Review of ‘Wishful Thinking’: How Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke’s Charm Shapes Modern Romance
As romantic comedies gain renewed popularity, *Wishful Thinking* introduces a whimsical twist to the genre.
The film marks the feature debut of writer-director Graham Parkes, premiering at the SXSW festival. Starring Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke, the film follows Charlie and Julia, a couple from Portland, Oregon, facing the emotional ups and downs of their relationship as they seek reconciliation.
Their journey takes a turn after attending a couples seminar led by twin healers, both portrayed by Kate Berlant. The seminar unveils that their relationship possesses a supernatural ability to impact the world around them.
When their relationship flourishes, the couple experiences a series of positive outcomes: plants thrive, Julia secures a promotion, Charlie’s song charts on Spotify, and their cryptocurrency investment surges.
Conversely, moments of strife bring a stark contrast: Charlie faces cancellation over alleged alt-right ties, Julia’s company struggles, his mother is diagnosed with cancer, and global crises loom, including rising sea levels and Jon Hamm on his deathbed.
Motivated by their newfound insight, Charlie and Julia experiment with the extent of their relationship’s influence, but each attempt at creating harmony seems to backfire.
Pullman and Hawke deliver an engaging performance, showcasing their chemistry that oscillates between tension and passionate intimacy, particularly in a scene where their connection feels crucial to the world around them.
Supporting performances add to the film’s charm, notably Berlant’s comedic dual portrayal and Jake Shane’s understated yet humorous role as Julia’s devoted coworker.
Despite its lighthearted moments, the film isn’t without sobering undertones. Exchanges hint at a challenging dynamic; for instance, Julia encourages Charlie to slap her during their experiments—after previously kneeing him—while referencing societal issues related to violence against women.
Ultimately, *Wishful Thinking* weaves a dreamlike narrative about the lengths individuals will go for love and the essential need for inner peace to cultivate harmonious relationships. The film leaves audiences pondering just how far that harmony might extend.
Title: Wishful Thinking
Festival: SXSW (Narrative Feature Competition)
Director-Screenwriter: Graham Parkes
Cast: Lewis Pullman, Maya Hawke, Randall Park, Jake Shane, Kate Berlant, Amita Rao, Eric Rahill
Sales Agent: UTA
Running time: 1 hr 45 mins
