Breathe In

Keith Reynolds is a high school music teacher in a small town who feels trapped by his job and by family responsibilities. He resents teaching and yearns to return to being a professional musician in the city. His wife Megan rejects this plan due to financial uncertainty, so the dream remains unfulfilled.

The Reynolds family hosts Sophie from England for one semester, giving her a place to stay and adjust to American life. Her arrival foreshadows new tensions as she navigates distance from Manhattan and homesickness. The house becomes a testing ground for loyalties and desires.

Sophie reveals to Keith that she is an accomplished musician and explains how her uncle's recent death has robbed her of purpose. The conversation deepens their connection as they discuss what it means to play and perform.

Keith admits he has set aside his own performances to protect his family's stability. He makes a conscious choice not to play, hoping to preserve the life he has built.

They spend time alone at the house talking about music, life, and dreams, and their bond grows into a non-romantic closeness. The friendship crosses boundaries as they explore shared artistic passions.

Lauren learns about her father's affair with Sophie and becomes furious at both of them. In a moment of anger, she assaults Sophie while she sleeps, forcing a crisis that upends the household.

Sophie panics after the confrontation and tells Keith she must leave. They discuss the possibility of running away together, which complicates the family's loyalties.

Keith and Sophie decide to run away together and plan to meet in New York City after a performance, packing their things in anticipation. The plan shows how far Keith's desire to escape has driven him.

Lauren, angry at her father and spurned by a boy, gets drunk and crashes her car. The crash precipitates a new crisis that draws the family into a shared danger.

Megan confronts Keith about Sophie and their plans, smashing objects around the house in anger. A phone call arrives telling her that Lauren is hurt and in hospital, pulling her attention away from the drama at home.

After his performance, Keith meets Sophie to finalize their plan to run away, loading the car and sharing a tense, hopeful smile. A sudden text from Megan interrupts with news about Lauren, forcing Keith to rush to the hospital.

The family gathers for a final photo shoot; Lauren is physically fine with a scar near her eye, providing a reminder of the crisis. Keith decides to return to Megan and the family, while Sophie has gone away.