A LUMINOUS PORTRAIT OF HEALING: Why I Wish You All the Best is a Non-Binary Milestone
Every so often, independent cinema delivers a film that feels less like a manufactured story and more like a vital, breathing lifeline. "I Wish You All the Best", the stunning feature directorial debut of Tommy Dorfman, is exactly that. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s bestselling, critically acclaimed young adult novel, this tender, heart-wrenching, and ultimately triumphant coming-of-age drama marks a historic milestone for non-binary representation on screen.
By treating the complexities of gender identity, trauma, and mental health with radical empathy, Dorfman has crafted a brilliant cinematic space where chosen family and self-love take center stage.
The Plot: Out of the Dark and Into the Light
The narrative centers on Ben De Backer (portrayed with breathtaking, quiet vulnerability by Corey Fogelmanis), a non-binary teenager whose world is shattered in an instant. After building up the immense courage to come out to their conservative parents, Ben is rejected and thrown out of their suburban home on a cold winter night.
With nowhere left to turn, Ben reaches out to their estranged older sister, Hannah (Alexandra Daddario), and her husband, Thomas (Cole Sprouse). Moving into their spare bedroom, Ben is forced to navigate severe anxiety and the heavy, lingering weight of familial trauma while trying to survive their senior year at a brand-new high school.
To protect themselves, Ben adopts a policy of blending into the background, keeping their identity closely guarded. However, this defensive armor begins to crack when they meet the effortlessly charismatic, relentlessly warm Nathan Allan (played with an infectious, sparkling energy by Miles Gutierrez-Riley). What begins as a hesitant school partnership blossoms into a deep, life-altering friendship that gently guides Ben toward reclaiming their voice.
Direction and Performance: The Power of Quiet Nuance
Tommy Dorfman’s transition to the director's chair is nothing short of masterful. She approaches the material with an insider's tenderness, ensuring the camera never feels voyeuristic or exploitative of Ben's pain. Instead, the film leans into a visual language of soft, natural lighting, cozy interiors, and intimate close-ups that emphasize Ben’s internal world.
Corey Fogelmanis delivers a career-defining performance. Carrying the emotional weight of the film mostly through subtle shifts in posture, guarded glances, and quiet hesitations, Fogelmanis captures the agonizingly non-linear nature of trauma recovery.
The magic, however, lies in the chemistry between Fogelmanis and Miles Gutierrez-Riley. Nathan doesn't swoop in as a cliché "savior" archetype; rather, he acts as an open door, patiently waiting for Ben to walk through on their own terms. Their shared scenes are infused with a pure, electric warmth that reminds audiences of the profound medicine found in simply being seen for exactly who you are.
Shattering Tropes: Celebrating Chosen Family
What separates I Wish You All the Best from traditional queer cinema is its refusal to let tragedy have the final word. While the film doesn't shy away from the devastating realities of rejection, it deliberately shifts its focus toward the beauty of rebuilding.
The relationship between Ben and Hannah is beautifully complex, exploring the guilt of missed years alongside the unconditional love of sibling solidarity. Supported by a phenomenal ensemble cast and an atmospheric, indie-alternative soundtrack that perfectly mirrors the bittersweet ache of growing up, the film transforms from a story about survival into a vibrant celebration of queer joy, artistic expression, and chosen community.
The Verdict: A Masterpiece of Modern Empathy
I Wish You All the Best is an essential, deeply moving masterpiece that speaks directly to the heart of a generation. It honors the immense courage it takes to step into your truth, while gently reminding the audience that healing requires time, patience, and the right people by your side.
Tommy Dorfman has delivered a gorgeous, landmark piece of independent cinema that doesn't just ask the world to tolerate non-binary youth—it demands that they be cherished, celebrated, and wished nothing less than the absolute best.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5 / 5)
