Second Fiddle
Anthony Courtney/Roadside Attractions
MOVIE REVIEW
Finding You (2021)
“Finding You” is “Wolfwalkers” for adults: a fable set in a magical place called Ireland, where a homeless nuisance can be a master fiddler and a soul-searching American girl can fall in love with a Hollywood heartthrob. Beyond all the tourism board-approved scenic views you’ll discover an abundance of folk music, dancing, high crosses, ales and town tasties – or scones rather.
After failing her audition for the conservatory, aspiring violinist Finley (Rose Reid) spends a semester abroad in Ireland to follow in the footsteps of her late brother. She experiences the luck of the Irish before her flight even lands, being assigned a seat right next to movie star Beckett Rush (Jedidiah Goodacre). Miraculously, he also happens to stay at the bed and breakfast operated by her host family. Initially playing hard to get, Finley eventually surrenders to Beckett’s charisma, even if his costar (Katherine McNamara) and meddling stage dad (Tom Everett Scott) are standing in the way. But sure and begorrah, Finley hath lucky charms on her side. Her musicianship thrives under the guidance of the aforementioned fiddler, Seamus (Patrick Bergin). She even manages to thaw the embittered Cathleen (Vanessa Redgrave), who has long been shunned by the entire town.
Suffice it to say the movie requires great suspension of disbelief. Brian Baugh’s script is so dripping with contrivances and clichés that it practically writes itself. Everything turns out exactly the way you expect it to, making “My Love,” a Chinese remake of a Korean film, seem wholly original. But as with “My Love,” the two leads ultimately clinch the deal on a tough sell. The acting is solid enough to help us look past how a supposed Plain Jane like Finley would be fully dolled up everywhere she goes. If you are still undeterred after its trailer has already given everything away, maybe there are only pleasant surprises left in store. Still, it’d be nice if one day a young heroine won’t need to measure her worth through the approvals of elite schools and movie stars.
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