“Finding You” Review: Film is a lighthearted cinematic escape

Coming of age film that we can relate to

When I first started watching I was concerned that it would be just another cheesy romance film with little substance or familiar tropes. Lately, it’s felt like the era of romance films has been exchanged for high-intensity superhero films. But watching Finding You was a nice escape from the superhero and action genre. The film is heartwarming and sweet. There’s no big villain or unrelatable high stakes. And although the story revolves around an actor and a violinist temporarily traveling in Ireland, which is a unique profession and situation, its coming-of-age aspects are relatable to just about anyone.

The more relatable aspects of the story have to do with family dynamics. Finley Sinclair (Rose Reid) is a young woman who is juggling a multitude of circumstances. She’s grieving the loss of someone close, she has blown an important audition, and her mother isn’t there for her the way she needs. Her problems aren’t high stake, they’re ordinary. But that doesn’t make them any less important. Her struggles are her own and they can be overwhelming. We’ve all been there.

Although we can’t all relate to being a movie star, the same can be said for Beckett Rush (Jedidiah Goodacre). Social media can be an amazing thing, but even for the most ordinary of people, it can lead to a lot of issues. If you’re an actor or an influencer, those issues are escalated on a much larger scale. Privacy is non-existent. Throughout the film, Beckett deals with the stress of social media, popularity, and the issues they can cause. on top of that. And even on top of all that, he is dealing with very the stress of making his father happy. Trying to make your own path and making your family happy don’t always go hand in hand. And then there’s Beckett just trying to do the right thing for the people who depend on him.

A much needed cinematic escape

Written and directed by Brian Baugh, the film also stars Katherine McNamara, Patrick Bergin, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, and Judith Hoag, with Tom Everett Scott and Academy Award® winner Vanessa Redgrave. Saoirse-Monica Jackson is adorable in the film as part of Finley’s host family in Ireland. She brings a light-hearted fangirl vibe that feels authentic and fun.

The film was shot exclusively in Ireland, in and around Dublin, Claire, Offaly, and Kildare. The landscape and scenery are lovely and make you want to run off to Ireland and find your own adventure. But the nicest thing about the film is that there is no big villain, no high stakes. Just tough decisions we can all relate to. It’s light-hearted, sweet, and funny. A feel-good movie you can watch cuddled up on the couch while enjoying a glass of wine. A much-needed romantic escape.

Finding You opens in theaters on May 14th.

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