Almost Human (2020)
A family welcomes an underaged refugee. She has experienced war. Soon her presence reveals the flaws and dysfunctions within the family space.
THE GIRL
This is not my story. I'm not even the narrator.
THE WOMAN
I was lacking something. No, wait. That's not it. I needed something. That's why I contacted the refugee reception center. I had read and seen and heard so many horrible stories. That's why I went to speak to them. I really want to do something, I said. What can I do?
THE MAN
All that talking of hers, hehe... All the time, constantly, as if silence is dangerous. I've told her. Breathe with your stomach.
THE GIRL
And I, I became a part of this story without wanting to.
THE WOMAN
At the center they asked me about my family. I told them I was married, but that I'd been home with my sons. And that they were a resul of a previous marriage. I told them that my husband earned enough for the both of us. I told them I love it. It's true. I like being a mother. It's meaningful. Even now, when they are getting older. It's so much more meaningful than a job would be.
THE MAN
She can't keep track of them. What she refers to when she mentions their education, is a mystery to me ...
Short laughter
In any case, she never corrects them, as far as I can tell. She lets them go on as they please.
THE YOUNGEST SON
He thinks he's our dad.
THE OLDEST SON
I can't stand him. I sleep elsewhere.
THE GIRL
That's all I am. A part of a story that belongs to somebody else.