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Plot summary

Be Somebody (2016) Plot Summary & Timeline

Be Somebody (2016) movie poster

Be Somebody is a 2016 film directed by Joshua Caldwell, running 1 hour 28 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 321 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 2 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Be Somebody.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
2
themes explained
3
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Be Somebody (2016) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m
Director
Joshua Caldwell
Original language
Chinese
No spoilers

What Is Be Somebody About?

The premise of Be Somebody in 347 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

Behind the blinding lights and roaring crowds of the pop music scene, *Jordan Jaye* lives a life that looks like a dream from the outside but feels like a cage from within. As a young sensation whose face appears on every magazine cover and whose songs echo in every shopping mall, Jordan has everything the public adores — and nothing the private self truly wants. The endless tour schedule, the screaming fans, and the polished image leave him searching for a moment of stillness, a place where the noise of fame cannot follow.

That moment arrives when Jordan finds himself unexpectedly stranded in a quiet, ordinary small town — a place where the pace slows and people recognize the rhythm of daily life rather than the rhythm of a chart-topping single. It is here that he crosses paths with *Emily Lowe*, a spirited young artist who views the world through her own creative lens. Where Jordan is used to being chased, Emily is refreshingly uninterested in his celebrity status, offering him something he has not experienced in a long time: the chance to simply be a person rather than a persona.

As the two spend time together, their differences begin to feel less like obstacles and more like invitations. Emily's passion for art and her grounded perspective open a window into a life lived with intention, while Jordan brings a spark of spontaneity and confidence to her world. Their conversations drift toward dreams they have never fully voiced — about craft, about purpose, and about the futures they quietly imagine for themselves. What emerges between them is a tender, easy connection built on shared curiosity and mutual encouragement.

Told with a warm, hopeful energy, the story balances youthful romance with the deeper questions of growing up. It celebrates the courage it takes to step outside the version of yourself the world expects, and the quiet magic of finding someone who sees you clearly. Above all, it is a gentle reminder that the most meaningful relationships are often the ones that begin in the most unexpected places.
Full plot

What Happens in Be Somebody?

The complete story of Be Somebody, from the first scene to the last, in 321 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

Jordan Jaye, played by Matthew Espinosa, is a young pop star in the midst of his tour. During a brief stop, he steps off the bus, only for it to pull away before he can get back on. While wandering the town, his eyes catch a poster, but his moment of peace is short-lived when a group of enthusiastic fans spots him, prompting him to flee. In his flight, he collides with Emily Lowe, portrayed by Sarah Jeffery, a pizza delivery girl who is utterly uninterested in his celebrity status.

After some persuasion, Jordan manages to convince Emily to give him a lift away from the commotion. Once they escape, he further persuades her to let him stay with her for the night. Reluctantly, she agrees, and they find refuge at a bowling alley until her parents settle in for the night. Emily then takes the bold step of sneaking him into her room.

The next day brings new adventures as Jordan encourages Emily to harness her passion for art, particularly her love for street art, urging her to showcase her talents around school. Their day takes an unexpected turn when they encounter one of Emily’s old friends, which serves as a reality check for her. However, with Jordan’s support, Emily manages to communicate with her parents, leading to a family dinner that fosters understanding between them.

As they collaborate on tagging their school, the two cultivate a deeper connection, sharing their mutual struggles of uncertainty regarding their futures and creative endeavors. This makeshift partnership inspires both of them to take decisive actions in their lives: Emily resolves to apply to art school, while Jordan learns to carve out time for himself outside of his busy concert schedule. In a heartfelt culmination of their journey together, Jordan arrives at her prom elegantly dressed in a tuxedo, arriving in a limousine to accompany her, symbolizing the blossoming of their friendship and aspirations.

Timeline

Be Somebody Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Jordan's Tour” to “Prom Night Surprise”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Jordan's Tour

    Jordan Jaye, a teenage pop star, is on tour and traveling with his band. The excitement and pressure of his celebrity status surround him as he navigates the life of a star.

  2. 2

    The Bus Departs

    During a pit stop, Jordan steps off the bus for a short break. However, as he tries to return, the bus unexpectedly leaves without him, leaving him stranded.

  3. 3

    Chased by Fans

    As Jordan wanders the town, he becomes the center of attention when a group of enthusiastic fans recognizes him. The ensuing chase forces him to quickly find a way to escape.

  4. 4

    Meeting Emily

    In his rush to evade the fans, Jordan collides with Emily Lowe, a pizza delivery girl who isn't impressed by his pop star status. This unexpected encounter sets the stage for their developing friendship.

  5. 5

    A Ride Away

    Convincing Emily to give him a ride, Jordan hops into her car, seeking refuge from the madness around him. This marks the beginning of a night filled with unforeseen adventures.

  6. 6

    Hiding Out

    After the ride, Jordan persuades Emily to hide him for the night. They choose a bowling alley to stay low-key until Emily's parents sleep, showcasing their budding camaraderie.

    Where:Bowling Alley

  7. 7

    Sneaking In

    Under the cover of darkness, Emily brings Jordan into her bedroom. This secretive moment deepens their connection and allows them to share their thoughts away from prying eyes.

  8. 8

    Art Inspiration

    The next day, Jordan encourages Emily to express her passion for street art. They decide to tag their school with her designs, highlighting the importance of pursuing one's interests.

    Where:School

  9. 9

    Encounter with Former Friend

    While out, Emily bumps into an old friend who challenges her self-esteem. This encounter serves as a turning point, reinforcing the need for Emily to assert herself and embrace her talents.

  10. 10

    Family Dinner

    With Jordan's encouragement, Emily manages to convince her parents to have a sit-down meal together. This moment of family bonding opens up further communication and support for Emily’s dreams.

Show the other 4 events of Be Somebody
  1. 11

    Bonding Over Tags

    As Jordan and Emily tag the school, they delve into deeper discussions about their aspirations. They share their insecurities regarding their crafts and motivate one another to take charge of their futures.

    Where:School

  2. 12

    Art School Application

    Inspired by their conversation, Emily decides to apply to art school. This decision marks a significant step toward achieving her dreams, inspired by her newfound confidence.

  3. 13

    Jordan's Break from Concerts

    Realizing the importance of personal passions, Jordan takes breaks from his concert schedule. This shows his commitment to nurturing his own creativity and supporting Emily’s ambitions.

  4. 14

    Prom Night Surprise

    In a grand gesture of friendship and support, Jordan arrives at Emily’s prom in a tuxedo and a limo. This moment symbolizes the culmination of their journey and the strengthening of their bond.

    Where:Prom Venue

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Be Somebody?

2 characters, among them Jordan Jaye (Matthew Espinosa) and Emily Lowe (Sarah Jeffery): who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • JJ

    Jordan Jaye (Matthew Espinosa)

    Jordan is a teenage pop star grappling with the superficiality of fame. Despite his celebrity status, he yearns for genuine connections and a sense of purpose beyond his music career. He shows depth and vulnerability as he navigates his feelings and relationships.

    • 🎤 Pop Star
    • 🌟 Fame
  • EL

    Emily Lowe (Sarah Jeffery)

    Emily is an aspiring artist who initially appears indifferent to fame but has a rich inner world fueled by her passion for street art. Through her interactions with Jordan, she gains confidence and motivation to pursue her dreams of attending art school, showcasing her resilience and creativity.

    • 🎨 Artist
    • 🌱 Growth
Setting

Where and When Is Be Somebody Set?

Be Somebody is set in Bowling Alley and Suburban Town. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the essence of modern teenage life while addressing themes of self-discovery and personal growth. This period emphasizes the influence of social media and celebrity culture on young people's identities and aspirations.

Where

Bowling Alley, Suburban Town

The bowling alley represents a casual and fun environment where Jordan and Emily connect while evading the pressures of their lives. This suburban town is characterized by a close-knit community, reflecting the everyday lives of its residents and the challenges they face.

  • 🎳 Bowling
  • 🏙️ Urban Life
Themes

What Are the Themes of Be Somebody?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Self-Discovery, Friendship and Creativity.

  1. 01

    Self-Discovery

    The theme of self-discovery is central as both Jordan and Emily navigate their passions and identity. Jordan, despite his fame, seeks a deeper connection beyond his pop star persona. Emily learns to embrace her artistic talents and aspires to pursue her dreams, highlighting the journey of finding one's path.

  2. 02

    Friendship

    Friendship serves as a cornerstone in the narrative, showcasing how relationships can flourish in unexpected circumstances. The bond between Jordan and Emily evolves as they share their dreams and challenges, culminating in mutual support that encourages them to take charge of their futures.

  3. 03

    Creativity

    Creativity plays a pivotal role in the film, particularly through Emily's interest in street art. The act of tagging the school symbolizes rebellion and self-expression, demonstrating how art can be a catalyst for change and personal empowerment.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Be Somebody?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A feel-good teen romance where a pop star stranded in a small town finds genuine connection with a spirited artist, leading to sweet moments of self-discovery and shared growth.

  • feel-good
  • romantic
  • youthful
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • optimistic
  • coming of age
  • first love
  • self-discovery
  • celebrity

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FAQ

Be Somebody Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Be Somebody, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Be Somebody about?

markdown Behind the blinding lights and roaring crowds of the pop music scene, Jordan Jaye lives a life that looks like a dream from the outside but feels like a cage from within.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Be Somebody take place?

Be Somebody is set in Bowling Alley and Suburban Town. The movie unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the essence of modern teenage life while addressing themes of self-discovery and personal growth.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Be Somebody?

The story follows Jordan Jaye (Matthew Espinosa) and Emily Lowe (Sarah Jeffery).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Be Somebody?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Self-Discovery, Friendship and Creativity.

The themes explained

Who directed Be Somebody?

Be Somebody (2016) was directed by Joshua Caldwell and runs 1 hour 28 minutes.

Joshua Caldwell’s films

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