[gentle music playing]
[children laughing]
[woman] James!
[boy 1] Faster! Show him, James!
Hey, there.
[boy 2] James, you can do it!
Lydia is top of her class.
I'm so proud of her.
Come on!
[man] Let's see if you bowled well.
[James] Ah!
Ow!
[James groans] Dad.
Maybe you should send James to training more often.
[Mortimer] James!
What happened?
James will play again in a minute.
Stay calm.
Don't even think about crying here in front of everybody.
A Beaufort doesn't show weakness.
Especially not just because he was hit by a small ball.
Now you'll stand up and show Frederic who's the best.
Okay?
["Save Me" playing]
[groans softly]
♪ Paid the price ♪
♪ Fought the fight ♪
♪ Lost my mind ♪
♪ Baby, you can save me ♪
[James] I wanted to be the perfect son and learned early on to avoid feelings.
Keeping up appearances was always paramount in my family.
An unspoken law.
The first commandment.
[young James yells]
[man] And how is it now?
Can you tell me what you feel?
You have tears in your eyes.
What are you thinking about?
Ruby.
[man] What do you feel when you think about her?
[James] I'm…
sad…
because…
I lost her.
I'm…
angry…
because…
because it's my fault.
[man] What do you think Ruby would say if she were here now?
[chuckles]
That it's okay to be sad.
That weakness
can be a strength.
The beginning of a change.
[man] Is that what you want? To change yourself?
That's why I'm here.
MAXTON HALL - THE WORLD BETWEEN US
BASED ON THE NOVEL "SAVE YOU" BY MONA KASTEN
[photo booth beeping]
[heart beating]
[Ember] Are they all coming?
[Ruby] Hmm?
Wow.
Have you thought about the seating arrangement?
Those two next to each other and the evening will be fun.
Really?
[printer beeping]
[continues beeping]
Ruby?
Ruby.
Ruby, are you okay?
-Yes, no, it's just-- -[stops beeping]
I saw James yesterday.
-If you want to talk about it, then-- -Thank you.
It's just…
I can't.
I have to focus on the gala, otherwise I'll go off course again.
Then I've got just the right thing for you.
A touch of Dua Lipa, a touch of boss babe.
Wow!
It's beautiful.
One day all Maxton Hall graduates will want to have an Ember Bell original.
Those who have a clue, definitely.
And you will even get a great deal.
An Ember Bell original for a ticket to the Campbell Gala and we're even.
You know that I can't take you with me.
Why not?
Em, it's invitation only.
Only invited guests and those who helped with the preparation.
And I only tailored your outfit.
What's going on all of a sudden?
I'm good for making Victorian dresses and outfits
but you don't even consider taking me with you, do you?
I thought Maxton Hall, and everything connected with it,
was too elitist for you and not your thing at all.
-You think I'd embarrass you. -Please, don't misunderstand this.
I'm understanding more than I'd like to right now.
Em…
[door opens]
Em, it's complicated. I don't want you to get hurt.
Too late.
[Lydia] I've got to go now.
I will.
Thank you.
Till then.
[James] Chamomile.
-It's supposed to help against the nausea. -Thanks.
-That was Aunt Ophelia. -You're in touch?
We spoke on the phone a few times.
After the reading of the will, she wants to use her shares to support us.
-Mom would have wanted it that way. -[door opens]
What did Mom tell her?
She wants to talk more about it the next time we see each other.
Do you think I'm making a mistake?
Dad still hasn't forgiven me for what happened with Greg.
If he finds out about Graham and everything,
he will never trust me again.
Let alone let me join the company.
An unwed pregnant daughter would be a disaster for our image.
For the old men on the board, definitely.
But once they are convinced that everything is business as usual,
I'll keep mentioning your name
until they all get that you're the mastermind behind Young Beaufort.
I'll hold the fort until then, okay?
Are you sure?
I won't let you down anymore, Lyd.
I want the little ones to be proud of their uncle.
Will you tell Sutton?
Maybe.
Soon.
And Ruby?
Do you think she'll give you another chance?
Maybe.
Soon.
[both chuckle]
[birds chirping]
[indistinct conversations]
[screen chimes]
[May] Hi, everyone.
I'm May, Alice Campbell's assistant.
[all] Hi, May!
As you probably know, the gala dinner is the event of the year for our foundation.
The donations from this evening will fund Alice's projects,
so it's extremely important that everything goes smoothly.
Absolutely. Thank you for your trust.
We went through the plans that you sent us with Alice.
All good so far.
However, we are still missing the seating arrangements.
Yes, it's almost finished.
It should have been ready yesterday for the safety inspection.
Okay. I'm sorry about that. We're on it.
[May] Furthermore, we need the event style guide,
the vegan menu you wanted to sync with us
and a schedule for the auction of the donated art works.
Noted. Um…
One more idea has come up that I would like to discuss with you.
I would like to have someone who can tell us firsthand about the Campbell program.
It could be impressive to have a previously affected person speak.
Okay. Who do you have in mind?
A young man who works as a janitor for you, Scott Granger.
He said how much the program helped him. It really touched us.
We are sure the guests would feel the same way.
I spoke to him on the phone earlier. He would really like to come.
Yes, Alice might like that.
Good idea, Ruby.
Well then, I'm looking forward to receiving the documents.
Good luck.
Thank you.
[screen chimes]
-How will we manage this by tomorrow? -We'll make it work.
Always stay positive. Everything will be fine.
[James] If you need help,
let me know.
I'm here.
Yes?
Yes.
Well, if you could do a test run with Scott, so he knows what to expect,
that would be a great help.
Sure. I'm happy to do that.
[Mr. Sutton] We've been looking at Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
for a while now,
and the good news is
that it will also be the topic of the exam.
-[students groan] -What?
Great enthusiasm, but don't forget that the result is 20% of your overall grade.
-Recently, we explored the question… -[Cyril] Not Shakespeare.
…whether, according to Shakespeare, we have free will
or if we are at the mercy of circumstances and fate.
[gentle music playing]
The fairy world influences the world of mortals
and will plunge all lovers who enter the forest into chaos.
What is your interpretation?
Miss Bell?
The assumption that men would be at the mercy of nature seems obvious.
A storm would throw everyone's life into chaos.
But the seemingly natural hierarchy in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I
was in fact an imposed class system.
Miss Bell, I have a feeling you want to take over my job.
[students chuckle]
Yes, well, can we please just stick to the school hierarchy here?
After all, my father doesn't pay for Miss Bell to teach me,
but you.
Miss Ellington, so you have read the text?
Of course.
Then you are welcome to answer my next question.
Please tell us how a feminist or Marxist reading
could influence the staging of the play.
[indistinct conversations]
Mr. Sutton.
Congratulations.
Your promotion was officially confirmed.
From today you can call yourself deputy principal!
-Mr. Sutton! -[all clapping]
Whoo!
My recommendation worked.
Thank you, sir.
Congratulations.
The youngest in the history of our school!
[all cheering]
[inaudible]
[upbeat pop song playing]
I guess it's going to be a legendary evening.
It's exactly how I imagined it.
[Lexington] Miss Bell.
You have surpassed my highest
expectations.
[all chuckle awkwardly]
-Hello, Mr. Lexington. Thanks. That's… -A gift from our school superintendent,
Mrs. Dickens.
Oh.
She'll be here any minute.
Sir, we have an appointment with the caterer.
Don't worry. I'll lock up.
And you know there's a fault with the stage lights?
Of course I do.
And that you may only use the left switch?
Miss Bell, is this your school or mine?
We can just briefly go over how Alice Campbell helped you.
And how you came across the Campbell Foundation.
I used to get…
into a lot of trouble.
Um, my mom left my dad when I was little.
There were many arguments.
I tried to numb the pain.
Took drugs.
Dropped out of school.
Lost almost everything.
My girlfriend,
my apprenticeship…
my home.
Means more pain.
And more numbing.
It's a vicious cycle.
One night, flyers were handed out on the street
with information about the Campbell program.
For people who need therapy but can't afford it.
I knew I couldn't do it on my own.
And how long did it take for the therapy to help?
It took me a long time to feel something again.
And to accept what I feel.
A couple of mates from the rugby club I used to play at,
they couldn't handle that.
"Men don't cry."
That's what our coach always said.
Through the therapy, everything that I had bottled up was released.
These days, I'm a new person.
I have a job.
I can feed my family.
I'm fine again.
It's perfect like this.
You don't have to say anything else on stage.
One more question.
What happened to your friends?
Those from back then?
They are no longer my friends.
Some people can't handle it when you change.
-Hey, James. What's up? -Hey, kid.
Do you have a minute?
I just wanted to say
I'm sorry I didn't come to the test match.
I was in quite a bad way
and I know I screwed up.
I didn't want to let you down, but I did. I've fucked things up with everyone.
With you guys. With Ruby.
[scoffs]
Maybe she isn't the one for you.
It's not really like she was there for you
when your mom died.
But you know, we were there. Every day. Even if you didn't want to see us.
-It's not that easy. -For me it is.
We swore to always stick together.
You, the guys…
You're family.
When you guys suffer, I suffer.
The final game doesn't only decide which lacrosse team wins the season.
It's also my last chance for a sports scholarship.
I have to convince the scouts. And without you, I only play half as good.
I need you.
If I mess up the game, then I can forget about Oxford.
I didn't know that.
Does that mean I can count on you from now on?
[Lexington] The Campbell Dinner is exactly what Maxton Hall needs
to present our progressive values.
The press will love us.
Lexington, I must say, you have the best ideas.
Oh. Thanks.
Even an elite school like Maxton Hall
has to constantly evolve to ensure that our graduates have the skills they need.
Why you wanted an inexperienced colleague like Mr. Sutton to be your deputy,
is something I'd like to understand.
[fire roaring]
[object crashing]
Okay, Dad, so all I would really need is one of your smart shirts,
because then I would cut it off and then I would--
Wish me luck.
-Good luck! -Good luck!
[door opens]
[door closes]
[bell tolls]
What?
Oh, my God.
[all gasp]
[all exclaim]
"Fragile Hearts" is really just a working title, right?
How about "Shattered Hearts"?
I mean, shattered hearts are fairly dramatic
but it leaves scope for creative decoration.
-Careful! Fragile… -Miss Bell has performed real miracles.
You will be amazed.
Wow.
[Ruby] Sir?
Did you turn off the stage lights?
Me?
You said you had everything under control, Miss Bell.
I know the impression here is different, but…
We still have four hours. I promise you, I'll get this sorted.
I'm sorry, but I must inform Alice.
Of course.
Fortunately, the cake is safe.
[Ruby] There are moments in life when the outside world falls silent
because there are no words that could describe the chaos.
This presents us with several options.
Some bury their heads in the sand, hoping it all might just disappear,
others run away.
But those who stay focused and keep calm
can find an opportunity even in the greatest chaos.
Okay, guys, what we have here is an emergency.
I know it seems hopeless at the moment to get the hall
into a festive, presentable condition in three hours and 50 minutes.
But I'm telling you, we can do it.
The most important thing is to keep a cool head.
Lin, I need a list of all the weekend clubs on campus.
Kieran, get all the available drivers so people can get things from home.
We need dinnerware, tablecloths, napkins, candlesticks, upholstered chairs, rugs,
and anything else you can find.
-Okay, let's go! -We can do it.
Okay, uh… Uh… Yes.
[military music playing]
[Lin] Chess club, ballet, school orchestra.
Come on! Follow me!
Left, two, three, four. Faster, guys!
Go, go, go! Left, two, three, four.
[cell phone ringing]
Royal Bell Residence, Gormsey. How may I help you?
[Ruby] Ember? Em, I have a problem.
[sighs] Shoot.
[man] Yes. Nice.
-Yes! -Over here.
What is she doing here?
-Guys, what's going on? -We don't have time.
I'm sorry to bother you, but this is an emergency.
Today's Campbell Gala is in danger of being canceled.
We need all the help we can get.
-We're in the middle of training, okay? -What do you need?
Everything. Each one of you and everything you have at home.
Table decorations, furniture, home textiles, flowers
and many strong arms.
Piss off, Gormsey.
-We've got a game to win. -So do we.
Just so you get it, I'm not standing here for myself, but for the whole school.
I'm in, Ruby.
-Me too. -Yes.
We're in. All of us.
You heard him, guys. Let's go, guys.
-Are you serious? -Come on. Let's go.
Are you serious, man?
That nerd just shows up and you forget your promises?
We'll put in an extra training session tomorrow. Okay?
When the chips are down, you'll always choose her. Thanks a lot.
A true friend wouldn't force me to make the decision.
Are you coming or what? Come on, you lovebirds.
Do you think we'll wait?
-Hurry up. -Come on, Cyril.
["Viva La Vida" playing]
[grunts]
-[James] Whoa. -[Wren] Okay, wow.
-Thank God. -Thanks for coming.
It's best if you find a table and…
♪ Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh ♪
♪ I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin' ♪
♪ Roman Cavalry choirs are singin' ♪
♪ Be my mirror, my sword and shield ♪
♪ My missionaries in a foreign field ♪
♪ For some reason I can't explain ♪
♪ I know St. Peter won't call my name ♪
♪ Never an honest word ♪
♪ But that was when I ruled the world ♪
[indistinct conversations]
Okay, Cinderella,
now you've got one hour to get ready and be back in time to welcome the guests.
[Kieran exclaims]
Kieran and I will take care of the rest.
Go, go, go!
Ember!
The cakes are amazing.
Dad helped me.
To think even for one second that it would be wrong to take you
was completely idiotic of me.
I'm sorry, Em.
It's too elitist anyway.
[kisses]
-You're the best. -[chuckles]
[scoffs]
And you have 20 minutes before we leave.
[squeals] Yes!
[exciting music playing]
[inaudible]
Ruby!
-Hi. -This is incredible.
-Hi. -Ember.
-Hey. -This is for you.
-Hi. I'm Kieran. -Hi.
-You must be Ember. -Yes.
Ruby's told me so much about you.
I can hardly wait to nibble on your cake.
What?
Uh, our father baked them.
[clears throat] Right. [clears throat]
[gasps]
That's Lady Abigail and Lady Virgilia!
[gasps]
-And the Costeens. -And Alice Campbell will be here soon.
Sorry.
Miss Bell, it's showtime.
Okay.
-[Ember] Just one second. -[Ruby] What?
[Ember] A little touch-up and you can go.
Wow.
-Good evening. -Good evening.
["She Said He Said She Said" playing]
Thank you.
Good evening.
♪ I saw you in the back of the room Takin' shots with your friends again ♪
♪ You talk shit like you always do I guess high school never ends ♪
♪ You sure got a lot to say when you're talkin' on my name ♪
♪ You sure got a lot to say But did you tell them everything? ♪
The Beauforts!
Look here…
-You look wonderful! Turn around. Thanks. -Mr. Beaufort!
Lydia!
Are you with Beaufort now?
♪ We're on this shit again She said he said she said ♪
♪ Just can't get over I let you go, yeah ♪
♪ Let's put this shit to bed She said he said she said ♪
There she is.
♪ She said he said she said ♪
♪ Night ends and you call me again Say you didn't mean what you said ♪
Alice!
What a pleasure!
Welcome to our humble institution.
♪ I can't keep playin' games when your rules are always changin', so ♪
♪ If you're sayin' sorry… ♪
One time for us, please.
I'm very happy to be here.
So you are Ruby Bell.
Pleased to meet you, Miss Bell.
One more time, over here!
♪ Just can't get over I let you go, yeah ♪
Can we get through, please?
Over here.
♪ She said he said she said ♪
This…
is Ruby Bell.
[all clamoring]
Miss Bell, how do you feel?
Good.
What are you wearing?
This is an original Ember Bell couture. One of the greatest fashion newcomers.
Miss Bell!
[all continue clamoring]
[soft jazz playing]
[Alice] You were right, May.
Looks different than described in the concept.
[Ruby] After the mishap, we wanted to seize the upcycling trend
and create something unique.
[Alice] Unique?
I like it a lot, Miss Bell.
Thank you.
[man] Mrs. Campbell?
Excuse me.
[reporter] Today is also the first public appearance of Mortimer Beaufort
since the death of his wife.
Mr. Beaufort, how do you intend to manage the Beaufort Companies in the future?
[Mortimer] You know, we keep it all in the family.
[reporter] Good news for all the fans of the Beaufort brand.
James, what are you wearing if you don't mind me asking?
This is a new model from our Young Beaufort line.
-Lydia, you look great as always. -Thank you.
But how can one imagine a collaboration
between your father and your brother at Beaufort?
Do you, as an onlooker, sometimes have to mediate
between senior and junior with female common sense?
Well, it's not really as if--
Excuse me, but we would like to greet the hostess. Thank you.
"Onlooker"?
[Harold] I'm looking forward to this evening.
Alice, how lovely.
You look enchanting as always, if I may say so.
[Harold] I can only concur.
Very charming, gentlemen. Thank you.
But may I draw your attention to the lady of the evening,
in case you don't know her yet?
This is Ruby Bell.
She's the head of Maxton Hall's event committee,
and she has organized this evening.
Together with my team.
We have already had the pleasure.
[Lydia] You look great!
Did Ember make the dress?
She's here.
Somewhere.
[jazz music playing]
-Can I help you? -No, thank you.
Sure? It's a great offer. I wouldn't miss out on it if I were you.
And what makes the offer so "great"?
Wait and see.
Okay.
[camera clicking]
[giggles]
Okay.
That's pretty.
Due to the subject, I'd say.
[Ember chuckles]
-Hey, why haven't I seen you here before? -Maybe because I don't go to school here?
Sure, that explains it.
Or I'd have noticed you for sure.
Don't tell me you've ever gotten lucky with this line.
Okay, I think you're witnessing the end of my lucky streak.
Then maybe you just have to try a little harder now.
Hey! That was full effort.
Seriously, where are they?
Where's who?
The ones who egged you on to hit on me.
Well…
So far I've always managed to approach a girl that I'm
interested in.
Hmm. And you think the interest is mutual?
Wren.
Ember.
[indistinct conversations]
Is our speaker not here yet?
I haven't seen him. No idea.
The speaker?
Scott's not here yet.
I'll call him.
Okay, thank you.
Ruby, if we want to stay on schedule you have to give your opening speech now.
Sorry.
[phone vibrates]
Hey, Scott. Is everything okay with you?
A wonderful evening to you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to welcome you to this year's Alice Campbell Foundation Gala.
We are delighted by your presence
and would like to ask our esteemed guests to take their seats.
Mrs. Campbell will welcome you in person shortly,
followed by a guest whose attendance is a very special pleasure for us.
Thank you very much.
[audience applauds]
[inaudible]
Alistair, have a seat.
-Hi, I'm Alistair. -Hi. Forest.
Don't we know each other from somewhere?
Uh…
Six Oaks.
Lacrosse.
Oh!
I always play the offensive position and…
If you're planning…
Are you okay?
Is it starting?
Oh, cool.
[all applauding]
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.
I would like to express my gratitude.
First of all, to Maxton Hall and Headmaster Lexington
for your hospitality. Thank you.
And then I would like to thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
from the bottom of my heart.
With your help,
we can give children and young people
who have a more difficult start in life,
all the care they need
to develop a future perspective as healthy and strong people.
Thanks to your generosity,
our work can continue
and in the best case, it can reach even more people than before.
On that note,
to the well-being of all people.
To you, to us. Thank you.
[all applauding]
Ladies and gentlemen,
next I would like to introduce you to a very special guest.
Someone who has been affected himself because of his fate--
Hard to--
Excuse me.
Scott canceled.
What?
He was on his way but turned back.
Having to speak in front of all these people was too much for him.
And now?
Where are we supposed to get a new speaker this quickly?
I've got an idea.
If I may.
Okay.
Good evening.
Some of you are undoubtedly surprised to see me up here.
But I really believe in the Campbell program.
I myself have experienced how important it is to know
that there are people who can help you when life gets difficult.
Asking for help is not easy.
Not even for someone like me,
even though I have the financial means of which other people can only dream.
I know how privileged I am.
This makes it all the more difficult to imagine
what people who don't have access to these resources have to go through.
As most of you probably know,
my mother died recently.
And what happened to me is hard to put into words.
Because I had no words
for the feelings that overwhelmed me,
I tried to suppress them
because I didn't want to feel the pain.
I thought it was more important to be strong,
to act as if nothing could hurt you.
Not even the death of the person who gave you…
your life.
All the people who love me,
I have pushed them away.
I hurt myself in the process.
I have
dragged into it people who didn't deserve it.
And I hurt the woman…
who means so much to me…
instead of telling her that I was absolutely lost.
And I know that I'm not alone in this.
And that many of us act like this.
On the outside, we show this perfect face, while we are suffering in secret.
I sought help.
Professional help.
And…
I'm learning a lot.
And I'm changing the way I deal with myself and my thoughts.
I don't want to run away anymore.
I want to live.
And I want to love.
And I think every person deserves exactly that.
Everyone.
[dramatic music playing]
[person clapping]
[all clapping]
Yes, James!
That was…
Did I say too much?
No.
Mr. Beaufort.
That was amazing.
Thank you.
[Mortimer] James?
Did you like it, Mrs. Campbell?
Yes, you did brilliantly.
-[dramatic music swelling] -[inaudible]
We will leave this place now.
If I hear one more word from you, I swear to you,
I will forget myself.
[James] And suddenly, the old principle tries to restore itself.
[man] Mr. Beaufort.
[James] Even demons do not give up so easily.
But once a line has been crossed, there is no way back.
The perfect appearance no longer exists.
It started to crack tonight.
But perhaps some hearts were able to heal.
[gentle instrumental music playing]