
can do a lot worse than Duncan.
(to Grandma, in Persian)
We're not together anymore. We
broke up like nine years ago.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
You did good. You don't love him,
leave him.
LEILA
(in Persian)
Mom wanted me to marry him.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
Forget it. Have fun with someone
new. Just don't get carried away.
But if you must...put it in the
back door so you stay a virgin. I
let grandpa do that before we got
married.
LEILA
(in English)
Oh my god, okay, Grandma! Stop stop
stop.
25.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
You think we just stared across the
room at each other?
LEILA
(in Persian)
Can we change the subject?
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
Spoiled! You're just like your
mother. You overreact just like
her.
LEILA
(in Persian)
I'm nothing like my mother.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
You'd be surprised.
MAMANJOON (CONT’D)
(in Persian)
Do you know why your parents came
to America?
LEILA
(in Persian)
Sure. It was 1967...
CUT TO:
LEILA (V.O.)
(in Persian)
The U.S. had a shortage of doctors
because of the Vietnam War ...
CUT TO:
Young Ali Reza (27) and Young Shirin (18) head down the
stairs of an airplane, each carrying a CHILD. Fresh off the
plane. The rest of the voiceover is in English, Leila has
heard her family’s origin story a million times
26.
LEILA (V.O.)
(in English)
So they recruited doctors from Iran
to work in America's inner cities.
CUT TO:
LEILA (V.O.)
My dad opened his practice in Bed
Stuy, Brooklyn. They were supposed
be here 5 years, for my dad to
complete his internal medicine
speciality...
CUT TO:
LEILA (V.O.)
Then 5 years became 15. Then there
was the Revolution, and then the
war...
LEILA (V.O.)
So we didn't go back.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
(in Persian)
No, Leila. That's only one version.
LEILA (V.O.)
Mamanjoon, what are the other
versions of the truth?
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
(in Persian)
Your parents were escaping.
Escaping a scandal.
LEILA (V.O.)
(in Persian)
A scandal!
LEILA
Mom never talked about any kind of
scandal.
Mamanjoon is snoring.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Mamanjoon? Mamanjoon? Mamanjoon?
LEILA (V.O.)
What could be the scandal?
SHIRIN
Even finer, even finer.
YOUNG LEILA
(frustrated)
Why does it matter?
SHIRIN
Because, if you want to learn how
to make ghormeh sabzi, you have to
learn it the right way.
28.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mother was an enigma. Hard to
ever understand what she was
thinking. She held her cards tight
with everything, except her
criticism of me.
SHIRIN
Okay, more, keep going. Watch your
finger, Leila.
YOUNG BROTHER
(in Persian)
They're here!
SHIRIN
The Americans are on time? Why are
they on time?? Your dad is not even
home! Leila! Watch the rice. I have
to get ready.
YOUNG LEILA
Okay, everybody, clean up time!
Everybody, get dressed now!
SHIRIN
Leila, get the shoes.
Young Leila brings over two pairs of heels. Shirin steps into
them.
YOUNG LEILA
Mom, your shoes.
SHIRIN
(in the main room)
Happy New Year!
YOUNG LEILA
(to herself)
You're welcome, Mom.
The party is in full swing. Ali Reza and Shirin feel at home
with their people, their culture, their language.
DR. DABIRI and his new American wife, LINDA, who has
convinced him a 6pm invitation means to actually arrive at
six. SOUSSAN SHOJAEI (42) arrives with her husband NADER
SHOJAEI and daughter, ANAHITA (15), who is, in Leila's eyes,
the epitome of cool: short shorts, knee-high socks, and big
80s hair. Leila touches her own two braids and feels uncool.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mother was also the master
multitasker. Cook a huge meal,
clean the house, and get ready for
a party effortlessly. Something I
probably learned from her. And
helped me become a director.
SOUSSAN SHOJAEI
(to Shirin, in Persian)
What a gorgeous dress you made me.
(MORE)
30.
SOUSSAN SHOJAEI (CONT’D)
Look. I've gotten so many
compliments.
WOMAN
(in Persian)
Happy Persian New Year! I brought
you a little gift. I hope you like
it.
Shirin pops the CASSETTE TAPE tape into the boom box. It's
1962’s Persian pop superstar: Googoosh.
Women dancing with women, men with men. Seductive and fun.
Meanwhile, Young Leila jumps between her mom and her mom’s
best friends Soussan and Linda. Young Leila expertly dance
Persian style like the adults. Young Leila's the center of
attention of the dancing ladies - Shirin beams with pride.
When the song ends, Young Leila joins the kids playing hide-
and-seek while Shirin cleans up as she checks up on her
tribe: Shivaz puts the moves on a girl. Majid and Hamid
battle Anahita on Atari. Eman plays Dungeon & Dragons with
the outsiders.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Why are you spying here? Instead of
helping me, you're doing this? Go
back to the party.
YOUNG LEILA
But Vahid was smoking, Mom!
Shirin looks out the window. Vahid and Shirin stare at each
other for a long moment. DENIAL WINS. Shirin decides Vahid
wasn't smoking and heads back inside.
LEILA (V.O.)
It's amazing what a good night's
sleep can do. Erase all the worries
of the night before. And erase the
past.
The rest of the breakfast rush comes in - 8 kids who all want
different things, and Shirin makes them all.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
What are you wearing?
YOUNG LEILA
I like it.
32.
SHIRIN
(calling out)
Vahid!
SHIVAZ
(to Leila)
Nice hair, sis.
YOUNG LEILA
Thanks.
SHIRIN
Vahid!
Vahid enters, like a truck ran him over. Shirin serves him an
omelet - he rejects it and grabs the Frosted Flakes.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
Your omelet is ready. You have to
go to school today.
VAHID
(ignoring his Mom)
I'm not going to school.
SHIRIN
(chastising)
You boys are not helping Vahid
enough.
SHIVAZ
We can't make him study...
YOUNG MAJID
What do you want us to do, Mom?
SHIRIN
I'll keep you from using the car
unless you are ready to help him.
(in Persian)
How's that?
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
Ali Reza? Ali Reza? Ali Reza?
Shirin and Shivaz hover over the comatose body of Ali Reza,
who is connected to a raft of machines.
SURGEON
Ali Reza Jamshidpour?
SHIRIN
Yes.
SURGEON
To recover from a triple bypass is
serious - there's going to have to
be lifestyle changes.
SHIVAZ
Maybe that way he can stop smoking.
SHIRIN
Can he return to work?
SURGEON
The damage to his heart was severe.
No stress whatsoever. He'll be
lucky if he can walk around the
block. But he's alive.
SHIVAZ
Okay. I'll quit law school and get
a job.
SHIRIN
You will not. We didn't come to
America for you to be a hamal. You
will finish school. I will figure
it out. I will figure it out.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mother is not one to take "no"
for an answer.
(MORE)
34.
LEILA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
No one ever gave her the memo that
Muslim women were supposed to be
passive good girls. There was never
a mountain that was insurmountable.
SHIRIN
(into phone)
Hello. I am calling about the
receptionist position. I -- yes.
How much typing? And do you need a
high school diploma?
(she shakes her head)
Okay. Thank you for your time.
Thank you.
PRE-LAP:
SHIRIN
He has worked in this country for
twenty years as a doctor.
BILLING BUREAUCRAT
I'm afraid you're going to have to
pay the whole bill.
SHIRIN
(into phone)
Hello, I am calling about the --
what?
SHIRIN
He does not even make this in one
year. He has to be here for another
two weeks! He can't work, we have
nine kids.
SHIRIN
Bankrupt -- we are Iranian. We
don't do "bankruptcy."
SHIRIN
(into phone)
Hello, I am calling about the part-
time office assistant --
BILLING BUREAUCRAT
I can see here that he owns his own
office.
SHIRIN
Okay, so?
BILLING BUREAUCRAT
Well, consider selling the office.
LEILA (V.O.)
She was too proud to fail. She was
never going back to her home
country, so it was success in
America or bust.
SHIRIN
Sell the office to pay a hospital
bill?
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom was the queen of
stubbornness, a trait I'd later go
on to perfect.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
The building is worth 200 thousand.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
I bought it for 40 thousand and
that is what I'll sell it for.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Fine. How do you expect to pay your
hospital bills? We talked about
this, Ali Reza. The building is
worth five times what you paid.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
It is what it is.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
We can take a loan.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
We won't take any loans. We won't
borrow from anyone. There is a word
for that...usury.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
This isn't Iran. We live in America
now.
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
Do you think God cares where we
live? There are not two right
things to do.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
And feeding our nine children? And
paying your medical bills? What
does God have to say about that?
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
God is generous.
38.
Shirin has reached the end of her rope. Tears stream down her
eyes as she walks, utterly brutalized by her life.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom became a single-minded
woman. The path was right in front
of her.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
God help me!
LEILA (V.O.)
And then everything changed.
She looks up towards the heavens, but before her eyes get
there, she sees a huge billboard - like a sign from God.
CLOSE ON BILLBOARD
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Yah Imam Zaman.
With trembling hands, she reaches into her purse and pulls
out various items: a half-eaten apple, used and new tissues,
eyedrops, until she finds a ... DIME.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
I am calling about becoming a
realtor.
RECEPTIONIST
Hello!
(singing)
Welcome to 1-800-Start-Being-A-
Realtor, yeah!
39.
SHIRIN
Okay, thank you? So how can I
become a realtor? I have to make
money right away.
RECEPTIONIST
I like your enthusiasm! After you
take our brief eight week course,
you can start working at any real
estate agency.
SHIRIN
Are there any other requirements?
RECEPTIONIST
You just need a high school diploma
or a GED.
SHIRIN
And I can make lots of money?
RECEPTIONIST
Your opportunities as a realtor are
endless, always remember that.
SHIRIN
Okay, thank you.
LEILA (V.O.)
When she found the path, she took
multitasking to another level. And
all this without Adderall.
TEACHER
Welcome to the accelerated GED
program. Over the next eight weeks,
we're going to be meeting every
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7-
10pm. You cannot miss a single
class.
40.
YOUNG LEILA
I solved it! God, I love math.
SHIRIN
Can you help me, here?
YOUNG LEILA
Abbas's better than me, ask him.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
You can do anything, better than
your brother.
SHIRIN
Uh, excuse me. You have two hundred
thousand dollars left on your
mortgage, but you have paid one
hundred thousand dollars. That is
your equity.
DIVORCEE
Thank you.
SHIRIN
Yes. Of course.
41.
INSTRUCTOR
You're a natural.
SHIRIN
Oh, thank you.
INSTRUCTOR
Any news about your GED?
SHIRIN
I have already mailed for it. It
will be here, um -- I will have it
in a few weeks.
INSTRUCTOR
Okay. But before the test, alright?
At the check out, Shirin piles the food and hands the girl a
huge stack of coupons. She's in a big hurry.
SHIRIN
Seriously? My kids are waiting.
It's fine.
SHIRIN
I -- okay.
Shirin has no time for this shit. She runs full speed to the
cereal aisle. She scans the shelves. 24 oz...
42.
WOMAN
(muffled)
Call 9-1-1! The ambulance is
coming.
LEILA (V.O.)
But my mom wasn't one to let a
broken neck get in her way. She was
going to get that license at any
cost.
LEILA (V.O.)
Even if it meant making my life
miserable.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Are you not going to cook dinner?
YOUNG LEILA
Mom, can we just get pizza? I want
to play basketball.
SHIRIN
We don't have money.
YOUNG LEILA
You ask me to cook cause I'm a
girl.
SHIRIN
No, I ask you because I can count
on you.
YOUNG LEILA
I want to play basketball.
Shirin looses her cool and throws her water glass across the
room. SMASH.
43.
SHIRIN
I am in so much goddamn pain,
Leila!
YOUNG LEILA
Fine. I'll make the damn dinner.
LEILA (V.O.)
And then, a miracle appeared again.
MOMENTS LATER
LAWYER
Judging from your injuries, we can
get you up to one hundred thousand
dollars.
SHIRIN
A hundred thousand dollars?
LAWYER
That's right.
SHIRIN
Would that money go to my husband's
account or can it go directly to my
account?
LAWYER
Wherever you want.
LEILA (V.O.)
And the path became even clearer.
SHIRIN
Here is the GED. Can I take my real
estate exam, please?
INSTRUCTOR
Huh. The GED.
44.
SHIRIN
Sorry.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom wasn't the only one with
shoulder pads and ambitions. What
was I trying to do with this
writing? Prove myself?
LEILA (V.O.)
I was doing my best to fail my
parents and I was doing a good job.
LEILA (V.O.)
I dreamt of being an Iranian-
American Martin Scorsese. Seeing my
stories on the big screen.
LEILA (V.O.)
But my parents had other ideas.
BRIDE'S MOTHER
(in Persian)
When is Leila getting married?
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Good question.
LEILA (V.O.)
And this campaign was endless.
CUT TO:
BRIDE'S MOTHER
(in Persian)
So, when is Leila getting married?
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
A miracle must happen.
LEILA
(to the bride)
Hey, what are you doing later
tonight?
LEILA
Their disappointment in me was like
artistic rocket fuel.
CUT TO:
INT. ALICE TULLY HALL - NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL - PAST - DAY
LEILA
(addressing the camera)
And I finally was showing my work
at the fancy New York Film
Festival, every filmmaker's dream.
LEILA (CONT’D)
(to her mother)
Mom, what do you think?
SHIRIN
You do this to hurt me.
46.
The credits roll, and the audience leaps to its feet, but
Leila can only see her mother's dismay.
LEILA (V.O.)
I still had no idea what the
scandal was. Delving into my own
psychosis wasn't helping writer's
block. Best to be more productive
and search ways I was probably
dying.
LEILA
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Leila, sits across from her doctor and childhood best friend,
DOCTOR ANAHITA SHOJAEI (31).
LEILA
I don't know, like, I've just been
feeling really under the weather
lately.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
I have the test results back.
LEILA
I have cancer. I knew it.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Do you want to have cancer? Or do
you want to know what's going on.
LEILA
Is that a trick question?
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Alright...you are pregnant.
47.
LEILA (V.O.)
Fuck.
LEILA
Oh my god, I love drag queens.
LEILA (CONT’D)
(to camera)
Oh, fuck.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Very pregnant. Did you notice you
missed last 2 periods?
LEILA
I thought it was just, like, stress
from my film.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Well at least its not cancer, okay?
That's good news, right?
LEILA
No, I'd prefer cancer.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
So...how did all this happen? I
assume this was not planned.
LEILA
No, I didn't know you could get
knocked up from a one night stand.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Leila, it just takes once.
LEILA
Now you give me the sex ed talk...
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Well, I didn't know I had to since
you're a lesbian!
As Leila walks, she feeds her anger. She stuffs her face with
a ridiculous spread of food: pizza, noodles, cheese burger,
milk shake, and cheesecake.
LEILA (V.O.)
Holy fuck. I'm a lesbian. I can't
be pregnant.
LEILA
(to camera, shoveling
cheesecake)
It's not considered binge eating
when you're pregnant, right?
FLASHBACK TO:
SHIRIN
I think you should leave.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
I'm glad you came. Did you like it?
Leila sits across from Hedwig. Just two girls having a heart
to heart.
LEILA
You were amazing.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
You finally called.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG (CONT’D)
So how long has it been?
LEILA
Twelve weeks.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
(a little alarmed)
That's a very specific number.
LEILA
Well, I just got out of my first
trimester. Um...
He is floored.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Ah ... can you give us a couple of
minutes in here?
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
(to stage manager)
Yeah, I'll be right out.
LEILA
I can go. I just wanted to tell
you.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
No, no, please, please. I want to
help ... What do you want to do?
LEILA
Um, I think I'm going to keep it.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Really?
LEILA
There's no pressure or anything,
I'm just letting you know.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Yeah, okay. Good. So you want to
keep it.
50.
LEILA
Yes, I think so. Yeah, I'm as
surprised as you.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Well, then let's give it a go.
LEILA
No, no pressure or anything.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
No, I would like to see you
again...
LEILA
I mean, you got me locked in for
another 6 months.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Does this mean you'll return my
calls?
LEILA
Just to be clear, right, I'm not
gonna stop working just because I'm
having a baby.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Yeah, neither am I, so --
LEILA
Like, if I want to work in Japan
during a tsunami while I'm pregnant
I will.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Ok.
LEILA
Or, like, to Sri Lanka during mass
genocide I will...
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
I mean, if you really want to. I
think that war's been over for a
few months now...
LEILA
Right.
51.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Right, so, can I take you to
dinner?
LEILA
It's so late right now, so, I am
going to get some rest.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Okay, um, tomorrow, lunch?
LEILA
I have lunch plans with my family.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Perfect. They can meet me, that's
perfect. Where do they live?
LEILA
In Jersey.
MAXIMILLIAN/HEDWIG
Jersey, Jersey, hm...
LEILA
What the fuck is wrong with Jersey?
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
(Pasar Zeshtoo keya?) Who's this
ugly guy?
MAXIMILLIAN
Uh, what'd she say?
MAJID
She said you have, um, really nice
teeth.
52.
MAXIMILLIAN
Oh, uh, my dad's a dentist.
MAJID
Oh, no way.
MAXIMILLIAN
Um...
(to Leila)
How do you say "dentist" in
Persian?
LEILA
Not now. So, Mom, how's dad?
MAJID
Hopefully he'll wake up soon.
SHIVAZ
Dad is asking about you.
HAMID
When was the last time you graced
us with your presence,
Lululollipop?
MAXIMILLIAN
Lululollipop?
SHIVAZ
Well we're honored you're here.
LEILA
Well, I could never resist a good
lo mein.
EMAN
Hey, at least she's not as much of
a fuck up as Vahid is.
SHIRIN
Hey, do not talk about someone who
is not here.
MAXIMILLIAN
(under his breath)
So, are you going to tell them?
LEILA
(whispered)
I'll send them an email.
53.
MAXIMILLIAN
(whispered)
Are you crazy?
LEILA
(whispered)
It's a cultural thing.
MAXIMILLIAN
No it's not.
EMAN
What are you guys whispering about?
MAXIMILLIAN
I'm having a baby.
SHIVAZ
You're having a baby?
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
What did he say?
BROTHER
(in Persian)
He says: I'm pregnant.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
My God, men get pregnant in this
country?
LEILA
No, I'm pregnant.
HAMID
You're pregnant by a gay guy.
LEILA
He's not gay, he's European.
MAXIMILLIAN
Only on special occasions. No, uh,
I'm not gay.
SHIVAZ
Clearly - considering you knocked
up my gay sister.
54.
EMAN
He's thespian, not a lesbian.
LEILA
Okay, classy. I'm still gay - I
just happened to get pregnant.
MAXIMILLIAN
(whispering to Leila)
You weren't gay on Halloween.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
What did he say?
ZAL
(in Persian)
He said: I'm a child of England.
ROSTAM
(in Persian)
Meaning: Leila is pregnant.
MAMANJOON
(in Persian)
Leila! Didn't I tell you "from the
back door"? The front!
SHIRIN
Maman!
SHIVAZ
Some people like coffee and some
people like tea.
ABBAS
Not that we have any problem with
gay people.
EMAN
Wait you and Elena aren't together
anymore?
ABBAS
They broke up six months ago.
SHIVAZ
Some people like coffee and tea.
MAJID
Some people like thespians.
55.
ABBAS
Congrats, sis. You're gonna be a
great mom.
LEILA
Thanks. I'm gonna get some water.
Leila rests her head in her hands, trying to figure out what
to do next. Shirin walks and it's a stare-down.
SHIRIN
Leila, how can you be so
irresponsible? I hope you are
getting married.
LEILA
I was married to Elena and you
destroyed that. If you ever want to
see your granddaughter, you'll
never bring up the word marriage
again.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
It's a girl?
LEILA
(looking at her mother and
then camera)
Did she break up my marriage?
(MORE)
56.
LEILA (CONT’D)
We were so in love. I was living
the out of the box lifestyle I
always wanted.
CUT TO:
ELENA
I love you.
LEILA
...until life intervened.
LEILA
I thought that the whole point of
being in a radical queer
relationship was I wouldn't be
forced to be a damn housewife.
ELENA
Being responsible isn't being a
housewife. It's keeping your word
and us having a child this year.
Not leaving for six months on a
film shoot.
LEILA
(defiant)
I'm making my film now. I'm not
gonna postpone.
ELENA
How can you be so disgustingly
selfish?
LEILA
(to Elena)
I need to be selfish.
57.
ELENA
Well, then, I need to break up with
you.
LEILA (V.O.)
So, it's not all my mom's fault.
LEILA
(addressing the camera)
But it’s so much easier blaming our
mothers...isn't it?
LEILA (V.O.)
I was just terrified to be like
her. I had to do motherhood my way.
LEILA
(addressing camera)
The thing is, just when I thought I
had my mother figured out...
CU: Leila (14) with big hair and the same expression. All the
glory of the late 80s.
LEILA
(addressing camera)
...she would throw a monkey wrench
into my story. She was a character
I couldn't pin down - who kept
reinventing herself.
LEILA (V.O.)
And this time, she invented herself
as an ultra-successful immigrant
businesswoman.
Shirin has Twinkies and Oreos ready for the kids, and a
samovar of tea for the parents: old country in New Jersey.
SHIRIN
So, Mr. and Mrs. Park, it is a very
big day. Are you excited?
THE PARKS
Yes.
SHIRIN
You are going to absolutely love
it. I have prepared everything for
you like we discussed, I just need
you to sign right here, and here.
Perfect. Congratulations! You are
going to be inside your new home
very soon.
MR. PARK
Thank you.
SHIRIN
Of course!
They sign the closing forms and Shirin opens the door to her
office, where Jim is waiting.
JIM
So, Shirin, are you running a
refugee camp here or what?
SHIRIN
Third closing this week.
JIM
You're doing better than me.
SHIRIN
The funny thing about refugees is
they love to buy homes.
59.
Leila stands against their station wagon while her mom sets
out a large sign for the open house on the lawn. The sign has
a large beauty photo of Shirin on it.
LEILA (V.O.)
My mom always leaned on me hard. To
be her little helper.
SHIRIN
Don't work too hard, honey!
LEILA (V.O.)
I had to stand up to her or she
would crush me.
With the sign perfectly set in the grass, Shirin grabs a box
of goodies from the car.
SHIRIN
I need your help setting up inside
for the open house tonight.
LEILA
I'll just wait here.
SHIRIN
Just 10 minutes.
LEILA
You always say 10 minutes.
SHIRIN
Let's go.
LEILA
(coughing)
Mom!
SHIRIN
That looks fun.
LEILA
It's calculus. There's no way you'd
understand this.
SHIRIN
Can you check the spelling of this
contract? Just one minute, please.
LEILA
Mom, oh my god, you're such a bad
speller! You didn't even spell
"thousand" right!
SHIRIN
I am a bad speller so you could be
a good one.
LEILA
(impatient, embarrassed)
I have mid-terms. There's so many
mistakes. This is going to take all
day.
SHIRIN
Just fix it please. Thank you for
helping.
SHIRIN
But Mrs. Kahn, why throw away money
on rent?
PRIYA
We can barely make that rent as it
is.
61.
SHIRIN
The house I am about to show you -
the mortgage is going to be $200 a
month less than your rent.
(looking at the kids)
It has four bedrooms. Your mother
in law can visit.
PRIYA
My mother in law is like an
Impressionist painting. You can
appreciate her better at a
distance.
PRIYA (CONT’D)
We can't afford a down payment.
SHIRIN
First time home owners, no down
payment needed.
PRIYA
You must be joking.
SHIRIN
Oh, I never joke about business,
Mrs. Kahn.
Shirin eats pizza while studying the map of Edison NJ. She
circles foreclosures in the newspaper in red ink.
SHIRIN
(in Persian to her
husband)
Wow, you shaved.
(MORE)
62.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
(to Leila, in Persian)
You should've worn more makeup.
NEWSCASTER
(on TV)
... Can you tell us what happened
last night, Mr. Patel?
RAJ PATEL
(on TV, near tears)
We've been here for ten years.
SHIRIN
(to Ali Reza, in Persian)
Turn it up.
RAJ PATEL
They burned everything we have.
Everything we worked for. I don't
know what we did. We are good
people. And they just came and
ruined everything for us.
NEWSCASTER
This is the seventh such attack in
the Jersey City area. We're here in
Journal Square...
SHIRIN
So, Mr. and Mrs.
Rodriguez...Patel...Garcia...today
is a very big day. Are you excited?
I've prepared everything for you
the way we discussed, all I need is
for you to sign right here, and
here. Amazing and congratulations!
SHIRIN
Right this way, watch your step.
Three thousand square feet for your
grocery store.
RAJ PATEL
You're renovating this yourself?
SHIRIN
Immigrants, we know how to save
money. We go through a lot. You
know, like I said, I was so moved
by your story. And I am so happy
that you are here and excited. And
you know what the best part is? In
this whole neighborhood, no market.
I don't know why.
RAJ PATEL
Then why are you giving us three
months free?
SHIRIN
If your business does well, then we
can negotiate terms that we both
find fair. Your success will be my
success. And I know you will have
success.
RAJ PATEL
This seems too good to be true, no?
SHIRIN
Do you know what my boss said when
I first started selling real estate
to immigrants? He said, "Bring one,
and the whole village comes." He
meant it as a warning, but I, I saw
that as an opportunity. I
understand something that they
don't. I have been the top seller
in my agency for the past six
months. I haven't done commercial
yet, but I own these three
buildings free and clear. I see an
opportunity. I believe in this
project. And I believe in you, Mr.
Patel.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
A little presumptuous maybe, but --
RAJ PATEL
Wow.
SHIRIN
Nice, right?
RAJ PATEL
Very nice.
LEILA
(to camera)
The opportunity my mom saw? Today,
we call it Little India.
SHIRIN
Right, Leila, go on the other side.
Sorry, one second.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
Right in the center now, you see
what I see?
RAJ PATEL
Yeah.
SHIRIN
What do you think?
RAJ PATEL
Yes.
They shake.
SHIRIN
Congratulations, Mr. Patel.
65.
Leila sinks both baskets, and her team pulls ahead. The crowd
erupts. Shirin wants to see the end of the game, but her
watch tells her she needs to go.
SHIRIN
Sorry I'm late.
JIM
Did they win?
SHIRIN
Well, I had to leave before
halftime. But Leila was on the way
to another triple double.
JIM
Do I hear basketball scholarship?
SHIRIN
No. She is going to get academic
scholarship.
JIM
So, you've been agent of the month
for eight months. What's next?
66.
SHIRIN
I'm glad you asked. Do you know Oak
Tree Road? Okay, all the stores are
boarded up and I have this plan...
SHIRIN
How was the game?
LEILA
You would know if you were there.
The quarterfinals. You forgot.
SHIRIN
Sorry I'm too busy putting food on
the table.
ABBAS
Did anyone see my smoking guns?
SHIRIN
Guns?
ABBAS
Like, muscles.
SHIRIN
(to Abbas)
I really love that you support your
sister, but you need to get
involved in a real sport. Not
throwing those white girls in the
air looking under their skirts.
Leila, sweatpants.
LEILA
No, it's too hot.
SHIRIN
Do you want to start this with your
father again?
ABBAS
Leila, don't be a bad Muslim.
67.
LEILA
I'll stop shaving my legs if you
grow out a nice long Muslim beard.
SHIRIN
This country, my daughter plays
basketball and my son a
cheerleader. Leila, pants, let's
go!
ABBAS
Put your pants on, you slut.
LEILA
Shut up.
ABBAS
You should give me some of your
facial hair too.
LEILA
Get out of here.
Leila sighs and pulls the sweatpants out of her gym bag.
SHIRIN
Hurry up!
LEILA
So stupid...
LEILA (V.O.)
I always thought I had to stand up
to my mom. I finally realized, I
needed to try to understand her.
Any maybe uncovering the scandal
could let me do that.
After a moment, Shirin opens her eyes. Leila and her mother
just look at each other, each holding their cards tight. Is a
reconciliation possible?
68.
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Weren't you supposed to be taking
care of Mamanjoon?
LEILA
(whispering)
I made you some food.
SHIRIN
My favorite.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
We don't need you here, Leila. Go
home and take care of Mamanjoon.
Fuck this! Leila leaves the hospital room filled with rage.
LEILA
Mamanjoon?
(in Persian)
I really need you.
(in English)
Need some cheering up, Mamanjoon.
SHIRIN (V.O.)
We don't need you here, Leila.
69.
MAMANJOON
Thanks, love! You still got it.
LEILA
If film doesn't work out, I could
open a restaurant.
MAMANJOON
In the West you live to work. You
are your work. What about joy? You
don't even have a family to support
yet. So why work, work, work?
LEILA
I work because I have ambitions...
MAMANJOON
Remember to live your life amongst
all those ambitions. You'll be a
mother soon. So don't forget
yourself.
LEILA
So about the scandal you mentioned
before...
LEILA (O.S.)
(in Persian)
Why did my parents come to America?
MAMANJOON
Your mom was a lot like you when
she was young.
70.
MAMANJOON (O.S.)
She was brilliant.
YOUNG SHIRIN
The square root of 4356 is 66.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
Back then, girls didn't have the
same chance as boys.
CUT TO:
YOUNG MAMANJOON
You're so selfish.
YOUNG SHIRIN
So what if I'm selfish? I want to
finish 7th grade. I don't want to
get married.
Young Shirin, Young Ali Reza, and their family pose for a
wedding photo.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
When she married your father, they
moved to a remote village with no
water or electricity. Opposite of
where she grew up. When your
brother Shivaz was born I went to
the village to help your mom.
CUT TO:
71.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
Why are you washing all those
clothes? Leave it.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I'm fine.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
You just had a baby, let me help
you.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I said I'm fine.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
I'll get Shivaz.
Young Shirin brings her mother tea as she sings to the baby.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
You don't have to suffer like this.
You're a new mum, and need some
rest.
Baby Shivaz cries and Young Shirin raises to rock his crib.
Young Mamanjoon continues singing.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
It was 2 days journey home. Their
village was so remote. It was one
day by donkey to the closest bus
stop.
72.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
And then of course, we had to wait
for the bus.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
Have some.
VILLAGE WOMAN
Thank you, my dear.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
May you have a long life.
They sip the tea and delight in the dates for a moment.
VILLAGE WOMAN
What brings you to our part of the
country?
YOUNG MAMANJOON
Well, my daughter is married to the
doctor here.
VILLAGE WOMAN
Dr. Jamshidpour?
YOUNG MAMANJOON
(surprised)
Yes. How did you know?
VILLAGE WOMAN
He is the only doctor for the
entire region. A great honor for
your daughter. Is she the first or
second wife?
73.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
What?
VILLAGE WOMAN
Are you the mother of the young
bride, or of the old nurse?
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
First or second wife? We didn't
give our daughter to your dad so he
could betray us. What was he trying
to do, start a medieval Harem?
MODERN WOMEN
A scandal in the making.
MODERN MAN
What humiliation!
MODERN WOMAN
I can't believe it.
YOUNG BOY
You'd think since he's an educated
doctor, it would be different.
RELIGIOUS WOMAN
Men will be men. Even modern ones.
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
There's a time for poetry. And a
time for action. Your grandfather's
book would have to wait.
BABAJOON
What's wrong?
MAMANJOON (V.O.)
Your grandfather and uncle did what
any respectable family would do
when their daughter's husband has
decided to live like an animal.
BABANJOON
Ali Reza. Come here!
Mohsen and Babajoon wave guns and yell at Young Ali Reza.
BABANJOON
I hear you took a second wife. You
damn peasant. Say goodbye to your
life.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(screams)
STOP IT.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I am not going to ever ride a damn
bicycle. And I am not going to
divorce this man. I understand him
better than even he knows himself.
Ours was a different story. It
would have a different ending. I
would make sure of that.
Very Young ALI REZA (11) watches his father lowered into the
ground, surrounded by his young MOTHER and eight SIBLINGS.
A CRASH of thunder.
Time has passed. Young Ali Reza (20s), now older, looks out
the same window in a different rainstorm. He pulls a book off
the shelf to calm himself.
Young Ali Reza in his early 20s, Young Shirin in her early
teens look up in awe at the marquee: GOOGOOSH IN CONCERT.
Indeed, Young Ali Reza has the same mannerisms as the child
he once was. He hands TWO TICKETS to the USHER.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I've never been to a concert.
Young Shirin and Young Ali Reza look like hicks compared to
the ultra-sophisticated concert goers from the city, smoking
cigarettes and wearing the latest western fashions.
Young Ali Reza and Young Shirin are swept away by the music.
Young Shirin and Young Ali Reza ride into the town on donkeys
led by two MEN from the village; other donkeys carry their
bags toward their new home.
The doctor and his wife are in modern dress and the villagers
are in colorful tribal clothes.
78.
This may be the biggest event the village has ever seen; the
VILLAGERS crowd around the doctor, offering gifts and asking
impromptu medical advice they've been waiting months for.
Young Shirin and Young Ali Reza eat with relish. NURSE ROYA
(36) joins them at the meal, sitting next to Young Shirin. A
friendly smile between the two women. Instantly, Young Shirin
takes a liking to Nurse Roya.
YOUNG SHIRIN
What's your name?
NURSE ROYA
Roya.
NURSE ROYA
(to Shirin)
Shirin, let me show you how to do
injections.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I don't know how to.
79.
NURSE ROYA
That's why I'm going to teach you.
I've prepared this. Make sure
there's no air in it. You take her
arm like this. Ready? Give it a
try. Okay. First you pull up her
sleeve.
YOUNG SHIRIN
You'll learn.
YOUNG SHIRIN
You are a real doctor. Not only
real, but a great doctor.
INT. NURSE ROYA'S HOME - RURAL IRAN - A LONG TIME AGO - DAY
YOUNG SHIRIN
Could I borrow some sugar?
NURSE ROYA
Of course, come in.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(re: the music)
I love this song.
80.
NURSE ROYA
Googoosh is amazing.
YOUNG SHIRIN
We heard her in concert.
NURSE ROYA
Lucky you. Let's have a tea
together.
YOUNG SHIRIN
My husband is waiting.
NURSE ROYA
Just a quick tea.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Lucky you. We don't have a radio at
home.
NURSE ROYA
We're friends now. Come listen to
the radio, even if I'm not home.
Music is good for the baby.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Hopefully.
NURSE ROYA
If you have any questions about
pregnancy or birth control...don't
be embarrassed. It'll stay between
us.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I wish I could continue my studies.
NURSE ROYA
You still can.
YOUNG SHIRIN
No, it's too late.
81.
NURSE ROYA
I was 30 when I went back to
school. It wasn't late for me.
YOUNG SHIRIN
How old are you?
NURSE ROYA
36.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(surprised)
You're older than my mother.
NURSE ROYA
(smiling)
You see? It's never too late.
Young Shirin and Toddler SHIVAZ (18 months old) ride into the
village in the back of a Jeep driven by the KATKHODAH
(village chief).
YOUNG SHIRIN
A small jug of milk and three eggs.
VILLAGE WOMAN
(of the unborn baby)
You're carrying high. You'll have a
girl.
Young Shirin's eyes light up; this woman has given voice to
her secret hope.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Do you think so?
82.
Young Ali Reza gulps down the last of his tea and walks to
the door without kissing his wife or young son.
YOUNG SHIRN
You won't believe how much Shiraz
has changed. It's amazing. Hasn't
Shivaz gotten so big? Kids grow up
fast, right?
INT. NURSE ROYA'S HOME - RURAL IRAN - A LONG TIME AGO - DAY
YOUNG SHIRIN
Roya?
She places the gift atop the radio, which she turns on.
Music melts all of her cares away, makes her feel in the
middle of life. She dances, holding her swollen belly like a
dancing partner.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Have you seen Roya lately?
VILLAGE WOMAN
I spit on her.
83.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Why?
VILLAGE WOMAN
You will shine pure. Even if that
bitch tries to drag you into dirt,
she can't. You're beautiful. You're
pure.
Young Shirin feeds Toddler Shivaz and watches her husband eat
in silence. He won't look at her.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Won't you come to bed?
Through the small window, Young Shirin can see her husband
tending to Nurse Roya - taking her pulse.
Young Shirin stands above the well alone. She starts shaking
with sobs. Her tears drop into the well.
She prepares to throw herself in. End the pain, end the
humiliation. End it all.
But in the distance she hears a CRY: her son. She looks back
toward her house, without even thinking. Then back at the
well.
SHIRIN
I promise, one day we will dance
together.
Young Shirin can't follow through with it. She climbs down
from the well.
YOUNG SHIRIN
I'm sorry. I promise to be
stronger. I'll make myself
stronger.
Her hands shaking, she walks back toward the house, toward
the screams of her sobbing son.
Young Shirin holds her son close to her pregnant belly. Both
mother and son are traumatized, and cling to each other as if
they both sense how close they came to losing each other.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(whispers to her son)
Sweetie, don't be afraid. I'll be
back for you.
VILLAGE WOMAN
Be careful, it's a dangerous
journey.
YOUNG SHIRIN
We can't turn back.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(touching her belly)
Hold on a little longer.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Help me, my baby's coming.
OB/GYN
The baby is stuck. Your hips are
narrow. I need you to push hard. I
need your help. Okay? Push. Push
harder. Push harder! It's a girl.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Let me see her.
86.
The nurse brings Shirin the dead child. Young Shirin strokes
her thick black hair.
OB/GYN
I'm sorry, she didn't survive.
YOUNG SHIRIN
My sweet, beautiful girl. Arezoo.
My love, your name will be Arezoo.
Young Mamanjoon and Young Shirin's Aunt Mahdis walk into the
hospital room. Young Shirin is still holding the dead baby.
YOUNG MAMANJOON
Shirin darling, enough. Give her to
me. Mahdis, take her for burial.
Young Ali Reza comes in. He checks her chart and her IV. And
sits in a shamed silence.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Our daughter had beautiful black
hair.
YOUNG SHIRIN
Why should I?
YOUNG SHIRIN
Enough.
87.
Young Ali Reza leaves and comes back with a NEW BORN BABY.
YOUNG SHIRIN
What?
YOUNG SHIRIN
Never mention her name in my
presence. Do you understand?
YOUNG SHIRIN
Have you no shame to ask me this?
(choking back a sob)
That's my daughter's milk.
A profound silence.
The baby cries ferociously. Young Ali Reza does his best to
console him. Young Shirin has sympathy for the baby.
Young Shirin extends her arms. Young Ali Reza places the baby
in her arms. She pulls out her breast. She breastfeeds. As
she feeds the baby, she cries tears of sorrow that drop onto
the baby's face.
YOUNG SHIRIN
(direct to camera)
My silence was my strength. It was
me keeping control of my story. A
way of dealing with the sadness,
and not being touched by it.
Young Shirin lifts her eyes and looks right into the lens of
the camera. Right into the audience.
LEILA
(to camera)
I inherited that from my mother.
The strength of silence. Pain can't
touch you if you don't talk about
it. Right?
Maximillian enters.
MAXIMILLIAN
So sorry. I'm so sorry I'm late.
LEILA
Oh great, the sperm donor's here,
we can start now.
MAXIMILLIAN
I'm Max, I'm not the sperm donor.
We're dating. Well, we're not
dating, we're...it's complicated.
TECHNICIAN
Uh...can we begin?
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah, yeah. Yes, of course.
89.
TECHNICIAN
(to Leila)
Lay down, please.
LEILA
Okay.
MAXIMILLIAN
Can I help you?
LEILA
Haven't you caused enough problems?
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah. Okay.
TECHNICIAN
The head size is normal.
Appendages, limbs, and feet are
normal. Most importantly is the
heart. Heart is looking...normal.
MAXIMILLIAN
Wow! This is totally amazing. I was
thinking what if we kept dating?
LEILA
Were we dating? I thought we just
fucked once.
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah, I mean, that's the most
awkward thing, right? Now the
sexual tension is out of the way,
we can actually go on a date and
find out if we like each other. Do
you know what I mean? It's worth a
try, right?
LEILA
Um.
MAXIMILLIAN
Do you like dumplings?
LEILA
I mean, who doesn't like dumplings?
90.
TECHNICIAN
I like dumplings.
MAXIMILLIAN
I, yeah, I mean...
The technician has seen weird shit, this makes the top ten.
MAXIMILLIAN
(eating)
Oh my god, that's amazing. I'm kind
of a big deal in the dumpling
scene. It's kind of embarrassing,
but, um, I'm the dumpling king.
LEILA
The dumpling king?
MAXIMILLIAN
Mhm, yeah, dumpling king.
LEILA
Is this self-proclaimed or they
named you the dumpling --
MAXIMILLIAN
No, no, no. There's a guy, he plays
a trumpet for me every time I come
in the shop.
LEILA
Really?
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah. I get everything for free.
LEILA
I really believe that.
MAXIMILLIAN
Mm. It's true.
MAXIMILLIAN (CONT’D)
No, you can't have sushi, sorry.
Leila -- it's like -- I read a
thing. World Health Organization.
LEILA
Japanese people eat sushi when
they're pregnant.
MAXIMILLIAN
You know, it's not -- I'm not
making it up, like, I read
something that --
LEILA
You know what you should do? You
should call the Japanese government
and tell them about these serious
allegations that you're claiming
against pregnant women.
MAXIMILLIAN
Okay, fine. Fine, fine, whatever,
fine.
LEILA
Way to go! It's okay, just give it
to me.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Okay, seriously?
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah, yeah. You really want the
best piece. You wanna try this.
LEILA
(eating)
Mm. Mhm.
MAXIMILLIAN
How good is that?
SHIRIN
His hair, it is darker than in
years!
DR. MANZANO
He's getting twice the amount of
oxygen he had than before. In
Ancient Persia, cats whose hair
changed in the night have magical
powers!
ALI REZA
(in Persian)
Is she saying I became a cat?
SHIVAZ
He's cleared for the wedding
tomorrow, huh?
DR. MANZANO
Unfortunately his magic hasn't
helped his immune system. Sorry.
ALI REZA
Leila isn't coming?
SHIRIN
She's running some errands for me.
She'll come by later.
ALI REZA
Ok.
SHIRIN
(ululating)
KELLELLEEELL-lEHHHLL-LEH
Ali Reza kisses both Vahid and Nazanin on the head. And he
whispers a Quranic prayer in each of their ears.
ALI REZA
Congratulations. Congratulations on
your wedding. You look good, Vahid.
93.
VAHID
I'm better dad.
SHIRIN
Get going to the bachelor party.
SHIVAZ
Bachelor party!
(to Nazanin)
And for you, ladies night at the
spa.
ALI REZA
Shirin darling, thank you...
SHIRIN
It was a good thing. He found
someone who would love him.
ALI REZA
Will you forgive me?
SHIRIN
This is not a time for that.
ALI REZA
I love you.
SHIRIN
You've become so sentimental, like
the Americans. I have a lot of
work. Tomorrow is the wedding. See
you later.
LEILA
Just hold on, stand still, it's
really easy. You just pop it, just
like this.
94.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Seriously? I said stop. Put it
down. Too bad Mamanjoon had to go
back to Iran.
ABBAS
(in Persian)
(Pasar Zeshtoo keya?) Who's the
ugly guy?
MAXIMILLIAN
They love the teeth.
BROTHERS
(in Persian)
(Pasar Zeshtoo amad) Mr. Ugly is
here.
MAXIMILLIAN
A corsage for the wedding.
LEILA
How retro. Thanks.
MAXIMILLIAN
You like it?
LEILA
Love it.
MAXIMILLIAN
You look beautiful.
LEILA
Thank you.
MAXIMILLIAN
I was thinking I could come by
after the show.
(beat)
I mean if that's okay.
LEILA
(pleased)
Yeah. How many Jamshidpours can you
stand at once?
95.
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah, we'll see. It will be a good
opportunity to find out. Socially
awkward dives into the deep end.
Leila laughs.
MAXIMILLIAN (CONT’D)
I'm gonna go.
MAXIMILLIAN (CONT’D)
Oh, uh, how do you say "goodbye" in
Persian?
LEILA
We mostly all were born in America,
so we all speak English.
MAXIMILLIAN
Yeah, right, I know. But, just, I
don't know, I want to get into the
culture.
LEILA
(in Persian)
(Khafeh Shoh) Shut up.
MAXIMILLIAN
(in Persian)
"(Khafeh Shoh)?” Shut up?
MAXIMILLIAN (CONT’D)
(in Persian)
(Khafeh Shoh) SHUT UP! Everybody.
(Khafeh Shoh) SHUT UP!
BROTHERS
(in Persian)
(Khafeh Shoh) Shut up.
LEILA
Don't tell him.
ABBAS
The corsage, is it fake?
96.
ABBAS (CONT’D)
That's cute. He tried, you know?
SHIRIN
(in Persian)
Vahid, I'm proud of you.
Vahid beams with pride and love, trying to repress his shame.
VAHID
Thanks for everything you did for
me, Mom.
SHIRIN
See you in a minute.
LEILA
No one came to my wedding with
Elena.
SHIVAZ
No one even told me you broke up
with Elena. You know?
ABBAS
Did you even have a wedding? I
thought you registered at City Hall
to get health insurance.
LEILA
Okay, you're missing the point.
SHIVAZ
Do you even believe in marriage?
LEILA
You know, I have a lot of issues.
97.
ABBAS
Maybe it's time to deal with some
of them, sis.
SHIVAZ
Yeah, for real.
LEILA
I'm trying.
ABBAS
Maybe it's also time to let go of
some of that anger.
SHIVAZ
If not for your own sake, then at
least for your bambino. Just
saying.
LEILA
Thanks for the advice.
ABBAS
What is "bambino"?
We see all the characters from the family parties - they are
getting down to some Googoosh.
LEILA
Must have been hard to raise Vahid.
SHIRIN
I love my kids all the same.
98.
LEILA
Yeah, but he was different, wasn't
he?
This is way too close to home. Shirin knows how to change the
subject.
SHIRIN
You and him were not that
different. You both just had bad
friends.
LEILA
(snapping)
Yeah. We're so similar. My friends
forced me to get two Master's
degrees while Vahid was living in a
crackhouse.
Shivaz and Abbas have seen the trouble brewing and come to
the rescue.
ABBAS
(to Leila)
Hey Lululollipop, I know you can
dance!
Abbas pulls her onto the dance floor, while Shivaz pulls his
mom out for a dance on the opposite side of the floor.
After the song is over, Leila slips away. From the corner of
the room, Leila watches her family and her mother - all
enjoying themselves. Even the black sheep is being
celebrated.
LEILA
I just snuck out of my brother's
wedding. I think I'm in labor.
It's the end of the night. All the brothers, are extremely
drunk except for Vahid...
SHIRIN
Have you seen Leila?
MAJID
Leila? Um, I don't know...paging
Lululollipop! I can't see her, Mom,
I'm sorry.
SHIRIN
(to Shivaz)
Have you seen your sister?
SHIVAZ
Who?
SHIRIN
Have you seen Leila?
SHIVAZ
No.
SHIRIN
(to Abbas)
Have you seen -- have you seen
Leila?
ABBAS
No. Sorry.
CALM NURSE
No one came in with her?
NERVOUS NURSE
No, I don't think so.
CALM NURSE
Is there a next of kin?
NERVOUS NURSE
(checking the form)
Her mother.
CALM NURSE
Okay. Let's call her mother.
SHIRIN
Hello? No -- I'm sorry I can't
hear.
SHIRIN
Taxi! TAXI!
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
(in Persian)
Imam Zaman, help!
This time Imam Zaman APPEARS in the form of a Tuk Tuk driver!
And again we can't see his face.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
Cornell Hospital please.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
(to camera)
Imam Zaman truly comes in the most
unexpected forms.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Okay, I see the crown, she's got
beautiful black hair. Okay?
Alright, come on, let's push. Push,
honey, come on. Okay, Leila? Deep
breaths, okay?
HEDWIG
Oh shit!
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Listen to me, you got to channel
your anger, okay? You gotta push it
out.
LEILA
I'm not angry! I'm not angry!
Vahid pulls him free and tries to give the insane impromptu
marathon some direction.
LEILA
Do I look angry?
102.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
You look a little angry, that's
okay. That's okay. Push.
LEILA
I can't.
LEILA (CONT’D)
Mom. Mom.
SHIRIN
I'm here. I'm here.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Leila, the baby is stuck in the
canal, okay? Your hips are too
narrow. I need you to push. Please.
SHIRIN
Leila, listen to me, I need you to
scream as loud as you can so you
can push. Please push.
LEILA
Is the baby going to die?
DOCTOR ANAHITA
I need you to concentrate, okay?
HEDWIG
We're looking for Leila
Jamshidpour, she's in labor, do you
know which room she's in?
NERVOUS NURSE
Is one of you the father?
HEDWIG
I'm the father.
NERVOUS NURSE
Oh lordy.
103.
CALM NURSE
Room 345.
BROTHERS
Room 345!
SHIRIN
Push, Leila, push.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
You're both in danger, I need you
to concentrate.
SHIRIN
Scream as loud as you can so you
can push. You can do it. Come on,
honey.
LEILA
Damn it.
This time Leila opens her mouth and lets it all out.
LEILA (CONT’D)
(in Persian)
AHHHHHHH!!!! MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!
BABY
WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Aw, you have a beautiful baby girl!
MAJID
Just like in the movies.
HEDWIG
Just like this?
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Yep.
HEDWIG
You're a mom. You're all uncles!
SHIRIN
And I am a grandmother.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Alright, the show's over, gentlemen
and lady. Thank you, thank you.
MAJID
I'm medically trained, do you need
me to --
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Alright, thank you, bye.
HEDWIG
Leila, I'll be just outside.
MAJID
Great job, Lululollipop.
HEDWIG
(in Persian)
(Khafeh Shoh.) Shut up. Shut up.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Great job, Leila.
SHIRIN
Oh.
DOCTOR ANAHITA
Let me get her cleaned.
105.
LEILA
(to the camera)
This is not how it happens in the
movies.
SHIRIN
It is okay, honey. It's very
natural. Honey, what did you eat?
Leila has the baby in her arms. The vomit is cleaned up. The
nurse walks in with a clipboard.
CALM NURSE
So, we are doing the birth
certificate today. I already have
Hedwig's information. So, we just
need a name. What shall we call
her?
Leila looks into her baby's eyes, she caresses the baby's
long hair.
LEILA
Her name is Arezoo.
CALM NURSE
Arezoo. Oh, what a beautiful name.
SHIRIN
Why did you choose that name?
LEILA
She's just Arezoo. Would you like
to hold her?
SHIRIN
Yes.
Shirin holds baby Arezoo - who looks shockingly like her own
Arezoo. A baby with long black hair, alive and well. A
miracle. Or a reincarnation. Or time folding on itself. Tears
well up in Shirin's eyes.
106.
For the first time, she has let the full weight of sadness
and joy into her heart. She looks at her only daughter.
SHIRIN (CONT’D)
Leila. I -- I am sorry. I love you.
LEILA
Don't be so American.
SHIRIN
(to the baby)
Arezoo!
(in Persian)
My love.