‘Wish You Were Here’ Review: Julia Stiles Directs a Surprisingly Subtle Spin on Romantic Weepies
In their mid-twenties, Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman), along with her friend Helen (Gabby Kono-Abdy), work at a run-down Mexican restaurant that isn’t popular among the locals. Their jobs, filled with tedious tasks like handling absurd customer complaints and being summoned by a bell on table flags, leave them feeling unfulfilled. Charlotte grapples with her sense of directionlessness, which is further complicated when her mother (Jennifer Grey) and father (Kelsey Grammer), both overly involved, try to guide her towards dating and discovering her purpose. She’s painfully conscious that she’s not reaching her full potential, but the thought of change fills her with apprehension.
Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman), aged around 25, works at an unpopular Mexican dive bar with her friend Helen (Gabby Kono-Abdy). They find their jobs monotonous, from dealing with ridiculous customer complaints to being summoned by a bell on a flag installed at the tables. Charlotte struggles to find her purpose and is frustrated because her overbearing mother (Jennifer Grey) and supportive father (Kelsey Grammer) keep encouraging her to date and discover herself. She knows she’s not living up to her potential, but the prospect of change makes her nervous.