Wish You Were Here

As I get older, dating seems to be getting harder and harder, and it feels like my options are dwindling. But moving to New York City might be the fix I need—after all, it’s the city where single people bump into each other at every turn, sparks fly, and suddenly, they’re single no more. At least, that’s what countless romantic movies have led me to believe. And honestly, I’ll happily keep eating them up as they’re served. Julia Stiles is ready to dish out another one with her directorial debut, Wish You Were Here. This, however, isn’t your ordinary love story—it’s one that will make you appreciate what you already have.

Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman) has a life in the city that’s far from perfect, but it’s enough to make her happy. She works as a waitress alongside her best friend (Gabby Kono-Adby) as they navigate single life and try to figure out their futures. But Charlotte’s life is about to take a new direction when she and her friend bump into Adam (Mena Massoud) on the street. Adam looks lost, and playful flirting ensues. Though they part ways, Charlotte gets a second chance to connect with Adam when she steps back out into the night.

It’s then that Adam convinces Charlotte to grab a drink with him, and their evening turns into a magical, unexpected night of romance. By morning, Charlotte feels like she’s found something special. But confusion causes her to leave, with no plans to see Adam again. Little does she know, Adam has a secret: he’s terminally ill. When Charlotte learns the truth, she’s determined to reunite with him and make his remaining time truly memorable.

Written by Renée Carlino and Julia Stiles, Wish You Were Here is based on Carlino’s book, which left a deep impression on Stiles during her reading. Stiles set out to capture that same emotional resonance in the film, hoping viewers would feel as moved as she did by the story. While it didn’t quite hit me that way, there’s still plenty here worth watching.

The film takes its time, keeping the two would-be lovers apart for much of the runtime—they don’t reunite until nearly the 50-minute mark. Instead, it relies heavily on the magic of their one special night together, emphasizing its significance. Because of this, the story spends a lot of time on the potential romance, which only has a small payoff, leaving it feeling more like a tale of what could have been than what we actually get.

Wish You Were Here follows a predictable path, avoiding the darker subject matter it could have explored more deeply. While the film might have been more profound and emotionally resonant if it had taken that risk, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The chemistry between Fuhrman and Massoud is undeniable, and their performances make them feel like a real couple. Fuhrman shines, showcasing her dramatic and comedic talents, while Massoud matches her energy beautifully. The supporting cast, led by Kelsey Grammer and Jennifer Grey, also deliver some solid performances.

Despite its drawbacks, including running a little long, Wish You Were Here makes up for what it lacks in emotional depth with charm and sweetness. Stiles demonstrates her potential as a director, leaving me excited for whatever she decides to tackle next. Ultimately, thanks to Stiles’ direction and Fuhrman’s standout performance, Wish You Were Here overcomes its struggles and offers enough heart to entertain and resonate.