Finding You - Film Review

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Finding You (2021) is a romantic drama directed by Brian Baugh, based on Jenny B. Jones’s novel There You’ll Find Me. The film follows the journey of Finley Sinclair (Rose Reid), an aspiring violinist who embarks on a study-abroad trip to a small Irish town, where she crosses paths with Beckett Rush (Jedidiah Goodacre), a famous movie star struggling with the pressures of fame. Their romance unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Ireland, where Finley also encounters a host of colourful locals who help her navigate personal and artistic challenges.

The story follows a conventional romantic-drama framework with a predictable yet heart-warming arc. It begins with Finley failing an important violin audition, which shakes her confidence and pushes her to seek inspiration elsewhere. She decides to study abroad in Ireland, where she is placed in a homestay with an older Irish couple, coincidentally the same home where Beckett Rush is staying during a movie shoot.

Beckett, a well-known Hollywood heartthrob, struggles with the expectations placed on him by his overbearing father/manager, Montgomery Rush (Tom Everett Scott). While he appears to have the perfect life, he secretly longs for genuine human connections beyond his celebrity status. Finley initially resents his presence but gradually discovers his hidden depth. As their romance blossoms, they influence each other’s growth. Beckett helps Finley embrace her music again, and Finley encourages Beckett to pursue his true desires rather than succumbing to Hollywood’s demands.

The story also includes a subplot where Finley befriends Cathleen Sweeney (Vanessa Redgrave), an elderly woman shunned by the town due to a long-standing feud. Through her interactions with Cathleen, Finley learns about forgiveness, regret, and the importance of understanding others’ pasts. This subplot adds an emotional layer to the film, offering a richer perspective beyond just the central romance.

The climax involves a crucial choice for Beckett—whether to continue living under his father’s control or carve his own path. Meanwhile, Finley must decide whether to take a leap of faith with Beckett while also pursuing her musical dreams. The story resolves in a typical romantic fashion, with the protagonists overcoming their personal struggles and choosing love. While predictable, it maintains an engaging pace and offers enough emotional weight to remain compelling.



Finley’s journey is not just about romance but also about finding her artistic voice. Her initial failure in the violin audition stems from her playing without true passion. Ireland becomes a metaphor for self-discovery, as she gradually rediscovers her love for music through experiences, relationships, and cultural immersion.

Similarly, Beckett’s struggle with Hollywood’s expectations highlights the challenge of remaining authentic in an industry that prioritises image over individuality. His arc mirrors Finley’s, as both must learn to reclaim their passions on their own terms.

The romance between Finley and Beckett is rooted in the theme of authenticity. Beckett, despite his fame, is drawn to Finley because she sees him as a person rather than a celebrity. Their love story is less about grand romantic gestures and more about quiet moments of understanding, making it more heartfelt than over-the-top.

Cathleen Sweeney’s subplot emphasises the importance of forgiveness. Her decades-long estrangement from the town highlights how unresolved pain can isolate people. Finley’s willingness to listen to Cathleen’s story shows the value of compassion in mending old wounds. This storyline adds emotional depth and resonates with the overarching theme of healing.

The film contrasts the artificiality of Hollywood with the authenticity of small-town life. Beckett’s experiences in Ireland help him realise what truly matters—connections, personal freedom, and genuine experiences rather than scripted interactions dictated by fame.

Finley Sinclair (Rose Reid): Finley is a well-crafted protagonist with a compelling personal journey. She starts as a determined yet uninspired musician but gradually learns to embrace imperfection and emotion in her art. Her scepticism towards Beckett at first makes their relationship more organic, and her interactions with various townspeople enrich her character arc.

Beckett Rush (Jedidiah Goodacre): Beckett is a charismatic yet conflicted character. On the surface, he’s a confident movie star, but internally, he struggles with the burden of expectations. His transformation—from someone who passively follows his father’s career plans to a man who actively seeks his own path—is handled effectively. While his character doesn’t break new ground, Goodacre’s performance makes him likeable and relatable.

Cathleen Sweeney (Vanessa Redgrave): Cathleen is one of the film’s most emotionally resonant characters. Initially portrayed as a bitter recluse, her backstory reveals a tragic tale of love and regret. Her scenes with Finley are among the film’s strongest, providing an emotional anchor that elevates the movie beyond a simple romance.

Montgomery Rush (Tom Everett Scott): Beckett’s father serves as the primary antagonist, though not in a villainous sense. He represents the pressures of the entertainment industry and the difficulty of breaking free from familial expectations. While his character is somewhat one-dimensional, he effectively adds conflict to Beckett’s arc.

The film’s cinematography is one of its strongest assets. The Irish landscapes are breathtaking, with rolling green hills, coastal cliffs, and charming village streets enhancing the film’s romantic and introspective atmosphere.

Director Brian Baugh uses natural light and soft-focus shots to emphasise the dreamlike quality of Ireland. The visual contrast between Hollywood (portrayed as artificial and staged) and the Irish countryside (organic and vibrant) reinforces the film’s thematic dichotomy between superficiality and authenticity. Scenes such as Finley and Beckett’s moments by the ocean, their castle explorations, and Finley’s violin performances are beautifully shot, adding to the film’s emotional and aesthetic appeal.

Music plays a crucial role in Finding You, particularly in Finley’s character arc. The violin pieces chosen for her performances reflect her emotional state—her initial, rigid playing contrasts with the expressive, heartfelt performances she delivers by the film’s end.

The soundtrack blends traditional Irish music with contemporary indie songs, reinforcing the film’s setting and emotional tone. Moments featuring local musicians enhance the authenticity of the Irish setting, making music a living, breathing part of the community rather than just background noise.

One of the film’s highlights is its cultural immersion. Unlike some movies that use Ireland as a mere backdrop, Finding You integrates Irish culture into its narrative. From pub gatherings with live folk music to historical storytelling and scenic landscapes, the film captures the warmth and charm of rural Ireland.

However, some moments feel slightly romanticised, portraying Ireland in an almost fairy-tale light. While this isn’t necessarily a flaw—since the film aims for a feel-good tone—it does lean into familiar Hollywood tropes of an idyllic Irish village rather than a fully nuanced depiction.

While predictable, Finley and Beckett’s relationship is built on mutual understanding rather than superficial attraction. Rose Reid and Jedidiah Goodacre have good chemistry, while Vanessa Redgrave provides a standout performance. Ireland is gorgeously captured, enhancing the film’s atmosphere. The themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and artistic passion add richness to the story.

The storyline follows a well-worn path, making it somewhat formulaic. Montgomery Rush lacks depth beyond being a controlling father figure. While beautiful, the depiction of Ireland occasionally feels too idealised.

Finding You is a charming romantic drama that, while predictable, offers heartfelt performances, stunning visuals, and meaningful themes. Its blend of romance, self-discovery, and cultural immersion makes it an enjoyable, feel-good experience. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, its sincerity and emotional warmth set it apart from more superficial romantic films.

For those who enjoy romance with a touch of wanderlust and personal growth, Finding You is a worthwhile watch. Its message about embracing passion, pursuing authenticity, and finding love in unexpected places resonates beyond its familiar tropes, making it a delightful, if somewhat conventional, cinematic journey.

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