Jennifer Smith
COMPS: Bad-ass single mother of ERIN BROCKOVICH meets A STAR IS BORN
WORLD: Gritty country western singers’ dreams come to life at Dallas bar The Respite, where artists hang onto their last flickers of fame. This haven would be a total fantasy for a bartender with bills, a child, and a looming eviction holding them down. But in the evolving music business, authenticity still shines through.
ABOUT ME: Country music has always helped me through struggle. Years ago, I was a single mother who worked and attended law school at night, pursuing my dream of becoming a military prosecutor. I left my two young children with a babysitter for one case I tried. As the jury deliberated on a Friday afternoon, the judge ordered everyone to stay until they reached their verdict. The jury didn’t come back until midnight. I had called to tell the babysitter, but when I reached her house at 1 am, she was on the phone, reporting me to Child Protective Services for abandonment.
It's a hoppin’ and poppin’ night in downtown Dallas…
Frustrated bartender PHOEBE LARK (27), covered with tattoos like armor, is a singer-songwriter watching other girls sing. Crippled with stage fright, she runs off in shame. She’s unmoored by the recent loss of her mother, but dreams of one day singing at the Ryman Auditorium.
Back home in her cheap apartment, her precocious son DOUG (10), a football statistics savant, asks Phoebe if his dad likes the Cowboys as much as they do. She searches Facebook for her ex, KYLE (28), good-time Charlie in a John Deere hat, and finds him living a proudly sober life—looking better than ever.
Phoebe’s late on bills due to her mother’s funeral and her sleazy landlord pressuring her to pay $3000 in back rent. Helpful son Doug offers to wash the dishes until you get famous for singing, Mom. Phoebe presses her boss for financial help. He refuses: Now, darlin’, that’s back-to-back.
Phoebe shakes with fear but gets on stage at The Respite and sings in a $1000 contest.
Old school CORY LYONS (45) manages the once-famous DL Jones' country band. His jaw drops when he hears Phoebe’s voice and as the audience raves at her vulnerable showcase. He’s impressed and asks Phoebe—where’d you get that vintage guitar?
FLASHBACK 22 years TO…a house with a closed-up garage and a sign for “Jean’s Beauty Shop.” Inside, little Phoebe (at 5) colors in a coloring book and sings quietly to herself. BETTY BOND (35; on the run) rushes in on her way to perform at the acclaimed Ryman in Nashville. Betty carries a giant suitcase that holds a guitar.
Betty blurts out to Phoebe’s hair stylist mother: Make me blonde! Seeing bruises on Betty’s neck, Phoebe gulps, horrified. Betty asks Phoebe whether she likes to sing. Texas rangers burst in and, with accusations about her abusive ex-husband, arrest Betty. Wide-eyed Phoebe picks up the suitcase and finds a guitar. Betty whispers—Sweetie, you keep it. Find your dream.
BACK in the present day, Manager Cory offers Phoebe a gig opening for the Jones around Texas.
But who will care for Doug while she’s on the road? Phoebe calls her estranged POPS (65; too proud to reach out) but hangs up—Phoebe can’t be the one to reopen that door after 22 years. So she turns to Kyle. His family assures her: he’s now grown up and sober. Doug thrills—Dad, I've missed you!
Phoebe lets Kyle take Doug to a Cowboys football game. Doug’s in heaven, but Kyle’s back to drinking and warns Doug—don’t tell Mom. One night, Phoebe sings with her guitar—I’m So Lonely—digs up pictures of her late mother and her wedding picture, then invites Kyle over. They fall back into bed.
Phoebe’s stage fright comes back, and she shakes on stage. Jealous DL Jones’ LEAD SINGER (47; washed-up diva), who warns Phoebe: Kitten, you’re not cut out for this. Still, after Phoebe posts videos of her performances, her online presence has become undeniable.
As Phoebe performs around Texas, more and more people comment on her authenticity. When a performer drops out of a “Legends and New Stars” performance at the Ryman, Phoebe convinces Cory to plug her into the spot: Look at my response online. I’ve earned this. Reluctantly, Cory agrees.
Phoebe calls home, but Doug is too quiet. Phoebe suspects Kyle has fallen off the wagon, but Doug carefully cleans up piles of empty beer cans before she gets home. Worried about Doug, she doubts her capabilities. Phoebe’s performances on stage crumble. Her confidence wanes, and she drinks.
Pops recognizes Phoebe promoting the “Legends” show on Country Music Television. Pops finally calls and apologizes, confessing that her mother had told him she didn’t want him in their life, and this hurt and his pride kept him away. Phoebe’s mother didn’t share the true story. Now, he’s back.
Phoebe’s original song, “Kyle,” blows up and tops the charts. Kyle tries to be a hero, takes Phoebe’s saved money, and bets on FANDUEL. Unfortunately, he loses big: resulting in an eviction notice from the Sheriff. He’s ashamed and heads straight to the bar.
Alone, 10-year-old Doug hides from the Sheriff—Who is watching this kid?!
Manager Cory argues she’s not ready to perform. Inspirational Legend Betty Bond recognizes Phoebe’s guitar at rehearsal. Betty’s a legend but needs a songwriter to give her a hit.
When they perform together, Phoebe reveals to the crowd—this guitar once belonged to Betty, and it brought me to the Ryman stage! They are a triumph. Phoebe’s co-workers at The Respite raise a glass. Alone, Kyle raises one, too. Phoebe sees an urgent message from the Sheriff.
Back in Dallas, Child Protective Services take Doug into custody. Phoebe frantically asks Pops to pick up her son. I thought I only had one kid and had to care for two! When she returns home, Doug skewers her: You left me alone. I hate you! Pops comes through for Phoebe and calms Doug. Phoebe swears off Kyle and admits she made a mistake, as Pops did with her. Betty signs Phoebe to her label. Everyone deserves a chance to chase their dreams.
2025