Genre: Drama/Comedy
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Jimmy Ellis
Producer: John Malone
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Helen Mirren, Craig Roberts, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jodie Foster, Jason Schwartzman, Jeff Goldblum, Owen Wilson, Michelle Williams, Jeremy Davies, Luke Wilson, Lea Seydoux, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray (voice)
Plot:
CHAPTER I – WHAT COMES NEXT
Narrator (Bill Murray): (Whenever the narrator speaks, it is shown on screen.) “It's a morning like any other for Cordelia Green (Saiorse Ronan). She lives with her boyfriend of 4 years Hubert Glover (Jason Schwartzmann). With her nursing dress, apron and cap, all the perfect shade of white she is ready for another day of work.”
Cordelia kisses Hubert on the cheek and wishes him a happy birthday, as she leaves for the hospital. She had asked for a half day today to surprise Hubert for his birthday. Arriving at wok Cordelia is greeted by an outgoing nurse, Miss Jourdain Michel (Lea Seydoux). The two politely curtsy one another before walking by. Jourdain looks back to the smiling Cordelia in disgust.
“Cordelia’s day goes swimmingly. Nothing out of the ordinary. That is until she speaks with the chief nurse, Cassandra Bonnet (Frances McDormand).”
Cassandra calls Cordelia into an office to talk with her. She tells her that she is one of the best nurses she has, and that she does this out of love. Cassandra tells her that her aunt has had a terrible fall and will need constant care. She adds that she lives out near the ocean (a four-hour drive from where they are currently). She tells her that she cannot leave her position as head nurse and asks whether Cordelia would be interested in the job of caring for her aunt. Cordelia asks whether she can take a bit of time to think about it. Cassandra tells her that she needs to know by the morning.
“And with that Cordelia had just been offered a life changing proposition. As she drove home she canvassed the landscape and wondered of the ocean, and the waves crashing down. However, it wasn’t long before she arrived back home once more, with a stranger’s car in her driveway.”
Cordelia proceeds to the entrance of her house with caution. As she opens the door ever so slightly some moans and screams can be heard from the bedroom. She tiptoes through the house careful not to make a noise and pokes her head through. She covers her mouth in shock and tears begin to well. She just sits there, outside her bedroom door while Hubert makes love to another woman.
“This went on for another 30 minutes, can you believe that?!”
Hubert and the woman finally finish. The woman tells him she needs to wee. She gets up and walks through the doorway, stopping as she sees Cordelia. Cordelia looks up to see Jourdain Michel, her co-worker. Jourdain runs back into the bedroom and puts on her clothes. Cordelia enters and begins packing her bags. Hubert tries to reason with her as she does. Jourdain runs out of the door, Hubert yelling after her as she goes. Cordelia snaps back at Hubert asking how long, to which he has no reply. She tells him she is leaving. He questions where she will go and she tells him she was offered a job on the beach.
Cordelia storms out of the house and immediately drives back to the hospital to speak with Cassandra. Cordelia tells her that she accepts. Cassandra tells her she has tomorrow off and will accompany her to meet her aunt. Cordelia thanks her and leaves. Now she needs a place to stay for the evening. She drives to a hotel nearby. Not to fancy and not to cheap, she places the room on Hubert’s credit card, and enters the room. Upon entry she is enamoured by a painting in the room of the sea. As she stares at this painting, we zoom in.
CHAPTER II – A NEW BEGINNING
“Cassandra and Cordelia arrive at the seaside town of Driftwood. Not the most flamboyant of seaside town’s in its sights, but it carries more of a … rustic old timey feel. As the two stand at the doorstep of Cassandra’s aunt’s, Cassandra wishes her luck, and tells her not to listen to any of the family’s nonsense.”
The two women approach the house. As they get closer Cordelia realises that the house has been built into an old lighthouse. She questions this and Cassandra says that the lighthouse has been out of order for 40 years now. She says that her Aunt Jolie and her uncle Grayson, God rest his soul, had bought the lighthouse over 30 years ago and had the interior converted to a home.
Cassandra knocks, and the door is opened by her cousin, Beatrice Supont (Tilda Swinton). Beatrice greets her with distain but welcomes them inside. Inside the house is Beatrice’s sister, Vicki Supont (Jodie Foster), who greets Cassandra kindlier than her sister did. Cassandra introduces the two of them to Cordelia, before asking where her aunt Jolie is. They take her into the bedroom where Jolie (Helen Mirren) sleeps. They all close the door to not bother her. Vicki offers tea to the guests, and begins to pour it.
Cassandra takes Cordelia around the house, a large spiral staircase is the only way to reach other rooms. On the lowest floor is Jolie’s room, a toilet and the kitchen. The next floor is the spare bedroom, it is odd as all the floors other than the lowest is their own room, and all are circular, to encompass the staircase. The room is messy but Cassandra says she will take care of it. They go up again to the bathroom, everything is crammed in, close together. There are another two generic household floors, then comes the last floor. The one that holds the light of the lighthouse. Cassandra tells her that the only person that can enter there is Jolie herself, there has been no-one else enter and no-one knows why. She adds that she keeps a key around her neck. Cordelia looks at the door intrigued. Vicki runs up the stairs and tells them that the tea is ready. They all walk down the spiralling staircase back to the lower floor.
“As the time ticked on by, the sisters asked Cordelia questions about herself, how she was brought up, why she wants to be a carer, what was her previous job. But one question really stumped her … Is she ready?"
Jolie opens her bedroom door, Vicki rushes to be by her side, to which she immediately tells her she doesn’t need help, it was a small fall. Beatrice speaks up reminding her that she broke her arm and just had rehab on her hip, she also adds that she has guests. Jolie looks at her niece and tells her to come over and hug her. She tells her that she looks just like her mother. She then looks to Cordelia and asks who she is. Vicki tells her she is her new carer. Jolie shakes her head and says she doesn’t want one. Cassandra just tells her to think of her as a roommate that does all the housework and takes care of her.
“The four women just and talk for hours. Cordelia mostly stays out of the talking, briefly ducking away to make some more tea. Evidently she makes it just the way Jolie loves it so that’s a plus. As the sun begins to set, Beatrice and Vicki leave, with Cassandra following close by, leaving Cordelia and Jolie alone.”
Beatrice and Vicki stand outside the front door. Beatrice snaps at Vicki telling her that they didn’t want their mother to have a carer. They want the house sold. The more money they get the better.
Cordelia tells Jolie that it’s getting pretty late and that they should be heading to bed soon. Jolie looks at her and says she wants to make one thing clear, she does not and will not take orders from anybody. Cordelia understands, and rephrases her sentence instead asking Jolie if she would like to go to bed. Jolie smiles and says that it is about that time. Cordelia help her into her bed before leaving her to sleep the night.
Cordelia enters the spare room, that Cassandra had cleaned up for her. The room is small and cosy, as are all the rooms in the house. She lays on the bed with her hands on her head.
“After a long couple of days, Cordelia had been able to rest somewhat peacefully that night, however tomorrow is yet another day of unknowns.”
CHAPTER III – GRAYSON
(All Flashbacks are in Black and White, underlined and italics)
A younger 20 something year old Jolie rides her bicycle through the small streets of Driftwood. As she rides, she says hello to many people, all the locals seem to love her. She does not keep her eyes forward however and runs into a young man, roughly the same age. The two of them apologise as they get up off the ground. Grayson helps her pick up the bike, Jolie blushes and they introduce themselves.
Jolie narration: “After a few months of dating, Grayson asked my father for his blessing for our marriage. He accepted and we had a small wedding. The two of us moved into a small cottage and not long after, I was pregnant with Beatrice. The three of us lived in that house until Vicki was born. The girls grew up there and that was our home for 26 years.”
26 years later: Jolie (Michelle Williams) and Grayson (Owen Wilson) stand out the front of their little cottage they loved for so many years. The screen shifts and the two are standing in front of the lighthouse with Jolie blindfolded. Grayson takes the blindfold off and she is amazed, she loves it. Grayson and Jolie immediately run around the lighthouse and look at the rooms. They enter the lightroom and can see everything. The whole town is visible. She can see dogs and children run on the streets. Jolie smiles wide.
Grayson Supont stands on a stage and is announced the new mayor of Driftwood, a lot of people in the town are in attendance. After he steps down from the stage he is greeted by Jolie. He asks her if she would like to have a romantic dinner in the lighthouse. She nods and they go back home.
Grayson takes her up to the light room. An elegant dinner is set up, looking over the whole town.
After dinner Grayson reveals one last thing. He unveils a telescope, he gifts this to Jolie and tells her that she can use this when he is not home to look at him in his office, so they are never apart. Jolie smiles and the two kiss and hug.
Jolie and Cordelia sit at the table and drink some tea. Jolie then says that, that is the key around her neck, it’s for the lightroom that Grayson and her stayed in for hours a time.
“As the days pass by Jolie becomes more accustomed to the care and Cordelia becomes more intrigued about the light room. She wonders aloud in her room what could the old woman possibly be hiding.”
Cordelia asks Jolie what it is in the light room that is so enchanting. Jolie smiles and tells her that she will take her up there tomorrow morning bright and early. But for now, they need to go into town for some groceries.
“Cordelia helped Jolie into her car and they drove to the town centre. The two go from shop to shop grabbing all of the essentials that they need. While at the checkout of the grocer, a young man, Aurick (Craig Roberts) approaches them.”
Aurick stutters his words and asks Cordelia if she is new in town, she tells him she is. He proceeds to ask her for her name, the two of them introduce themselves. Jolie is finished with the shopping and demand they leave. Cordelia apologises to Aurick but says that she must go. Cordelia asks the limping Jolie where they should go now, she tells her that she would like to go stand on the beach. Cordelia says that she doesn’t think that wise due to her hip. Jolie just tells her that she wants to go on the beach. Cordelia succumbs to the pressure and tells her she will find another way.
Cordelia drives her car onto the sand, with her windows down. Jolie smiles as the wind hits her face. Cordelia stops the car as close as she can to the water without it touching. Jolie steps out of the vehicle and Cordelia helps her to sit down. They sit beside each other for a moment in silence. Jolie tells her that Grayson used to love the beach, even in the winter he would come down for a swim. A police officer approaches the two of them and introduces himself to Cordelia, as Officer Weber (Jeremy Davies). Weber tells Cordelia that she cannot be driving on this beach. Weber begins writing her a ticket. Jolie hears this and speaks up, she stands and slowly walks to the officer. Weber looks to her and immediately stops writing the ticket. He addresses her as Ms Supont and puts the pen back in his pocket. He asks if she is with Cordelia and she nods. She says Cordelia is her carer, she adds that she went for a walk by herself onto the beach and the only way she would go home is if the car was brought down. She apologises to Weber who says it’s ok but tells her not to do it again. Weber heads off and Cordelia turns to Jolie asking what just happened. Jolie just looks to Cordelia and smiles, getting back in the car.
CHAPTER IV – MISSING PIECES
“And so it was, the day that Jolie shared the room with Cordelia. The room that meant so much to her not even her children entered.”
Cordelia and Jolie stand outside the door of the lightroom. Jolie takes the key from her neck and unlocks the door. As the door swings open, it is evident that the room hadn’t been upkept for years. The two walk inside with dust everywhere and spider webs near the light in the middle of the room. They walk to the window, that overlooks the town, the only clean part of the room. Jolie tells Cordelia that she comes here to look over the people of Driftwood. She takes the cloth off the telescope and tells her what it means to her. It is one of the last things Grayson had left her other than the house. She looks through the telescope and points out the mayor’s office. The mayor, Frederick Stainton (Jeff Goldblum) sits in his office chair as seen through the telescope. Jolie tells Cordelia to have a look through the telescope and see what she can find. Cordelia steps up to the telescope and tells her she sees children laughing and dogs barking, she sees the townsfolk all getting along. She then sees the young man from the grocer, Aurick Stainton walking on the street. She follows him with the binoculars until he enters the library.
After a little time of talking in the lightroom, it is evident Jolie was becoming a bit sad. Cordelia suggests that they leave the room and perhaps Jolie take a nap. She helps her down the stairs and into bed. Cordelia also asks if she can go to the local library to get some books. Jolie nods but tells her to be quick, and to be careful of the librarian, Cyneley Brown. Just before she leaves Cordelia admires some jewellery that is showcased in the kitchen, she wishes to own some like that herself one day.
Cordelia arrives at the library, she begins looking at the books but does not recognise any of the books names. She approaches the counter and is greeted by Cyneley Brown (Luke Wilson). She asks him about the library having any Dickens books. Brown looks at her with an odd expression. She then asks about Hemingway, he is stumped, he had never heard of any of them. Cyneley asks her for her library card, of which she does not own. He tells her that she cannot borrow a book today, unfortunately the library is not accepting any new members at this time. She looks to him oddly. She is tapped on the shoulder by Aurick, he asks if she would like to walk. The two walk the streets and get to talking. We end up finding out that Aurick’s father is the mayor, but that he doesn’t want to follow him. He tells her that he is actually an aspiring artist, as of right now though he is working three different jobs. After a while talking, Cordelia realises the time and tells Aurick she must rush back to Jolie. She thanks him with a hug, before turning and running back to the lighthouse. Aurick stands happy with himself.
Cordelia arrives back in time just before Jolie wakes up. She makes tea and sits it down on the kitchen bench. She doubles back however as she notices some of Jolie’s jewellery missing. She begins panicking and looks all over for it. It is nowhere in sight. Jolie calls out for her and she goes in to help her to the chair. They talk over the tea, Cordelia asks about the jewellery, it is Jolie’s collection that she has gained over the years, most of it being from Grayson. Cordelia tells her that she believes some of it was stolen but tells her not to be alarmed, she will take care of it. Jolie shocked that somebody from Driftwood would do such a thing.
“That very night, as Jolie slept, Cordelia went into town to the security office. Working that late shift was none other than Aurick Stainton.”
Aurick awkwardly flirts with her, however Cordelia is there for business, she believes there has been a robbery, but Jolie has told her not to involve the police. All she wants is a camera set up near her jewellery.
CHAPTER V – THE BOARD
“The very next morning, Aurick was excited to see Cordelia once more. His father excited too. What came next nobody expected.”
Aurick arrives at the lighthouse with all the tools to install the camera. Cordelia meets him at the door and brings him inside. Jolie stands and hugs Aurick as she has met him before. She asks how his father is. Aurick says that he is here, he wanted to come and visit her. Frederick enters and walks to Jolie, he grabs her hand and kisses it. She invites him to sit and the two get to talking. Aurick and Cordelia talk about life as well. Cordelia explains that she would love to see some of his paintings. Aurick smiles and says that he will show her one day. They continue talking while Aurick installs the camera. Aurick finishes the set up and walks quickly to tell his father. Frederick stands and kisses Jolie on the cheek, as he walks away, he turns back and reminds her that the board are having a meeting tonight. She is quick to say she remembers, and she’ll be there. Aurick stands opposite Cordelia, he sticks out a hand to shake as she goes for a hug. It is awkward but Aurick changes it up and the two hug. Frederick and Aurick then leave, oddly shuffling away.
Jolie calls Cordelia over and tells her that Aurick reminds her a bit of Grayson. He seems like a good person. Cordelia nods and begins to ask about the board. Jolie tells her she has met some of them and that she will meet the rest tonight.
That night Jolie and Cordelia arrive at the Mayor’s office, all the board are already in attendance. Cordelia takes Jolie to her seat and stands by her side.
“The seating arrangement. At the head of the table is Frederick Stainton, mayor of Driftwood, to his left Officer Weber, his left Cyneley Brown, and on his left at the other end of the table is Jolie Supont. Now for the other side of the table, to Miss Supont’s left, the town’s head nurse Vicki Supont, and the final person is school principle George Erigalou (Bob Balaban). The meeting commences.”
Frederick starts the proceedings by talking about the news surrounding Driftwood, Jolie’s seeming burglary. Jolie tells them to not worry about that it is a simple cat burglar. She introduces Cordelia to the table and they all nod to her. George questions her presence at the meeting, to which Jolie comes to her defence. Cordelia says that it is fine and that she will wait outside. She bids farewell to all members.
Cordelia sits outside twiddling her thumbs. Aurick sees her and walks toward her. He asks her if she would like to see some of his paintings. She looks inside at the board and Aurick says they still have another hour until they finish. Cordelia nods and the two run off together in slow motion.
As they reach Aurick’s house, Cordelia’s name is called out. She turns to see Hubert behind her. He runs up to her and begs her for forgiveness. Aurick asks if he is bothering her, Hubert perks up, Aurick tells him to leave her alone. Hubert punches him in the face. Cordelia is shocked and punches Hubert in the face. She helps Aurick up and goes inside. Hubert crawls inside after them. Cordelia and Hubert stop and just stare at the painting. They are lost in it. A painting of Cordelia. Aurick says he wanted to give her this but didn’t know how to. Cordelia tells him she loves it. Hubert hangs his head as he knows his chance is over. Cordelia and Aurick sit and stare at the painting, her head on his shoulders.
The Board meeting finishes. Jolie sees that Cordelia is not there, she invites all the members of the board back to the lighthouse. They all accept, and Frederick offers to drive Jolie.
Aurick checks the time on his watch. He says the meeting is over and that his father more than likely took Jolie home. He says they should go back to the lighthouse.
Cordelia and Aurick arrive at the home first. The door is unlocked however. Standing in the middle of the kitchen is Beatrice, she holds the remainder of her mother’s jewellery. Cassandra is there trying to stop her. Beatrice drops the jewellery when she sees Cordelia. Cordelia stands in front of her and punches Beatrice in the face. Vicki runs in as she arrived out of the board first, she tells Cordelia she can’t punch her sister and punches Cordelia. Cassandra says she can’t punch her nurse and punches Vicki. The jewellery is scattered all over the ground. At this moment the rest of the board enters the house. Cordelia holding her eye says she found the burglar, Beatrice. Officer Weber walks over and arrests Beatrice. Jolie looks on with sadness. Beatrice is taken away in slow motion.
Aurick and Cordelia look at the VHS recordings of the cameras, that indeed proves that Beatrice was the burglar, the two look to each other and share a brief, almost awkward kiss.
CHAPTER VI - EPILOGUE
A FEW MONTHS LATER
Everyone is gathered for Jolie’s 80th birthday. Cassandra & Vicki give her a gift, it is her broken jewellery put back together. Cordelia enters holding Aurick’s hand. She says she has a gift for Jolie. She takes her hand and takes her to the light room. She opens the door and it is beautiful. Codelia had Aurick paint Grayson’s face on a wall as a mural with a painting of the town on the other. Cordelia also walks over to the telescope and unveils a second telescope saying that they can stay up here forever. Jolie and Cordelia both look into the telescopes at the town they both found love.
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