WISH YOU WERE HERE

(director/writer: Julia Stiles; screenwriters: Renee Carlino/based on the novel “Wish You Were Here” by Renée Carlino; cinematographer: Ryan De Franco; editor: Melody London; music: Vanessa Carlton, John Joseph McCauley III; cast: Isabelle Fuhrman (Charlotte), Mena Massoud (Adam), Gabby Kono (Helen), Jimmie Fails (Seth), Kelsey Grammer (Dad), Jennifer Grey (Mother), Jane Stiles (Stacy), Jordan Gavaris (Chucky); Runtime: 99; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producers: Molly Conners, Amanda Bowers, Gabby Kono, Rick Dugdale, Julia Stiles, Jane Sinisi, Siena Oberman; Lionsgate; 2025)

“Romantic weepie.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The actress Julia Stiles in her feature film debut as writer/director is stuck with a formulaic and cliched soap opera story. Stiles co-writes the romantic weepie with Renee Carlino. The film is based on Carlino’s best-selling novel.

Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman) is a twenty-something timid woman with a domineering mom (Jennifer Grey) and a goofy dad (Kelsey Grammer). She works part-time in a Mexican diner with her fellow waitress roommate Helen (Gabby Kono).

Charlotte meets the flirty app artist Adam (Mena Massoud) on the street in front of her apartment building for a one-night stand, and falls for him. But Adam doesn’t return for another date.

While hurt by Adam’s rejection, she dates Seth (Jimmie Fails) through an internet date.

In a twist, Adam returns. It turns out he has a terminal illness.

Their ongoing romance is unconvincing. Massaud gives a stiff one-note performance. Brey, as the meddling mother, is annoying. The dull film tries too hard to be cutesy.

REVIEWED ON 1/30/2025  GRADE: C
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