Be Somebody (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds in a quiet suburban town that offers a sharp contrast to the celebrity world Jordan Jaye comes from. The town is defined by a close-knit community and everyday routines, giving the film a grounded, small-town feel. A bowling alley serves as the main social hub where Jordan and Emily first connect away from the pressures of public life.

• setting
• suburban town
• bowling alley
• small town
• location

Jordan escapes to a close-knit suburban community where residents know each other and life moves at a calmer pace. The town reflects ordinary, everyday experiences that stand in stark contrast to the flashier environment of celebrity culture. This setting is essential to the movie because it gives Jordan room to explore who he is outside of his pop star identity.

• suburban community
• small town
• ordinary life
• jordan jaye
• celebrity contrast

The bowling alley functions as a casual, fun environment where Jordan and Emily meet and begin to connect without the weight of their respective pressures. It represents a neutral space away from the spotlight for Jordan and away from Emily's artistic ambitions. The setting highlights how a simple, everyday place can spark an unlikely friendship.

• bowling alley
• meeting place
• casual setting
• jordan emily

Be Somebody is set in contemporary times and captures the feel of modern teenage life. The story engages directly with present-day issues like social media presence and celebrity culture, which shape how young people see themselves and their futures. Because it is rooted in the present, the film's themes about identity and ambition feel current and relatable.

• contemporary
• modern era
• social media
• celebrity culture
• time period

Celebrity culture is a defining backdrop of the film, shaping how Jordan is perceived and how he sees himself. As a recognized pop star, Jordan constantly feels the pull of public expectations, which fuels his desire to escape and find something more authentic. The story uses fame not as a goal but as a pressure the main character wants to step away from.

• celebrity culture
• fame
• pop star
• jordan jaye
• public image

Be Somebody centers on three core themes: self-discovery, friendship, and creativity. The film explores how both leads search for identity beyond their current roles, how a genuine friendship can grow between very different people, and how creative expression empowers individuals to shape their own futures. Together, these themes give the story its warm, coming-of-age tone.

• themes
• self-discovery
• friendship
• creativity
• coming of age

Self-discovery drives both lead characters in different ways. Jordan, despite his fame, searches for a sense of purpose and identity beyond his pop star persona, seeking genuine connections that fame cannot provide. Emily, meanwhile, learns to embrace her artistic talents and commit to her dream of attending art school, growing into her own potential. The theme shows that finding yourself can happen at any stage of life.

• self-discovery
• identity
• personal growth
• jordan jaye
• emily lowe

Jordan Jaye is a teenage pop star played by Matthew Espinosa, known publicly for his music but privately struggling with the superficiality of fame. Beneath his celebrity status, he is a thoughtful and vulnerable young man who craves real connection and a sense of meaning beyond the stage. His journey in the film is about finding authenticity outside of the spotlight.

• jordan jaye
• pop star
• matthew espinosa
• main character
• celebrity

Emily Lowe, played by Sarah Jeffery, is an aspiring artist with a passion for street art and a strong creative identity. On the surface she seems uninterested in celebrity, but she has a rich inner world shaped by her art and her dream of attending art school. Through her bond with Jordan, she gains the confidence to commit to her ambitions and step into her own as an artist.

• emily lowe
• aspiring artist
• street art
• sarah jeffery
• art school

Emily's interest in street art is the film's main expression of creativity and self-empowerment. The act of tagging the school symbolizes both rebellion against expectations and a declaration of identity, showing that art can be a way to claim space and be seen. In the larger story, her art becomes a catalyst for personal change and a bridge that brings her closer to Jordan.

• street art
• tagging
• creativity
• rebellion
• emily lowe
• self-expression

Friendship is the emotional backbone of the film, showing how a real bond can form between two people from very different worlds. As Jordan and Emily share their dreams and struggles, their connection evolves into a source of mutual support that pushes both of them toward their goals. The theme emphasizes that genuine relationships matter more than status or image.

• friendship
• bond
• mutual support
• relationship
• jordan emily

Jordan and Emily come from very different worlds, he is a famous pop star and she is a grounded local artist with no patience for celebrity culture. Their dynamic starts with Emily's indifference to his fame, which challenges Jordan's expectations and forces him to be genuine rather than performing. Over time, their contrasting perspectives allow each of them to see life differently and grow.

• jordan emily
• dynamic
• contrast
• unlikely connection
• romance