This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.
What You Wish For is a twisting thriller that combines the uber-rich and culinary creativity. Ryan (Nick Stahl, What Josiah Saw) is a down on his luck chef trying to run away from his gambling debts. He heads to Latin America to meet his old friend Jack (Brian Groh), who is a private chef who travels all over the world and cooks for his wealthy clients. Ryan soon finds himself assuming Jack’s identity and entering a world worse than the one he is trying to escape.
Writer-director Nicholas Tomnay’s feature never finds its tone. As the title suggests, the overarching theme is about how life is not automatically better just because you get what you want. The seeds are planted as Ryan is obviously jealous of Jack’s success. For his part, Jack plays down all that he has going for him.
There is little emotion to it all, however. Even the big reveal which should at the very least be gross, is downplayed to the point where it would be easy for anyone to miss. What You Wish For also has some moments of dark comedy which are also not as impactful as they should be. Strangely, it seems like this was done intentionally. It is as if the film wants the focus to be more on what the characters are feeling as opposed to what they are doing.
To this end, a strong sense of desperation permeates What You Wish For. Ryan is in over his head even before the plot fully kicks in. Within the first minute he is already trying to flee to the rainforest. As things escalate, he goes from peeking at Jack’s bank account to lying to pretty much everyone he comes in contact with. Stahl is easily the strongest part of the movie.
Despite never establishing a solid mood, the story has a morbid curiosity built in. The longer Ryan carries out his charade, the more ridiculous – and bloody – his trip becomes. The sheer outlandishness runs counterpoint to its more serious themes, but What You Wish For will keep its audience engaged.
What You Wish For comes to Fantastic Fest in September
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