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Finding You

EFLsuccess.com

Finding You, 2025 www.EFLsuccess.com

Story: Heartbroken after her brother’s death and a failed violin audition, Finley visits Ireland. On the plane, she meets American heartthrob Beckett, and she’s not impressed. Unfortunately, Beckett is also a guest at the B&B (Bed and Breakfast Inn) run by Finley’s host family (who also previously hosted her brother Alex). For the rest of the film, a drunk musician, a persistent lover, a heartless old woman and a mysterious sketch get Finley’s life back on track. (2021; Jedidiah Goodacre, Rose Reid; Red Sky Studios; drama, comedy, romance; PG; 120 minutes)

Setting: mostly in a small coastal village in Ireland; 2020s

People and proper nouns:

  • Finley Sinclair: a young American violin player at the center of this story
  • Alex Sinclair: Finley’s brother, who recently died
  • Beckett Rush: he stars in dragon movies, and is popular with teen girls (probably around age 18)
  • Sean and Nora Callaghan: This couple hosted Alex when he studied in Ireland, and now host Finley. They also run a bed and breakfast. Note that in British/Irish English, people often say Mum and Da (where Americans would say Mom and Dad.)
  • Emma (or Em): The Callaghan’s teenage daughter, who “loves” Beckett and also really likes having Finley around as her temporary “sister”
  • Montgomery Rush: Beckett’s father and manager
  • Taylor (or Tay) Risdale: Beckett’s girlfriend in the dragon movies, and in the tabloids.
  • Mrs. Campbell: Finley’s Irish Studies teacher, who is trying to help the students get a deeper “taste” of Ireland by assigning them a “service project” (helping someone in need).
  • Seamus: an often-drunk fiddle player
  • Cathleen Sweeney: a mean, bitter old woman (her sister is Fiona Doyle)
  • Keeva: a popular local gal who becomes an extra on the dragon film
  • Orla: Emma’s classmate and friend

Vocabulary: 

Underlined words are vocabulary terms; *key terms; bold indicates a pair of synonyms; green terms are in part 1; blue in part 2.  sth = something; sb = somebody. For a list of common abbreviations see https://eflsuccess.com/common/ [In addition to my normal sources for definitions (see https://eflsuccess.com/standards-use-policy/), I’m also using Duckduckgo.com “search assist” AI.]

  • asinine: extremely stupid or foolish; ridiculous
  • audition: a short performance (by actor, singer, etc) that is judged to see if the performer is “good enough” for a role (in a play, choir, etc).
  • autograph: a famous person’s signature, given to a fan
  • B&B bed and breakfast: a small inn where the cost includes a place to sleep and a morning meal; a B&B sometimes has the host living in the same building; some B&Bs offer a nice view or convenient access to an attraction
  • to be civil: to act in a polite way, even if you feel like being unfriendly  “You students do not have to actually like each other, but you are expected to be civil.”
  • bicker: to argue about something unimportant
  • bin: short for “dust bin”, which is called a “trash can” in the US; a place to put waste
  • botch [slang]: to do something badly because you lack the skill (or attention) to do it right
  • boujee [slang]: describes something or someone as fancy, or associated with luxury/wealth. Can be positive or negative.
  • bubble: a ball of air or gas in liquid (like a soap bubble); a protective, isolating envelope or cover  “Many celebrities live in a bubble that protects them from inconveniences but also isolates them from their fans in the real world.”
  • buckle up: to attach a safety belt around your waist (in a car, airplane, etc.)
  • busking: playing music in public in hope that those who pass will give them money
  • cemetery: a piece of land in which dead people are buried
  • celebrity: a person who is famous right now  “Mark Twain was a celebrity in his day; movie stars are celebrities while their films are popular.”
  • classified: secret
  • cocky: acting overly proud (like a rooster that makes noise and is the center of attention)
  • conservatory (see “music conservatory”)
  • disguise: something that changes the way you look to hide who you are, how you feel, etc.; the act of doing this
  • fellas: men
  • fiddle/violin: this is the same musical instrument, but it’s called a “violin” when played formally (e.g., in an orchestra) and called a “fiddle” when played in a more casual, festive way (e.g., in folk or country music).
  • gamble: to risk money on the outcome of a game, race, etc.; if you guess right you make money, but if you guess wrong then you lose your money (i.e., lose your bet)
  • grumpy: easily annoyed; bad-tempered
  • heartthrob: an actor or celebrity (usually male) whom many young people have a romantic desire about
  • manipulate: to skillfully use information, systems, etc., to achieve the result you want (this is generally a negative term)
  • music conservatory: a school that specializes in training very talented students in musical performance and composition, often focusing on classical music; it is often difficult to earn admission
  • orphanage: a home for children who do not have parents (i.e., orphans)
  • scones: a small cake, sometimes containing dried fruit (sort of like an American biscuit, but heavier and made with sugar). [Note that what is called a “biscuit” in the UK is called a “cookie” in the US.]
  • shenanigans: playful (or sometimes illegal) actions that some would consider inappropriate, such as bullying or sexual activity outside marriage (especially involving young people) 
  • shite: this Irish expression is similar to “crap” in America, or “shesh” (or “shit”, though the US “sh-word” is much more offensive).
  • shun: to intentionally avoid someone, especially to emotionally hurt the other person
  • tabloid: small-sized newspaper, often sensational in style, written so as to excite or surprise readers/fans

Phrases/sayings:

  • “Love” or “Honey” – “love” is an Irish English term of greeting, like “sir” or “honey” in some parts of America – “Love, will you please pop this letter in the mailbox? Thanks.” “Here’s the menu, Honey; I’ll be back for your order in a minute.” “Would you like cream in your coffee, Love?”
  • “I know your type.” – I’ve had negative experiences with people like you; I don’t think you have the kind of character that I’m comfortable being around
  • “Touché.” – We have been arguing, and you just made a good point. – (borrowed from French, in the sport of fencing)
  • “I stand corrected.” – I admit that I was mistaken when I said something to you – (In the movie, a seated character says “I sit corrected”, trying to be funny.)
  • “Cheers.” – a friendly British English expression that can mean “thanks” or “see you later”, or be used as a toast while drinking
  • a take, good take, take 11, etc.: (movie-making term) a single, uninterrupted recording of a particular scene, which often starts when the director says “action” and ends when he/she says “cut”
  • “Fact.”: That’s a fact; what was just said is really true.

Plot summary:

(If you don’t have time to read all the dialogs in advance, this should help you understand what you will see.)

Part One: Finley, a young woman who plays violin, failed her audition to study at a music conservatory. So, she flies to Ireland for a “semester abroad”. On the airplane, she meets a teen movie star—and she doesn’t like him because she thinks he is arrogant. Finley’s Irish host family runs a bed and breakfast inn (B&B). Finley soon learns that the movie star (Beckett) stays at this B&B while shooting dragon films in Ireland. The people who run the B&B also hosted Finley’s brother Alex, who has since died. After Alex left Ireland, the ‘host’ found Alex’s journal, with sketches that are important to the story. As part of Finley’s class, she is assigned to befriend Cathleen, who Finley calls “a witch”. Their relationship gets off to a bad start. After Beckett convinces Finley to help him “rehearse his lines,” they slowly become friends, and the witch also becomes a little more friendly (though we hear that she is shunned by everyone in the village because she “stole” her sister’s boyfriend many decades ago). In part one we also meet a “drunk” named Seamus. He is an expert fiddle/violin player, and Finley is surprised to find that she can “learn a thing or two” from this “homeless” musician. Finally, we learn about the annual “St Finian’s Festival” dance, which is popular in this village.

Part Two: The plot thickens, as we find out that Beckett’s father has been pushing his reluctant son to be a star, and has also been fueling a fictional romance between Beckett and Taylor on social media. We also learn that a lot of actors/people depend on Beckett’s popularity for income, and sensitive Beckett really cares about these people. Meanwhile, we learn that Cathleen didn’t “steal” her sister’s fiancé, but instead suffered physical abuse to protect her sister Fiona. But Fiona had no idea. Seamus continues to teach Finley how to be a passionate fiddler, and Finley keeps working on her audition composition. “St Finian’s Dance” was a great night for Beckett and Finley, until a jealous extra stirs up the press in a bad way. Beckett and Finley must make some difficult choices before the film is over. Finally, the mysterious sketch reveals its truth at just the right time.

Sentences/dialogs from the movie: (part 1)

*these conversations may be abbreviated or changed to provide context; for the trailer and other info, see https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8760280/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1; blue indicates a key dialog or sentence. http://www.imdb.com/ is a great place to find movie facts and more. I’m thankful for the film transcript (of sorts) found at https://subslikescript.com/movie/Finding_You-8760280

Say these dialogs out loud with your friends; it will help you prepare to watch the movie. The underlined words are defined in the vocabulary section above.

  • 1. [At home, after her daughter auditions, playing violin at a New York Conservatory]
    • Finley’s Mom: How’d it go?
    • Finley [disappointed]: So much for prayers. [That is: I prayed to “get in” and I didn’t succeed, so I guess my prayer didn’t work.]
    • Mom: Oh, Honey. You can still audition one more time in the fall. You might need to think about a plan B. Maybe what you need is a change of scenery.
    • Finley: Maybe I can try that Semester Abroad program in Ireland that Alex did.
  • 2. [Four months later, as Finley boards the plane to Ireland, a flight attendant picks Finley and invites her to sit in “an extra seat” in first class during the six-hour flight. Finley falls asleep, leaning on the young man next to her—who she hasn’t met yet. Later, a flight attendant comes by and tells Beckett that “his friend” needs to put her seat belt on, so he wakes her up.]
    • Beckett: As much as I’d love a beautiful girl drooling on my shoulder, you better buckle up.
    • Finley: I’m… I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think I would fall asleep. [Finley looks up and notices that he is the guy on the cover of her magazine.] You’re Beckett Rush?
    • Beckett [alarmed, and speaking quietly]: Geez. I’ve gotten this far without being bothered, all right. Look, if you keep quiet, I’ll give you an autograph or something when we land. Just, no body parts, I stopped doing that a while ago. The flight attendant probably thought she was making your year seating you next to me. We can do a selfie or something, just when we land. All right. I don’t want to attract any attention right now.
    • Finley [disgusted by Beckett cocky attitude] : I really don’t want anything from you.
    • Beckett: Somebody’s grumpy when they wake up.
    • Finley: No, but arrogance makes me grumpy.
    • Beckett: Some people mistake confidence for arrogance.
    • Finley: I’m pretty sure it’s just arrogance. I know your type.
  • 3. [Still on the airplane]
    • Beckett: So, since you know my name, I think it’s only fair that I know yours.
    • Finley: Finley Sinclair.
    • Beckett: And what brings you to Ireland, Finley Sinclair?
    • Finley: A Semester Abroad program at my college. My brother did this a few years ago, and he loved it. Changed his whole life. Maybe it’ll work for me.
    • Beckett: Hmm. So you have issues?
    • Finley: Life can be tough outside of the celebrity bubble. You know, in the real world.
    • Beckett: Here’s a bit of advice for you. You might want to brush up on your people skills if you’re going to make it in a small Irish town.
    • Finley: Oh! And are you an expert on small towns in Ireland?
    • Beckett: Yeah, I am, actually. We’ve shot three Dawn of the Dragon movies there. About to shoot number four.
    • Finley: Touché. I sit corrected.
    • Beckett: You know, you look really beautiful when you admit that you’re wrong.
    • Beckett [after the plane lands]: Ba-bye! Who knows, maybe we’ll run into each other in a pub somewhere, Spindly?
    • Finley: It’s Finley, and I seriously doubt that.
    • Beckett: Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for, and maybe even a little bit of fun, while you’re at it.
  • 4.   [In the airport, Emma runs up and hugs Finley]
    • Emma [very excited]: Oh! You look exactly like your picture. We’re sisters for four months.
    • Finley: Okay, it’s nice to meet you, too.
    • Nora: Hello, Finley! It is so good to have you. We just loved your brother. He was one of the family. And now you are, too. The good news is that we inherited a Bed and Breakfast three months ago. Sean has retired from the army, and we’re running it together.
    • Sean [holding up a bandaged hand, due to a burn]: We’re still trying to figure it all out.
    • Nora: This town might be a wee bit small for a New York girl, but we’ll get you out to show you the rest of the country soon.
    • Finley: I can’t wait to see it all. The old castles, the Cliffs of Moher. My brother used to talk about that place all the time.
    • Nora: We’ll take you all over. And don’t worry, we’ve given you a private room. All the B&B guests are at the other side of the house. You can play your violin in your room anytime. No one will hear ya.
  • 5. [The next morning, the Callaghans have an accident in the kitchen, and ask Finley to take food to a guest.]
    • Nora [to Finley]: Love, I hate to ask. But would you mind taking this food to the gentleman in the corner? All you have to do is set the plate down on the table, smile, and walk away.
    • Finley: Yeah, of course.
    • [Finley is shocked to see that it’s Beckett.]
    • Finley: You?
    • Beckett: Good morning to you as well. You didn’t spit in my food, did you?
    • Finley: What are you doing here?
    • Beckett: What does it look like? I’m a guest. Are you stalking me?
    • Finley: No! I’m staying here, too.
    • Beckett: What, the Callaghans are your host family?
    • Finley: Shouldn’t you be at some boujee hotel with your harem?
    • Beckett: This is boujee. It’s posh. The cooking’s great. And the service is even better. Usually.
    • Finley: I have to go to orientation, so enjoy.
    • Beckett: Well, I’ll be staying here for the next few months while we film. So, no sneaking up into my room, young lady.
    • Finley: Ooh. Don’t worry. I’m not supposed to bother the guests. Even if they bother me.
    • Beckett: What do you have against me?
    • Finley: I am trying to stay focused… and I just don’t think you’re gonna help with that.
    • Beckett: And how would you know?
    • Finley: I see the news.
    • Beckett: Well, maybe things aren’t always as they seem.
    • Finley [back in the kitchen]: Um… Why is Beckett Rush in the dining room?
    • Emma [very excited]: What? No!
    • Nora [urgently interrupting]: You can’t tell anyone!
    • Emma: Becket Rush is in my house. He’s only like, the biggest movie star in the world.
    • Nora [to her husband]: She’s got posters of him in her room.
    • Sean: Ah, that’s why I recognized him.
    • [Beckett pops in briefly to ask for jam.]
    • Nora: Yes, sure, love. Just made it fresh yesterday.
    • Beckett: Ah. Brilliant. Cheers.
    • [Emma freaks out as Beckett leaves.]
    • Sean: Your daughter has lost her mind.
    • Nora: This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell her. Now, not a word! We have promised him to keep it quiet. We are going to give him a place away from the press.
    • Sean: If people find out, it’s not gonna be because of us. The B&B could be at risk. We can’t afford a bad review from an international celebrity right when we’re starting out.
    • [Emma can’t contain her excitement as she runs out of the kitchen.]
    • Nora: Oh, shite!
  • 6.  [At Emma’s school]
    • Orla: I heard the Heart Slayer is staying at your B&B?
    • Emma: See, the whole town knows, and I can’t say a word.
    • Orla: Hey, maybe Beckett will ask you to the dance.
    • Emma: Right. The hottest guy in the whole world is gonna break up with Taylor Risdale. Look me in the eye and say, “Hey, Emma, will you go out with me?” No one has ever asked me to it.
    • Finley: What’s this dance?
    • Orla: It’s the big town festival that happens every autumn. It’s where all of our parents fell in love. It’s disgusting.
    • Emma: It’s amazing. The whole town comes out for it. Outside, under the lights. It’s so romantic. Guys are already starting to ask.
    • Finley: Well, maybe this is your year.
  • 7. [We meet co-star Taylor while we see Beckett filming a dragon movie. The Director is not pleased with his performance.]
    • Director: Cut! Okay, guys, back to one. Beck. Beck. Beck. How are you, man? What the bloody hell was that?
    • Beckett: Huh? I just thought I’d try something a little more subtle, you know?
    • Director: Subtle? Can you amp it up, man?
    • Beckett: I can amp it up.
    • Director: Great. Okay, good. Because, if not, I am afraid, we’re going to have to kill off your character. [He laughs] I am joking! I no serious! Okay, he can do it, guys. Back to one! Take 17.
    • Montgomery (Manager) [to Beckett]: You okay? Hey, listen, I heard the studio is considering a trilogy of Steele Markov spin-off movies for you and Taylor. So, you’ll finally be getting paid what you’re worth, plus back end. So, you know, just give him what he wants.
    • Beckett: Yeah. Yeah.
    • Montgomery: Don’t screw this up.
    • Beckett: Okay, just give me some space.
    • Montgomery: Okay. Yes, whatever you need. I’m here for you.
  • 8. [Nora apologizes for not having time to take Finley sightseeing, but also says she bought her a bike for local transport.]
    • Nora: Listen, I was, um… cleaning up in here a few weeks ago, getting the place ready for you. And I found this under the dresser. It’s your brother’s journal, from when he was here. I didn’t pry, but it’s got all his drawings and writings. It’s old-fashioned like.
    • Finley: Yeah, he was like that.
    • Nora: I was gonna send it to your mum, but… then I just thought I’d give it to you. I wouldn’t want it to get lost in the post.
    • Finley: Thank you, Nora. This is… amazing.
    • Nora: Alex was always working on those drawings. Now you can see all the things he loved here.
    • Finley: Yeah, he was so at peace, you know, when he… when he came back, and… he was just an amazing brother.
    • Nora [with tears]: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.
    • Finley: It’s okay.
    • [One of the pictures mysteriously has Finley’s name at the bottom. It’s clearly a sketch of a gravestone, and unfortunately, there are stones somewhat like it all over Ireland! But Finley sets out to find this one.]
  • 9. [Finley is practicing her violin when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Beckett.]
    • Finley: What are you doing here?
    • Beckett: You’re pretty good on that thing, you know. You play like your personality.
    • Finley: And how is that?
    • Beckett: Beautiful, but a bit stiff.
    • Finley: What are you doing up here anyway?
    • Beckett: I’m about to ask you a favor.
    • Finley: I’m about to say no.
    • Beckett: And I’m about to ignore that. I need some help running my lines – like somebody to work off with.
    • Finley: No.
    • Beckett: How can you say no to this face?
    • Finley: Huh? Oh, well, I am up-to-date on all of my shots and immune to everything.
    • Beckett: Come on, Frankie.
    • Finley: My name is Finley. No wonder you don’t remember your lines.
    • Beckett: Look… Things have been tough on set, and my scenes aren’t going well. Um… I’m in my head, and I need something new to break me out of it.
    • Finley [Thinking that she could say the same about herself]: Yeah, I… I know all about that.
    • Beckett [seeing Alex’s drawings on the bed]: Cool drawing. Did you do this?
    • Finley: No, this is my brother’s from when he spent time here. I just… I can’t get this cross out of my mind. I mean, why would he write my name at the bottom of this? Have you seen this anywhere?
    • Beckett: Yeah, there’s crosses like that all over the place.
    • Finley: No. I need to find this one.
    • Beckett: So why don’t you just text him and ask him where it is?
    • Finley: He’s… dead.
    • Beckett [terribly embarrassed]: Oh! Wow. I’m sorry. I didn’t… I didn’t know. What happened?
    • Finley: I don’t really talk about it. Especially not with Steele Markov, the heart slayer.
  • 10. [In Finley’s classroom]
    • Mrs. Campbell: [Finley’s teacher]: As part of your Irish studies class, you must complete a service project in order to see this country from a different perspective. So, each one of you will be adopting a senior citizen from one of the nearby nursing homes. You will spend at least 20 hours with your new friend, and you will do what you can to serve them during this time. At the end of the semester, you will be expected to turn in an essay outlining what you have learned from this experience.
    • [So, Finley bikes to a nursing home to meet her “new friend”. The local nursing director has asked the teacher to assign someone to “Cathleen Sweeney” and is glad to see Finley. But Cathleen is not!]
    • Finley: Hello, Mrs. Sweeney.
    • Cathleen: Get out.
    • Finley: Oh, I’m Finley Sinclair.
    • Cathleen: I don’t care if you’re the Blessed Virgin Mary. Get out!
    • Finley: Um… Uh, I was actually… I’m here from the college. I was assigned to meet you.
    • Cathleen: I don’t need schoolgirls pestering me. I’ll give you three seconds to remove yourself. One, two, three. Nurse! Nurse!
    • Finley [bewildered]: No, it’s okay.
    • Nurse: What’s going on here?
    • Cathleen: I have an intruder.
    • Nurse: Don’t you remember our conversation, Cathleen?
    • Cathleen: What about? Me eating more prunes?
    • Nurse: The one about you being civil to people who come to visit you.
    • Cathleen: I don’t need any visitors. I didn’t last year or the year before, and I don’t today.
    • Finley: You know what? I’m sure I can get reassigned. I’m sorry. It was really nice to meet you.
    • [Finley goes and asks the teacher to reassign her to someone else. She says no.]
    • Finley: But can’t you just give me some other old person? Please, I mean, she’s a crazy witch.
    • Mrs. Campbell: If I reassign you, I’m then gonna have to make allowances for all the other students. And I’m not gonna deal with that.
    • Finley: But she doesn’t want me or anyone else there. Please.
    • Mrs. Campbell: The staff wouldn’t have assigned her a student if she didn’t need it.
    • Finley: Isn’t there just a food bank or an orphanage or just anything else?
    • Mrs. Campbell: This is the assignment. If you choose not to do it, you won’t pass your Irish studies class.
    • Finley: I need to get a good grade on this.
    • Mrs. Campbell: Then you’ll have to go make broomsticks with the witch. Cheers.
  • 11. [Back at Mrs. Sweeney’s nursing home]
    • Finley: Hello again, Mrs. Sweeney. I think we got off to a bad start the other day.
    • Cathleen: How many times do I have to tell you to leave this bloody room?
    • Finley: Oh, I can’t do that, Mrs. Sweeney. But we’re gonna be friends. I did bring Pride and Prejudice.
    • Cathleen: I don’t like Jane Austen. And I don’t want to spend all that remains of my life with the likes of yourself.
    • Finley: Okay, you know what? I tried to get out of this, but I can’t. I was really hoping for a sweet old granny, but I got stuck with you. So, now I have to do this to get a good grade, so I can be good enough to get into this music school. I have one last chance to audition in three months. So, we’re gonna be friends, whether you like it or not!
    • Cathleen: Have you finished? If this is what young people have come to, then the whole world is doomed. I’m calling the nurse. Nurse!
    • Finley: Okay. Well, I’m not leaving.
    • Cathleen: Nurse!
    • Finley [starting to read the book Pride and Prejudice out loud]: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
    • Cathleen: Nurse! Where’s the nurse?
    • Nurse: What’s all this noise?
    • Cathleen: She won’t leave. She’s invading my privacy. I want to remove her at once!
    • Nurse: Finley, did you enter without Cathleen’s permission?
    • Finley [sheepishly]: Yeah. Yes.
    • Nurse: And did you refuse to leave when Mrs. Sweeney asked you to do so?
    • Finley: Yes.
    • Nurse: Good on you, young one! Cathleen, you can shout all you like, but Finley’s welcome to stay. Bye, ladies.
  • 12. [Later, as Finley is leaving Mrs. Sweeny]
    • Nurse: Did she calm down?
    • Finley: Yeah, she fell asleep.
    • Nurse: I have to check on a resident. Do me a favor and pop this letter into her top drawer. Cathleen always tells me to throw her post away, but I know she just digs these letters out of the bin and saves them. No idea what it’s about.
  • 13. [At the B&B]
    • Nora: Hey, how was the nursing home?
    • Finley: Well, that bitter old lady, Mrs. Sweeney, really hates me.
    • Nora: They’ve assigned you Cathleen Sweeney?
    • Finley: Uh-hmm.
    • Beckett: Who is this lady? I wanna meet her. I bet you I could make her smile.
    • Finley: Not a chance.
    • Sean: Gather round! Fresh scones! [But Sean grabs a hot tray without a glove, burning his hand again.]
  • 14. [At the B&B]
    • Sean: How’s the movie going?
    • Beckett: Well, it wasn’t going well until I started running lines with Finley. Now the director can’t stop complimenting me. He says Steele Markov has come alive. Oh. Do you think we could run my other lines, tonight, maybe?
    • Finley: I really need to get to my violin composition at some point.
    • Beckett: Well, I can work around your schedule. I mean, if you want to come to set, do it  after class, or… Or we could work here?
    • Finley: Uh, there’s nothing special about what I did. Anyone could have done it. Hey, Nora, do you think we can go to the Cliffs of Moher this weekend?
    • Nora: I am so sorry, Honey. I feel terrible. We can’t leave.
    • Beckett: Well, I could take you.
    • Finley [awkward, quiet]: Uh, no… I’ll just go with them when they can.
    • Beckett: All right. Let me know if you change your mind.
  • 15. [On a street in the village]
    • Molly: I can see the look in the eyes when young ladies are thinking about the festival. I hear the fellas are starting to ask.
    • Emma [to Finley]: Molly runs the pub.
    • Finley: Oh, hi! I’m Finley.
    • Molly: The festival is where I met me husband. A magical night.
    • Orla: Seems like everyone’s been asked except me.
    • Keeva [who stops as she walks by; she sounds “kind” but we’re not so sure]: Have you been talking about the festival? I’ve been asked a couple of times.
    • Emma: Of course you have.
    • Keeva: You’ll be there, Emma. I mean, I know it’s been difficult for you in the past. I mean, it was so sad, seeing you there alone last year, but…  I mean, I can help you out, if you want. [Awkward pause.] Oh! I just got cast in the new Beckett Rush film; I just have to run on set and shoot some scenes with Beckett and Taylor. But I’ll see you guys around.
    • [Across the street, a bookseller is using a broom to get Seamus off a bench in front of her store.]
    • Bookseller: Get away from my shop, you old drunk. Come on.
    • Seamus: Relax, Aileen. I was gonna buy a book. Have you got any of those romantic novels for sale?
    • Bookseller: Get out of here. Go.
    • Seamus: All right. I’ll leave. But I won’t come back here. I won’t buy me books here anymore.
    • Bookseller: You’re scaring my customers.
    • Seamus [as he sees Molly talking to Finley and her friends]: Well, good afternoon, young ladies. Any chance of the price of a pint for a local struggling musician, who places his art above all else?
    • Emma: Look, I would, Seamus. But I only have £1.47 and a lollipop.
    • Seamus: Well, it’s a start.
    • Molly: Seamus, go sleep it off in the back of the pub.
    • Seamus: You’re right, Molly. [Taking off his hat to say goodbye to the young ladies.] Thanks, but no thanks. Good-day Ladies.
    • Molly: Got to take care of me best customer, and tonight’s musical entertainment. He’s been napping here in the streets for years. He’s got a little cottage up the road, but he rarely makes it back there at night. What can you do? It’s his life. He’d rather buy fiddles than pay the bills. Oh, I’d better go help him… Good luck, regarding the festival.
  • 16. [Beckett drives up (in a convertible) and sees Finley looking for “her brother’s cross/gravestone” in a cemetery. He says it isn’t there because he already looked.]
    • Beckett: Listen, I’m a little worried about you hanging out in graveyards like this. It’s pretty creepy. So, I’m gonna offer you a deal.
    • Finley: Not interested.
    • Beckett: Just hear me out, okay. You help me with my lines, and I’ll be your personal tour guide. Show you all the sights of Ireland. Huh? Come on. It’ll help sweet Mrs. Callahan feel less guilty that she can’t take you around. Trust me.
    • Finley: No, I don’t.
    • Beckett: I’m merely a humble tour guide. And for a limited time only. Come on, Finley. Take a risk. You never know if you’re gonna have tomorrow.
    • Finley [reluctantly]: Okay.
  • 17. [They go see the Cliffs of Moher, one of Alex’s favorite places. Beckett wears a disguise, in hope that young girls won’t recognize him. When a group of fans is suspicious, Finley takes his hand and plays along to protect him. A little later, they have a serious conversation.]
    • Finley: Can I ask you a personal question? Do you even really like being a movie star?
    • Beckett: I mean, who wouldn’t, right? [Finley can tell that he isn’t telling the truth.] What was it like going to high school?
    • Finley: It’s… grueling, and fun and weird, all at once.
    • Beckett: That sounds amazing. You’re lucky.
    • Finley: Well, didn’t you go to school on set?
    • Beckett: Usually, it was just me. Sometimes, a few other child actors and a tutor. But no prom. No graduation. No embarrassing gym class.
    • Finley: Do you regret missing out on that?
    • Beckett: I regret a lot of things. I don’t know, I guess sometimes I just miss blending in, being normal, you know.
    • Finley [perhaps finally seeing the person behind the heartthrob]: There’s the real Beckett.
  • 18. [Finley come to the movie set to help Beckett rehearse his lines. She is amazed by the “movie magic”. Keeva is surprised to see Finley, who also soon meets Taylor.]
    • Taylor [to Beckett]: Hey babe, who’s this?
    • Beckett: Finley, this is Taylor. Uh, she’s here to help me out. Kind of like an acting coach. So…
    • Taylor: How kind! Um, so, what other actors have you worked with before?
    • Finley: I actually haven’t worked with any other actors before. This is my first time on set, but it seems pretty cool.
    • Beckett: [To Taylor] She’s a real natural though. [To Finley] We should probably go run the lines for the next scene. Come on, Finley, this way.
    • Finley [Sweetly, to Taylor]: It’s a real honor to meet you, Taylor.
    • Taylor: The pleasure is all mine.
  • 19. [While walking up to the B&B, Montgomery gets out of a car, saying he will stay at the B&B until his hotel is ready.]
    • Finley: Who’s this?
    • Beckett [dryly]: My manager.
    • Montgomery [to Finley]: Oh, hello, and you are?
    • Finley: Hey. Finley Sinclair.
    • Montgomery: I’m Beckett’s father, Montgomery.
    • Finley [surprised to learn that Beckett’s manager is also his father] Oh! It’s so nice to meet you.
    • Montgomery: It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. [to Beckett] Did you get those scripts I over-nighted? You read them?
    • Beckett: Not yet. I’ve been kind of busy.
    • Montgomery [with excitement]: Hey, the studio is really, really, in love with what you’re doing on set. So, they made an official offer. It’s strong. Five movies over seven years.
    • Beckett [with hesitancy]: I don’t know though. Don’t you think it’s time to maybe branch out a little?
    • Montgomery: To what? We’re building an empire here.
    • Beckett: Branch out to something that shows what I can really do. I want to do something more than just sword fighting and… outrunning fireballs.
    • Montgomery: Oh, but you’re so good at it. That’s what the fans wanna see. Right? You have a very small window to capitalize on this.
    • Beckett: Yeah, I’ll think about it, for sure.
    • Montgomery: Right now, we gotta cash in on these sequels. So, hurry up and read those scripts. All right. Let’s do it.
  • 20. [Finley is with Cathleen Sweeney. She asks if she can help Cathleen find the right address for “Fiona Doyle” (whose letters are always returned), and Cathleen angrily says “That’s none of your business.” Then Beckett shows up unexpectedly, dressed like a 1960s hippie.]
    • Beckett: What’s up, ladies? Groovy day, don’t you think, man?
    • Finley [sarcastically]: Convincing. Do you need directions to Woodstock?
    • Beckett: Whoa, sister! Give peace a chance.
    • Finley: Mrs. Sweeney, this is Beckett Rush. He’s an actor in Dragon movies.
    • Beckett: Mrs. Sweeney, it’s very lovely to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.
    • Cathleen: Yes! I’ve seen you on television. You’re in love with the princess.
    • Beckett: Um, hey, I brought you some treats because I know they’re not giving you the good stuff here. Although I know it’s nothing like your cooking. You’re probably a wiz in the kitchen.
    • Cathleen: Baking is my specialty.
    • Beckett: Sugar and spice, my kinda lady.
    • Finley: You really can’t turn it off, can you?
    • Beckett: There’s nothing wrong with spreading a little cheer. Come on, make love, not war.
    • Cathleen: Tell me, when did you start acting?
    • Beckett: I was seven years old. My father got me into it. Do you ever do any acting?
    • Cathleen: Oh, yes. My first role at school was playing the white rabbit (in Alice in Wonderland).
    • Beckett: The white rabbit. You look kinda like the white rabbit. [They all laugh.]
    • Cathleen: You’re funny. You’re a twit.
    • Beckett: Thank you so much. All right, thanks for letting me stop by, guys. Okay. Peace out.
    • Cathleen [to Finley, after Beckett is gone]: He’s a fine young man. Don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about. He’s a good boy. I can spot a bad one a mile away. 
  • 21. [While shopping for groceries, Finley asks her host “mother” about Cathleen.]
    • Finley: Do you know much about Mrs. Sweeney?
    • Nora: I don’t like to say things if I’ve got nothing nice to say.
    • Finley: Well, she’s not that bad.
    • Nora: No, Cathleen’s not bad. She’s terrible.
    • Finley: So then, who’s Fiona Doyle?
    • Nora: Her sister.
    • Finley [surprised]: Oh. Mrs. Sweeney really wants to get in touch with her. What happened there?
    • Nora [upset]: I heard Cathleen Sweeney stole her own sister’s fiancé. I mean, who would do such a thing? Then, she left him, a few years after they get married. He was heartbroken. They say he drank himself to death not long after. That’s it. I’m saying no more.
    • Finley: But if Mrs. Sweeney is the man stealer, then why is she the one that’s so bitter?
    • Nora: Just getting what she deserved, I guess.
  • 22. [One evening, while Finley is practicing her violin, Beckett shows up.]
    • Beckett: It’s your friendly Irish tour guide. We’re about to have ourselves some real Irish fun.
    • Finley: It’s not a good idea for me to be going out to one of your exclusive nightclubs or whatever it is you do.
    • Beckett: And who says that I’m into nightclubs?
    • Finley: Uh, every tabloid in the supermarket checkout line.
    • Beckett: Well, don’t believe everything you read. Come on. It’s what you find outside of this place that’s gonna help you write your try-out song.
    • Finley: It’s a composition.
    • Beckett: Whatever. You are so uptight.
    • Finley: No, I’m not. [After a pause] OK. Where are we going?
    • Beckett: You will see, milady.
    • [After they arrive at Beckett’s favorite pub, he wakes Seamus up and asks him to “get the party started” with some Irish music.]
    • Beckett: This is my favorite place in all of Ireland. Come on. You could learn a thing or two from this guy.
    • Finley: What am I gonna learn from him? He’s like, homeless, and drunk…
    • Beckett: You’ll see. Don’t worry.
    • Seamus [After a few lively songs]: I’m told we’ve got a fine young fiddler player here in the audience tonight. Can you go up and give us a tune, please.
    • Finley [embarrassed]: No. I don’t play fiddle. I play the violin.
    • Seamus: Oh, fiddle, faddle, fuddle. Whatever you call it, it doesn’t matter. Come on up here and join us, lass. We won’t bite ya!
    • Finley [to Beckett, just before going up on stage]: I’m going to kill you.
    • [After some introductory melodies, Seamus wants Finley to lighten up.]
    • Seamus [Quietly to Finley]: Now, you’re in a pub in Ireland, not in an orchestra. Enjoy yourself. Doesn’t matter what your fingers or the notes are. It’s how you play them, right. Play them with your heart. Do you love that instrument? [Finley nods.] Then show the audience you love it, and then you’ll have them wrapped around your finger.
    • [Finley, Seamus and the band have a great time playing together.]
    • Seamus: Well done, dear! Great stuff. I hope you’ll come and join us again next week. There’s a fiddler in there, and we need to let her out. What’s your name?
    • Finley: Finley Sinclair.
    • Seamus: Finley. Now that means “fair warrior”. No wonder you were brave enough to come on stage with us.
    • Beckett: Well, that’s pretty interesting. What’s my name mean, Seamus?
    • Seamus: Beckett, it means, uh, bee cottage or bee hive. Means you’re probably descended from a long line of irritating pests.
    • [Later, as they head to the B&B.]
    • Beckett: That was absolutely amazing.
    • Finley: I’ve never heard anything like it. He plays with everything he’s got.
    • Beckett: Not bad for a homeless old drunk, huh?
    • Finley: I stand corrected.
    • Beckett: Wow, you are really beautiful when you admit that I’m right.
    • Finley: Did you plan this? That was sweet. Sneaky, but still sweet.
    • Beckett: Finley Sinclair, you’re actually not so bad when you decide to have some fun.
    • Finley: You’re not so bad yourself.
    • Beckett: But we can’t get involved.
    • Finley: No, definitely not.
    • Beckett: And we don’t even like each other.
    • Finley: We’re just too different.
    • Beckett: It would never work.
    • Finley: It’d be impossible. [And they share their first kiss…]
    • Beckett: Goodnight, fair warrior.
    • Finley: Goodnight, bee cottage.
  • 23. [As Finley walks by, Emma grabs her and pulls her into her room] 
    • Emma: What is going on with you two?
    • Finley: You can’t say anything to anyone.
    • Emma: You kissed him? [Finley nods] You did? You kissed him. I can’t even barely still talk to him, and you kissed him. My sister kissed Beckett!
    • Finley: Shh!
    • Emma: Definitely keep this from my parents.
    • Sean [pops his head in the door]: It’s rather obvious. You two have been all googly eyed for each other the last few weeks. But I’ll keep it classified.
    • Emma: Especially from Mom.
    • Nora [pops her head in the door]: What planet do you think I live on? A blind man could see that coming.
    • Finley: Really, it’s probably nothing. I mean, I don’t even think he meant anything by it.
    • Nora: Either way, this can’t get out. If it does, there’s no way he’s still staying with us. And I don’t want any late-night shenanigans. Your mother would have my hide.
  • The first half ends at 58 minutes. A good place to stop is just after the montage of sightseeing… (58:58, after Finley is busking with Seamus)

Discussion: (part 1) 

  • A1. At the beginning of the film, Finley failed her audition. How did she handle that? How do you get through “difficult times”?
  • A2. The promotional graphic for this film says it is good for those who “need a second chance.” Give examples of people who need a “second chance” and explain why.
  • A3. Toward the end of the film, Finley says “In Ireland, I’ve learned to look deeper.” Use examples from the film to explain what she means. How can this advice help you?

Sentences/dialogs from the movie: (part 2)

  • 24.  [A few weeks pass, filled with work and sightseeing, rehearsing on the movie set, time with the Callaghans, etc. Beckett suggests “a date” and arranges a private dinner on the movie set, which includes a chance to “fly” together using a pair of harnesses. After dinner, they have a chat.]
    • Finley: So, what would you want to do if you ever stopped acting?
    • Beckett: It’s a waste of time to even think about it. It’s not really an option for me.
    • Finley: Well, what if it were?
    • Beckett: Maybe go to college; study history. I just want to live a normal life for once.
    • Finley: Wouldn’t you miss all your dragons?
  • 25. [On the set, after a “good take”.]
    • Montgomery: Very strong performance, son.
    • Beckett: Thanks, Dad.
    • Montgomery: They were crying at the monitor. Seriously. Does that feel good?
    • Beckett: Yeah, it felt great.
    • Montgomery: It should. Everyone’s very impressed with your work. You have a lot of leverage right now. You should really sign those contracts.
    • Beckett: I guess.
    • Montgomery: Hey, you’re trending. Have you seen the article?
    • Beckett: No, I was busy.
    • Montgomery: With your assistant?
    • Beckett: No. Just busy.
    • Montgomery: Uh-hmm. Here it is. “Beckett Rush was spotted in Dublin. The heartthrob spent the evening with two models at the exclusive Emerald Lounge until Taylor Risdale showed up, discovered the tryst, and a cat fight broke out. R ‘n R [Rush and Risdale] is officially on the rocks.”
    • Beckett: Yeah, and my name is officially trashed again.
    • Montgomery: Your movie sales spiked five percent. You should be thanking me.
  • 26. [At the nursing home]
    • Finley: So, you know, things with the hippie guy are going interesting. Oh, and I’m still taking violin lessons from Seamus. Of course, he calls it the fiddle.
    • Cathleen: Oh, next time you come, bring the fiddle. I’d like to hear if you’re any good.
    • Finley: Yeah, I will. Um…  Mrs. Sweeney, I heard about what happened between you and your sister.
    • Cathleen: No, stay out of my business.
    • Finley: Well… I mean, you are just the grumpiest woman I have ever met in my entire life. I know something, you know, made you that way, right! And what they said you did is, well, it’s pretty shady but…  No, no. You know what, none of this makes sense. I know that you care about Fiona, so I’m gonna help you, no matter what.
    • Cathleen: I don’t want your help. Leave me alone.
    • Finley: What?
    • Cathleen: I’m dying.
    • Finley: What?
    • Cathleen: Cancer. I’ve only a while to live.
    • Finley: Why didn’t you say anything?
  • 27. [At the movie set; Beckett is not in a good mood, and Finley is concerned about Cathleen.]
    • Finley: Hey!
    • Beckett: You’re late.
    • Finley: I know. But I just, I came from Mrs. Sweeney and…
    • Beckett: Let’s just run the lines, okay. Please.
    • Finley: Okay.
    • Montgomery: Well, well, well! How is my son’s lovely assistant doing?
    • Finley: Um, I’m more of an acting partner.
    • Montgomery: Oh, I used to be an actor. I mean, things have changed a lot since then.
    • Finley: I think it’s so kind how you sacrificed so much for Beckett’s career.
    • Montgomery: He was a natural. I mean, he needed to be in LA to make his dream a reality.
    • Beckett: I don’t ever remember saying I wanted to be an actor.
    • Montgomery: You did. “Dad, I want to be in movies” is exactly what you said.
    • Beckett: I was six years old. I also said I wanted to be an astronaut and a giraffe.
    • [As Finley and Montgomery chuckle nervously, a crew member urgently calls Backett back to the set.]
    • Beckett [to Finley]: I’ll be right back, okay.
    • Finley: Actually, I need to leave too.
    • Beckett: I could really use your help on this scene after we shoot.
    • Finley: I need to do something for Mrs. Sweeney.
  • 28. [The Director can’t wait, so Beckett leaves, but clearly, Beckett and Finley both feel the need to share something “personal” with each other, though the other doesn’t seem to notice. After Beckett leaves, his father talks to Finley.]
    • Montgomery: Hey…  You seem like a really nice girl. And I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. This kind of thing happens all the time.
    • Finley: What do you mean by that?
    • Montgomery: I just suggest you keep things very professional with Beckett. He’s ‘with’ Taylor. [That is, they are a “couple,” so Beckett isn’t interested in a relationship with other women.]
    • Finley [awkwardly]: Is he? I just… It doesn’t really seem like he is.
    • Montgomery: No, they’ll be back together again very soon.
    • Finley: Oh, okay. So, you manipulate his career and his love life?
    • Montgomery: His love life is his career. So, if you really care about him… don’t get in the way.
  • 29. [Seamus is sleeping on a public bench again. Finley arrives by bicycle.]
    • Finley: Seamus! Seamus, wake up.
    • Seamus [waking from sleep, expecting the bookseller’s broom!]: Hey! No broom. No broom. Huh? Finley? What are you doing here?
    • Finley: I need you to tell me where Fiona Doyle lives.
    • Seamus: What are you doing with those bickering old ladies?
    • Finley: I need to help Mrs. Sweeney. 
    • Seamus: Why? No one else ever has.
    • Finley: I know, I know. And that’s what I don’t understand. Why does everyone hate her so much?
    • Seamus: Cathleen Sweeney was an absolute stunner. She was the best-looking girl in the town. And it was no surprise that she was able to lure Charles Sweeney away from her sweet little sister. When he died shortly after Cathleen had left him, the whole town blamed her and she had not a friend left. She was shunned by everybody, even by her own family. Now, no one wants the opinion of an old fiddle player. Between you and I, I think there was more going on. It just didn’t add up, you know what I mean. Here, show me your map. [Finley opens the map app on her mobile phone.] Oh, I hate these things.
    • Finley: Sorry.
    • Seamus: Look, she lives in a little farm just outside of town. Now it’s a hell of a bicycle ride up the hill, but you never know, we might be able to figure something out. 
    • [The conversation moves into Molly’s pub.]
    • Seamus: What time does Connor come by to pick up the empty kegs?
    • Molly: He said he’d be here half an hour ago. He should be here any minute.
  • 30. [Conner puts Molly’s bike in the back of his truck, and takes her up the hill to Fiona’s house. Fiona opens the door, not knowing who Finley is.]
    • Fiona [cheerfully]: Have you come for the pig?
    • Finley: Uh, no. Hi, I’m Finley Sinclair. I’m a friend of your sister’s.
    • Fiona [bitterly]: I don’t have a sister. [Fiona tries to shut the door.]
    • Finley [pleading]: Please wait. Cathleen’s dying of bone cancer. She doesn’t have much time.
    • Fiona: She got what was coming to her. Did she make you come here?
    • Finley: No. She has no idea that I’m here.
    • Fiona: Cathleen ceased to be my sister the moment she went after that man. So now, good day to you. 
  • 31. [Back on the movie set.]
    • Beckett: [Concerned]: So…what? Cathleen’s got only a few weeks left to live?
    • Finley: I just…  I don’t know what to do. Now, Miss Sweeney won’t talk, and Fiona won’t listen. So, I’m stuck.
    • Taylor [Walking up, very happy because of something on her phone, and putting an arm around Beckett]: Our latest post just reached a million likes. I forgave you. You know, it reminds me of that picture we took in Paris when we were 15.
    • Beckett: Yeah.
    • Crew: Hey Beckett, Taylor; they’re ready for you on set.
    • Beckett [getting up to return to work]: Thanks. [To Finley; concerned by clearly torn between his two worlds.] Look, Finley, can we just talk later?
    • Finley: Yeah, of course, yeah.
    • Taylor [As they walk off together]: Hey, look at all these articles about us. “Beckett rushes back to Risdale.” “R ‘n R returns.” “Beckett begs for Taylor to come back, and she does.” This is very good for us.
  • 32. [Finley is jogging up a hill. Beckett runs up. He has called many times, but she is avoiding him because Beckett and Taylor are “hanging all over each other on social media.” Just as they start talking a car goes by, and excited teenage girls jump out and want selfies. Beckett obliges, then runs after Finley.]
    • Beckett: Finley! I’m trying to work through all of this, okay. But this is bigger than just me. My life isn’t always my own. I mean, my father, he has an entire team of people organizing my public life. You just don’t understand, okay? I have no control.
    • Finley: It doesn’t answer my question. Are you and Taylor together or not?
    • Beckett [Sincerely, trying to explain his complicated situation]: Our first film together didn’t do so well. The studio was about to lose a lot of money. And then, my dad came up with this brilliant idea of a stormy relationship between Taylor and I. It started with a lot of truth. But then… my dad just started making things up. And before I knew it, I had this whole other persona. The worst part of it is, it worked. It saved the film.
    • Finley: So, it is all fake. I can’t be with a guy who has this entire made-up life.
    • Beckett: And I told you I can’t do anything about that right now. Look. I’ve always wanted to ask a girl to a dance. And this weekend, there’s the St. Finian’s festival. And I would love it if you would come with me.
    • Finley: In public? No disguises?
    • Beckett: Yeah. No disguises needed, although I am pretty good at them. But this time, it would just be me and you. 
    • Finley: Okay.
  • 33. [At the St Finian’s Festival dance, Seamus invites Finley to the stage.]
    • Seamus: Now folks, we’re very fortunate here tonight to have with us a lovely American girl who’s a very fine violin player. But I have seen her develop over the last few months into becoming a great Irish fiddler. Finley, come up here and give them something to  dance to. 
    • [Finley does a great job, but while she’s up there, Keeva notices that Beckett is there with Finley.]
    • Keeva [to Beckett]: What a surprise to see you here without Taylor.
    • Beckett: Yeah. You know, I couldn’t believe my luck when Finley said yes. She’s pretty talented [with a fiddle], wouldn’t you agree?
    • Keeva: Yeah. Indeed.
    • Beckett: Yeah, you know what. You’ll have to excuse me. I’m going to ask this young lady for a dance.
    • Beckett [to a shocked Emma!]: May I have this dance?
    • Seamus [to Finley at the end of the song]: They can hear your heart now. You better go back to your fella. I can see he’s getting a bit lonely.
    • Beckett: Wow, now that was a different girl up there.
    • Finley: Well, thanks to a certain Irish tour guide.
    • Beckett: No, no. Thanks to an old Irish busker who was the best teacher she could ever ask for. 
    • Finley: So, how is your Irish prom going?
    • Beckett: Perfect, but there’s one thing I haven’t done yet.
    • Finley: What’s that?
    • Beckett: Kiss a beautiful fiddler under a starry Irish night.
    • Finley: Well, too bad I played the violin.
    • Beckett: Close enough.
    • [Beckett and Finley kiss, but Keeva takes a picture and posts it on social media.]
  • 34. [After the dance, Finley and Beckett are alone on the pier. Finley finally opens up about what happened to her brother.]
    • Finley: Um… about four years ago, after my brother got back, he was helping at this refugee center in the Middle East and, uh… I guess he was just… at the wrong place at the wrong time.
    • Beckett: Oh. I’m so sorry.
    • Finley: Alex had this peace about him though. He was so alive. I know it’s probably a stupid idea, but, uh… I don’t know, I thought if I could come here and see what he saw I could find what he had. Sorry, I didn’t mean to drop all of this on the dragon slayer.
    • Beckett: Hey, I’d like to think I’m a little bit more than that by now.
    • Finley: Yeah, you are.
  • 35. [Keeva tells the photographers about the B&B where Beckett is staying, so they are waiting for the couple to come home. This unwanted media attention brings Taylor and Montgomery to the B&B too.]
    • Sean [to Montgomery and Taylor]: Are you sure you wouldn’t like some tea? With blackberry scones, or biscuits?
    • Montgomery: That’s very kind of you, but I think I lost my appetite.
    • Emma [to Orla quietly]: Taylor Risdale is in my house. Do you think maybe we should give them some privacy?
    • Orla: Never! I’ve got to see this.
    • Beckett [as he enters, surprised to see his dad and the group waiting]: It’s ridiculous. You’d think they’d have enough pictures of me already. Right?
    • Montgomery: This is a mess! What the hell were you thinking?
    • Beckett: What do you mean? We just went out for a night.
    • Finley: What is so wrong with that?
    • Montgomery: I’m trying to save his career before he pisses it away!
    • Beckett: I’m trying to have a life before you piss that away!
    • [Sean and Nora make the girls leave, then they exit to give some privacy.]
    • Montgomery: All right. This is how I’m going to spin it, okay? Beckett Rush crashes a small Irish festival or whatever the hell it is. You have one too many drinks. You make girls’ dreams come true by giving them kisses. That’ll keep you wild, kind, and still with Taylor. The fans will eat that up.
    • Finley: How can you do this to him? That’s not who he is!
    • Taylor: And how long have you known him?
    • Montgomery: You need to be quiet, and step away from things you know nothing about.
    • Taylor: Beckett, she doesn’t know you the way that I do.
    • Finley: He’s just try…
    • Beckett [interrupting]: Finley! That’s enough, okay?
    • Montgomery: Son, you’re the envy of the world. Why wouldn’t you want that?
    • Finley: He just does this to please you. Can’t you see that? He just wants to have a normal life. Maybe go to college.
    • Beckett: Finley, just… just stop! [After an awkward pause, he turns to face Finley.] You know what, maybe Taylor’s right. Maybe you’re never gonna understand!
    • Finley [scoffing]: You’re just his puppet. You don’t even have the balls to stand up for who you really are. [She storms out of the room.]
    • Taylor: Hey, don’t worry. Okay. She just can’t understand our life. It’s for the best.
    • Beckett [pulling away from Taylor]: Will you guys just leave me alone right now?
  • 36. [Back at the movie set.]
    • Montgomery: Beckett, let’s take a walk.
    • Beckett: I’m sorry, I’m working.
    • Montgomery: I don’t care. Come with me. Now! [They go to a place where they can look down and see many people working.] Ciara, Shenae, Logan, everyone down there, everyone in post and marketing in LA. All these people are your friends who work on the movie, they’re here because of you. They depend on you. Your movies sell, which provides for their families. If you’re not gonna do this for you or for me, at least do it for them. And Taylor. You’ve grown up together. You’ve been through a lot. She’s the only person on this planet who truly understands what you’ve been through. It’s just not like you to betray people.
  • 37. [Finley is hurt because of the media attention and lies. Seamus calls and asks Finley to come to the pub, where Beckett is waiting. He apologizes for what happened.]
    • Beckett: Please, just give me a little bit more time, and I’ll figure all this out.
    • Finley: If you wanna live this double life, I can’t be a part of either one.
    • Beckett: Look, it’s harder than it looks, okay. I’m just trying to protect you. I don’t want you to expose yourself to the media, have your name dragged through the mud like that? Do you want that?
    • Finley: Yes. If that’s what it takes to be real.
    • Beckett: It’s not just about me, okay! I have a lot of people depending on me, and I don’t wanna let them down. 
    • Finley: Yeah. You know, Taylor was right. I don’t know what I was thinking; that this could work.
    • Beckett: But we can, okay. Come on. We can. You just gotta trust me.
    • Finley: I tried. [Finley walks away; both are crying.]
  • 38. [At the pub. Seamus plays a sad tune for Finley.]
    • Seamus: You see, Finley, life rarely works out the way we plan it. You’ve got to learn to play the sorrow as well as the joy. They are linked, like day and night. You can’t have one without the other. Give it a go. [Finley plays.] Very good. Good. Beautiful. 
    • Finley: Thank you, Seamus, for everything.
    • Seamus: Put them together, and you’ll be ready for your audition. Go and make them stuck up music professors tap their feet.
  • 39. [At the nursing home, Finley is playing violin for Cathleen.]
    • Cathleen: Beckett’s told me you broke it off. Are you suffering?
    • Finley: You saw him?
    • Cathleen [reading a card in a vase of flowers]: “Make love, not war. Love, Beckett.”
    • Finley: My little troubles seem petty compared to yours.
    • Cathleen: I asked you. I want to know. He’s a good boy. It’s hard to change.
    • Finley: Mrs. Sweeney… What really happened between you and your sister all those years ago?
    • Cathleen: I took my sister’s fella.
    • Finley: No, don’t give me that. There has to be more to it.
    • Cathleen: People would tell ya otherwise.
    • Finley: Well… being here in Ireland has taught me to look deeper. Things aren’t always
    • as they seem.
    • Cathleen: My father was a gambler. He’d bet on anything: horses, politics… the weather. Eventually, we were about to lose our house. It would’ve killed my mother. She… it had been in her family for generations. So, my father made a deal with Mr. Sweeney which had a very high price. Our family name meant something then. Charles Sweeney had money, but he had no social standing. My little sister didn’t have many suitors. 
    • Finley: So how did you end up with Charles Sweeney?
    • Cathleen: When Charles Sweeney drank, he got angry. He was violent. I had an eye for these things. He was clever. He left bruises where you couldn’t see.
    • Finley: So you took her place? You were protecting her, and she never knew.
    • Cathleen: She thought I took him for the money. My sister was blinded with young love.
    • Finley: After he died, why didn’t you just start over?
    • Cathleen: When no one wants to hear, it’s better to hide; hide and be angry. Well, didn’t I wear my anger like a grand fur coat! It all was for nothing. Wasted years! In the end, it’s a choice, and I made the wrong one.
  • 40. [Finley feels like she must tell Fiona about her sister’s cancer. She can’t make it all the way up to her house in the rain, so she asks Beckett to drive her up.]
    • Finley: Hey, we really need to talk to you. It’s important.
    • Fiona: I have nothing to say to you.
    • Beckett: She’s just trying to help, okay. Please, hear her out.
    • [Reluctantly, Fiona invites them in and offers them tea.]
    • Finley: We just wanted to let you know that your sister isn’t expected to live much longer. We’ve talked about the past some; her regrets.
    • Fiona: How could you steal a man away from your own sister?
    • Finley: She tried to explain herself in the letters. Miss Doyle, your sister married Charles to protect you. He was physically abusive.
    • Fiona: How am I supposed to believe all this?
    • Finley: Cathleen begged your father to drop the arrangement. But he was in too much gambling debt, and Charles was too dangerous to cross.
    • Fiona: It was so humiliating.
    • Finley: I’m really sorry about that. But your sister has been shunned for decades for trying to help you, and you won’t even open the letters that she…
    • Beckett [interrupting]: Finley. [Kindly, to Fiona] Look, Miss Doyle… your sister’s dying wish is that she would have your forgiveness.
    • Finley: Please, just… come and see her.
    • Fiona: I think you two should be on your way now.
  • 41. [Before returning to America, Finley says goodbye to Cathleen, who appears to be close to death.]
    • Finley: I leave for New York tomorrow. It’s crazy to think that this one audition is gonna decide the direction of my life.
    • Cathleen: Yeah. If you’d got in the first time… you wouldn’t be bugging me now.
    • Finley: Yeah. I guess that’s true.
    • Cathleen: I’m glad you botched it. [That is, I really appreciate your friendship!]
    • Finley: Mrs. Sweeney, I’m so sorry… that I couldn’t get your sister to come. I really tried. I did everything that I could, but she just… she wouldn’t listen.
    • Cathleen: I trust you did.
    • Finley: With everything that you did for your father and your sister, you are the bravest person I’ve ever met.
    • Cathleen: You obviously haven’t met many people.
    • Finley [playfully]: Just shut up.
    • Cathleen: You wouldn’t have said that a few months ago.
    • Finley: Yeah, well… I guess Ireland is just full of surprises.
    • Cathleen: Fact. Bye, sweetheart. Wind in your sails.

 If you don’t want to know the end of the movie, stop reading here.

  • 42.  [At the hotel.  In spite of a lot of pressure from his father, Taylor, and others, Beckett had made a difficult decision that will affect many other people in the movie industry.]
    • Beckett: Can I have a word? I’m not signing that contract. Here’s the deal. I’ll do one more film in the next six months. And I don’t care how much money I make. I’m not doing this for me or for you. I’m doing this for the cast and crew so they can prepare for life “after Steele Markov”. That’s my offer. Take it or leave it.
    • Montgomery: As your manager… I have to warn you that this is the most asinine thing you’ve ever done.
    • Beckett: I don’t need a manager right now. I need a father.
  • 43. [As the Callaghans take Finley to the airport to return to the US, the nursing home calls to say that Cathleen is dying, and that her sister never came. For a moment, Finley struggles with the reality that if she misses her flight, she will miss her audition. But in the end Finley decides that she needs to be with her friend in these final minutes. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Cathleen’s sister Fiona also arrives at the nursing home. The sisters have not seen each other for many years.]
    • Fiona: Am I too late?
    • Finley: No. You’re just in time. Cathleen, your sister’s here.
    • Fiona: Cath.
    • Cathleen: Fi. Oh, my God, Fiona…. We’re old.
    • Fiona: Finley, come and sit with us. [To her sister] We’re okay now.
  • 44. [Beckett sends Finley a map coordinate to the grave-stone in the mysterious drawing from her brother. The stone said: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” (Quote from Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)]
    • Beckett: So, you’re back in town.
    • Finley: Still driving this ridiculous convertible, I see.
    • Beckett: Yeah, I’m all ready for the next sunny day… in two months.
    • Finley: I went to that cemetery.
    • Beckett: I told you I’d find it.
    • Finley: Thank you, Beckett.
    • Beckett: Sorry it took me so long. I had to search every one within a hundred miles of here.
    • Finley: I guess I was wrong. Maybe I can trust you.
    • Beckett: Well, you still look gorgeous when you admit that you’re wrong. So, what did you find?
    • Finley: Well, four years ago, my brother drew this picture for this moment when I needed it most. I couldn’t see it then, but… I was never alone.
    • Beckett: Well, sometimes things aren’t always as they seem. So… I didn’t sign the contract.
    • Finley: What?
    • Beckett: I’m going to do one more movie just to help everybody out, but then next fall, I’m going to college.
    • Finley: Well, girls’ hearts will be shattered all over the world.
    • Beckett: Well, there’s only one girl’s heart that I care about. No more double-life either. Tomorrow, a story’s going to hit social media, telling the world that Taylor and I are done. Finally! I’m happy about it because there’s a fair warrior I wanna try to win back.
  • 45. [Epilogue]
    • Finley: I finished the last few weeks of my exchange program and went home. I told the conservatory about Mrs. Sweeney, and they allowed me to audition after the deadline, one final time. I was accepted. Beckett visited. And of course, we crashed my old high school’s prom. That summer, I went back to Ireland and helped Beckett with his lines on his last Dragon film. Beckett began college in New York. He’s trying to be a normal guy, but he still needs his disguises. And, in autumn, at the conservatory, I played the violin. Or fiddle, as Seamus would say.

Part 2 is the second half of the film. If you prefer to use three sessions, stop at …

Discussion: (part 2) 

  • B1. Ask your partner or teacher some questions about the film. Was there anything you didn’t understand well?
  • B2. Name something that has two uses, like a violin and a fiddle.
  • B3. Think about Finley and Cathleen. If a teacher or boss assigned you a seemingly impossible task, what would you do?
  • B4. What “normal” things do celebrities have to sacrifice for their careers? What do they get in return? Is it worth it?
  • B5. Pick one of the three younger women in the story and talk about her: Emma, Taylor or Keeva. Describe her character. Why was she important to this story? What did you think of her?
  • B6. Pick one of the three older men in the story and talk about him: Sean, Seamus, or Montgomery (Beckett’s father). Describe his character. Why was he important to this story? What did you think of him?
  • B7. What was your favorite part about this film/story? Explain.

Vocabulary matching exercise:

(match each number with a letter) (see “Some Answers” below)

1. bauditiona. bet
2.bickerb. performance test
3.grumpyc. bad-tempered
4.shund. signature
5.gamblee. avoid
6.autographf. argue
7.classifiedg. good point
8.shenanigansh. playful actions
9.fellai. thanks
10.touchéj. proud
11.cockyk. secret
12.cheersl. man

Some Answers to the film’s discussion questions:

  • vocabulary matching answers: 1b, 2f, 3c, 4e, 5a, 6d, 7k, 8h, 9l, 10g, 11j, 12i
  • Question B7. When a student asked me why I chose this film, I said I liked the following:
    • It’s international (I love the Irish accent)
    • It’s funny/playful
    • Involves studies, movie sets, expectations
    • Several characters showed that the best choice is not always best for “me”
    • Includes two types of “violin” music
    • It’s a romance about love, not sex
    • I was touched by the deceased brother’s influence
    • Beautiful scenery

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