Champagne Problems (2025)
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Writer: Mark Steven Johnson
Stars: Minka Kelly, Tom Wozniczka, Thibault de Montalembert, Sean Amsing, Flula Borg, Astrid Whettnall, Xavier Samuel
Release date: November 19, 2025 (Netflix)
Champagne Problems, landing on Netflix just in time for the holiday season, serves up a bubbly, if slightly vintage, blend of corporate ambition and French romance. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the film follows Sydney Price (Minka Kelly), a merger-and-acquisitions shark sent to France to acquire the struggling Château Cassell. The setup is pure comfort food: the uptight American workaholic meets the soulful French heir, Henri (Tom Wozniczka), under the twinkling lights of Paris, oblivious to the fact that they are about to be business adversaries.
While the “meet-cute” relies on the well-worn trope of mistaken identity—cemented by a juvenile “pinky promise” to avoid work talk—the film finds its unique sparkle in its supporting ensemble. Once the action moves from Paris to the vineyard, the narrative shifts from a standard acquisition plot to a bizarre competitive “bake-off” between rival bidders. The inclusion of Otto, a dour German efficiency expert obsessed with the dark folklore of Krampus, and Roberto, a hedonistic club owner from Ibiza who treats business meetings like after-parties, injects necessary absurdity into the melodramatic stakes.
The script balances the saccharine romance with genuinely funny, albeit broad, cultural clashes. Hugo Cassell (Thibault de Montalembert) grounds the story with a touching, if predictable, arc about grief and legacy, forcing Sydney to confront the soulless nature of her own “strip and flip” industry. The film isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s content to polish the chrome on a classic structure. The pacing is rapid—perhaps too rapid, as life-altering decisions regarding centuries-old estates are made over a single weekend of pruning vines and blind taste tests.
However, like the beverage it celebrates, the movie knows exactly what it is: an effervescent escape. It doesn’t demand deep intellectual engagement; it asks only that you enjoy the view. With plenty of Die Hard references and a refreshing rejection of the “evil corporate takeover” in favor of a chaotic, feel-good resolution, Champagne Problems is a satisfying, light-bodied pour perfect for a December evening.
Plot: Sydney Price is a driven mergers and acquisitions executive for The Roth Group who views her high-stakes career as the only metric of her self-worth. Desperate to prove herself to her demanding boss, Marvin, and overcome a lingering sense of imposter syndrome, she travels to France just days before Christmas to secure the acquisition of Château Cassell, a prestigious but debt-ridden champagne house. Upon arriving in Paris, Sydney honors a “pinky promise” made to her sister Skyler to take exactly one night off from corporate maneuvering to simply exist. In a charming bookstore called Les Étoiles, she meets Henri, a handsome Frenchman who claims to be an aspiring shop owner. They share a whirlwind, magical evening touring Christmas markets and the Eiffel Tower, bonding over the profound loss of their mothers and their strained relationships with their fathers, all while agreeing not to discuss their work.
The romantic fantasy dissolves abruptly the next morning when Sydney arrives at the vineyard for her pitch meeting. She is shocked to discover that Henri is actually Hugo Cassell’s son and the company’s Vice President. Henri, who previously criticized TRG as a “raider” of small businesses, feels betrayed to find Sydney standing on the other side of the negotiating table. Furthermore, Sydney learns she is not the sole suitor; she must compete against an eccentric trio of rivals: Otto, a humorless efficiency expert; Brigitte, a traditionalist neighbor; and Roberto, a wealthy, hedonistic playboy from Ibiza who views champagne merely as fuel for his parties. Hugo, disillusioned by standard corporate pitches and still grieving his late wife, decides to discard the traditional bidding process. Instead, he invites the candidates to stay the weekend and participate in a series of vineyard challenges—from blind tastings to pruning frozen vines—to determine who truly understands the “soul” of the business.
As the weekend progresses, Sydney’s corporate exterior softens. She demonstrates unexpected resilience during the grueling vineyard work and connects deeply with Hugo, helping him realize that his unresolved grief has created a chasm between him and his son. Simultaneously, Henri and Sydney repair their trust, realizing their connection in Paris was genuine despite the omission of their identities. However, the idyllic atmosphere is shattered when Sydney’s aggressive colleague, Ryan, arrives to expedite the deal. Ryan reveals TRG’s actual strategy: they intend to acquire the legacy brand only to immediately flip it to a Japanese conglomerate for a quick profit, a move that would strip the Cassell family of control and erase their centuries of history.
Faced with a choice between her career ambitions and her moral integrity, Sydney chooses the latter. She privately warns Hugo about TRG’s deceitful intentions and withdraws her bid, effectively sacrificing her job to save the family’s legacy. In a surprising twist, Hugo rejects the “serious” offers from the other competitors and sells the vineyard to Roberto. While Roberto admits he knows nothing about running a business, his chaotic energy and deep pockets provide the necessary capital to save the estate from foreclosure while leaving the actual operations—and the legacy—safely in the hands of Hugo and Henri. Believing her romance with Henri is impossible, Sydney departs for the airport. However, Henri realizes he cannot let her go and chases her down. He confesses his love, and Sydney decides to stay in France, trading her corporate life to help Henri build his dream wine bookstore, finally accepting the great adventure of simply being herself.
* * *
Champagne Problems (2025) | Transcript
[cork popping]
[liquid pouring, fizzing]
[“The Night They Invented Champagne” playing]
[woman] Let’s talk about champagne. Champagne isn’t just a drink, it’s a celebration.
[champagne pouring, fizzing]
♪ The night they invented champagne… ♪
[woman] Champagne rings in the new year and makes toasts at every wedding.
[guests cheering]
[glasses clinking]
[woman] Champagne means it’s time to party.
♪ That all we’d want to do is
Fly to the sky on champagne… ♪
[woman] Even the sound of a cork popping is enough to get people excited.
[cheering]
[woman] See what I mean? So, what is it about a sparkling wine from a tiny region in France that makes it so special? Legend has it that it all began in the 17th century with a Franciscan monk named Dom Pérignon. It was Dom Pérignon’s task to make wine for his monastery, but one day, he thought he’d try something different. He put yeast and sugar into his wine to ferment, and to Dom’s amazement, the yeast ate the sugar and converted into…
[in French] Bubbles!
[woman, in English] The monk took one sip of this sparkling elixir and said…
[in French] Come quickly!
I am tasting the stars!
[whimsical music playing]
[in English] You see, champagne has always had a bit of magic to it.
And now TRG has a chance to become a part of that storied tradition by acquiring one of the most celebrated domains in France, Château Cassell.
And with over 200 brands to our name, it’s time we finally ventured into the champagne market.
And soon, who knows?
We could all be tasting the stars.
[music fades]
[pen clicking]
[man coughing]
Very good, Sydney.
You’ve clearly thought this acquisition through.
Thank you, Marvin.
And that’s why I’m sending you to Paris to make your presentation directly to Hugo Cassell.
[colleagues murmuring] What?
Uh… Marvin?
[intriguing music playing]
[colleagues speaking indistinctly]
I’ve handled M&A for France and the UK for the past three years.
Oh, and what a fine job you’ve done, Ryan.
But we’ve been chasing Château Cassell for years now with no luck.
But something tells me our luck is about to change.
What do you say, Sydney? Think you can get this wrapped up by Friday?
I’ll pack my bags.
[mischievous music playing]
Tasting the stars?
Too much?
Not for Marvin, evidently.
I can’t believe he’s letting me take on an acquisition.
I mean, usually, I do all the legwork, then he passes it off to some moron.
No offense.
Some taken.
I championed Uptown Elle when nobody thought it could be profitable.
Stillwater Vodka’s one of TRG’s top earners.
Even when I’m batting a thousand, Marvin keeps on moving the goalposts.
Those sports don’t go together.
Not this time.
This is my chance to prove to Marvin and everyone at TRG that I’m ready to take charge.
Well, if I’m gonna lose out on an acquisition, I’m just glad it’s to you.
[scoffs] Nice try.
It was a nice try, wasn’t it?
[laughing] Come on.
Look, I’m just trying to help.
[Sydney] Yeah, right.
[Christmas music playing]
[woman] What about baking cookies and watching Die Hard together?
It’s tradition.
[Sydney] I’ll be back by Christmas Eve.
[woman] Okay, okay.
So, what are you gonna do first?
I’m going to work, Sky.
You should start at the Eiffel Tower.
It’s a total cliché, I know, but when you see it in person, it’s like an out-of-body experience.
I don’t have time for sightseeing, Sky.
This is a huge opportunity for me.
You sound like Mom.
What’s wrong with that?
You know what I mean.
No, I don’t.
Mom had a dream of owning her own company one day, and she would have if she just had some investors who believed in her.
Remember how she used to talk about Venice?
How she would drink Bellinis at Carnival?
Yeah.
And then it was too late.
[inhales] And you and I pinky promised each other that when we grew up, we’d see the world.
Well, I held up my end.
I backpacked across Europe twice.
I walked the Great Wall of China.
I hiked the pyramids of Machu Picchu.
You have $18 in the bank.
Hey, that’s not the point.
[Sydney chuckles] The point is that you are long overdue for an adventure.
Even if it’s just for one night.
So, promise me, sis…
Promise me that you will take one night off from work while you’re there.
One night to just be Sydney again.
Okay. I promise.
Pinky promise.
[sighs] Damn it.
Pinky promise.
[enchanting music playing]
You are so annoying.
[whispers] I love you too.
[chuckles]
[music continues]
[Sydney] Hi, Marvin.
Uh, my flight was delayed, but I’m on my way to the hotel now.
I made a few tweaks to my proposal.
I prepared three separate pitches, depending on how much time Cassell gives me in the room.
[Marvin] Good. It seems we’re not the only game in town. There’ll be competition for Château Cassell and for Cassell’s attention.
[Sydney] Uh, Otto Moller from Weingut, Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne, and there’s a Roberto Salazar from Ibiza.
He’s a bit of a wild card.
But don’t worry. I’m on it.
[Marvin] I knew I was right sending you to Paris.
I won’t let you down.
[Marvin] Oh, I know you won’t.
[smooth piano music playing]
Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Sydney Price checking in.
[phone keypad clacking]
Staying for only two nights?
[phone chiming]
Yes.
What a shame.
Christmas in Paris is such a wonderful time of year.
[clacking continues]
Maybe next time you’ll get to stay longer.
Mmhmm.
[phone chimes]
Merci beaucoup.
[chuckles softly]
[crowd cheering]
[keyboard clacking]
[computer notification dinging]
[bell tolling in distance]
[sighs]
[bell dings] Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Can you tell me if there’s a bookstore nearby?
Of course.
One with an English language section?
I wanna buy a gift for my sister.
Okay.
[pen scrawling]
Voilà .
[enchanting music playing]
Uh, Les Étoiles?
I think they will have what you’re searching for.
Do you need a map?
Nope.
I’ve got the whole route planned right in here.
[curious music playing] Ah, I see you’ve come prepared.
Always.
[chuckles]
[enchanting music continues]
[robotic voice] Ho, ho, ho!
[speaking French]
[whirring]
[robot] Ho, ho, ho!
[speaking French]
[beeps] Damn it.
[robot] Ho, ho, ho!
[speaking French]
[cell phone beeps]
[chiming]
[intriguing music playing]
[ticking]
[indistinct chatter]
[man speaking French]
[woman 1 speaking French]
[woman 2 in English]
Yes, just a cappuccino, please.
[indistinct chatter continues]
[cash register dings]
[man continues speaking French]
Excuse me.
[music fades]
Uh… [laughs softly] Parlezvous anglais?
[giggles] Oui. I mean, yes.
Oh.
[Sydney chuckles]
Uh, can you help me find the, um, self-help section? [chuckles] Self-help?
Self-development?
Self-development. Um… Oh, oui. Um, développement personnel.
Yeah. Can you help me find that, please?
[man inhales] Uh, oui.
[in French] Uh, follow me.
[woman singing in distance]
[Sydney] Excuse me.
What does this say?
Um, “I accept the great adventure of being me.”
Simone de Beauvoir.
[chuckles]
[“Les Yeux Ouverts (Dream a Little Dream of Me)” playing]
[singing in French]
[singer scatting]
It’s so beautiful.
[in French] Very beautiful.
[chuckles]
[singer speaking French] Voilà .
[speaks French] Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.
Yeah. [chuckles] You’re welcome.
Let’s see what we have here. Um…
The Ultimate Guide to Self-sabotage.
That’s good. [laughs]
[smooth piano music playing]
No.
[laughs]
Get Out of Bed and Get Out of Debt.
That’s kind of mean, but kind of true.
Oh. Growing Up at Any Age.
Wow.
That’s just perfect.
Wow.
Oh, you think these are for me?
No, no, no, no, no. These aren’t for me.
These are for my little sister.
Okay.
Yeah, she’s been going through a little bit of a rough patch lately.
[man] Oh.
Actually, it’s a big patch.
[man] Hm.
Huge, really.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my sister.
And, you know, if I’m actually completely honest, I’m probably partly to blame because I’ve been taking care of her ever since she was really little, and…
[inhales deeply]
Wow, I’m rambling.
[chuckles]
[Sydney] Sorry.
No, no.
[Sydney] Whew!
Jet lag. [exhales] But you’re probably used to that working here.
I don’t work here.
What?
I don’t work here.
But I saw you helping that woman find a book downstairs.
Yeah, um, Les Étoiles is my favorite bookstore in Paris.
I spend a lot of time here.
Clearly. [chuckles] Soon, I’ll open a bookstore of my own just like it.
Except mine will have a wine bar in the back.
I’m just looking for the right location.
A wine bookstore.
Yep.
[Sydney laughs] I’d never leave.
Henri.
Sydney.
Enchanté. [inhales] Enchantée.
[Henri] Um…
[clicks tongue] Um…
[speaks French]
First time in Les Étoiles?
It’s my first time in Paris.
No way.
Yeah, and I only have one night to see the sights, so I… um…
I better get going.
In one night?
[laughs] C’est impossible.
No, I know. That’s why I’ve got a whole list of things I need to see, along with the times allocated for each stop.
Next is the Eiffel Tower.
Why?
Why?
Why?
[chuckles] Because it’s the Eiffel Tower.
And I wanna see the view from the top.
I know a better view, and we’ll have it all to ourselves.
[enchanting music playing]
We?
Well, I’d… I’d have to take you there.
You’ll never find it on your own.
Well, that is very sweet, but I have a reservation at Café de Flore that I can’t miss.
Café de Flore?
Nope.
There is more authentic Parisian food in the Christmas markets, and for just a few euros.
Where are they?
Not far.
Let me guess. You can take me there.
If you insist. Yeah, why not?
I mean, you need a guide to show you the city and to keep you safe from des personnes bizarres. Des personnes bizarres? Is that, like, strangers who pretend to work in bookstores and hit on helpless tourists?
You think I’m flirting with you?
Aren’t you?
[in French] Absolutely.
[laughs]
[in English] It was nice to meet you, Henri.
Good luck with your… wine bookstore.
[“C’est Tout” by Suzy Delair playing]
[Henri, in French] Wait.
[breathing heavily]
[exhales deeply]
[in French] I know this sounds crazy.
And I know you don’t understand a word that I’m saying.
But I just want to spend time with you.
I want to get to know you.
And if you accept my invitation…
I promise to show you why this is the most magnificent city in the world.
[Sydney laughs]
[Henri chuckles softly]
[in English] Okay, let’s say I do go with you.
What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
[“Deck the Halls (French Version)” playing] You can’t leave Paris without trying a crêpe.
[Sydney giggles]
[Henri speaks French]
[woman speaks French] Merci. For you.
Mmm.
Ooh. You have to try macaron. Just one.
No, no, no, no. This is enough.
[speaking French]
[Henri speaks French]
[woman 2] Voilà . Mmm.
[Henri speaks French]
[man speaking French]
It’s tradition. Hot wine.
Only one because I have a meeting in the morning.
[Henri] Mm.
So, what do you do?
Can’t really talk about it.
[accordion music playing]
Why? Are you a spy or something?
[Henri chuckles]
Are you?
[laughs]
[Henri chuckles] No.
Ah.
It’s just that I promised my sister I wouldn’t talk about work for one night.
And ever since we were kids, if we pinky promised, we have to keep our word.
Mais qu’estce que c’est, “pinky promise?”
Oh, it’s, um…
[enchanting music playing]
Now you.
Okay.
That’s a pinky promise.
[people cheering and clapping]
Wow.
You promised me a view better than that?
[crowd gasping]
[boy] Whoa, it’s stunning!
[Sydney] I haven’t been on a Ferris wheel since I was a little girl.
My mother used to take me here every Christmas.
It was our tradition.
Just the two of us.
Is she…
Yeah.
She died when I was six.
I’m sorry.
My mom died when I was 15.
It was just me and my sister after that.
What about your father?
He took off right after Skyler was born.
I don’t remember much about him.
What about you?
[inhales deeply] Oof. I wish my father would take off.
[laughs] Wow.
Hm. That bad, huh?
Ugh.
My father is a…
[speaks French]
What’s that?
Um…
A hole in the ass?
[laughing] No?
[laughs] What?
No, I… I like the way you say it.
[laughs] He wants me to take over the family business.
But I just want to chase my own dream.
So… we argue all the time.
“There is a sweetness in the laughter of the stars.”
That’s beautiful.
It’s from my favorite book when I was a boy.
Le Petit Prince. Why was it your favorite?
Long story.
[buzzing]
[thudding]
[passengers exclaiming]
[Sydney chuckles]
Well, looks like we have time.
[Henri chuckles] Okay. [clears throat]
My mother gave me that book when I was five.
She would read it to me every night before I went to bed.
[tender music playing]
But then she got ill, and soon I was all alone, just like le pet it prince.
[Sydney] Mm.
But I still had the book… and I could smell her perfume on the pages.
I carried it with me wherever I went.
So much that my father threatened to throw it in the trash.
So I hid it from him… and I hid it so many times and in so many places that one day I forgot where I put it.
[Henri sighs]
But whenever I look up at the stars, I think of her.
And if I close my eyes…
[exhales] …I can still smell her perfume.
So… yeah.
That’s why it’s my favorite.
I think it just became my favorite too.
[thudding]
[passengers cheering]
[laughing]
[Henri speaks French]
You were only married for two years?
[Sydney] I can’t believe I’m telling you this.
This is not like me.
Must be the hot wine talking.
[Henri] Mmm.
[speaks French]
[Sydney] What is that?
[Henri] The wine enters and the reason leaves.
French have great sayings.
Yeah. Stop avoiding the question.
[Sydney giggles] Okay.
He cheated on me.
Ah.
I was devastated.
And I joke about it now.
Seems like I’m over it, but I’m not.
[Henri] Why would you pretend everything is okay?
[Sydney] I guess I’m still trying to prove myself.
To my boss and to my ex.
And to my father, who I don’t even know.
I act like I’m fearless, but on the inside, I feel like a fraud.
Like I’m not good enough.
You know what I mean?
Oh, oui. I’m still trying to prove myself to my father that I can be successful on my own.
He thinks I’m going to fail.
You won’t. I believe in you.
And if you need any help with that wine bookstore, let me know ’cause, uh, saving small business is kind of my thing.
Careful.
Your pinky promise.
[laughs] Right.
Skyler was right. I needed this.
This is the best time I’ve had in forever.
Me too.
[chuckles]
Sometimes, you can live a whole life in just one day.
I had a great life today.
Me too.
[romantic music playing]
[sighs]
[music fades]
[bells tolling in distance]
[sighs]
[racy music playing] No!
[gasps]
[bells tolling]
[speaking French]
Sydney?
[bell dings]
Marcel.
Mademoiselle.
Help.
I’m late for my meeting, and I need a taxi to take me to this address.
Oh, a cab will take 30 minutes now.
There’s construction on the Rue de Rivoli.
Everything is backed up.
What do I do?
[Marcel inhales deeply]
You can walk this way, through the Trocadéro Gardens, and that will get you there in 20 minutes.
Isn’t there a faster way?
Oui. Run.
Ugh.
[racy music continues]
[horns honking]
[siren wailing]
[grunts] Ugh.
[softly] Okay.
[breathing heavily]
[music fades]
Bonjour. Sydney Price.
I’m here for my 12 o’clock.
You’re late.
I know.
I am so sorry.
[in French] Follow me.
[sighs]
[racy music resumes]
[indistinct chatter]
[in French] Good luck.
[Sydney] Merci.
[Sydney exhales]
Oh, thank you. Okay.
Thank you so much.
Merci beaucoup.
Hello. [chuckles]
[music fades]
Um, I’m Sydney Price.
Hi, Sydney. I’m Roberto.
[door closes]
Nice to meet you, Roberto.
And this is Otto Moller from Weingut and Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne.
Oh. I was so impressed with your acquisition of Château Drummond last year.
The way you turned that business around…
Let’s cut the crap, shall we?
Okay.
[Brigitte] I’ve known Hugo Cassell for over 30 years.
And although we may argue on almost everything, there is one thing we agree on.
Champagne should stay in France.
Château Cassell needs to be run more efficiently.
Nobody is as efficient as the Germans.
Oh.
Cassell will see that the answer to his problems lies not in patriotism but in genauigkeit und Präzision. I have no idea what you just said, but it sounded terrifying.
I’m so sorry. I’m a little bit confused.
Why are we all meeting together?
Hugo thrives on competition.
You won’t just be pitching to him.
You will be pitching to us too.
Great.
[curious music playing]
[door closes]
[man] Bonjour. Brigitte.
Gentlemen. Miss Price.
So… who wants to start?
I’ll go.
Monsieur Cassell, let me be perfectly honest with you.
I’ve never worked a day in my life.
Hm.
My father is worth $30 billion because he invented a microchip thingy that goes into a whatnow.
I don’t get it.
But what I do know is that every time I throw a party, I break out the Château Cassell Grand Cru.
And I throw a lot of parties.
I came here today because I love your champagne.
And I’m concerned that if somebody buys your company, the quality will suffer, and so will my parties.
You want to buy Château Cassell to… keep the party going?
Château Cassell turns my troubles into bubbles.
Sit down.
Yes, sir.
[Hugo] Mademoiselle Price.
I don’t see how you could possibly top that, but… [inhales] for the love of God, please try.
Two years ago, Château Cassel sold six million bottles of Grand Cru.
Last year, it sold four million.
Your production dropped dramatically, mostly due to the poor harvest, but that didn’t stop the demand.
Your champagne is wonderful, but your production arm is antiquated.
With the backing of The Roth Group…
[inhales sharply]
Excusezmoi. Bonjour… Sydney?
Henri?
What are you doing here?
[whispers] What are you doing here?
[Hugo] Henri is the vice president of Château Cassell and my son.
He’s your son?
You know each other?
[mischievous music playing] Uh…
Um… We met last night.
We met at Les Étoiles.
[Hugo] Of course you did.
Henri spends more time in that bookstore than he does at the office.
[music fades]
The Roth Group.
Yes, I was just about to tell Monsieur Cassell about my company.
I know all about Marvin Roth.
You do?
He raids small businesses and breaks them into little pieces to sell off to the highest bidder.
What are you talking about?
I’m talking about Château Laberge.
Ryan Garner from The Roth Group acquired its famed Bordeaux and then forced Pierre Laberge out of his own company.
I don’t know anything about that.
Then maybe you should do some research before you come to steal another French vineyard.
[Hugo, in French] Henri. That’s enough.
[in English] Forgive us.
Henri means well, but he has his father’s temper.
It was always my hope that he would take over Château Cassell one day.
For centuries, les Cassell have passed down this domain from father to son.
But that all stops now with Henri.
C’est la vie.
[Sydney inhales] TRG can guarantee that you’ll stay on as president even after the sale.
Those are just words.
I can put it in writing.
Like you did with Château Laberge?
[mellow music playing]
I came here today to hear your proposals for Château Cassell.
I was prepared to make a decision right here, but… that was a mistake.
I don’t want you to tell me why you are the right buyer for my vineyard.
I want you to show me.
You will be my guests at Château Cassell for the weekend.
By Monday, I will make my decision.
My assistant Claudine will prepare your travel plans.
[horn honking]
[Skyler] He’s the owner’s son? I mean, what are the chances? In my world, excellent.
Still, you gotta admit, there’s some sort of crazy serendipity going on. It’s like it was fate.
There is no fate but what we make.
You’re quoting Terminator 2 again.
[Sydney] God, I’m anxious.
I always quote Terminator 2 when I’m anxious.
You’re getting stronger!
You’re a Kelly Clarkson song!
Wait, what?
Where are you?
SoulCycle. Which reminds me, can you Venmo me $500 when you get a sec?
I’ll pay you back when my influencer money rolls in.
Who have you ever influenced?
I’m not even sure I’m gonna have a job next week thanks to you.
How is this my fault?
You’re the one who told me to take the day off and not talk about work.
I said take a night off.
I didn’t say sleep with the owner’s son.
[groans] This is a disaster.
[classmates panting] Okay, so things are a bit messy.
But don’t you see how perfect this is?
It’s like the universe is forcing you to find a balance between work and love.
And you can do it, Syd.
You’re a…
You’re a Kelly Clarkson song!
[Skyler giggles]
I love you.
I love you more.
Gotta go. Bye.
[enchanting, riveting music playing]
[horn honking]
[indistinct chatter]
[PA announcer speaking French]
[beeps]
[announcement continues indistinctly]
This is first class, right?
Just… can’t tell the difference.
[music fades]
[PA announcer speaking French]
[sighs]
Yay, Sydney’s here!
[Sydney] Hi.
Let’s get this party started.
It’s 9 a.m.
I know, right?
Excuse…
Mein Freund, have you never read what alcohol does to the body?
I have, and that is why I gave up reading.
My body is a temple.
Hm. Mine’s more of a bouncy castle.
[laughing] [chuckles]
[enchanting music resumes]
[cork popping]
[Sydney whoops]
[music fades]
[in French] Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
May I offer you wine, cheese, or coffee?
[in French] Cheese!
[woman] Oui. Care to join me, Sydney?
Oh, I’m lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant? In France?
Oh, you’re lucky. The only thing I’m intolerant to is exercise.
I’m in the fitness relocation program.
Yeah, I look at my clothes and I go, “I can’t fit in this, I can’t fit in this, I can’t fit in this.”
You haven’t touched your mimosa.
Just take it.
[Roberto] Yes!
[bright music playing]
[bell tolling]
[enchanting music playing]
[door unlocking]
[in French] Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Château Cassell.
[“J’ai Vu Mamam Embrasser Le Père Noël” playing]
[in English] The Cassell family has lived here ever since the château was built in 1682.
[Roberto] I’ll just help myself to this.
[cork popping]
[champagne pouring]
[Roberto] Mmm.
So is this like an honor system?
Just so parched.
It’s cozy in here.
Too cozy.
[dog barking]
[butler] This is Bulles.
Hi.
[butler] Hey, he likes you.
[laughing] Yeah. Hi, buddy.
[in French] Philippe, where’s Hugo?
[in French] Monsieur Cassell is running late, I’m afraid.
Important business.
He sends his apologies and will join you all for dinner tonight.
Maintenant, I’ll show you your rooms.
[Brigitte sighs]
[Bulles barks]
[sighs]
[Marvin] Why are you bringing up Château Laberge? That was years ago.
[Sydney] Uh, maybe because there’s a little animosity with how he was treated by Ryan.
The company was overvalued when we acquired it.
We did what we had to do to turn a profit.
Marvin.
If I worry about every company that felt like they were screwed on a deal, I’d be out of business.
Bu… What’s gotten into you, Sydney?
You haven’t been the same since you got to Paris. You’re a nice person, Sydney.
[Sydney] Thank you.
[Marvin] That’s not a compliment!
You gotta show me you can be ruthless.
I can. I… I can be ruthless.
You gotta be strong.
[Sydney] I am. I’m a Kelly Clarkson song.
What?
I don’t know. Sorry.
You wanted this opportunity.
Don’t make me regret it.
You won’t. I promise.
[slams receiver]
[line disconnects]
Marvin?
Pack your bag.
Already packed.
[birds chirping]
Hello.
[in French] Anyone?
[Bulles barks]
[speaking French, gasping]
Hello, Bubbles! [kissing]
[speaking French]
Oh! [speaking French]
[Bulles whining] Bonjour, Henri. Bonjour, Philippe.
[in French] I didn’t hear you pull up.
It’s because I got a new electric Peugeot.
You should give it a spin this weekend.
Ah!
It’s fast.
Ooh, I like fast.
Yes, I know.
[Bulles yaps] Your guests have arrived.
I was just showing them to their rooms.
Bon. Where is the Grinch?
Out in the barn.
Still trying to turn a lemon into lemonade.
[Bulles whines]
I’ll be right back.
[speaking French]
[barking]
[grumbling]
[Hugo, softly] Merde. Merde.
Merde. Merde. Merde! Ready to admit defeat?
Ha! Never!
You’ll see. It will be the pride of the Épernay auto show.
Oui. You say that every year, and it dies before it even leaves the barn.
Not this year.
The Citroën will ride again.
I guarantee it!
Bon alors… How was the drive?
Easy. I entered the address, and the car chose the best route.
[scoffs] Where’s the fun in that?
It’s called progress.
[Hugo] Ah?
Maybe you’ve heard of it?
Ha!
Is everyone here?
Yes, apparently.
[Hugo sighs]
And what’s this all about?
You never host on the holidays.
How would you know?
You haven’t been home for three Christmases.
You wouldn’t be home now if not for the merger.
And Sydney Price.
What does that mean?
Nothing, nothing. [chuckles] I saw the way you looked at her.
Oh?
Passion looks good on you.
[chuckles]
[chuckles]
Do you really want to end up like Château Laberge?
That was a young Bordeaux on the wrong side of the Garonne.
This is a legacy champagne with centuries of history to its name!
Legacy means nothing to them!
Who are you to talk about legacy, huh, when you refuse to carry on mine?
This isn’t about me!
[shouts] Well, it should be!
[door opens]
[door closes]
Merde!
[in English] Best day ever.
[choral music playing]
You know, ever since I was a little boy, I only ever wanted three things for Christmas.
A monkey butler, a robot butler, and friends like the friends in Friends.
[in French] I am surrounded by imbeciles.
[in English] That is beautiful, Brigitte.
What was Christmas like for you, Otto?
Oh, a typical German Christmas.
We covered ourselves in ashes, crouching in the shadows, eating marzipan and knackwurst while hiding from Krampus.
Who’s Krampus?
Oh, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon who punishes evil children at Christmastime.
That sounds terrifying.
Mm.
Not as terrifying as his wife, Frau Perchta.
She replaces the intestines of rude children with garbage.
Some call her the mother of recycling.
Like most Germans, I learned that Krampus wasn’t real in my mid-twenties.
It was a dark day, I can tell you.
But I still love Christmas.
It’s the one time I can sit by a dead tree eating candy out of my shoes without feeling judged.
[door opens]
[music fades]
[door closes]
[Henri] Bonsoir. Bonsoir. And so it begins.
[footsteps approaching]
[door opens]
[Hugo, in French] Good evening, everyone.
[in English] I hope you are all settled in and that your rooms are to your liking.
They’re beautiful, thank you.
Brigitte.
Chère Brigitte.
We’ve known each other for what, 30 years now?
Thirty-two.
[Hugo] Ooh. [chuckles] Thirty-two. A lifetime.
Mmhmm.
I always know when you’ve got something on your mind. Please.
[Brigitte] We have dedicated our lives to this business, unlike Americans who can’t tell the difference between champagne and sparkling wine.
[in French] Hugo, my father worked in the vineyards, just like yours.
You agree with me that Château Cassell must remain in France because that’s where champagne belongs.
In French hands like ours.
[in English] Sorry, I missed most of that.
My French is limited.
[chuckles]
[in French] Of course.
[Sydney] But I do know this…
[in French] “Who doesn’t advance, goes backwards.”
[in English] Yes. Very good, Sydney.
That’s the spirit.
Look, in 2017 you had a warm spring that prompted early budburst.
A severe frost in late April caused 40% of the crop to die.
You should have had reserves from the 2015 and 2016 harvest, but you didn’t have the backup storage facilities to take advantage of those banner years.
Terrebonne suffered the same fate.
And it’ll happen again if you stay stuck in the ways of the past.
The Terrebonne brand will anchor Château Cassell to one of the greatest domains in the world.
Mr. Cassell is drowning in debt, and you’re offering him an anchor?
[Roberto] Mm!
[footsteps approaching]
[Philippe] As requested, monsieur.
Ah.
This is the first test of the weekend.
We are going to see how well you know Château Cassell Grand Cru.
I want you to close your eyes.
But the label’s already been masked.
There are variations in color in each vintage of champagne.
I don’t want you to see it with your eyes.
I want you to see it with your nose, your tongue, even your ears.
Please, close your eyes.
[Hugo speaks French]
[intriguing music playing]
[Hugo] Before you now is a glass of Château Cassell Grand Cru.
Pick up your glass and raise it to your nose.
Breathe in. [inhales] Tell me what you see.
Honeydew melon, yellow apple.
[Hugo] Mm. Sydney, what about you?
Um, grapefruit and, um… ginger.
Excellent.
Otto?
I smell nothing.
I damaged my olfactory nerves in 2016 playing a violent game of eisstockschießen.
[Hugo] Ah.
Roberto?
The Mediterranean. Saint-Tropez.
[chuckles] Surprising. Tell me more.
It was the summer of 2012, and I was living on my father’s yacht.
I met an agoraphobic sailor named Gunther who never left the harbor.
[romantic music playing]
We had a torrid romance.
Although I begged him to stay, I knew that one day he’d have to confront his fear of the open water.
And that was when Gunther set sail for Patagonia.
There, his ship crashed onto the rocks of Cape Horn, and he sank to the bottom of the ocean.
Roberto, I’m sorry.
Or he ghosted me.
It’s so hard to tell.
Either way, I never saw Gunther again.
Anyhoo, that’s what this champagne says to me. Oh.
And it’s a 1987 Château Cassell Grand Brut Blanc de Noir Millésime Special Edition.
Holy shit! How do you know that?
This is what I do.
I drink champagne, I throw parties, and I know things.
[Hugo laughs]
Well done.
What is this?
I wasn’t sure what to serve on your arrival, but Brigitte had a wonderful idea.
[speaks French]
With over a thousand varieties in France alone, cheese is more than food.
It’s part of our culture, our history.
[exhales deeply] To get to know France, it’s to get to know and love cheese.
Everything okay, Sydney?
[unsettling music playing] Yes, of course.
Philippe, be sure to give her the Camembert first, then the Brie.
A nice chunk of Roquefort pairs so well with the Sancerre.
Uh, followed by a wedge of Reblochon.
Don’t skip on the Munster.
And lastly, finish with le Pont-I’Évêque.
Vive la France!
[swallows]
[music fades]
[toilet flushing]
[breathes deeply]
[groans]
[stomach gurgling]
[knocking on door]
[whimpering]
[sighs]
[knocking continues]
[exhales]
What do you want?
My father asked me to check on you.
I think he’s a little worried with how quickly you left dinner.
I’m fine. I’m just a little…
[farts]
Did you…
No.
[stomach gurgling]
It’s okay.
I’m lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant?
Ugh. Cheese hates me.
No.
Oui.
Aww.
That is the saddest thing I ever heard.
In fact, we have a saying.
[speaks French]
“Sad as a meal without cheese.”
That’s me.
One sad meal.
Why didn’t you say something?
[sighs]
After all that “France is cheese” stuff?
No chance.
And I wasn’t gonna let Brigitte think she got to me.
She’s ruthless.
[stomach growling]
I think I just need to lay low tonight.
I’m afraid that’s impossible.
Why? What are we gonna do now?
[enchanting music playing]
[horses neighing]
[Roberto] OMG. [gasps]
[horse snorts]
[laughs]
[Hugo] Henri?
[Roberto] Come on.
[Hugo] Why don’t you and Sydney take the lead?
[Otto] I’m terrified of horses.
[Roberto] Don’t worry.
It’s just like a big dog.
[Otto] I’m terrified of dogs.
[Roberto] How are you with cats?
[Hugo] Roberto, please have a seat.
You okay?
Mmhmm.
[neighing]
[Hugo] Let’s go to…
[in French] …the Festival of Light!
[upbeat dance music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
This is the best day ever.
[laughs] I had a feeling that you would approve, Roberto.
[singing operatically]
[man] Whoa! Yeah!
[Roberto] Everybody, Christmas tree selfie!
[shutter clicking]
OMG.
I have to text you this.
Nein. Photos are a waste of storage.
Come on! You look adorable.
Nein. Do not text me any photos, please.
Okay, I won’t.
[speaks German]
[beeping]
Air-Dropped.
[women exclaiming]
Who is that?
[speaking French]
[Brigitte] Le Père Noël. France’s Santa Claus.
[Roberto] More like Zaddy Claus.
I’ll check you guys later.
I’m gonna try to get on the naughty list.
[in French] Brigitte, come with me.
[speaking French]
[woman whoops, speaks French]
I think I’ll go… Thank you.
Oh yes. Please, of course.
[dance music continues]
[engines revving]
[in French] There’s always next year for you.
[sighs] Yes, there’s always next year, Brigitte. [laughs] Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
[upbeat dance music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[Henri] I have something for you.
[bell ringing]
This. [sniffs] Macarons?
Yep.
The best in Champagne.
So I’m supposed to forgive you for acting like a jerk in exchange for a box of macarons?
Okay, I’ll take it back. [chuckles] No, I was just clarifying the terms.
Oh, okay.
[romantic music playing]
[chuckles softly]
I’m sorry.
My father makes me crazy, and…
And I guess I have a lot of guilt over not taking over Château Cassell.
I’m sorry too.
When I found out you weren’t who I thought you were, I got scared.
Me and trust aren’t exactly on speaking terms these days.
You can trust me.
[“Ring Those Bells” by Juliet Roberts playing]
Yeah! [laughs]
♪ To feel it all and let it ring out… ♪
And so how do I get out? Is it out…
♪ Oh, I’ve been hoping
Yeah, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ And I’ve been dreaming
Yeah, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ I’ve got a feeling
Yeah, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Right here and… ♪
[whooping, cheering]
♪ If you feel it in your soul ♪
♪ Let it out and let it glow ♪
♪ Let it, let it, let it ring… ♪
[Sydney] Just text him.
No, it’s, like, the busiest time of the year for him, isn’t it?
[Sydney] So what?
I shouldn’t text him.
[Hugo sighs]
[horse neighing]
I’ll just play hard to get.
[Sydney] Hm.
[Hugo] I’m exhausted.
[in French] Good night to you all.
[in English] You should all get a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day.
[in French] Good night, Brigitte.
Good night.
[in English] Well, you heard him.
We should all get some sleep.
And you can’t get some sleep without a nightcap.
Why not?
How are you still standing?
Right?
Part of me says I shouldn’t drink so much, then the other part of me says, “Don’t listen to him. He’s drunk.”
Come on, Otto.
Oh, yeah, okay.
Thank you for peer-pressuring me.
[Roberto] Oh, no problem. It’s what I do.
[Otto] Am I enabling you by just standing here and watching you?
Um… Would you like to join them?
[light, dreamy music playing]
I’d love to, but I think I should prepare for tomorrow.
Yeah.
Yeah, you’re right. It will be a long day.
Good night.
[in French] Good night, Sydney.
[insects chirping]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[exhales sharply]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
[music fades]
[Roberto] Hi, Sydney.
I can’t sleep.
[Roberto] Oof, tell me about it.
Turns out Père Noël has an OnlyFans page.
[sighs deeply]
Okay, what’s on your mind?
Henri.
Honey, you fell in love in Paris, the most romantic city in the world.
And then a cruel twist of fate turned you into star-crossed lovers.
It’s Moulin Rouge without the tuberculosis.
[laughs]
[Roberto] You’d be crazy not to be feeling crazy right now.
Thanks.
I wanna be more like you.
I wanna be fearless in love.
You think I’m fearless?
[Sydney] Mmhmm.
I stumble all the time.
You do?
I’ve just learned to make it part of the dance.
You know, love is like a test that you didn’t study for.
All you can do is wing it and hope for the best.
Hope you get graded on a curve.
[chuckling]
Let me see it.
[Roberto] Yeah?
Yeah.
You sure?
Uh-huh.
Okay.
[both giggle]
[gasps] Oh.
[Roberto] Uh-huh.
[Sydney] Gosh.
Yeah.
Wow. Oh.
Is this a real person?
[barks, whines]
[curious music playing]
[Sydney] Hey, hey, hey, hey.
What’s going on? Hmm?
What’s going on?
[kissing] Hey, buddy. Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
I was just…
Yeah, me too.
[Henri] Okay.
[Bulles whining]
[Henri] Shh!
[both chuckling softly]
[softly] Okay. Yeah.
[Sydney] Okay.
[exhales]
Merde! [softly] Hi! Hi, hi!
[sighs]
[laughing]
[whimpering, licking]
[Hugo] Good morning, Champagne!
Time to get up!
We have a full day ahead of us!
Come on, everybody, wake up!
[door opens] Come on, Roberto!
Is this work?
Yes, Roberto, this is work.
[yawning]
[Hugo] Ah, Sydney! Otto!
Ow!
[Hugo] Quite ready.
How are you ready?
You know how they say… [speaks German] Sorry?
The early bird catches a worm.
And I’ve got worms for days.
Yeah, sorry about that.
[in French] You too, Brigitte.
[speaks French] Also you, Henri.
[tender music playing]
[in English] Come on, everybody!
[chuckles]
[bell ringing]
[Bulles whimpers] So most of the people think that vineyards go quiet in the winter.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, we are even busier in the winter than we are in the spring.
And it starts here, with the pruning.
Do it wrong, and rot and insects will find a way into the vines.
Do it correctly, and they will flourish for decades.
Let’s get to work and see who has what it takes.
[barks] Yeah, okay.
Each of you take a row and your tool.
[sighs]
[upbeat French pop music playing]
Ah! I’m sorry.
This is allowed? I’m allowed to do this?
[Hugo] Yes, you are.
Wow.
Here, you cut the same twice. Like this.
[Sydney] Okay.
Come on, Roberto.
I think I’m done.
No, no, no. A bit more.
I feel like I’m freeing the vines.
At first they were afraid, they were petrified, and now I’m circumcising them.
[grunts]
You have to do all of that.
I’m sorry?
Yeah.
Here and here. One, two.
[Bulles barks]
Okay.
[Henri] Yeah, it’s good.
[Roberto] I could use a champagne break right about now.
Ooh, this is more like it.
[laughs] These aren’t fit to drink, Roberto, not yet.
First, we have to remove the sediment that has gathered in the bottles.
To do this, the bottles are rotated one-quarter turn throughout the winter month.
It’s called riddling.
You take the first bottle, the fourth bottle, and you turn.
Next row, next row.
And make no mistake. This is a race.
A race against time, and for you, a race against each other.
[speaking German]
Yeah.
Oh, what’s that mean?
Oh, it’s all about the sausage now.
Okay, that clears up nothing.
Uh, Otto.
Yes.
Roberto. Sydney.
[in French] Henri, are you ready?
Mmhmm.
[Roberto] Okay, mine are dusty.
Brigitte, do you remember this?
[Roberto] Can we get some gloves, or…
What do you think?
[laughs]
[Brigitte chuckles]
[in French] Ready… set… go!
[racy music playing]
Was that ready, set, go?
[Hugo] Yes!
You better get started.
I’m just giving you a head start.
[chuckles] Like I need it.
Oh yeah?
I need it.
[in French] Winner!
Winner!
Winner!
Winner!
I was first. I’m pretty sure.
I don’t think so.
[Henri] Let’s see the replay.
[Sydney] Run the tape.
Yes. One hand is on one, and then on four, and then just a tiny swiveling.
[in French] Winner!
Uh…
[Christmas music playing]
Um…
What do we have going on here?
Oh, we’re having a Christmas tree decorating contest.
[in French] Very bizarre.
[in English] Thank you. I’m going for a Chuck E. Cheese on psilocybin feel.
And what are you going for, Otto?
Malaise.
[Sydney] Oh.
Right.
Anyone have any holiday plans?
Yeah, I’ll be throwing my annual holiday party, followed by my New Year’s Eve bash, and then it’s my Se7entheme secret Santa party called “What’s in the Boxing Day?”
I will be watching Stirb Langsam with my family, or Die Slowly.
I believe you call it Die Hard.
You watch Die Hard on Christmas too?
Yes, but in Germany, it’s considered a tragedy.
[sighs] Poor Hans Gruber.
Deeply misunderstood.
I’m pretty sure Hans Gruber was a terrorist.
Hm. To us, Hans Gruber was more like Robin Hood, stealing from the greedy corporate overlords.
It was the Nakatomi Corporation who put its employees’ lives at risk over what was mere pocket change to them.
Uh, Robin Hood gave to the poor.
We don’t know what Hans had planned with all that money.
Perhaps he’s going to open up some schools.
A-and what about John McClane?
Oh, excuse me, that trigger-happy cowboy?
John McClane was the cause of all that chaos with his “yippee ki yay, mother-fathers.”
Mm, mm, mm.
Hans Gruber was a gentleman thief.
He blew up Nakatomi Plaza!
Okay, well, nobody’s perfect.
[laughs] Okay.
[Hugo] Otto!
[clears throat] Oh, yes.
Uh, it’s time for my presentation.
[softly] Yes. Okay.
May I present the greatest network distribution the world has ever seen.
[“Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy” playing]
Oh, look how rapid your bottles move through the economy… as if gravity, i.e., tariffs, don’t exist.
[growling, cackling]
[Otto] Oh no, it’s Krampus.
He’s come to ruin Christmas and stop the distribution of Château Cassell across Europe.
[Krampus cackles]
[man singing]
♪ With goat horns on his head… ♪
[Otto] Not this year, Krampus.
[roaring] [Otto] Weingut will stop you.
No! Weingut Imports, protecting Christmas from Krampus into the future.
[voices chanting]
Krampus, Krampus, Krampus.
[music ends]
Wow, that was…
And so that… that completes, uh, my presentation.
And may I invite you to view it again?
Uh, no. No, I don’t think so.
I’ve also prepared a director’s cut.
It is 68% longer and has much more information for your brain.
First, you make sure that the champagne is as cold as possible, and then you angle the bottle at 30 to 45 degrees and look for the seam of bubbles, and that is where you saber the bottle.
[chuckles] Excuse me, Roberto, but, uh, what does this have to do with Château Cassell?
You are supposed to be making a business proposal.
Look, you and I both know that the only businesses I’m qualified to run are monkey and funny.
Ah.
But I do know how to have fun.
Well, this will never work.
Sabering a bottle of champagne requires a saber, hence the term.
Oh my God!
[in French] So, as you can see, once Terrebonne acquires Château Cassel, your champagne will be distributed across a wide range of territories, especially throughout the Asian market, including Singapore, South Korea, and India, where champagne sales have significantly increased in recent years…
[melancholy music playing]
Hugo, are you okay?
[in French] Excuse me. Please go on.
The good news is that Terrebonne will help you overcome the market-entry trade barriers that have been a challenge for all the French leaders…
[door opening]
Monsieur Cassell?
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Looking out at those vines, you’d think they were sleeping… but the opposite is true.
There is so much going on beneath the surface.
[inhales deeply]
Sydney, take a walk with me, will you?
Okay.
[Bulles barks]
[birds chirping]
[Hugo] How do you like Épernay?
Mm. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
[laughs]
I had a feeling that you would understand.
Not everyone does.
See there?
I was married on that hill.
Nineteen years old, can you imagine?
Wow.
[chuckles]
Henri was born over there.
I was in the fields pruning the vines when my Sophie’s water broke.
I barely made it back to the château before he arrived.
That’s Henri, impulsif.
[chuckles, sniffs]
[tender music playing]
My wife was everything to me.
But then she got sick.
And when the disease drained the life from her, it drained the life from me too.
I should have been stronger for Henri.
But…
I could barely put one foot in front of the other.
[breathes deeply]
So I did the only thing I knew.
I worked.
Mm.
In French, we don’t say, “I miss you.”
We say, “Tu me manques,” which means, “You are missing from me.”
That’s exactly how I’ve felt since Sophie died… and how I feel with Henri even now.
[melancholy music playing]
I’m so sorry about Sophie.
[Hugo breathes deeply]
But you don’t have to miss Henri.
He’s still here.
Henri wants nothing to do with me.
I wouldn’t be so sure about that.
I think you’re missing from him too.
[Bulles barking]
[Hugo] Bulles! [whistles]
[mischievous music playing]
[in French] Henri and Sydney, you take the cellars.
Otto, help me to search the field.
Okay.
Roberto et Brigitte, check the château.
Come.
[Sydney] Bulles. Bulles!
Bulles!
[Roberto] Little dog.
[Henri speaks French]
[Sydney] Bulles!
[Bulles barks]
[Sydney] Does he do this often?
He does it all the time.
Don’t worry, we’ll find him.
How did your meeting with my father go?
It wasn’t even really a meeting.
He just talked about you the whole time.
Let me guess. He cursed me out for not following in his footsteps.
[chuckles] No, actually, he…
He talked about how much he misses your mother and how much he misses having you in his life.
[tender music playing]
What else did he say?
I think he should be the one to tell you.
[inhales]
[Bulles barking in the distance]
I can’t tell which way it’s coming from.
[Henri] Huh.
Maybe we should split up.
I’ll meet you back at the entrance.
[music fades]
[softly] Okay.
Bulles!
[whimpering]
[yapping]
[Sydney] Hi, buddy.
What are you doing here?
Hello.
We’ve been looking for you.
Gotcha.
[whimpering]
[intriguing music playing]
[Bulles snuffling]
[Henri, in French] There you are!
[in English] You found him?
Yeah.
[Bulles barks] Alors… [giggles]
[in French] Naughty boy.
[laughs softly]
[in English] I found this too.
[breathing heavily]
[tender music playing]
Mon dieu. [exhales]
[speaking French]
One more time in English.
The most difficult roads lead to the most beautiful destinations.
[Henri chuckles]
[Bulles whimpers] The French really do have great sayings.
[Henri laughs] Yes, we do.
[“Douces Nuits de Noël” by Julie Lefebvre playing]
[Hugo] What do you think about this unusual Christmas tree?
[Ryan] Gorgeous.
[laughs]
[Hugo] Ah, Henri, I want you to meet someone.
Hey, Syd.
What are you doing here?
[chuckles wryly]
Marvin was getting a little anxious about your progress, and so he sent me here for the assist.
[scoffs]
[whispers] I don’t need an assist.
Um, I’m sorry.
Hi. Um… Who are you?
Hi.
Ryan Garner, The Roth Group.
Right.
[Ryan] Now if you’ll excuse us, we have business to discuss.
[wind howling]
[fire crackling]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[owl hooting]
[in French] Your mother and I used to sit out here every night after dinner.
I remember.
May I join you?
Do you remember playing tag in the vineyard?
Both of you laughing so hard that you could barely breathe…
You still think about those days?
I think about them all the time.
[tender music playing]
There’s something I want to tell you.
Something I should have told you a long time ago…
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be stronger for you when you needed me.
But I want you to know that I’m here for you now.
And I will always be here… if you just give me the chance.
[Henri inhales deeply]
I know that…
I know you always wanted me to take on Château Cassell, but…
But I have to find my own way.
[breathes shakily]
I’m sorry, Papa.
[Hugo inhales deeply]
I couldn’t wish more for you than for you to follow your own path.
What’s gotten into you?
Sydney Price.
Oui. [laughs] Yeah. She does that.
[chuckles]
[Ryan] You did it, Syd. Cassell’s lawyers have reached out to us to start preliminary talks.
And Marvin’s in negotiations with Takami Imports.
What are you talking about?
Hugo didn’t say anything about this.
Hugo’s on a need-to-know basis, and, uh… he doesn’t need to know.
At least not until after the deal when we flip Château Cassell to the Japanese.
TRG is gonna make a risk-free 50 million.
And it’s all because of you.
What about Hugo?
I promised him he would stay on after the sale.
Once Takami takes over, any previous contract will be voided.
This is everything you ever wanted.
[somber music playing]
You came here to take Château Cassell, and you did it.
Mission accomplished.
[Ryan scoffs]
You’re right.
I came here to close a deal, to make Marvin proud, and to make a lot of money for TRG.
I did everything I came to do.
[music fades]
And now I wanna undo it.
Let me put this into one of your muddled sports analogies so you can understand.
It’s the bottom of the ninth.
You’re at the goal line.
You can either take the ball into the end zone, or get thrown into the penalty box for the rest of your career.
[footsteps receding]
[Sydney] Henri?
Hey.
This was a mistake.
What?
I told myself I was coming here to protect my father… but I was really coming to see you.
But now I know that you and I could never work.
What are you talking about?
I saw a side of my father tonight… that I forgot existed.
[melancholy music playing]
Henri.
[breathes shakily] I need to be there for my father tomorrow, like you need to be there for your company.
I just think it’s better to say goodbye now.
[softly] Goodbye?
Au revoir, Sydney.
[exhales sharply]
[sighs deeply]
Merde.
[door opens] Hi.
Hey, Hugo.
You mind if I join you?
Please.
[whining]
[door closes]
How’s the car coming along?
I’m ready to admit defeat. [chuckles] Mm.
I know the feeling.
[Hugo exhales deeply]
You know, my mom had a ’65 Fiat.
No kidding.
No.
Yeah, and she fixed it herself every time it broke down, which was constantly.
[both laugh]
We moved around a lot.
We stayed with my aunt and my grandmother and… a few boyfriends that never lasted.
Whenever it was time to go, she’d fix up that old Fiat, and we’d hit the road.
[Hugo] Hm.
She always made everything feel like an adventure.
We’d… stay up late and watch movies we were too young to watch.
Like, um…
Terminator 2.
[exhales]
[laughs] And Die Hard, of course.
[chuckles]
Anything where the hero was up against impossible odds.
[tender music playing]
And then I got older, and it wasn’t so fun anymore.
I started to resent her.
But now I see she was doing the best she could with what she had.
In her own way, she was the hero of her story.
[inhales deeply] Well, I need your mother now.
[laughs] Me too.
She worked so hard.
All I ever wanted was for her to succeed.
That’s why I got into this.
Every time I saved a small business, it was like I was saving her too.
It sounds silly, doesn’t it?
Not so silly.
I spent years trying to save my wife, then my vineyard.
But I can’t even save this old lemon.
[laughs softly] You check the carburetor?
Yeah.
W-What about the idle jets?
[inhales]
[music stops]
[car hood opening]
[clanging]
[breathing deeply] Come on, baby.
[keys turning]
[engine sputtering]
[engine starts]
[Bulles barks]
[Hugo] Yes!
[engine stops]
[chuckles]
[Hugo sighs]
[laughs heartily]
Pity I missed the car show.
Better late than never, right?
Better late than never.
Sydney, why don’t you tell me what’s really on your mind?
[inhales deeply]
[“Fun While It Lasted” by Ashe playing]
♪ So I’m driving alone
Crying all the way home emptyhanded ♪
♪ Was a hell of a show ♪
♪ I should laugh
But the joke never landed ♪
♪ The wind in my hair
For a second there ♪
♪ I almost believed in love ♪
♪ It was fun ♪
♪ It was fun
It was fun ♪
Hey, buddy.
♪ While it lasted ♪
Hey.
You stop chasing rabbits, okay?
♪ While it lasted… ♪
[whimpering]
♪ It’s a stonecold shot in the darkness ♪
♪ Another story you’ve heard
Another girl walks in… ♪
Goodbye, Philippe.
[chuckles] Goodbye, mademoiselle.
♪ When I caught your stare
For a second there ♪
♪ I almost believed in love ♪
♪ It was fun ♪
♪ It was fun ♪
♪ It was fun ♪
♪ While it lasted ♪
♪ While it lasted ♪
♪ It was fun for a while ♪
♪ We had so many dreams ♪
♪ Love is so out of style ♪
♪ What the hell did we think? ♪
♪ Oh, oh, I almost believed in love ♪
[Sydney] Okay, let’s say I do go with you. What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
♪ While it lasted ♪
♪ While it lasted ♪
[song ends]
[Hugo] Good morning, everyone.
I have enjoyed getting to know you all this weekend.
Each of you has impressed me by your proposal for the future of Château Cassell.
As you know, this is more than a company to me. It’s my life.
Shouldn’t we wait for Sydney?
That won’t be necessary, Otto.
Sydney left last night.
[Ryan] What do you mean she left?
Who gets the contract?
Did you make a deal with Sydney?
Congratulations, Sydney!
Sorry, I suffer from premature congratulations.
[guffawing]
That’s good, Roberto. You make me laugh.
And that’s why I’m selling Château Cassell to you.
I’m sorry, what now?
What?
What?
You’re selling Château Cassell to this clown? What are you thinking?
[in French] Papa, are you sure about this?
[in English] Champagne isn’t like any other wine.
Champagne is for fun, and Roberto here is all about fun.
You are making a terrible mistake.
Well, I made them before.
In fact, I almost made one today by signing with your company.
Then Sydney told me what you had planned.
How your boss was going to cheat me.
[speaks French] What a hole in the ass.
No, Hugo, be reasonable.
Roberto is a fool.
He doesn’t understand France.
He doesn’t understand our business.
Hugo, she’s not wrong about me.
Everything I know about France I learned from Ratatouille.
Oh, I love that cartoon. [chuckles] Oh, it’s a classic.
But I have no idea how to run a business.
Can’t I just give you the money and we can be partners?
[sighs] Roberto, I need to come up with €60 million, or the bank will foreclose on the property.
Oh, thank God. I thought you were gonna say some crazy huge number.
[exhales] [chuckles] [laughing]
[whimsical music playing]
It’s funny ’cause it’s true, right?
Yeah. [laughs] You people are insane.
[in French] You’re both crazy.
You know that?
[Otto] Concerned for your liver.
Happy for you.
In this business, you have to be.
[Roberto sighs] I didn’t see it coming.
I don’t know where it’s going.
[in French] What do we do now?
We drink.
[laughs]
[Roberto] Woohoo! Nailed it!
[Hugo] Santé! We have a saying in Germany.
[speaking German]
Which is, uh, “Everything has an end, except for sausage, which has two.”
Wow, your people have a lot of sayings about sausage, don’t they?
I just wish I could have said goodbye to Sydney before she left.
Oh, well, we could start a group text.
That way we can all be in touch.
Really?
Yeah.
[champagne pouring]
I’ve never had enough friends to be included in a group text before.
[sighs] Many people consider me to be bleak.
Go join your son.
[Otto] A glass-half-empty kind of person.
[Roberto] Doesn’t matter if you’re a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full.
All that matters is that the glass is refillable.
[glasses clinking]
[in French] Are you going to tell me what a fool I am for going with Roberto?
I’m the fool.
I’ve made a terrible mistake with Sydney.
Yes, you have.
So, what are you going to do about it?
What do you want me to do?
It’s too late for me.
It’s better late than never.
Go.
Hurry.
[invigorating music playing]
[panting]
[music stops]
Oh, Philippe!
[accordion music playing]
[Philippe exclaims in French]
[laughing]
What’s going on?
[bright music playing]
I don’t have a car.
[laughing]
[Henri] Haha.
How?
Sydney.
Oh, merde.
[Hugo chuckles]
[breathing heavily]
[bright music continues]
[engine roaring]
[clanking]
[engine sputtering]
Bonjour, mademoiselle.
Bonjour, Marcel. So how was your trip to Champagne?
How do you say catastrophe?
Catastrophe? Of course. Always sounds better in French.
What happened?
Well, I didn’t close the deal, I quit my job, and I got my heart broken.
Mm.
[Sydney] All in one weekend.
But… I did fall in love, I found a strength I never knew I had, and I made some friends along the way.
So I guess you could say champagne problems.
Champagne problems?
It just means your problems aren’t really that bad.
Most people would feel lucky to have your worries.
Hm.
Sounds like a very good trip.
Yeah, I guess it was.
[chuckles]
Thank you for everything.
Oh, you’re most welcome, mademoiselle.
Do you need a taxi to the airport?
[Sydney] Yes, please.
[phone receiver clacking]
Oh, and I need to make a quick stop on the way, please.
[softly] Okay.
[tender music playing]
[Henri panting]
[in French] Excuse me. Good morning.
I’m here to see one of your guests.
Sydney Price.
I will check on that.
[keyboard clacking]
I’m sorry, but Mademoiselle Price already checked out this morning.
[exhales]
Merci. Monsieur.
[bright music playing]
I might have an idea for you.
[music ends]
[“C’est Tout” by Suzy Delair playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Henri] Sydney.
How did you know I was here?
The concierge at the hotel.
[chuckles] Marcel.
Of course.
You came back for the books?
Yeah, but, um… I found this instead.
For your sister?
No, for me.
I’m sorry.
I acted like an idiot.
Again.
[“C’est Tout” continues indistinctly]
You can jump in anytime.
[Sydney, softly] No.
You’re doing just fine.
[exhales] You know, I…
I wish I had the words to tell you how I feel.
But when I try to say it in English, they fail me.
It’s okay.
[exhales deeply]
I better get going.
My flight leaves in a few hours.
Okay.
[song continues]
[Henri] Sydney.
[breathes shakily]
Tu me manques. You’re missing from me too.
[song fades]
[speaking French]
Merry Christmas, everybody!
[In English] Merry Christmas.
May we expect you all for dinner tonight?
And I promise, no cheese this time.
Maybe a little bit of cheese.
No. [laughs] “And the children screamed and screamed, but Krampus kept coming.”
Okay, how about this one instead?
Oh, it’s just getting to the good part.
[“You Make These Moments Magic” playing] Hello. Uh, your name is Skyler?
Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life, right, Philippe?
Technically, I’m a silent partner.
Guess that’s why Hugo keeps telling me to shut up.
[Hugo] Bulles!
[Roberto] He doesn’t think that I can keep quiet.
Like, he said that I couldn’t even go five seconds without saying something.
I can be silent. Mum’s the word.
[children laughing] How did we do today?
Well, considering Roberto is drinking most of our profits, Le Petit Rêve is still in the red.
But that will change as soon as we get our Christmas numbers in the books.
Mmhmm.
Did anyone ever tell you that you make a very sexy COO?
[chuckles]
You did this morning.
Yeah?
Mmhmm.
But some things are worth repeating.
Merry Christmas, Sydney.
[in French] Merry Christmas, my love.
♪ I wanna put this time in a box
And wrap it ♪
♪ ‘Cause you make these moments… ♪
[Roberto] I’m just afraid he’s gonna leave me on read, even though it’s his color and everything.
He’s probably got hohohos in different area codes.
Should I text him, Philippe?
[customer] Bonjour. You know, Père Noël and I had a really good connection.
It’s a seasonal thing.
[door opening]
[bell tinkling]
[Hugo] Bulles!
[whistles]
[Bulles barking]
♪ You make these moments magic ♪
[clock chimes]
[song fades]
[enchanting music playing]
[invigorating music playing]
[tender music playing]
[music fades]
