Flying Lessons (2010 film)

Flying Lessons is a 2010 American drama film directed by Derek Magyar and starring Maggie Grace, Christine Lahti, Cary Elwes, Jonathan Tucker and Hal Holbrook.^[1][2]

Flying Lessons
Film poster
Directed by	Derek Magyar
Written by	Thomas Kuehl
Produced by	Jenny Hinkey Derek Magyar
Starring	Maggie Grace Christine Lahti Cary Elwes Jonathan Tucker Hal Holbrook
Cinematography	Joshua Hess
Edited by	Richard A. Harris
Music by	Jesse Glick
Production companies	Gran Via Productions Red Cam Studios SkinnyLee Productions
Distributed by	New Films Cinema
Release date	February 4, 2010 (2010-02-04) (Santa Barbara)
Running time	104 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot Summary

Sophie Conway, a young woman struggling with personal setbacks, reluctantly returns to her small hometown after an extended absence. Upon her arrival, she finds that her relationships have deteriorated - old friendships have withered, and her relationship with her mother Caroline remains tense and unresolved.

Feeling isolated and adrift, Sophie unexpectedly forms a bond with Harry Pleasant, an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Despite his progressive memory loss, Harry becomes an unlikely mentor and friend to Sophie. Through their conversations during his lucid moments, Harry shares life lessons and wisdom that help Sophie gain perspective on her own troubles.

As Sophie spends more time with Harry, she begins to see her hometown and her relationships through new eyes. The friendship forces her to confront her own fears about connection and commitment, while also helping her understand the importance of being present for the people who matter.

Meanwhile, Sophie must navigate the complicated process of rebuilding her relationship with her mother Caroline. Their interactions reveal years of accumulated hurt and misunderstanding, but also the possibility of healing and reconciliation.

The film reaches its emotional climax as Harry's condition worsens, forcing Sophie to face the reality of loss while applying the lessons he has taught her about love, forgiveness, and the fleeting nature of human connection. Through this experience, Sophie learns to embrace both the joy and pain that come with truly caring for others, ultimately finding the courage to rebuild her relationships and move forward with her life.^[3]

Cast

• Cary Elwes as Steven Jennings
• Maggie Grace as Sophie Conway
• Nikki DeLoach as Mila
• Joanna Cassidy as Totty Kuspert
• Christine Lahti as Caroline Conway
• Jonathan Tucker as Billy
• Hal Holbrook as Harry Pleasant