What a Girl Wants 2003

In a poignant tale of identity and belonging, seventeen-year-old Daphne Reynolds (character name) finds herself at the crossroads of her life. Growing up above a bustling restaurant in Chinatown, Manhattan, with her mother Libby (Libby), a charming wedding singer who has always been brutally honest about Daphne’s complicated family history. Libby’s own unconventional romance with Briton Henry Dashwood (Henry) in Morocco led to an arranged marriage and the birth of Daphne, but their union was marked by deception and secrecy. The truth was revealed when Alistair Payne, a cunning aristocratic advisor, manipulated events from behind the scenes, ultimately leading to Libby’s departure from Henry’s life.

As Daphne navigates her own coming-of-age, she becomes increasingly fascinated with her father’s mysterious past. Her desire for answers propels her to London, where she hopes to reconnect with Henry and unravel the tangled threads of their complicated family dynamics. Meanwhile, Henry has disavowed his noble title to pursue a career in politics, vying for a spot in the House of Commons and eventually, the prime ministership. His advisors, including the imperious Alistair, are pushing him to marry off to Glynnis, Alistair’s snobbish daughter, in order to solidify their social standing.

Upon arriving in London, Daphne meets Ian Wallace (Ian), a kindred spirit who shares her passion for music and is working tirelessly to realize his dreams. As they grow closer, their budding romance becomes the catalyst for Daphne’s journey of self-discovery. Henry’s introduction to Daphne sends shockwaves through the aristocratic circle he has long been a part of, particularly among his fiancée Glynnis and her daughter Clarissa. The trio is determined to undermine Daphne’s influence and maintain their own privileged position.

As Daphne struggles to find acceptance within Henry’s world, she must also contend with Armistead Stewart (Armistead), a spoiled upper-class brat who fancies Clarissa and has a long-standing rivalry with Ian. In a bold move, Daphne refuses to back down, instead standing up for herself against the snobbish elite and charting her own course. Her path is not without its challenges, but ultimately, it leads her closer to the truth about her family’s complicated past and her own sense of belonging in this world of privilege and class.

As Daphne (character A) effortlessly charms the British aristocracy, including the venerable Princess Charlotte (no actor name provided), she unwittingly becomes the toast of high society. However, her exuberant and tomboyish nature proves a liability for Henry’s (character B) political aspirations, as his campaign suffers from her unconventional behavior and subsequent mischief. Henry implores Daphne to adopt a more refined demeanor befitting her Dashwood heritage, which leads to a marked improvement in his polling numbers. Yet Ian (character C), disheartened by Daphne’s new persona, is dismayed when she prioritizes attending the Queen’s garden party over spending time with him.

During her debutante ball, hosted by her father and featuring Libby’s (character D) special guest appearance, Daphne overhears Alistair (no actor name provided) revealing to Glynnis (character E) that he “took care” of her mother. Confronted by the truth, Daphne is locked away by Glynnis, who then enlists Ian’s help in announcing the father-daughter dance, knowing Henry will be forced to partner Clarissa (no actor name provided). Libby springs Daphne from captivity, but as they witness Henry dancing with Clarissa, Daphne rejects her new persona and announces her intention to return to the United States. Later, Henry shocks everyone by withdrawing from the election, only to discover Alistair’s complicity in concealing Libby’s pregnancy and punches him for keeping Daphne in the dark for seventeen years. Henry subsequently calls off his engagement to Glynnis and cancels their wedding.

As a caterer at a wedding where Libby performs as the singer, Daphne is surprised by Henry’s appearance, who confesses that he loves her for who she truly is. With tears in her eyes, Daphne finally experiences the father-daughter dance she has longed for throughout her life. Henry arrives bearing a large apology gift, only to be interrupted by Ian, who asks Daphne to join him on the dance floor. As they sway to the music, Henry apologizes to Libby, and the couple begins their own waltz.

The epilogue reveals that Glynnis has married a wealthy nobleman who bores her to death, while Clarissa has tied the knot with Armistead (no actor name provided), still notorious for his philandering ways. Alistair now plies his trade on a London tour bus. Henry and Libby, finally free to be together, exchange vows in another Bedouin ceremony, as Daphne prepares to matriculate at the University of Oxford, still deeply connected with Ian. The film concludes with a heartwarming family picnic in the backyard, featuring Daphne, Henry, Libby, Jocelyn (no actor name provided), and Ian.