Biting doesn't necessarily signify aggression.
Dreams about biting our partner
may reveal a desire
to establish intimacy.
Yes, but I... I was biting her fingers really hard
like, you know, almost chewing them off.
No...
As a dream reader
Marina's saying that the biting
- is not literal, though, right? - Exactly.
- Yeah. So, by biting her hand - Yeah.
The hidden need, it's not to wound.
It's to engender trust.
I mean, Elena's not scared in the dream, is she?
- She's terrified. - Okay.
Also normal.
You're wired to equate love with pain.
And dreams are a... a safe space for you to work through that.
Yes.
Yes, I guess so.
Good, good. Okay.
So, today's homework
I want you to focus on fixing what truly wounds Elena, hm?
If you wish
put her hand in your mouth
but don't bite.
Just think about what it means
to be vulnerable with her and to protect her.
And then let's see
if this starts to initiate a feedback loop in your dreams.
Good?
- Yes. That's very good. - Good. That's good.
No biting!
No biting. No biting.
No biting!
Oh, well done.
No biting.
Oh, my darling.
Wonderful...
What is it?
It's Kerbel Heights, probably.
They're coming closer.
Oh, no, no.
I don't mean the rebels, hm?
It's you.
What is it?
Just...
Just something he told me.
Who?
Keplinger?
Oh, god. No. Fuck all that.
No, come on. He's dead. He's gone.
I did it again, Elena.
Did what again?
What?
Hurt someone so you would love me.
Herbert
he was a first-class prick
who would say anything he could think of
to seduce you.
Listen.
How about this?
You be you
and I'll be me, yeah?
Two little lunatics who fit like a glove.
Oh, god, that's wonderful...
actually.
Time to pick the Christmas carp, young man.
Oh, god. Look at them all.
Utterly beyond reason.
You know, my father used to let me choose the Christmas carp.
I was really rather good at it.
He'd let me use a mallet to stun it.
Herbert?
Sorry.
- That one. - Oskar
we might break with tradition this year
and keep the window closed, yeah?
But how will Baby Jesus get in?
Oh, don't worry, darling.
He'll weasel his way in somehow.
- It's one of ours. - Yeah... Yes, I'm sure it is.
Agnes? Music, yeah?
Here. Come. Sit down then.
All right, sit. There we go.
Yeah, and we'll... we'll have a bit of
a funny old Christmas this year, yeah?
Yeah, we'll keep indoors mainly because it's, you know, it's...
noisy and a bit dangerous outside.
And we'll just... Yeah. We'll keep inside, and...
Herbert will keep us safe, yeah?
Family photo! Yeah.
Family photo.
There we are.
Smiling.
Happy, happy.
You hear about Anton?
Which Anton?
Sous-chef, twitchy little shallot peeler.
Vanished from his own bed last night.
Well, he talked too fuckin' much, didn't he?
You can lose a cup.
Berger and his wife have just fled to Helsinki.
Berg...
Shit.
How'd he get out? I thought the airport was closed.
Well, he's the Minister for Transportation, isn't he?
- Yeah. - Or he was.
Fuck is that?
It's mine.
I can't go home.
Kerbel Heights.
One more night
and then you'll have to sort it out, all right?
- This is not a yurt. - Yeah.
All right, everyone, listen up.
I know we're tired
and I know we're scared
but leave your troubles at home, all right?
And if you've no longer got a home
leave them out there somewhere in the smoke, all right?
Jesus.
I mean, what the hell are we all waiting for?
"Wait"?
For The Barber of Seville to play like it did in '92.
I was joking.
There's not gonna be a coup, all right?
Just keep your head down.
Come on, let's get on with it!
Look, Victor, we have to discuss our options.
The rebels could be at our door any day now
so just talk to me.
I believe in the virtue of loyalty, Mr. Singer
so there's nothing left for us to discuss.
Wake up, Victor! Wake up!
The pyramid door is closing
and we'll be trapped in here with this cock-mad pharaoh.
I have the utmost faith in my Chancellor.
And I refuse to be bullied
- into a rank conspiracy. - Oh, shut up and just smell
the fucking phosphorus, you fool!
An exceedingly happy Noel, sir.
Corporal, before she arrives
we need to speak to you rather urgently
about the gravity of our predicament.
If you have a problem, you talk to her.
Corporal, I've tried.
Please.
You're a sensible man.
You need to speak to her.
Make her see reality.
Oh, some new faces I'm seeing.
Since those traitors have left us.
Yes, Madam.
Anna Grebetz
Housing Minister, replacing the traitor Muentz.
And Leo Huber
former Minister of Civil Services and Sport
ascending to the role of Defense Minister
replacing the traitor Moros.
And, may I say
your Yuletide decorations are...
enchanting this year, Madam.
Let's hear from our new Defense Minister.
Happy Noel, Madam.
As you know, the Westgate Resistance Army
has managed to capture several outer districts of the capital.
Our plan to pound their resistance into submission
only doubled their numbers
and their anger.
Civilian deaths are approaching 13,000.
Targeted blackouts continue
as well as the shopkeepers' general strike.
Army reinforcements are expected soon from the Uplands
but the insurgents appear to be closing in on the Palace district.
Despite your best efforts
the popularity of the rebels is growing
and we are very much in the throes of a civil war.
Madam, given that many of our elites have already fled
to China and Brunei
the Security Service would recommend relocation of yourself as a possible
- option until fighting subsides. - No...
No. No, impossible. No, no.
I shall stay right here in the Palace.
I won't abandon my people.
Madam, the Westgate rebels
- are at the Pa... - The Westgate agitators
have been fed lies by NATO tyrants.
They're just confused.
They don't know how bad it can get without me.
Do you see? They take my love for granted.
They push me away.
But then, they'll find their way back to me.
Just as...
just as Herbert did.
No...
Stop it!
Madam?
- Yeah? - On the comms of it all?
YouGov polling shows that barely half your support remains.
Yeah, fake CIA numbers, but go on.
Nevertheless, to hold on to even these loyalists
you must remind people that you are still their best option.
So, with that in mind, we call this
"Elena's Christmas Sack."
Disgusting name.
Not terribly good, no.
It's a... a raft of reforms and one-time bonuses
an increase in pensions
a 6% reduction in school fees
subsidized Internet
and a ration program to combat the threat of starvation.
Oh, please. Please.
This is Central Europe.
No one is starving.
No, I won't bribe my people for their love.
This is a self-cleansing process for the state.
You just have to let it play out naturally.
- Madam, you cannot ignore... - Hey, shut the fuck up!
Sit down.
Sit down!
You listen to me.
We don't run.
And we never back down.
We stay here
and we protect her.
We fight for her
because without her
nothing makes sense!
Understood?
Thank you, Herbert.
Ladies. Gentlemen.
It's gettin' late, ya know?
I should tell you somethin'.
I know.
What do ya know?
You're wearin' fuckin' Italian leather shoes in a war zone.
Is it the Americans?
I can't be seen with you.
I don't care. I can't watch it anymore.
What she's doin' to your boy, I can't.
You're the only good sort here, and she's killin' ya.
Two seats on a turboprop for you and Oskar
flying to France straight after Christmas.
If you're worried my feelings aren't incentive enough for ya
you'll be pleased to know I'm being paid on delivery.
They want your knowledge.
"The Palace ghost."
Look, it's dangerous. I know.
But it's the only way to get ya both out.
I'm not lettin' ya say no, okay?
Whatever this place was for ya
it's over now.
Gather what you need.
Madam, as I've told you many times this past month
the intel is clear.
America believes this civil war will trigger one of two scenarios.
Either you agree to leave power voluntarily
in exchange for immunity from trial
or traitors in your regime will stage a coup.
They see no future in your leadership.
No, no, I can't. I can't do it. I'm just...
I'm just not ready.
Elena, you are ready.
This is what we have been working towards, yeah?
Madam, are you listening to me?
Yes!
And where does China stand?
As I've said before
China opposes regime change philosophically
but refuses to lend material support to our counterinsurgency.
We cannot rely on China to save us.
He won't be happy. I'll tell you that.
He will not give you any trouble, trust me.
And you won't let me buckle?
Do promise.
I promise.
Madam, may I remind you
the cobalt mines have not operated in months.
The refinery sites are in shambles.
We're cut off from the cash flow.
We have lost five provincial capitals in three weeks.
I really must urge you...
Mr. Laskin!
You seem to have forgotten your job.
You do not urge me to do anything.
You just whisper your sweet nothings
and then vanish into the gardenias.
I do beg your pardon, but...
My duty...
lies with my country.
No, your duty is to serve me
at my pleasure.
So, why don't you go home
pour a cup of mulled wine
and have yourself a merry little Christmas, yeah?
Go on.
Off you fuck.
Daddy
this is Herbert.
Herbert, this is Daddy.
Sir.
Daddy, we've been doing a lot of work
my friend and I
on each other, and...
there's something we'd like to say to you.
You are a very poor influence on Elena.
The time has come for you to step away.
And for a while.
For good, Elena.
Yes, I know. It's..
Elena needs to separate from you
which you have not let her do.
It is the time to step aside
quietly.
So, from now on, you will respect her autonomy
are we clear?
You will no longer be in control of her anymore.
That was a big one, wasn't it?
It's rather cozy in here, though
knowing they can't get us.
Yeah?
Yes, Agnes?
Oh, is it six already?
Well, I'll let you have your 20 minutes with him.
I'll see you later, baby.
Hope you've not been touching that.
Elena.
"Elena"? You called the fish "Elena"?
Well, she'll be swimmin' in sour cream soon
so let's not get too fond.
They won't really eat her, will they?
Do ya know, if ya like fish
I can get you a goldfish.
How 'bout that? Would you like that?
So...
the French.
Been meaning to talk to you about this.
The French sometimes smell of sweated onions
and...
they have sort of dead eyes
dress a bit like bank clerks
and worship this very small, dead man
who ran screaming from Russia
but...
they make a lovely tart.
Would you like a French tart?
I think you would.
Yeah, you would.
She did nothing!
I... I don't know if you're aware of this Herbert, bless you
but when you dream
you are everyone and everything in the dream.
- That's right. That's right. - Okay?
So, yes you were sinking
but you were also Elena.
- You were also the water. - Me.
- Water. - No, I wasn't.
I was me. Drowning.
I was dying
and she didn't care.
Of course, I cared.
No, Elena. You were standing at the shore.
You were looking at me. I could see your eyes.
There was nothing. Nothing there.
Herbert.
Look at them now.
Elena, tell me why I still feel like this.
Feel like what, Herbert?
Like I'm her weapon.
And in the end, she will leave me.
Herbert, I'm an expert in dreams.
You have to trust me when I say that this was a...
a healthy dream
- a lovely dream. - Right.
Your unconscious is telling you
Elena trusts you to swim all on your own
to be self-actualized.
What does that mean?
It means taking charge, Herbert
and reaching your full potential.
- That's it. - Right, Elena?
Yeah, right. That, you see...
That is exactly... That's very good, that...
That's the whole point of this.
My love, I want you to thrive.
Mother?
Yes, darling?
When will they kill Elena?
What?
My fish.
No. Don't worry about her.
She's had a fine fishy life.
It's starting, my love.
Welcome, one and all
to the Annual Christmas Village celebration.
Hark the herald angels sing
of a glorious Yuletide feast.
So let your hearts be light
knowing that a Christmas carp awaits your table tomorrow.
"Let them eat carp."
Well, that'll play swimmingly, I'm sure.
The rebels won't let her forget this.
At least the blackouts mean half the country won't see it.
Can we talk about anything else?
"Come downstairs," you said.
"Just a drink and a wallow." You promised.
How close are the rebels now?
Based on my last update
about 7 km from the Palace?
And gaining.
Tidings of comfort and joy.
Dear countrywomen
- dear countrymen... - Oh, Christ, look at this.
- The Swiss Miss. - as you know
I have been taking a break from my official duties
to recuperate from an episode of gout
here in the Val d'Anniviers...
"Gout in the Val d'Anniviers."
Lucky fucker.
I'd love to overdose on sleeping pills
and then moan around the Alps.
also forgiveness
for the trespasses of the heart.
The letters I have received from my fellow citizens
have moved me deeply.
Hopefully, I can return
and share my love with you
as soon as humanly possible.
So, let's open our gifts, shall we?
Oh, god.
You're worse than Oskar.
Go on, then.
I wonder what it is.
Goodness!
Did you... did you...
Yes, do you like it?
I... I...
Yes, I do. I do.
Yes. Yes!
It's a... Well...
it... it's a profound example
of... of what they call a naive art, isn't it?
So, you... you do like it?
When describing art
"like," "dislike," they're not really useful terms.
I...
appreciate it.
Yeah.
So, where should we hang it?
- Here? - My love...
Well, maybe...
the way you feel about me is just too precious
to be displayed.
Yeah, here is better.
But I...
But I... I do love it.
- You do? - Yes, I do.
Here.
Thank you.
Time for your gift.
Oh, dear, it's so heavy.
Oskar...
It's among the finest in the world, apparently.
German.
They did show me a few
but this one spoke to me.
It seemed the most you.
It's art, do you know?
But functional.
Well, you're not exactly easy to shop for.
Thank you, Elena. I...
I... I appreciate it.
Well, I love it, personally.
Just... Won't be a tick.
Oskar!
Come back inside!
What are you doing?
What are you doing with the fish?
They'll kill her!
Oh, come here.
God.
It is awful, I know.
I know.
I tell you what. You were born in a horrible time
and I'm really sorry for that.
Tomorrow, we're gonna go to France.
We're gettin' out of here, all right?
Tomorrow, you're going to go to France.
What about Elena?
Just chuck her in.
Santa baby
Just slip a sable under the tree
For me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby
So hurry down the chimney tonight
That's right.
Santa baby
A '54 convertible, too
Now see, when I look at that, I get worried.
Worried how?
- Oh, the delusion - Santa baby
- So hurry down the chimney tonight - the obliviousness
to be so out of touch at a time like this.
My mother, rest her demented soul
had episodes just like that.
He's sayin' it.
- You are sayin' it. - I'm not saying anything.
Oh, yes, you most certainly are.
What? What am I saying, Victor?
"Episodes."
You're saying the unsayable.
"Psychiatric." "Medical."
All I said was "episodes." What are you, a mind reader?
I want a yacht
And really, that's not a lot
Although, I will say...
Oh, here it fucking comes.
as long as we're squeezing lemons here.
Squeeze a lemon in your fucking ass.
Go on.
Well, I'm not saying we do this
- but there is always the option - Santa honey
- of saying to the Chancellor - And one little thing
- I really need - that she has to step down.
- A platinum mine. Santa honey - And making her do so.
- It's just on the scale of options. - So hurry down the chimney
That's all I'm saying.
And when are you saying this would happen?
- I'm not saying this would happen. - Oh, yes, you are.
- But if it did happen - Fill my stocking
- With duplex and checks - then I would have to say very...
- Sign your 'X' on the line - incredibly close to now.
- Shit. - Right.
Because, obviously, the whole point of saying it...
- Which we're not. - Which we're not, is that if we did
make her stand down
it would forestall further bloodshed.
And damage to the private sector.
Thus, hastening an economic rebuild.
Now you're both sayin' it.
What does the Constitution say on chain of command?
In a medical contingency?
You wrote the fucking thing!
So we are saying it's a medical contingency?
No, not saying it.
Merely asking.
Well, in the event of an acute psychiatric episode
now that does seem to describe our circumstances.
- A ring, and I don't mean - Power is reverted...
On the phone
- Santa baby - to...
- So hurry down the chimney - well...
us.
Hurry down the chimney
And how are you?
Nicky, don't do that voice, please.
That sad, theatrical voice.
I... I'm not being theatrical.
- I'm just asking you. - But you are. You are!
It's manipulative. You know you're doing it.
Just, please... Just talk normally.
I... I'm sorry.
Stop apologizing.
See, that's my point. Just stop being so hurt.
- Please. - Okay.
I will try...
to stop being hurt.
It makes me not miss you.
Makes me feel like I'm to blame
for what you did to yourself.
And I'm... I'm not.
You know, that was your choice, not mine.
I shouldn't be punished for it, should I?
No, you're right, of course.
Of course, my love.
No.
No, I don't think so, Nicky.
But then, why did you call?
To make sure you didn't try and end yourself again.
Promise you won't?
You mustn't, all right?
Just do promise. Just say it.
Promise?
- I... I promise. - Promise?
- Yeah, I promise. - All right.
Merry Christmas.
- We'll speak again soon. - But...
Yes?
All right.
Bye. Bye-bye.
What is it?
Go on. You're making me nervous.
Why did you give me a gun?
Oh, stop. It's just a gift.
It doesn't mean anything.
Swear to me.
What? Swear?
Oh, please, Herbert.
We've been over all of this.
I need your promise.
Swear to me that you will never abandon me again.
Swear to me.
I swear to you.
I promise.
I would never leave you.
Never.
We shoot the ox first.
He's too dangerous.
We'd transfer executive power to a...
a transitional body
with us and select members of the opposition, and...
Find a stopgap chancellor.
A meat puppet.
We shred for days
and we claim that we have been acting
as an active resistance within the regime for years
and we reset the table!
No, I... I don't know. I don't know.
This is our moment to seize history.
Yes, but she might still pull it off.
The cat with nine lives.
Yeah, which one is she on now, Victor?
Show some fucking respect for a fucking great woman.
I'm not saying that she's not great.
Yes, of course, she's great!
We all agree she's great.
She's great.
- She's great. - Yes.
As the needle moves to a thousand
- I'm present to serve with the... - Look at this wobbly tart.
who understands the needs of the people
and is so caring to all the people of...
Nothing fucking works in this doss-house!
Oh, my god!
The Barber of Seville!
Jesus Christ!
It's actually happening!
State Channel One.
State Channel Two.
State Channel Three.
Fuck!
The Westgate rebels have taken over every channel.
Yeah, there's no signal.
Listen, my love, it's fine.
This is what they do to get my attention.
This is not good, Elena.
Go inside...
Corporal, don't shoot!
- Don't move! On the ground! - Corporal, stop!
- Hey! You're not the police! - Don't shoot!
- Go left! On the ground! - Officer...
Show me your hands! Show me your hands!
- I'm here to... - Show me your hands!
I'm here to protect her!
Identify yourself!
Sergeant Hartl, sir!
We've... we've established a three-ring perimeter
around the Palace and the grounds
as per your contingency instructions, sir!
Stand up.
What happened to comms?
The rebels have cut all the phone lines, sir.
Guards every door.
We need guards, you understand?
Yes, sir.
Laskin, the ministers, where are they?
I'll find out.
Go.
You two stay.
Herbert, listen.
They wouldn't touch me.
They... they just need to see...
Listen to me. Listen to me.
They hate you, and they want to kill you.
Yes?
Move the base!
Arms raise!
Go...
Move it!
This way!
"The Vernham government
which has lost its legitimacy
has been dismissed from office.
The Westgate Resistance Army hereby declares itself
to be the provisional government of this country."
- Fucking Westgate trash. - "In the coming days
Chancellor Vernham will be brought to justice..."
What are they resisting with?
Cabbages?
Your ministers, Madam Chancellor.
Corporal, I found them in the disco.
They've been there all night.
Madam Chancellor, the disloyalty shown
by these Western-backed demons is unconscionable.
Where's Mr. Laskin?
Mr. Laskin has not been heard from.
We believe he's possibly defected.
Madam, we should escape to the summer palace.
- Sorry, I've been told the rebels - Establish...
have the summer palace. Madam...
I just need to speak to them directly.
Let me address 'em from the balcony.
They just need to see that I'm here!
No. No, Elena.
Outside is too dangerous.
But I'm not afraid, my love.
Well, if we secure the balcony and broadcast the speech?
That could turn the tide.
I've reached out to the bandits who seized the broadcasters.
They do not wish to communicate.
Well, maybe I'll just kill myself.
Elena.
Well, that's what they seem to want is for me to die, so...
why don't I just die?
- Actually, no. - No...
- Nobody really wants that. - No, never, Madam.
- Never. - No, no, of course not.
What do you suggest, my love?
Tonight...
I shall announce my resignation as Chancellor.
Once I've resigned
my successor will be immediately sworn in.
And there is only one sensible choice.
The Foundling's heir.
Right.
Although, no.
No, you're right, of course.
Well, he polls well.
A Westgate soldier, reformer, new blood.
Are you sure this is what you want?
Yes, I'm sure.
And...
How... how would it...
How... how do we...
- We close-door the debate. - Exactly.
And the hearing
we fast-track it for a simple majority through parliament.
- Yes! - I must say this is marvelous.
I have long held the utmost respect for incoming Chancellor Zubak
and I would be honored to join your team.
What about you?
My love, this is it.
This will now be your country.
You see? All your dreams, your reforms for the working people.
You can make it a reality, you see?
Oh, yes. This... It... it must happen tonight.
Ye... yes.
Today. You will do it?
You will... you will do it for me?
- Yes? - Yes, I'll do it.
Sure, yes.
Right, gentlemen.
Singer, speech time.
Elena will deliver her farewell address
live through social media
and directly following the outgoing Chancellor's address
a motorcade will come
and take you from the Palace to parliament.
Once there in parliament
you will give a speech
swearing your allegiance to our Constitution
and announce the formation of your government.
- And we just caption it. - Yeah.
- So we mark that. - Yeah.
Yeah.
We should do this.
Herbert.
You'll do fine.
Okay.
This is everything we've been moving towards.
Can't you feel it?
Yes, I think so.
Yes.
It's the rebirth.
Like in your dream.
Remember?
It's happening. All...
It's all happening.
And I'll be right here watching over you.
We're ready, Madam.
Five, four...
Wait, wait.
- Ready? - Yes.
Four, three, two...
Countrymen and women
Happy Noel.
I have the privilege of addressing you
this sacred Christmas Eve
with important news.
But first, a little history.
Since I've taken on the supreme burden of national service
we have grown considerably as a country.
Literacy now stands at 97%.
Our GDP per capita has tripled.
And of course
we have reunited with our brethren in the Faban Corridor.
But this is not the full picture.
You see, I've made mistakes.
I've not always met my own standards.
But today
I'd like to...
correct that.
Because effective immediately...
And...
despite gains, such as female participation in the workforce
which has increased by 37%...
Today, I...
I would like to announce...
a ch... a change
a very important change...
To happen...
soon.
Quite soon.
You see...
today...
Get back! Stay back!
- Get back! Get back! - I'll... I will... I...
Palace breach!
- Don't! Just move. - What?
They're in the grounds! We have to get her out!
No. What? No. No.
- Elena, come here. - No...
Come here, get up. Cover her!
- What? - Take this.
- You stay behind me. - Herbert... What... what...
Stay behind me, Elena.
Crew on floor nine, are you secure?
- Move! Stay away from the stairs! - Go!
Move!
Group two, are you secure?
Going up.
Oh, god, what's happening? What's happening now?
- Fuck! Shit! - No!
Let's move, guys!
- Fuck! - Daddy. Keep me safe, Daddy.
Keep me safe, daddy.
Keep me safe. Daddy.
Daddy, Daddy, keep me safe. Keep me safe.
What... what's happening?
- Fuck! - Help me.
- Bless you. Bless you. - Don't go there. Don't go there.
- Come this way. - Oh, okay. Great.
Boarding.
Elena.
- Stay behind me. Stay behind me. - Herbert.
Keep the head strong.
Move it.
Keep her moving. Go on.
Go...
You have the Chancellor.
She's not the Chancellor, you calf!
She's just some fucking woman!
- Let her in! - Shut the door!
- I warned you! - Take that!
- There you go! - Oh, my god. My god!
All of you, out!
Farewell, my fucking cuckoo!
Get away from there.
Yes!
Don't shoot!
It's the Corporal, stand down.
Move!
Go down.
- Down, Elena. - Let's go. This way.
- We forgot Oskar. - No... We can't.
- We can't... - Fuck! Shit!
Hurry up.