29 quotes
Faith Versus Chance in a Cosmic Battle
Jasper Palmer
Everything is a mythical cosmic battle between faith and chance.
The Value of Being Wanted
Syd
Syd was watching television last night with Mummy. She's a sweet old soul. Dying of cancer. It's heartbreaking. And then the news came on, and you two were on it. Something about a cop killer. Something about a big reward. Syd then finds out the Fishes are looking for you. So Syd thinks, "If the Fishes are looking for you, and the coppers are looking for you, you people are first class commodities.
The Loss of Hope in Despair
Theo Faron
I can't really remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can't remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what's left to hope for?
The Sound of Dying Ear Cells
Julian Taylor
You know that ringing in your ears? That eeeeeeee'? That's the sound of the ear cells dying. Like their swan song. Once it's gone, you'll never hear that frequency again. Enjoy it while it lasts.
The Beauty and Dignity of Life
Luke
I was carrying the baby up the stairs. I started crying. I'd forgotten what they looked like. They're so beautiful. They're so tiny. Julian was wrong! She thought it could be peaceful! But how can it be peaceful when they try to take away your dignity?
Perceptions of the Past and Present
Kee
You told me he was suave. Wanker's a drunk.
Julian
He's suave. You should have seen him in the old days when he was a real activist.
Theo
You were the activist, I just wanted to get laid.
Hope Amidst Despair in a Childless World
Taglines
In 20 years, women are infertile. No children. No future. No hope. But all that can change in a heartbeat.
Eighteen Years Without a Newborn Child
Taglines
No child has been born for 18 years.
The Impact of Loss in a Desperate World
Miriam
I was 31. Midwife at the John Radcliffe. I was doing a stint in the antenatal clinic. Three of my patients miscarried in one week. Others were in their fifth and sixth month. We managed to save two of the poor babies. Next week, five more miscarried. Then the miscarriages started happening earlier. I remember booking a woman in for her next appointment and noticing that the page seven months ahead was completely blank. Not a single name.
Indifference to Others' Desires in Bexhill
Syd
Usually, there's people trying to get out of Bexhill, not in. Syd doesn't know why you want to get in. Syd doesn't want to know. Syd doesn't care.
A Journey of Unexpected Life and Hope
Kee
You know, when I started puking, I thought I catch the pest. But then my belly started getting big. Nobody ever told me these things. I never seen a pregnant woman before. But I knew. I felt like a freak. I didn't tell nobody. I thought about the Quietus thing. Supposed to be suave. Pretty music and all that. Then the baby kicked. I feel it. Little bastard was alive. And I feel it. And me, too. I am alive.
The World Awaits a Miracle Baby
Jasper Palmer
Your baby is the miracle the whole world has been waiting for.
[to Kee]
News Update on Global Events and Nostalgia
Newsreader
Day one thousand of the siege of Seattle. The Muslim community demands an end to the Army's occupation of mosques. The Homeland Security bill is ratified. After eight years, British borders will remain closed. The deportation of illegal immigrants will continue. Good morning. Our lead story. The world was stunned today by the death of Diego Ricardo, the youngest person on the planet. Baby Diego was stabbed outside a bar in Buenos Aires after refusing to sign an autograph.
Radio Announcer
And now one for all the nostalgics out there. A blast from the past all the way back from 2003, that beautiful time when people refused to accept that the future was just around the corner.
A plea for light in darkness
Taglines
The last one to die please turn out the light.
Skepticism Amidst Despair and Humor
Jasper
So, Human Project is having this dinner and all the wisest men in the world are there...
Theo
Human Project." Why do people believe this crap? You know, even if these people existed with these facilities in secret locations... Fuck me, that's strong. Even if they discovered the cure for infertility, it doesn't matter. Too late. The world went to shit. You know what? It was too late before the infertility thing happened, for fuck's sake.
Jasper
I was just trying to tell a joke, man.
Theo
Oh, I'm sorry, go on.
Jasper
No, I'm not tellin it now!
Theo
No, c'mon Jasper, go on!
Jasper
No, fuck it! I'm not tellin it to you!
Theo
C'mon, I'm sorry!
Jasper
OK, the Human Project gives this great big dinner for all the scientists and sages in the world. They're tossing around theories about the ultimate mystery, why are women infertile? Why can't we make babies anymore? Some of them say it's genetic experiments, gamma rays, pollution. Same old, same old. Anyway, in the corner, this Englishman's sitting. He hasn't said a word. He's just tucking into his dinner. So they decide to ask him. They say, "Well, why do you think we can't make babies anymore?" And he looks up at them, and he's chewing on this great big wing, and he says, "I haven't the faintest idea," he said. "But this stork is quite tasty, isn't it?
Faith and Chance in a Changing World
Jasper
Julian and Theo met among a million protesters in a rally by chance. But they were there because of what they believed in in the first place, their faith. They wanted to change the world. And their faith kept them together. But by chance, Dylan was born.
Kee
This is him?
[picks up a photo]
Jasper
Yeah, that's him. He'd have been about your age. Magical child. Beautiful. Their faith put in praxis.
Miriam
Praxis"? What happened?
Jasper
Chance. He was their sweet little dream. He had little hands, little legs, little feet. Little lungs. And in 2008, along came the flu pandemic. And then, by chance, he was gone. You see, Theo's faith lost out to chance. So, why bother if life's going to make its own choices?
Kee
Baby's got Theo's eyes.
Jasper
Yeah.
Miriam
Oh, boy. That's terrible. But, you know, everything happens for a reason.
Jasper
That, I don't know. But Theo and Julian would always bring Dylan. He loved it here.
Awkward Introductions in Tense Situation
Julian
Kee, this is Theo.
Kee
What the fuck you staring at?
Theo
Apparently the pleasure's all mine. Are we planning a sing-along? Good. I'm gonna take a nap.
The Burden of Existence and Indifference
Theo
You kill me. A hundred years from now, there won't be one sad fuck to look at any of this. What keeps you going?
Nigel
You know what it is, Theo? I just don't think about it.
Discussion of Past Relationships
Jasper
Any girls?
Theo
No.
Jasper
What about the one we had lunch with? Lauren?
Theo
Lorna. That was ages ago.
Jasper
I liked her. What happened?
Theo
She decided to renounce.
Jasper
Renouncers? Are those the ones that kneel down for a month for salvation?
Theo
No. They're the Repenters. The Renouncers flagellate themselves for the forgiveness of humanity.
Jasper
Oh, right. Dating ain't what it used to be, is it, amigo?
Reflection on Family and Loss
Luke
A girl? I had a sister.
[his final words after being told the baby is a girl]
The Silence of a Childless World
Miriam
As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd what happens in a world without children's voices. I was there at the end.
The Fugee Face: A Moment of Sadness
Syd
All right. You're fugees now. Show Syd the fugee face. Sad face. Sad fugee face.
A Tense Exchange Between Two Characters
Patric
This never fucking happened. Don't go telling tales, cause we'll be watching you. At work. When you sleep. When you have a piss we'll be watching. All the fucking time.
Theo
Jeez, your breath stinks.
Patric
No it doesn't.
Theo
Yes it does.
The Impact of Tragedy on Society and Art
Nigel
That thing in Madrid was a real blow to art.
Theo
Not to mention people.
A Disappointing Birthday Reflection
Jasper
What did you do for your birthday?
Theo
Nothing.
Jasper
Oh come on, you must have done something.
Theo
Nope. Woke up, felt like shit. Went to work, felt like shit.
Jasper
That's called a hangover, Amigo.