Julia Stiles Directs Heartfelt Romance Film ‘Wish You Were Here’
Julia Stiles makes her directorial debut with ‘Wish You Were Here’, a touching romance that moved the cast and crew to tears.
Julia Stiles, Wish You Were Here, Mena Massoud, Isabelle Fuhrman, New York, USA
New York: Julia Stiles is back in the spotlight, but this time as a director! She’s known for her roles in classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, and now she’s taken the reins with her new film, Wish You Were Here. The movie features Mena Massoud and Isabelle Fuhrman, and it’s based on a novel by Renée Carlino. It tells a beautiful love story that unfolds over one magical night.
In the film, Charlotte, played by Fuhrman, and her best friend Helen work at a Mexican restaurant they can’t stand. After a tough shift, they meet Adam, portrayed by Massoud, and sparks fly. But the next morning, Adam is distant, leaving Charlotte heartbroken.
Charlotte’s mom, played by Jennifer Grey, pushes her to date, leading her to a dating app where she matches with Seth. Just when things seem to be looking up, Charlotte discovers why Adam shut her out.
Stiles was on the hunt for the perfect story to direct, and it was actually Gabby Kono-Abdy who introduced her to the book. Kono-Abdy slid into Stiles’ DMs, and the rest is history! She felt a strong connection to Charlotte’s character and knew Stiles would be the right fit.
Stiles loved how the story dives into deeper themes of love, not just the initial spark. It’s about looking back on a lifetime of memories with someone special, which really resonated with her.
The chemistry between Fuhrman and Massoud is palpable, making their love story feel real. They both shared how working together brought them closer, and it shows on screen. There are moments in the film where they imagine their future together, which adds a bittersweet touch to the narrative.
Filming was emotional for everyone involved. Massoud mentioned that he found himself crying during scenes, and even the crew members were moved to tears. It’s clear that the film has a powerful impact, and Massoud hopes it helps viewers release their own emotions.
Overall, Wish You Were Here is shaping up to be a heartfelt film that not only showcases Stiles’ directorial talent but also tells a story that many can relate to.