Film Review: ‘Wish You Were Here’ is A Promising Filmmaking Debut From Julia Stiles

Not enough actresses are able to get the opportunity to direct. Now, we know that women in Hollywood are often being given short shrift, but it’s especially egregious here. So, seeing Julia Stiles get to write and direct her own project is exciting. With her debut Wish You Were Here, she’s adapted a book that hit her hard, hoping for audiences to feel the same way. While it’s flawed and inconsistent, there’s more than enough here to suggest that Stiles has a future as a filmmaker.

Wish You Were Here is the sort of tearjerker we’ve seen before, though the movie does the little things right. Between the strong soundtrack choices, a wonderful central turn by our heroine, and a confidence by Stiles as a director, any rough patches are easily smoothed over, leading to a largely enjoyable experience.

Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman) is a young woman currently searching for something in her life. She lives with her friend Helen (Gabby Kono-Abdy), working together at a crummy Mexican restaurant. Her parents (Jennifer Grey and Kelsey Grammer) worry about her, even if nothing is overtly wrong. Then, she encounters Adam (Mena Massoud). A meet cute leads to an all-night date that basically sweeps her off her feet. The next day, however, something is off. They go their separate ways, though Charlotte can’t shake him. He might have been just what she was looking for, but in short order, he’s out of the picture.

Then, Charlotte finds out why the date ended so oddly. Adam is terminally ill, which hits her like a ton of bricks. While Helen is moving out and starting a relationship, she’s drawn back to Adam, whose days are numbered. While a nice guy in Seth (Jimmie Fails) is patiently wooing her, Charlotte is trying to make Adam’s last days count. You probably know where it’s going, but Stiles and company make it a smooth ride.

Isabelle Fuhrman is wonderful here, playing up both the comedy and the drama of her character. Her chemistry with Mena Massoud is strong, as well as with Gabby Kono-Abdy. The latter is comic relief, largely, while the former proves to be a good romantic partner for this sort of a weepie. Jennifer Grey and Kelsey Grammer have their moments as Charlotte’s parents, though both are underserved by the material. In addition to a mostly wasted Jimmie Fails, the supporting cast includes Jordan Gavaris, though it’s Fuhrman’s show.

Julia Stiles writes and directs this adaptation of the Renée Carlino novel with supreme confidence. She knows how much the book means to her and is determined to have that rub off on viewers. The film manages to be very cute when it’s putting the charm on, while never feeling overly manipulative when the heavy drama kicks in. Stiles clearly was paying attention over the years. Whatever she makes next, count me in.

Wish You Were Here runs a little long and doesn’t go anywhere unexpected, but as a calling card for Julia Stiles behind the camera, it more than works. Isabelle Fuhrman is great, while Stiles clearly shows that she’s a filmmaker. The movie has more than enough to recommend, while also suggesting that this actress turned director is someone to watch…

SCORE: ★★★