THE STORY – Follows a couple whose emotional states have supernatural effects on their surroundings, forcing them to evaluate whether their relationship is beneficial or harmful.
THE CAST – Lewis Pullman, Maya Hawke, Randall Park, Jake Shane, Kate Berlant, Amita Rao & Eric Rahill
THE TEAM – Graham Parkes (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 105 Minutes
Lewis Pullman’s Charlie and Maya Hawke’s Julie embody a version of a “normal” relationship, at least to a degree, as the opening of Graham Parkes’ “Wishful Thinking” presents a montage of the couple at both their best and worst. Much of it centers on the pair arguing over the more menial aspects of their lives, such as Julie forgetting to water their plants, Charlie growing frustrated over their inability to go to Italy, or Julie returning to smoking cigarettes after Charlie works herself into a frenzy about the trip. Each time Julie attempts to call it quits, the two inevitably fall back into each other’s arms in tear-filled reconciliations. Once happy and in sync, they are now completely misaligned, but what could possibly bring them back together?
Parkes suggests, or perhaps fears, that the power of manifestation is not only strong enough to change oneself but can also affect those around us. This belief is imposed on the characters when Charlie and Julie’s last-minute visit to a self-help seminar led by the Wylden Twins (Kate Berlant) permanently alters the course of their relationship. They begin to notice subtle shifts in their surroundings that mirror their emotional states. When things are going well, the world around them seems to flourish; when tensions rise, their negative energy appears to ripple outward into the universe. This cosmic “curse” forces the couple to reevaluate how they interact, at times suppressing their true feelings out of fear of the consequences should they lose control.
It’s an inventive premise from Parkes, one that evokes an adult-leaning “Inside Out” for audiences drawn to romantic dramedies that balance emotional sincerity with humor. “Wishful Thinking” benefits greatly from Parkes’ writing, allowing the situational comedy to emerge organically through the characters and their lively, often whimsical exchanges. The humor lands with a sharp, rhythmic quality, bouncing effortlessly between characters regardless of how heightened the circumstances become, thanks in large part to the ensemble’s full commitment. The jokes themselves are well-constructed, including a recurring bit involving Jon Hamm that never loses its comedic impact.
Hawke and Pullman share excellent chemistry, navigating both the emotional and comedic demands of the material while grounding Parkes’ screenplay in a recognizable emotional reality. Julie’s ambitions as a game developer and Charlie’s work as a musical artist are interwoven with their shared anxieties and insecurities, pushing them to seek a fragile middle ground, whether through performative gestures like “sexy dancing” or moments of hard-earned honesty. Hawke delivers a performance of notable emotional depth, marking a potential high point in her career thus far. Pullman is equally strong, capturing Charlie’s volatility while maintaining the endearing, golden-retriever-like charm that makes the character so appealing to those around her.
Parkes’ direction complements the screenplay effectively, while Oliver Lewin’s score infuses the film with a whimsical sensibility that aligns well with its tone. Christopher Ripley’s cinematography makes striking use of Oregon’s natural beauty, with a handheld approach that adds immediacy to the film’s more elaborate sequences. Where “Wishful Thinking” ultimately falters is in the predictability of its narrative trajectory, particularly regarding the fate of its central relationship. The familiar theme of expectation versus reality has been explored extensively in the genre, and as a result, the film’s conclusion lacks the emotional impact of the journey that leads up to it. Still, as a debut feature, it marks an impressive start for Parkes, especially in his work with actors, and suggests a promising future ahead.
