Wish You Were Here

[L-R] Isabelle Fuhrman as “Charlotte” and Mena Massoud as “Adam” in the romance film WISH YOU WERE HERE, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

Wish You Were Here is a brilliantly written, brilliantly directed, and brilliantly acted film. If you hadn’t guessed yet… it is brilliant.

If you’ve seen the trailer for this film, then you know what you’re getting into when you watch it. If you haven’t, then I highly recommend having tissues at the ready. When I finished the film and my wife found me sobbing in my office, the only way I could think to describe the film was as role reversed version of A Walk to Remember – one of my all time favourite films.

I fell in love with this story, and it kind of took on a life of its own since I first read the book. It is a story of young love, dating and finding connection, but it touches on something deeper. The main characters play this game of imagining a relationship and future together, often as though they are an older couple looking back on a lifetime of memories. I seized on that as a way to playfully explore themes of romance, dating, marriage, relationships, love, etc. We should be so lucky to be able to spend a lifetime with the person we love.

Julia Stiles, writer / director

For a directorial debut, Julia Stiles hit the ball out of the park with this one. Every scene is beautifully shot and every moment tenderly captured. It is impossible to tell that this is her first time directing a film because the composition is perfect. I was able to watch the film’s entire 99 minute run without picking up a device or checking my watch to see how long was left. I was enthralled from start to finish and that was because I felt like I was in the film, the way it came together made me a part of it.

The cast helped with that in so many ways. Isabelle Fuhrman (Charlotte) and Mena Massoud (Adam) were both picture perfect in their roles. None of the cast felt like your typical indie film cast, which I find usually has one or two weak links. This one had none, everyone did an amazing job. Massoud embodied his role. There were times that I was worried for his safety because he came across as if he were truly dying. It was an incredibly powerful performance that his character came off as so incredibly weak, but still charming and charismatic and it all felt real. The star, however, was Fuhrman. The camera loved her and she shone whenever she was on screen. She was equal parts tender and tough as the scenes called for it and the emotion she displayed was next level. If I was handing out awards for performances, every one of them would go to her. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Seeing Wish You Were Here come to life for the screen has been an absolutely surreal experience. It was complete magic! I was reminded of why I’ve always been obsessed with film and “story.” When I learned Julia wanted to direct the film, I was elated. I always knew Julia was a fan of the written word and a person who understood “story.” I had no doubts that she would be able to bring the words to life in a beautiful way. Having been on sets and stages since she was a child has given her this wisdom and decisiveness. When I saw her on set, in her element, directing with such compassion, such calm and confidence, I knew it was meant to be.

Renée Carlino, writer

It must be mentioned that this film is based on a book by Renée Carlino who worked on the script with Julia Stiles. That’s right… Stiles didn’t just direct the film, she also co-wrote it.

I don’t want to spoil this movie, so I don’t think that I’m going to say too much else. Let’s leave it with the following. This is my favourite film that I’ve seen so far this year. I know that we’re still early in the year, but I suspect it will stay up there all year. There are 5 indie films that I always recommend to people and now that list has grown to 6. It shook me to my core and left me in a puddle of my own tears, yet I already can’t wait to see it again. The cast was amazing, the story was incredible, and Julia Stiles proved that she can direct a film alongside the best of them.

Wish You Were Here was released in theatres on January 17.

Wish You Were Here

Movie title: Wish You Were Here

Movie description: Julia Stiles makes her directorial debut in a brilliantly warm and romantic film based on the bestselling novel, Wish You Were Here. Isabelle Forman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey and Kelsey Grammer star in a fascinating movie about leaving the everyday world behind to take a chance on true romance. When the perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning, Charlotte searches for answers and meaning in her disappointing life until she uncovers a secret that changes everything.

Date published: 2025-01-17

Director(s): Julia Stiles

Actor(s): Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jimmie Fails, Gabby Kono-Abdy, Jennifer Grey, Kelsey Grammer

Genre: Romance

Overall
5
  • Overall
  • Cry Factor