Backwards (2012) Movie Script

1
Eat.
Sleep.
Row.
Thanks for the ride.
Sure.
In the life of a competitive
rower...
Let me help you with that.
It's all about focus.
Early practice tomorrow.
Yeah.
Focus or you won't make it.
Work can wait.
Friends can wait.
What's the goal?
When i was 16,
My dad built me a trophy case
For all my medals.
He said that one day
There'd be an olympic gold
in there.
It wasn't winning that was
important to him.
It was the hard work,
The dedication,
What a metal represents.
Trash can.
Me?
I like to win.
With improvement, ladies,
That could have been terrible.
Does anyone want to pack
their bags and go home?
I didn't think so.
Then i don't ever want to see
that kind of practice again.
Understood?
All: yes.
Good. Tomorrow we seat race.
I know, i know.
Just get your hands in here.
All right, guys.
Big day tomorrow.
Hard work on three.
One, two, three.
All: hard work.
Mm-Hmm. Yeah.
Watch as joey decides
who has to go home.
Good girl, giselle?
He's dumping two girls
tonight.
I got to go, mom.
Call you back, okay?
I'll call you back.
And that's why we shouldn't
even be talking
About bridgette right now.
Oh, boy.
- She's gone.
- Nuh-Uh.
Mm-Hmm.
Oh.
All right. Next seat race.
Kelsey versus abi.
Last chance to impress me.
Sit ready.
Attention.
Row.
Hmm.
I'll get the coffee.
And $1.25 is your change.
Have a good day.
Hi, how you doing today?
All right?
That will be $5.
And there's your change.
Have a great day.
Hello.
How you doing today?
Fine. Thanks.
What are you doing today?
- Working.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- What do you do?
Abi brooks.
Geoff. Hi.
Thanks.
Let me guess, is this you?
Mm-Hmm.
Nice parking.
Uh, mr. Anderson?
Jill's still in the front seat.
You said we were switching.
She can have the front seat
until we get to the course.
We'll switch on the way back.
I take it those
are your girls?
I could try to deny it,
But i think the t-Shirt
might give me away.
Things sure have changed.
I mean, when i went to union,
None of my coaches were so--
Awesome?
Male.
Yeah, technically,
i'm not their coach.
Their coach
is on maternity leave.
Permanent maternity leave,
as it turns out.
So as athletic director,
It's my job to fill in until
i can find a replacement.
Athletic director?
Wow.
How 'bout you?
How's the training going?
Great, um, yeah.
Good.
That's good.
I should probably get
back to the girls.
Of course.
Do you want to, um, i mean,
If you're in town tonight,
There's a really great
pizza place.
That sounds great.
Yeah?
Like, probably 6:30?
It's a date.
I mean, i didn't mean a date.
It's a pizza place, right?
Flanigan's boathouse.
Oh, abi.
It's good to see you.
Was that...
And?
And he's in princeton
for the races this weekend.
And?
And we're coming by
to get pizza tonight.
Abi.
You're gonna have to drop
a pound, abi.
So what can i get you to drink
while you wait?
- Uh, yuengling.
- My man.
Oh, and a diet pepsi.
Hey.
You still going?
Huh?
You still going?
Just warming down.
Okay, it's 7:00,
so i'm getting out of here.
I'll see you tomorrow?
Oh, yeah.
Where's my phone?
Shit.
Oh, shit.
Shit.
Ma'am,
i tried to keep him here.
Was he mad?
Ordered you a diet pepsi.
Want a slice of pizza
or something?
It's on the house.
Nah, i'm good. Thanks.
How 'bout cheesy movie
when i get home, huh?
I'll cut out here early tonight?
Thanks, reba.
Sorry, abi.
Please, god.
Please help me get on this team.
I've just worked so hard.
Please.
You are all excellent rowers.
But when it comes
to winning the olympics,
I need more than excellence.
I need women who, come race day,
Will dig beyond what they think
physically possible.
I need women who will fight
For that extra half-Inch,
That extra 3/100
of a second.
Because if you lose
The olympics by 3/100
of a second,
You will take that
to your grave.
Thank you for your hard work
And dedication.
I have put together
what i am sure
Is a winning boat.
Coach.
I don't understand.
I know you're disappointed,
abi.
Disappointed?
I worked my ass off
the past four years.
I did everything you said.
And you want me to be
the alternate again?
I won the seat race;
i deserve to be in that boat.
Kelsey has better erg scores.
That's ridiculous.
Ergs don't float.
I won't the seat race.
You don't have the reach
you need off the recovery.
You're flexibility--
Is fine. I have the technique.
I know how to win.
My decision's made.
You can change your mind.
Please.
I'm sorry.
Is it because she's younger?
No.
It's because she's better.
Now get in the launch before
you lose your spot on this team.
Yeah, it'll be good
to see you too, mom.
Mom, let me call you back.
I'll call you right back.
I quit.
You what?
I'm not watching
from the sidelines again.
If i'm not in the boat,
i'm not on the team.
Abi, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Look--Look,
you need to slow down a second.
I know you're upset,
but you got to think this over--
If i wanted you're opinion
i would have asked.
- It helps.
- No.
Thanks.
Ugh.
Kelsey's so stupid.
You're way better.
Coach?
Mm-Hmm.
Yes.
Yes, sir.
Okay, yeah. I'll be right down.
'Kay. Thank you.
I'm the new alternate.
Congratulations.
You don't want it, do you?
'Cause if you want it, abi,
i don't --
It's all yours.
Thanks. I mean--
Okay, i got to get
to practice.
Get. Go.
I'll call you later, okay?
I love you, abi.
Whoo!
Wakey, wakey, sunshine.
It's after 7:00.
How are you doing?
- Fine.
- Yeah?
I bought this for you
On the way home from work
last night.
I think that you
will find it helpful.
Have a good day.
Mom.
There are egg whites
in the refrigerator.
Honey?
Abigail?
Hey megan. It's abi.
Sorry i've been out of touch.
Anyway, i'm in town
And was wondering if you wanted
To grab a drink
when you're free.
Hope the wedding planning's
going well.
Mmm.
What time is it?
It's time
for you to take a shower
And put on some decent clothes.
We have a guest coming
for dinner.
And clean up your mess in here.
Who's coming?
Dry your hair, please.
It'll dry.
Abigail brooks,
i did not raise you
To greet company
with sopping wet hair.
Put some lipstick on, please.
I know it's not
a lot of money.
But if you're as smart
as your mom says you are,
Then a pretty lady like you
should have no trouble
Securing a permanent job
at the end of the internship.
Hmm? Hmm?
Fabulous wine, diane.
I got it at auction.
And wait
till you see the perks
That come with the position.
Dinners, tickets, nice wine.
Excuse me, ladies.
Singapore.
Oh.
Hey, j.D., What's up man?
Yeah, uh-Huh.
That's perfect.
Yeah, sell 200 lots a day
of cal 15 at their bid.
Oh, baby, that's beautiful.
All right.
Excuse me one more second,
ladies.
Almost...done here.
And done.
Anyway, i made a few calls,
And it looks like you can start
as early as next week.
Mr. Cox--
Hey, whoa.
Call me coxy.
Coxy...
Hmm.
I really appreciate
the offer--
Like i said,
anything to help a friend.
Oh, and you know what?
A lot of former athletes
in the biz.
You'll fit right in.
I really appreciate the offer.
But i'm good.
Why don't you sleep on it?
You're 30 years old.
I'm 29 1/2.
It's time to move on,
Do something with you life.
I am doing something
with my life.
What?
What are you doing?
Watching television all day?
What?
Well, right now,
i'm taking some time off.
Figure some stuff out.
Then in a few weeks,
I'll start training again.
Abi, that's--
You just asked me what
i was doing.
Would you just listen to me?
There are tons
of olympic athletes
In their 30s these days.
I can apologize to coach,
Work harder,
be better.
You are talking about
winning the lottery, abi.
That's great, mom.
Thanks for the support.
I have supported your dream
your whole life.
But the rowing thing hasn't
worked out.
It is time for you to move on.
You don't want this job offer?
Fine.
Go to graduate school.
Figure it out there.
I can't afford that.
I will loan you the money.
I'm not going back to school,
mom.
I'm a rower.
That's what i do.
You're a grown-Up.
You make your own decisions.
Thank you.
But if you are thinking
of rowing for four more years,
You're not doing it
under this roof.
Mom.
You want my support?
Get a job.
Ugh.
Stupid heels.
Come in.
Abi.
This is a surprise.
I could come back
if now's not a good time.
No, no, no.
Come on in.
Come on. Have a seat.
Thanks.
I want to apologize
about the other night.
Practice ran late and--
Already forgotten.
So, um, what are you--
What are you doing
in town?
Hey, geoffers. Oh, sorry.
Don't worry about it.
It's fine.
What's up?
I just wanted to go through
my selections for senior awards.
But it can wait.
You want to do it at lunch?
Works for me.
Great.
I moved back home.
What about--
Not happening.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Listen, i--
I know this probably won't make
you feel better--
In fact, i'm sure nothing would
make you feel better right now,
But you should know how proud
of you everyone here is.
I mean, the fact that you made
it as far as you did--
That's pretty major.
Is there anything
i can do to help?
We have chairs in this house.
I got the job.
What's it pay?
Enough.
It wasn't enough back
in your father's day.
Okay, you know what?
Recycling.
All right, girls,
Stotesbury's coming up
next weekend.
It's a big race,
so i got you a new coach.
Now only is she
an olympic athlete,
But not too many years ago,
She wore the purple union suit
herself.
And i might add,
she's a pretty cool chick.
So let's give
a warm welcome to--
We good?
All right, let's give
a warm welcome to coach brooks.
All right, ladies,
let's get on the water.
A pretty cool chick?
What?
And out to heads.
Swing it.
Watch the oars.
All right. Toe to the edge.
And roll.
And down.
Five of the eight are novices.
Wow, young.
Yeah. But promising.
They're not good enough to go to
nationals this year, obviously.
So saturday's
gonna be their last race.
We don't have all day here,
ladies.
That's hannah.
She does that a lot.
She doesn't get along
with the other girls?
It's not that.
They actually look up to her.
But for some reason,
she likes to pretend
She doesn't want to be here
and doesn't care.
Walk it forward.
Comes from a big family
of rowers.
And the other girl?
Susan. Total opposite.
They balance
each other out nicely.
Now, they're not there yet,
but as a double,
I think they have the talent
to go to henley.
Especially now that
they have me as a coach.
In spite of that, yeah.
hope is the promise
of possibility
Going again.
it's not much
of a promise
Whenever you're ready.
of anything really
- Set ready.
- Ready all, row.
then it's out
of your hands
step up to the ledge
We should be sprinting here.
Come on, girls. Pick it up.
Power ten. Right now.
What is her problem?
One. Two. One. Two.
Come on, girls. Push it.
Tap the blade, jill.
Tap the blade down
and get it out.
Come on.
Tap the blade down
and get it out.
Tap the blade.
Tap--
Let it run. Both boats.
Everyone just let it run.
can you remember
when you were young?
Put the boats away
and get on your running shoes.
what do you have to say
for yourself
Pick it up.
Two at a time. Two at a time.
Use those legs. Come on.
Let's go.
Right now. Right now.
All the way to the top.
56. 57. 58.
All together. 59.
60. Hannah squat lower.
61. 62. 63.
64. 65.
are you really trying?
trying
Can i see you two for a sec?
Henley regatta, england.
Work hard enough. We can go.
And we can win.
But to do it,
you guys got to work harder,
So starting tomorrow,
morning practices.
Did you have something
you wanted to say?
Are we done for today,
coach?
Yeah, we're finished.
Thanks, coach.
See you tomorrow.
It's not like we're training
for the olympics.
Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.
You're home early.
I'm cooking.
I thought it might be nice
for us to have a family dinner
Together.
By cooking, i do mean pasta.
I'd stopped
at the farmer's market
And got your favorite sauce.
I, uh, actually grabbed some
sushi on the way home.
Oh.
I should have called first.
Another time?
Absolutely.
Did you want me to sit
with you?
No.
I have some work to do anyway.
Okay.
Oh, reba called...
Again.
Thanks.
What are you doing?
I'm putting my boat away.
I see that.
Why?
It's too rainy to row.
Is it?
Walk it out.
Hey, i'm sorry i'm late.
It's been a crazy morning.
Thank you for meeting me.
No worries.
I was just getting some--
You know, i'm not exactly sure
what this is.
Chicken pot pie?
Chicken gumbo soup.
- Ah.
- Chicken pot pie was yesterday.
Though, i can't guarantee
that's not the same chicken.
Right.
But anything's better
than bulldog burritos, huh?
Oh, my god.
I forgot about that stuff.
God, those were disgusting.
Totally disgusting.
So i haven't had the chance to
properly thank you for the job.
You don't have to thank me.
I want to.
I mean, i know things had gotten
really awkward between us,
And you've been really awesome,
so...
Thanks.
Sure thing.
So...
How's practice going?
Girls are working hard.
I heard.
I, um, i heard
you started morning practices?
You heard correctly.
Do you really think
that's necessary?
Excuse me?
I mean, they're only
in high school, abi.
You remember what that's like.
Uh-Huh.
So ease up on them.
Cool?
I was under the impression
you wanted them to win.
I do, but they're
not used to
The kind of training
that you are.
They're training for henley,
geoff.
I know that, abi.
- Big race.
- It's not the olympics.
If i say lighten up on them,
Lighten up on them.
You hired me to coach.
Let me do my job.
And let me do mine,
coach brooks.
Lane six, one foot out.
Lane four, one foot in.
That's good.
All lanes hold it there.
Attention.
Three, two, one.
Row!
Girls, you can't win them all,
But that's a strong way
to end the season.
Thanks, mr. Anderson.
At the 1,000 meter mark,
Leading the pack in lane three,
Union academy.
Let's go, union!
Come on girls! Row!
Come on, union.
Pick it up!
Another power ten. Now. Go.
- But we just--
- Now! Go!
Let's go union!
Girls, you got to pull!
10 in 30.
10 in 34.
Come on, girls!
Let's go! Let's pull!
Go, susan.
Come on, girls. Pull now!
Sorry, coach.
Hey.
I am so glad you called.
You have no idea how badly
i need a drink.
Hi. So sorry i am late.
The florist dropped off
the trial bouquet,
And the flowers were peach
instead of pink.
So my mother had
this brilliant idea to fire her,
Not thinking
that we only had 28 days
To find the--
Oh, thank god.
I thought i left it
at the nail salon.
Hello.
So good to see you.
Come on. Let's go inside.
Oh, my god. No.
I'm sure it was not that bad.
Cut yourself a break.
It was.
Hmm, no. Fitting in two days.
Let's just put it this way,
I may be out of a job
come monday.
But on the bright side,
at least then i won't have to
Chaperone prom with him, so--
Prom?
Seriously?
Anyway, enough about me.
I want to make a toast.
I love it.
I know i haven't always
been around
To be the world's best friend.
Let me finish.
But i'm so happy to be here now.
And i can't wait to watch
you walk down the aisle.
I'm so excited.
Mmm,
that tastes like candy.
I'm so glad you like it.
Nick wanted
our signature cocktail
To be a dirty martini.
I know.
I was like, "no way."
But this way,
we have hard alcohol, but it--
Oh, my god.
What?
- Pleasure to meet you.
- You too.
Meghan was also a rower.
Another one.
Oh, i myself am
a lacrosse player.
So i don't know
a ton about rowing.
Other than it's the only sport
you win by going backwards.
You can't stand here;
you're blocking the aisle.
Maybe we should sit down
before we get yelled at again.
Anyway, abi,
it's good to see you.
Meghan,
good to see you again.
Oh, uh, excuse me.
We just ran into
some friends of ours,
Do you have a table for four?
Of course. Right this way.
I can totally hook you up
With the florist my mom uses.
They're doing this fabulous
peach arraignment
For this wedding
i'm going to next weekend.
That sounds great.
I'll definitely check them out.
I'm totally gonna use them
for myself when i get married.
So you excited for your wedding?
Mmm.
I love weddings.
You're gonna be
such a beautiful bride.
Mm-Hmm. Thanks.
To be honest, i totally
flirted with him to get the job.
Can you blame me, girls?
He's pretty cute, right?
Beth's a really a phenomenal
lacrosse player.
We're very lucky to have her.
Damn straight.
Whoo, that martini went right
through me.
Restroom break, girls?
I'm good.
Definitely.
The food here is excellent.
I'm sorry i didn't tell you
about her.
No reason why you should.
You know she's a lot like you.
Great.
That's not--Okay,
that came out wrong.
What i meant was--
She's really nice.
She is very nice.
And young.
Tough race today.
It won't happen again.
I know it won't.
Abi, i know you can do this.
I just need you to decide
that you want to.
I can't get any lower.
You can.
I can't.
Abigail, you can do this.
Again.
Thump!
Can i help you with anything?
Um, yeah. Sure. Maybe.
What size are you?
In twill pants,
i tend to wear a medium.
Wow.
I, um, actually i don't think
red's my color.
Uh, well, what's the occasion?
Prom?
Stunning.
- You think?
- Absolutely.
We're gonna have to do something
about those tan lines, though.
What are you thinking for shoes?
I'm assuming sneakers
are a no?
Who's hungry?
We're not going out
in the water today,
So eat up.
In that case.
Do either of you know who
tom eakins was?
A painter from around here.
That's right.
Know what he painted?
Rowing?
Right again.
He was a rower too.
You ladies ready
for a little field trip?
The pair-Oared shell.
It's right here
on the schuylkill.
See the columbia bridge?
Oh, yeah.
Check out all the detail,
The faces of the oarsmen
in the shadow,
The way the sunlight reflects
off the surface of the water.
This painting is so accurate
That scholars were able to
pinpoint the exact time of day,
7:20 p.M.
Huh.
So why am i going on
about all this?
Because rowing is an art.
We see this painting hanging
on the wall,
And it looks beautiful,
Effortless.
We don't see the work
that went into creating it.
When i have you guys practice
tedious things
Over and over again
on the water,
It's because we're working
towards creating this ease
On race day.
Because race day
should be beautiful.
It may hurt like hell,
But it should be beautiful.
And that, girls,
is what we need to find.
The art in our rowing.
Our official team calendar.
Every monday morning
leading up to henley,
We're gonna mark down
what we want to work on
Each day at practice.
It can be something like
slide control
Or blade work,
Whatever you guys think
will be helpful.
I've marked down our first goal.
"Trust."
Okay, susan. Your turn.
Nice and slow.
Use your feet.
Set the boat.
Now let go of your oars.
Trust yourself.
How 'bout that, huh?
Whoo.
Okay, now sit down.
Dude, that was awesome.
I'm just glad
we didn't go swimming.
I don't even want to know
what's in that water.
Lots of dead bodies.
Yuck.
Totally.
Nice job, ladies.
Thanks, coach.
Hannah, can you grab your oars
and take them to the van?
I want to talk to susan
for a sec.
The van?
You're gonna sleep
with your oars tonight.
We're gonna what?
- I have some homework for you.
- Okay.
I want you to go home tonight
And think about
what makes you angry.
And not just annoyed,
but really mad,
Like, the maddest
you've ever been.
I'm sorry--
Don't apologize.
You have a lot of talent, susan.
But you row like
your personality.
Nice and clean, but quiet.
I need you aggressive
in that boat.
Come angry tomorrow, okay?
Hey.
I told you i'd find you
a date,
And i did.
What?
Prom.
I wasn't really planning
on going.
You're going.
His name is jason.
He's a sophomore at prep,
but he's a rower.
Okay.
Good. See you tomorrow.
See ya.
Sorry, tilly.
No room for you tonight.
I'm bonding with my oars.
Eyes in the boat, hannah.
Don't be timid of the catch,
susan.
Nice.
Bend those elbows.
I saw that.
Okay, let's do this, guys.
Come on.
All together.
Let's go. Ready?
Ten.
Nine.
Eight.
Have a nice day, ladies.
Susan, it's your boyfriend.
What?
Why are you
looking at me like that?
Good morning, mr. Anderson.
Good morning, girls.
- Mr. Anderson.
- Excited for prom tonight?
As long as you're there
we are.
What?
Morning, coach.
Mr. Anderson.
I'm just saying,
from an outsider's perspective,
Your hands are disgusting.
Thanks.
From an outsider's
perspective,
I think he's still into you.
Oh, come on.
He's dating beth.
Yeah, mini you...
without the brain.
Stop.
What?
Okay, guys never forget
their...first.
Meghan, would you be, like--
Okay, you guys dated forever.
You're honestly gonna tell me
You don't think he has feelings
for you anymore?
I honestly don't think he has
feelings for me anymore.
I so don't believe you.
Whatever we had,
It's not there anymore.
Whatever you say, prom queen.
What color?
Purple?
inside of me so
how can it be
i want this life
to last forever
how can it be
could this be real
how can it be
i want this life
to last forever
how can it be
could this be real
Coach brooks.
You're looking...
Orange.
Outstanding.
And a little orange, yeah.
Just a little bit.
Anyway, welcome to our, uh--
Excuse me.
Guys.
you make me go wild
with every little smile
you make me go wild
you're getting closer to me
every single day
i'll try to show you
but the flood
of thoughts get in the way
my friends don't like me
they think i'm so vain
i can't believe it
Another couple
in the bathroom?
Mm-Hmm.
Heartbreaker.
Not everyone's smart enough
to go to the gym.
No way.
Shall we?
- Why not?
lying in my bed
i hear the clock tick
and think of you
caught up in circles
confusion
Your dress is incredible.
It's new.
It's nice.
almost left behind
secrets stolen
So how are you enjoying
the prom so far?
So far, so good.
You?
So far, so good.
time after time
if you fall
i will catch you
i'll be waiting
time after time
if you fall
i will catch you
i will be waiting
time after time
He was perfect for you.
He was two feet tall.
Girls, focus.
Hey, coach, you seemed to have
a lot of fun at prom, huh?
Focus.
Let's go. Let's go.
Knees up. Knees up.
Higher. Higher.
Let's go. Let's go.
Higher. Higher.
This just might be sillier
than sleeping with my oars.
What was it like?
Rowing in the olympics.
I don't know.
I didn't row.
I was the alternate.
Oh.
Still, that must have been
pretty cool, though.
Yeah.
It was kind of cool, i guess.
Being with the best
in the world
In another country,
Thousands of people
in the stands.
I never heard a sound
quite like that.
But it's a lot of hard work.
I mean, you ladies think
That the practices
i give you are hard?
Kind of.
I know it's gonna be hard,
But no matter what happens
this weekend,
Just try to take a moment
and take it all in.
It's gonna be
your last nationals.
You think we can win, coach?
My money's on you.
coming on
All: go, mount, go.
on your feet
coming on
All right, girls.
This is the day
we've been training for.
Win this; we're going to henley.
Our wake.
All: their funeral.
And coming down
the racecourse now,
The finals
of the women's senior double.
The boats are neck and neck.
It's a tight race so far.
Come on girls, you got it.
Starting sprint now.
Go.
Come on.
Come on, get 'em.
You got it!
Congratulations, coach.
Apparently you do know something
about winning.
Sleep well,
national champions.
Come on, you can't be tired.
It's saturday night.
I'm old, remember?
30's not that old.
Happy birthday.
Thanks.
I think we should celebrate.
Oh, i don't know about that.
I mean, what if
i already have plans?
Big, big birthday plans.
Then i would say, "tough."
'Cause you still owe me a date.
Or a non-Date or whatever.
- Do i?
- Yeah.
And i know a great place.
I miss it.
Really?
Yeah.
I know.
Who'd have thought, right?
I mean, not days like today.
Watching those girls
Have that moment,
But every once and a while,
I would find myself thinking
about you.
Your hard work and your
dedication and where it got you.
I would wonder if
Maybe i gave up on it
too easily.
Where it's gotten me?
I mean, come on. I'm 29.
Right, 30.
Everyone's getting married
and having kids,
And i am living at home
with my mother.
Yeah,
but you went to the olympics.
I sat on the sidelines.
It doesn't matter.
For the rest of your life,
nobody can take
That away from you.
That's...
That's pretty cool.
Do you miss it?
Not the erg.
No, i do.
I guess not as much
as i thought i would.
I guess i forgot how much fun
Normal people things are.
Hanging out,
Staying up past 9:00,
Drinking champagne.
You really were
quite the party girl.
Hells yeah.
You--
I'm so sorry.
Oh, my god.
You are officially
a lightweight.
You are cut off.
Oh, i almost forgot.
Something small.
I wrapped it myself.
I can tell.
Open it.
Told you it was small.
So you're saying basically
that i sucked before.
Yeah.
Yeah.
- Yeah.
Yeah, you did.
I love it. Thank you.
You gonna put it on or what?
I put a lot of work into this.
Listen, i'm, uh, i'm sorry.
- No, i'm sorry.
- No, no, no.
It's fine. It's just that--
I can't.
Of course.
Happy birthday.
Thanks.
You have a visitor.
Me?
Kelsey's ribs
won't heal in time.
I need someone in that boat
who knows how to win.
That's you.
What about reba?
Reba will still be
the alternate.
Well--
I expect you at practice
on monday.
Monday?
This monday?
No, monday after the olympics.
Yes, this monday.
It's just i'm training
these girls for henley.
That would explain
the neck attire.
Kids, right?
Anyway, we're supposed to leave
for london on monday night.
So i know it's not ideal,
But is there any way we could
join you after henley?
I am in great shape.
You don't even need to worry
about that.
The seat is open monday, abi.
Not tuesday.
Not wednesday.
Monday.
Now if you don't want it--
I do.
Well, good.
This is your time, honey.
Shot at the gold.
Thank you.
Oh, geoff.
Hey.
Oh, it's good to see you.
It's good to see you too.
Wow, the garden is looking
spectacular as always.
Ah, well, i have not had
the time this year
To get it where it needs to be.
How are you?
I'm good. Very good.
And abi's doing great.
The kids absolutely love her.
Yeah.
Come inside?
Would you like some coffee?
I would love that,
mrs. Brooks.
Oh, diane.
You can call me diane.
I'll try.
I don't know how you drink
my mom's coffee.
It's not that bad.
Wow.
Old habits die hard, i guess.
- Can we talk about--
- Um, so anyways--
Oh, sorry.
- Go ahead.
No, i just--
I wanted, you know, to talk
about what happened last night.
It's okay.
I won't say anything.
No. No, no, no.
I broke up with beth.
What?
I broke it off with her
this morning.
Okay.
I feel like an idiot.
No, it's not that.
I'm gonna row in the olympics.
What?
I know.
It's a long, crazy story.
But a girl in the boat
broke her ribs.
And coach asked me
to take her place.
Wow.
I mean--
That's, uh, when do they need
you back by?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
Abi, jeez--
You're telling me this now?
Well, i just found out.
What about the girls?
Well, you can coach them.
You did it before.
Abi, i'm not their coach.
You bonded with them.
They trust you.
They'll be fine.
It's just henley.
It's all about you, isn't it?
That's not fair.
It's the olympics.
Yes, i know.
It's the olympics. Of course.
I get it.
I get it.
I know how this argument ends.
Stop.
Look.
It's everything you ever wanted.
Congratulations.
Um, i'm not gonna tell them.
They're gonna hear it from you.
He'll understand eventually.
Right?
I don't know.
- Thanks, mom.
- And what about those girls?
What are they gonna do
without you?
Can you imagine what it would be
like for you
To go to henley
without your coach?
They'll get over it.
It's the olympics.
We're talking about
teenage girls.
Exactly, they have their
whole life ahead of them.
Don't you?
Abi, if you truly think
That rowing in the olympics
is going to make you happy,
Then you should do it.
But i have seen something
this last month
I haven't seen in a long time.
I've seen you happy.
Not beating yourself up.
Not starving yourself.
What about reba?
She's expecting that seat.
It was mine first.
You gave it up. Now it's hers.
She'll understand.
You'd be surprised
how little understanding
A friendship can take.
Why aren't you on my side?
Abi, i am on your side.
Look, there were
a lot of saturdays
You and your dad
went bike riding.
And i stayed in that office
Because i knew what i wanted.
I wanted a nice house
with nice things in it.
And a garden with no beetles.
And now i have it.
But if i could have those
saturdays back
With you and your dad...
Sometimes, you don't know what
you have until you lose it.
Why can't it wait
until after henley?
Susan, i wish it could,
But it doesn't work that way.
You don't want it to work
that way.
You don't give a shit.
We're just a job to you.
That's not true.
I--
Susan, let it go.
It's the olympics. Come on.
Hello?
Hey guys.
Talk to you for a sec?
Yeah.
So this wasn't an easy
decision--
Because i'm just as good
as you and you know it?
I told everyone.
Everyone thinks i'm rowing
in the olympics,
But see i'm not,
because my best friend
Just swooped in out of nowhere
and stole my seat.
My best friend who quit the team
Rather than stick it out
as the alternate.
You made a choice not to row
on the olympic team,
And now that glory's here,
You just breeze on in
As if that seat
is your god-Given right.
It's not.
Not since the moment
you quit the team.
And you should look around you,
Because nobody wants you back.
You're right.
I know i'm right 'cause--
What?
The seat belongs to you.
Are you sure?
Don't screw it up.
- Yes.
- Yeah.
Hi, you've reached
geoff anderson.
I'm not checking messages
this week,
Because i am out of the country.
But if you leave a message--
Hair spray?
Really?
Excuse me, hi.
I'm trying to get on the 6:50
flight to london.
Is there an express line?
Are you elite status?
Elite what?
Will you be flying
first class?
Look, i really need
to get on the flight.
If i wait in that line,
I'm gonna miss it.
There's got to be a way to get
me through on time.
There is.
Arrive two hours before
your flight
And wait on line
like the rest of america.
No clean laundry.
Happens to me all the time.
Unfortunately, the 6:50 flight
Just closed its doors
for takeoff.
You're kidding.
I can get you on
the 9:00 p.M. Flight,
But the only seats available
are in first class.
What else do you have?
Nothing 'till wednesday.
Would you like
that first class seat?
Do you have another card
i can try?
Abi brooks.
We could do it,
But it would be 250,000 miles,
mr. Cox.
Done. Do it.
Are you sure about this?
Like i said, my job comes
with a lot of perks.
Say hi to your mom for me.
And, hey, wait 'till you taste
the food in first class.
They serve ice cream sundaes.
Enter roundabout
And turn left.
Left?
Turn left.
Okay.
Turn left.
Recalculating.
Shit.
Wouldn't want you girls
to go hungry in the boat.
Now would we?
Thank you.
Oh, pardon me.
I can't believe they serve
this stuff for breakfast.
I can't believe you're eating
that stuff for breakfast.
- Mmm.
- Gross.
Okay, girls.
I'm sorry to bother you
mr. Anderson,
But there's someone here
to see you.
You should have seen me
try to drive
On the wrong side of the road.
I practically killed myself
going around
One of those circle-Y things.
Come here.
Abi, what are you doing here?
Would you believe me if i said
i was in the neighborhood?
I was hoping the crew coach
position was still available.
What do you want me to say?
Please come back?
We'd be happy to have you?
Works for me.
Doesn't work for me.
You don't get it.
I love what i do.
I'm proud of what i do.
I'm happy at union.
You weren't.
And it's fine.
It's not that
i don't understand.
I do, but--
For everyone's sake,
Until you figure out
what you want,
I think it's best if we just...
Go our separate ways.
Okay.
I was happy.
I liked having a life,
Being normal,
doing normal things.
I mean, maybe not at first,
But i fell in love
with coaching.
With the girls.
With you.
Again.
And...that scared me.
Because it wasn't something
like a medal
That i could lock up and keep.
And when i was offered
that spot in the boat
After telling myself for so long
That that would make it all
worthwhile,
I wasn't strong enough
to say "no."
Because the olympics
would make it all make sense.
The years i spent locked up
in the gym,
The life i missed,
It would all be worth something.
But then yesterday,
In my apartment,
ready for practice,
I felt lonely.
I didn't want it anymore.
Not with what it was gonna cost.
Life can only be understood
backwards.
What're you waiting for?
Don't just stand there.
Go get her.
You think?
Both: yes.
Abi.
Nice parking.
The girls didn't win henley
that year.
But four years later,
They won something else.
Life has a funny way
of working out.
In the end,
I did win an olympic gold.
Kind of.
Right this way.
Come on.
Don't be timid.
You're such a scaredy-Cat.
I don't like surprises.
You'll like this one.
Congratulations, coach.
Apparently you do know a little
something about winning.
It's perfect.
I love it.
One more thing.
Kind of a tradition.
It was awesome.
You know what's even more
awesome?
What?
Come on.
I'm not even--
Get in.
All right, fine.
if i should
fall behind you
if i'm too small to see
if i should get pulled under
would you come and rescue me
when every would-Be moment
is just a yesterday
and every star we wish on
is just a universe away
would you pull me
cross the water
would you push me
to the line
would you be the one
to hold me high
if i should fall behind
a boathouse row november
the river falls ahead
a feeling i remember
wishing you were here
instead
with every would-Be moment
is one more yesterday
and every star we wish on
is one more universe away
would you pull me
cross the water
would you push me
to the line
would you be the one
to hold me high
if i should fall behind
yeah
if i
if i,
if i
if i should fall behind
if i
if i,
if i
if i should fall behind
would you pull me
cross the water
would you push me
to the line
would you be the one
to hold me high
if i should fall behind
and beyond the blue horizon
one another we will find
and you'll be the one
to hold me high
if i should fall behind