What a Girl Wants

Seventeen-year-old Daphne Reynolds grows up above a vibrant restaurant in Chinatown, Manhattan. Her mother, Libby, a spirited wedding singer, plays a crucial role in sharing the family's colorful history and the complexities surrounding her father's identity.

Libby recounts her unconventional romance with Briton Henry Dashwood, which began in Morocco and led to an arranged marriage fraught with deception. This tumultuous relationship ultimately left Libby disillusioned, prompting her to leave Henry's world.

Curious about her father's enigmatic past, Daphne decides to travel to London, believing that connecting with him will unravel the mysteries of her family history. This journey serves as a pivotal moment in her path toward self-discovery.

Henry Dashwood, having renounced his noble title, works hard to build a career in politics, eyeing a seat in the House of Commons. He faces pressure from his advisors, especially the manipulative Alistair, who pushes for his marriage to Glynnis to reinforce their societal position.

Upon arriving in London, Daphne meets Ian Wallace, who shares her passion for music and dreams. Their friendship develops into a budding romance that inspires Daphne in her quest for self-acceptance and belonging.

Daphne's introduction to Henry creates ripples in his aristocratic world, notably affecting Glynnis and her daughter Clarissa. They plot to undermine Daphne, fearing her growing influence could disrupt their privileged lifestyle.

Daphne bravely confronts the elitist attitudes of British high society, particularly those threatened by her presence. This defiance helps her carve out her own distinct identity within a class-conscious society.

While engaging with the British elite, Daphne's lively antics create chaos in Henry's political campaign, prompting him to ask her to adopt a more refined persona. Unexpectedly, this charade boosts Henry's polling numbers, complicating their relationship.

During her debutante ball, hosted by Henry, Daphne overhears Alistair discussing his manipulative actions regarding her mother. This revelation sets off a series of events leading to Daphne being imprisoned by Glynnis to alter the father-daughter dance.

Just in time, Libby rescues Daphne from Glynnis’s deception. However, as they witness Henry dance with Clarissa instead, Daphne resolves to abandon her manufactured persona and return to her roots in the United States.

Henry discovers Alistair's betrayal and the truth about Libby's past, leading him to withdraw from the election. This shocking revelation opens a door for Daphne to approach her father without the constraints of societal expectations.

In a touching reunion at a wedding where Libby performs, Henry confesses his long-held love for Daphne. The emotion of the moment finally leads to the father-daughter dance that Daphne has always yearned for, completing her journey of acceptance.

Just as Daphne revels in her moment with Henry, Ian sweeps her onto the dance floor, bringing joy and connection back into her life. Meanwhile, Henry reconciles with Libby, deepening the family bonds previously strained by societal pressures.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Glynnis marries a dull nobleman while Clarissa ends up with Armistead, a man with dubious morals. Henry and Libby reaffirm their commitment during a traditional Bedouin ceremony, paving the way for Daphne's future at the University of Oxford.

The film concludes with a delightful family picnic in their backyard, symbolizing the newfound unity between Daphne, Henry, Libby, and Ian. This harmony underscores Daphne's evolution and her hopeful outlook into their shared future.