The Lyricist Wannabe (2023) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The talent show was canceled because the event was overrun by unforeseen circumstances. Law Wing Sze and Chick had rewritten the lyrics to the theme song from Infernal Affairs for their performance, but the event itself became chaotic and had to be shut down before they could perform.

• talent show
• infernal affairs
• performance
• canceled

Mak is actually Wong Hiu Tung, the composer who originally responded to Sze's cold emails. He was using a pseudonym at school and later revealed his true identity when Sze reconnects with him during university. He had recognized her lyric-writing talent from her initial emails and was impressed by her work.

• Mak
• Wong Hiu Tung
• composer
• identity reveal

The 0243 is a Cantonese lyric writing method taught by Lo, a struggling lyricist whom Sze meets at a summer course. After recognizing Sze's potential, Lo reluctantly reveals this technique to help her refine her skills. It becomes a pivotal moment in Sze's development as a lyricist.

• 0243 method
• Lo
• lyric writing
• Cantonese
• technique

Zeke broke up with Sze because he felt she was prioritizing her career over their relationship. While on a university trip, Sze received news that a Taiwanese record label was interested in their demo, and Chris asked her to meet with producers. Zeke criticized her for chasing her dreams selfishly, leading to their breakup.

• Zeke
• breakup
• career
• relationship
• Taiwan

After Sze wins the gold prize in the lyric writing competition, she hears her song co-written with Chris being played on the radio with altered lyrics credited to a Taiwanese lyricist. This represents a betrayal of trust and highlights issues of authenticity in the music industry.

• demo
• stolen lyrics
• Taiwanese lyricist
• betrayal
• radio

Wong fired Sze after she approached Helencandy directly and offered to write lyrics for free, without going through proper channels. Wong was angered by Sze's overstepping boundaries. He told her that her talents may not be suited for a career as a lyricist, despite her dedication and efforts to prove herself.

• Wong
• Helencandy
• fired
• demo
• rejected

Hong Kong Free-riders was a ridesharing company where Sze worked after feeling disillusioned with her music career. The company hired her to write lyrics for their promotional advertisement. However, the drivers were arrested for illegal passenger transport, causing the business to shut down shortly after.

• Hong Kong Free-riders
• ridesharing
• company
• shutdown
• Kan

While on a working holiday in Taiwan, Sze hears the demo song she co-wrote with Mak playing on the radio in a convenience store. Overwhelmed with emotion, she tears up because the song represents her journey, her identity as a lyricist, and all the perseverance despite numerous setbacks. This moment reaffirms her commitment to pursuing her dreams.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Mak (who is Wong Hiu Tung) recognizes Sze's talent and they collaborate on the demo.

• Taiwan
• demo
• radio
• emotion
• tears
• convenience store

Chick confesses that her mother forced her to study abroad in Britain. This departure leaves Sze heartbroken because Chick was her best friend and creative partner in pursuing their shared dreams of songwriting. It represents a significant personal setback for Sze.

• Chick
• Britain
• study abroad
• friend
• left

Sze won the gold prize in a lyric writing competition jointly organized by Hong Kong record labels. Her victory earned her a contract as a professional lyricist, marking a significant achievement in her long journey toward her dream. However, this success was soon followed by disappointment when her lyrics were stolen.

• competition
• gold prize
• contract
• professional lyricist
• Hong Kong