In the latter part of Juno, the sixteen-year-old and very pregnant Juno MacGruff comes home and walks into the kitchen, where her dad is sitting at the kitchen table. He notices something is amiss, and questions her.I love this scene from Juno, especially how the conversation turns from one about love between a man and woman to the unfathomably deep love of a father for his daughter. It reminds me of a favorite story of mine—and knowing the Father's love, (for me at least) that's a life-changing, beautiful thing that underlies everything else.
Juno MacGuff: I just need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy forever.
Mac MacGuff: Well, it’s not easy, that’s for sure. And, uh, I don’t have the best track record in the world, I know. But I’ve been with your stepmother for 10 years now and, um, I’m proud to say we’re very happy.
He pauses.
Mac: Look, in my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly who you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you. The right person’s still gonna think the sun shines out your a**.
Juno laughs.
Mac: That’s the kind of person that’s worth sticking with.
Juno: Yeah. Yeah, and I think I’ve found that person.
Mac (looking at her): Yeah, sure you have—your dear old D-A-D.
Juno stammers, a little uncomfortable. She had been referring to a boy she loves.
Mac (seriously): You know I’ll always be there to love you and support you no matter what kind of pickle you’re in.
He looks at Juno—for whom he's not only verbally expressed but also demonstrated love throughout the film—and smiles.
Mac: Obviously.
Juno looks at him and then gets up from the table.
Juno: Dad, I think I’m just gonna, like, shove out for a sec, but I won’t be home late.
Mac: Okay.
He pauses, looking up at Juno.
Mac (with veiled humor): You were talking about me right?
Juno (trying to be authentic, nods reassuringly): Oh, yeah.
Mac chuckles to himself as Juno walks out.
(Image: screen capture from Juno, copyright Fox Searchlight Pictures)