‘Wish You Were Here’ Review: Julia Stiles Directs a Surprisingly Subtle Spin on Romantic Weepies

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Renée Carlino’s novel “Wish You Were Here” offers a template for a heartfelt romance that might initially seem overly sweet or sentimental. The story revolves around a tragic love affair, an overwhelming illness, and a young woman grappling with life-altering decisions. Instead of following in the footsteps of “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Dying Young,” or typical Nicholas Sparks tales, director Julia Stiles crafts something original. As both actor and filmmaker, she infuses the narrative with a poignant emotional honesty, from its dreamlike romantic elements to the intricate nuances of the characters’ relationships.

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.

One evening, Adam (Mena Massoud) wanders into Charlotte and Helen’s neighborhood while they’re comforting themselves outside. In a serendipitous turn of events, he offers Helen some expensive takeout and asks Charlotte out spontaneously. They hit it off immediately, spending the night flirting, enjoying each other’s company in Adam’s bohemian apartment, and discussing their future plans. However, by morning, Adam behaves differently and ends things between them abruptly. Months pass, and despite her efforts to move on with Seth (Jimmie Fails), a well-meaning football mascot hopeful, Charlotte can’t seem to forget about Adam. Eventually, she discovers the reason for his abrupt departure: He underwent brain tumor surgery and has limited time left.

At this stage of the movie, the main themes start to come together, although they might seem to wander a bit in the second act. The story’s essence isn’t about Charlotte finding love or success in her career, but rather her uncovering an inner strength that reveals the purpose of her life. While it feels a bit cliche for her to embody the popular TikTok phrase “The Girl Who Is ‘Going to Be Okay,'” her character development might resonate strongly with young adult viewers on a personal level. Both characters, Adam and Charlotte, initially meet as lost individuals (Adam more literally so since he’s first seen wandering her neighborhood). Charlotte helps him by giving love, while Adam helps her discover her life’s purpose through his selflessness.

The film’s themes become clearer around the middle, though it might seem a bit rambling at times. The story isn’t about finding love or success for Charlotte, but rather her discovery of inner strength that reveals why she’s here. While it seems cliche for her to symbolize the popular TikTok phrase “The Girl Who Is ‘Going to Be Okay,'” her journey might touch young adult viewers personally. Both characters, Adam and Charlotte, first meet as lost people (Adam more literally so). Charlotte helps him with love, while Adam helps her find her life’s purpose by being selfless.

Stiles and Carlino skillfully guide the film away from emotional over-exaggeration and excessive humor, grounding it in a realistic, heartfelt authenticity. Initially, the beginning might seem uneven, but as the story progresses, there’s a clear effort to maintain control and avoid exaggeration. The characters of Charlotte’s mother and Helen are toned down from being potentially grating, instead coming off as endearingly sweet and well-meaning. Chucky, portrayed by Jordan Gavaris, isn’t a stereotypical ’80s bully, but rather maintains a hint of respect for that character type.

Despite Stiles having directed a short film and series previously, her first feature-length directorial effort is generating excitement for what’s to come. She skillfully weaves an enchanting escape within the storyline by initially making us emotionally invested in the couple’s doomed romance. Working alongside cinematographer Ryan De Franco and editor Melody London, she exhibits a visual finesse during the romantic sequences. From utilizing bright lighting effects to strategic lens selections that intensify our focus on the couple, they successfully elevate the romance and make the undertones of sadness resonate deeply. Moreover, the filmmakers’ portrayal of death, symbolized by the erasure of a mural the lovers create during their first date, communicates powerfully through cinematic language.

In “Orphan: First Kill,” Fuhrman, who acted alongside Stiles, brings both elegance and fragility to her character. She delicately portrays Charlotte’s doubts using soft strokes, thereby giving depth to the character’s complex emotions. Furhman and Massoud share a sparkling chemistry on screen. Although it’s primarily Furhman’s role, Massoud gets plenty of chances to showcase his versatility. He uses his captivating allure in lighter scenes, while tugging at our heartstrings during the more melancholic moments. Kono-Abdy and Grey also deliver standout performances, adding humor and compassion to their supporting roles.

Wish You Were Here” manages to miraculously turn a couple’s clichéd act into a profoundly romantic moment by the movie’s conclusion. The title is derived from what Charlotte writes on the remains of Adam’s mural, symbolizing her longing for him that feels etched onto her heart. While the impression of this film might not linger as long as memories of a lost love, it certainly lives up to the nostalgic charm suggested by its title.

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2025-01-16 17:17