["Hold Me Closer" by Elton John and Britney Spears plays]
[young woman] My name is Harriet Manners,
and I am a geek.
Being a model was never my dream.
With so many people, lights and colours,
the fashion world was so overwhelming.
I'd spent my life trying to be invisible, trying to fit in.
Until I got discovered,
and invisibility became an impossibility.
[acclamations, indistinct chatter]
I always knew I was wired differently than everyone else.
But they just called me "geek" and I guess it sort of stuck.
[♪♪]
But when all you've ever wanted is to fit in,
sometimes to change your life, you have to stand out.
♪ Hold me closer, tiny dancer ♪
♪ Count the headlights on the highway… ♪
This is a story
for anyone who's ever wanted to be someone different.
And I'm guessing that's most of us.
It isn't a makeover… [gasps]
…it's a full metamorphosis.
[schoolmate, giggling] Falling over your own feet again, Geek Girl.
[Harriet] And full disclosure,
I spend a lot of it on the floor.
Geek. Noun. Informal.
A person who feels compelled to look up the word "geek"
in a dictionary.
And also actually owns a dictionary.
Geek.
A socially inept or unfashionable person.
Got dressed out of lost property again, Spanners?
[giggles]
[Harriet] Geek.
An obsessive enthusiast.
[video narration] From dogs to dinosaurs, trees to Tyrannosaurus Rex,
the atoms inside your body will have previously been part
of every type of living thing.
[Harriet] This is where I go to school. Five days a week.
Where I try to blend in seamlessly.
Or not.
Like my next-door neighbour Toby.
And where my non-existent social skills are pushed to their limits.
At least I have my best friend, Nat.
That's her by the way.
You see, I'm the kind of person
who regularly gets called into our headmaster's office…
Harriet Manners…
[Harriet] …not to be told off, but to be commended.
This is inspiring work.
If only the rest of my students were as dedicated.
[school bell ringing]
[rock music]
[PA] Good afternoon, students! Couple of announcements.
A reminder to our brilliant competition winners…
8B Textiles class,
representing Hollybridge at London Fashion Week this weekend
to get your consent forms signed!
No forms, no bus!
And after reviewing the entries for Bronte week,
I am delighted to announce our Bronte Week winner is…
Harriet Manners.
Oh, so Spanners wins again.
[headmaster] Congratulations, Harriet!
[Harriet] But don't worry, my entire life is about to change.
And frankly… it's about time.
[theme music]
[woman] Harriet! Time to go!
[Harriet] Okay, focus, you're doing this for Nat.
[woman] You should wear the bumblebee shirt.
[man] Don't you think it gives me a bit of a belly?
[woman] No. And I like your belly. It's cute.
[man] Cute? Just what every nearly 40-year-old man wants to hear.
-[woman] Dashing. Suave. -[man] Yes.
[woman] Devastating.
Why can't you two just politely loathe each other like normal parents?
You look very cool today, sweetheart.
I do not, Annabel.
And if you mean "calm and collected," then… not even close.
Sugar cookies.
If my 40-year-old stepmom thinks I look cool,
I've got it wrong… yet again.
[indistinct muttering]
What's Toby up to?
Always a mystery.
Probably just rehearsing his talent show bit again…
I'm Toby. But I am?
I am… Yes.
I am Toby Pilgrim, and today I'll be performing Space Dust Legend,
a one-man show about time travelling King Arthur!
-Oh, felicitations, fair maiden. -What?
What "fair maiden" or what "felicitations"?
Not now, Toby. The bus leaves for fashion week in ten minutes.
I am aware of the parameters.
Have you given any more thought to a guest appearance?
The part of Queen Guinevere is…
yours for the… taking… [sighs]
[door creaking]
[rock music playing]
-Morning, Nat. -Morning, everyone.
-Have you had breakfast? -Um, Mum made her smoothies.
Mm! Come on, we need to go.
Hustle that muscle…
[indistinct whispering]
Our phones will be on. Message any time.
And don't just eat the crisps and leave the sandwiches.
They'll have a wonderful time.
It's gonna be epic, okay?
[Harriet] Bye!
[both] Bye!
["Reach Out For The Sky" by LIBERATI plays]
You okay?
"Wonderful," apparently.
I love you, Nat, but these necklaces are ancient.
We should probably stop doing this in public.
♪ Just let her spread her wings and fly… ♪
It's going to be too much for her.
No. She'll be fine.
She's with Nat… what could possibly go wrong?
♪ Reach out for the, reach out, grab it… ♪
[indistinct chatter]
["Gonna Be A Sunny Day" by Richard Mead plays]
Pilgrim!
Where's your weird little girlfriend?
Good morning, Lexi!
Olives. Harriet's on her way,
but for clarification, we're not romantically involved.
I have yet to reach that section of my personal narrative arc.
And what section are you at, Tobes?
Hm? Is it the one where you're a total freak, forever?
-[laughing] -Yeah. Like, forever.
That's the plan.
Urgh, I literally can't. Let's go.
♪ …It's gonna be a sunny day ♪
♪ Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ♪
♪ It's gonna be a sunny day ♪
♪ Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh… ♪
[panting]
Harriet, how are you this unfit?
We have the same PE classes.
[coughing] My talents lie in less aerobic activities.
Like… like an oyster.
♪ …Da da da da da da da day ♪
Ah, sorry guys. We normally sit here.
Now I know this is exciting,
but as I would prefer
not to lose any of you and therefore my job,
a head count is essential…
Miss? I fear two fellows of our valiant crew have yet to arrive.
Would you sit down?! It's like Whack-A-Mole!
♪ …Da da da da da da da day ♪
♪ Woo da da da da day ♪
♪ Da da da da da da da day ♪
♪ Whoa oh oh oh oh oh ♪
♪ Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ♪
♪ It’s gonna be a sunny day… ♪
-Now that's dedication, Nat. -[panting] Oh, for fashion, Miss. Always.
Oh, we still need to wait for Harriet…
♪ …It’s gonna be a sunny day ♪♪
[coughs]
[indistinct chatter]
[coughs]
-Do you wanna… -Argh!
[panting]
Take a seat, please, Harriet.
First seat you see.
Uh, no thanks. You're sweating like a pig.
Actually, pigs don't use sweat glands to regulate body temperature.
Uh, why are you even on this trip?
It isn't like you know anything about fashion.
[Harriet] Actually, I know the word "fashion"
comes from the Latin for "to make" but don't say it.
-Don't say it… -Harriet!
Seat. Now.
Sorry. Sorry, Miss.
Ugh!
[laughing]
-And… post! -[camera shutter clicks]
[Harriet] People who hate Harriet Manners.
In first position, we have Lexi Roberts.
Closely followed by her minions, The Olives…
Ollie and Liv.
[Teacher] So unnecessary, come on.
You okay?
Yeah, just all my nightmares coming true at the same time.
[Ollie whispers]
[Nat] Listen, I'm here, okay?
If you need anything give me the sign.
Not now, you doofus.
Now we're already behind schedule so if you could all listen up
for a quick health and safety briefing…
[Nat] Wilbur Evans, the modelling agent that's going to discover me.
You only need one break…
Gisele was spotted in a McDonald's, you know.
Karlie Kloss was at a mall.
Jourdan Dunn was in a Primark.
And… Alek Wek was at a market.
Yeah… how do you know all that?
I do sometimes listen to you when you talk, you know?
Be careful with that, Pilgrim!
It is ill-advised to keep bags in the gangways.
In an emergency, they can become a trip hazard, so…
[gasp]
-[students shouting] -Pilgrim!
[laughter]
-Ew… -What is that?
Spirulina smoothie.
With lemongrass.
It's um… it's good for intestinal health.
Both of you get to lost property and find something to wear.
Quickly! We're already late.
["Pretty Girl Era" by LU KALA plays]
♪ I don't care, I'm in my pretty girl era ♪
♪ I'ma stare when I see myself in the mirror, oh-oh ♪
♪ 'Tis the season, it's that hottie time of the year… ♪
Now please keep your passes on at all times.
Next Generation Showcase starts in ten minutes.
Thanks, Miss!
Inspiring the next generation.
My apologies really are infinite.
You're disgusting.
Well, that's a separate issue.
You drink pond water.
Well, let's not blame the smoothie, here.
[scoffing] Stay… away… from me.
Come on, Nat. I mean, he didn't mean it.
Plus I think we look quite cool! Athletic.
We do not look "cool," Harriet.
Nothing about this looks cool. Do I look like a model to you?
-Um… -Maybe a table football model?
I was not talking to you. Leave us.
Bye, Toby.
Looking good, Bend It Like Beckhams.
Nice bag, loser.
Aw…again? I mean…
Well, actually… maybe I'm just a… a really big fan
of ancient history! Actually.
[indistinct chatter]
["All My Dreams" by Helena plays]
[Nat] This is where I get my big break.
[Harriet] Here we go.
London Fashion Week, Nat's biggest dream come true.
And very much not mine.
How am I going to talk to agents looking like this?
I look like a highlighter!
Well, at least you'll be easy to spot.
Yeah, but that outfit took me two weeks to prepare, Harriet.
-Two weeks! -I know, but um,
but no one hopped into a wardrobe looking for Narnia.
Everyone thought that Harry Potter was an ordinary boy.
Mary Poppins was supposed to be a regular nanny.
Okay, and what does made-up worlds and wizardry
have to do with me getting scouted as a model?
Magic comes when you're not looking for it, Nat.
[sighing] OK.
Well, I might need to give the magic a helping hand.
So I'm going to find the loos. And I'll meet you on the FROW.
-OK, uh, the… f…? -The Front Row, Harriet!
[cheering and excited shouting behind]
[Harriet] Who in the world is that?!
♪ …All my dreams come true ♪
♪ All my dreams come true Now I got ♪
♪ Penthouse with the valet All the whips… ♪
Wait… did he actually just look at me?
♪ …Ain’t no stopping it ♪
♪ Money always answer when I’m calling it ♪
♪ Oooh oh oh oh… ♪
[music continues muffled]
[ music sound increases]
♪ Made ‘em real all of my dreams ♪♪
[indistinct chatter]
Yeah, get me in, get me in. Ready for Fashion Week!
I think you're done, darling.
-Marvelous. -I love it.
Oh…
Wilbur, angel.
Val Garland.
Oof, don't look at me, I'm hideous.
Now, if I'd known I'd be in the presence of an icon, today,
I'd have made an actual effort.
You will let me know when you make that effort,
won't you, darling?
I'll give you a heads up when I plan to look as fabulous as you.
Deal, darling, deal.
Nick, baby. Can you get me a reverse osmosis water?
-They only have mineral. -Uh. There's OJ?
I'm about to walk and you want me to drink juice?
Betty, would you mind sourcing some moderately temperatured water
for lovely Poppy here?
[sighs] Thank you so much, Barbara.
It's uh, Betty.
Sorry, always forget.
You see, I know the FROW loves a tangible air of misery…
but uh… hey, what's going on here, brother?
-What is this? -Nothing.
Right… I would love to stay and chat
but these new Infinity models won't scout themselves.
Catch up… after you've dazzled with the walkie walkies?
I'm a model, not a dog, Wilbur.
Let's throw a ball and see what happens.
I'm off to scout the next star!
Let's kick it, Betty!
[announcement] Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin.
[heartbeat thumping]
[Harriet] Breathe, Harriet.
Breathe. Ignore the lights.
And the sounds.
And the people. And the frills.
So many frills!
Her. Redhead.
Giving alien superstar vibes. Let's go!
[Harriet] I just need to find a table to hide under.
Sorry. Where'd she go?
[Harriet] Or just find something interesting to focus on. Anything.
["Connection" by Elastica plays]
[♪♪]
♪ Riding on any wave ♪
♪ That is the luck you crave… ♪
[Harriet] Why is the veil at the back?
That makes zero sense!
[indistinct chatter]
And it doesn't even protect you from the sun.
Seriously, you had one job, hat!
♪ …But somehow the vital connection is made ♪
Nice hair.
[Nat, gasping] Wilbur Evans.
[sighs] This is it.
♪ Riding on anything ♪
♪ Anything's good enough… ♪
Wilbur Evans. Natalie Grey.
Your number one fan and maybe your next biggest find?
I know you're scouting models here and…
Hello, Girl with Surprisingly Strong Grip. Heaven to meet you.
-But I'm just looking for someone. -Yeah, well… I am someone!
Uh… oh.
You are beautiful.
Stunning in fact.
But darling, this is fashion.
Beautiful and stunning, just isn't enough.
I'm looking for something unique.
[soft dramatic music]
[exhales deeply]
[rock music resumes]
[Harriet, singing] ♪ I'm… too sexy for my hat ♪
♪ Too sexy for my hat ♪
♪ What d'you think about that? ♪
["Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand starts playing]
-That's Nick Park? -Yeah.
Ahem!
I know fashion is about experimentation
but you cannot be serious!
Take it off… now!
You cannot actually touch these.
I'm so sorry! Um…
[curator gasps] [crashing]
[crowd exclaims]
[indistinct chatter]
Is that Spanners?
[Harriet] Great.
More to add to the "People Who Hate Harriet Manners" list.
Everyone at London Fashion Week!
[gasping] Bingo, Betty… one o'clock, go, go, go!
Go! Your best Usain Bolt.
Run! Run, Betty, run!
[laughing]
[Wilbur] Sorry!
I didn't mean to, I promise I really didn't mean it.
Wilbur Evans.
And I'm… I'm… Betty.
Are you okay?
Um…
-I'm sorry… -What's your name?
[Harriet] Um…
Disgraceful behaviour.
-Yeah! -I'm dead. Stop.
[Wilbur] Perhaps we should get you somewhere you can catch your breath?
Would you mind holding this for a second?
-[laughing] -Yes! Take her away, security!
[Wilbur] Let's go.
Your sporty tiara.
I'm only sixteen… and my name is Harriet Manners,
and I'd really like to call my step-mum.
Her name is Annabel, and she's a lawyer…
-She's actually my lawyer… -OK, just sit down, please.
-[phone dialling] -[Harriet] Pick up! Pick up! Pick up!
Thank you.
[soft music]
[phone buzzing]
Hi, you've reached Annabel. Please leave a message aft--
["No Way" by Greg Hatwell plays loudly]
[phone buzzing]
Congratulations, you've reached the awesome phone of Richard Manners.
Please leave your number after the beep.
Beep!
No, not that beep… there's a real beep coming.
-[beeping] -Dad.
I'm going to need you to come post bail.
Welcome to dreamland!
If we can just take a few quick photos here…
Mugshots?! Um…
Are the mugshots really necessary, I didn't, um…
They're called headshots, daffodil.
Mugshots… you kids.
[whispering] Oh, my darling.
You've just been discovered! [giggles]
Congratulations.
We're being so quick today, I love it.
Um, I can't have just been "discovered."
I was very clearly already here.
Uh-uh, honey, this… this is giving sporty offspring
of an alien and a tree frog. Slay.
What did you just…
Um…
Oh… no. No, no, no. No, no, no, no!
I need to find my friend Nat,
she's perfect for this, actually… not me.
Have you seen her? We're wearing the exact same thing.
Oh. I thought there might be eleven of you.
Like a football team. Hmm…
She's not really what I'm looking for, I'm afraid.
But you, our mini macaroon.
You've just stepped beyond the velvet rope.
Heck, I'll say it. We're the best agency in town.
Hum… I, I'm sure you are.
But this is very much Nat's dream and very much not mine.
I'm only here because my class won a competition.
You won a…? She won a competition?!
-♪ Perfection ♪ -[both hum]
[Harriet] What is happening right now?
-Betty, take a note. -Yes!
-It'll be amazing for the press release… -I really do need to go.
-I have to find Nat. -No, no, no, no!
-I just… you… -No, sir.
-Uh… -Good day, sir.
He's got really lovely hair.
[Harriet] Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
That can't have just happened.
Okay… breathe, Harriet, breathe.
Just find Nat and never ever ever tell her
what happened in there.
It would totally destroy her.
[pants]
Hey. Everything alright?
[Harriet] Oh, for the love of… say something cool.
No! Say something smart.
Say something sophisticated.
It's you.
Nope. Not that.
Hey. Look. What happened in there…
it could happen to anyone.
Has it ever happened to you?
No. But I avoid hats at all costs.
It's very nice hair.
Sort of like a lion's mane.
Smooth.
Thank you, uh…
[Harriet] Name, name? What's my name?
Um…
Harriet Manners.
A handshake? Seriously?
Hello, Harriet Manners. It's nice to formally meet you.
I'm Nick Park.
Nick Park.
A name I can see being scribbled in many journals over the coming days.
Uh, It's nice to meet… you too.
[woman] Hey, Nick, we need you.
Hey, I gotta…
[awkward laugh]
["The Girl Who Fell to Earth" by Gaz Coombes plays]
♪ She gets her kicks from science ♪
♪ Oooh, ooh ♪
♪ Oooh, oooooh… ♪
-Hey! -Where did you go?
Er… don't worry about it. Come on.
♪ …It's hard to see, it's not enough ♪
♪ When you're blinded by computer love… ♪
-Oh, Betty. -She's a star.
-She just doesn't know it yet. -Totally.
♪ …So tear it down and play it rough… ♪
[Harriet] Except here's the thing about stars…
they're born out of chaos.
And a whole lot of mess.
But once we start shining,
the universe is never quite the same again.
♪ …How I wish we could start over ♪
♪ Oooh, oooooh ♪
♪ Oooh, oooooh, oh ♪
♪ You wear your elastic heart on your chewed up sleeve ♪
♪ Oooooh, ooh ♪
♪ Ooooh, oooh, woah woah ♪
♪ First you cry and then you laugh ♪
♪ You're like a circle, cut in half ♪
♪ Another night of broken sleep ♪
♪ I'll comfort you, I'll warm your dreams ♪
♪ But you've still got time, my warrior child ♪
♪ When the storm starts it's only on the outside ♪
♪ At times we couldn't see the light ♪
♪ We only wipe our tears dry ♪
♪ I know you're there, I know it's you ♪
♪ The girl inside is breaking through ♪
♪ I know you're there, I know it's you ♪
♪ The girl inside is breaking through ♪
♪ The girl who fell to earth ♪
♪ Oooh, ooooh ♪
♪ Oooh, ooooh ♪♪
Subtitling: difuze