What You Wish For

Started watching with no expectations and was gripped right from the start.

"What You Wish For" showcases the power of storytelling that doesn't rely on overblown special effects or high-octane action. Instead, it captivates with its intricately woven narrative and masterful direction, making it an exhilarating watch from start to finish.

The film is a gripping tale that unfolds with a series of unexpected twists and turns. Each scene meticulously builds tension, holding viewers at the edge of their seats. The characters are well-crafted, drawing you into their complexities and dilemmas as the plot evolves.

What makes this movie particularly impressive is how it keeps you invested purely through brilliant writing and strong performances. Without a single grandiose explosion or dizzying chase sequence, it proves that a compelling story can resonate and thrill just as much, if not more.

No visual effects, m"What You Wish For" stands out as an exceptional piece of cinema, showcasing the true power of storytelling that doesn't rely on overblown special effects or high-octane action. Instead, it captivates audiences with its intricately woven narrative and masterful direction, making it an exhilarating watch from start to finish.

The film is a gripping tale that unfolds with a series of unexpected twists and turns. Each scene meticulously builds tension, holding viewers at the edge of their seats, all while subtly layering emotional depth and psychological intrigue. The characters are well-crafted, drawing you into their complexities and dilemmas as the plot evolves.

What makes this movie particularly impressive is how it keeps you invested purely through brilliant writing and strong performances. Without a single grandiose explosion or dizzying chase sequence, it proves that a compelling story can resonate and thrill just as much, if not more.

Must Watch.

Not the best thriller out there but I'm so happy I found this little gem. I advise everyone to go into this movie not watching the trailer or reading too much about the movie. The idea is a never-seen-before one (this is low-key what I expected from the Netflix movie 'Hunger') and the major plot twist made my jaw drop. The cinematography was so much better than I'd normally expect from a low-budget movie, and the ending was incredibly satisfying too. I admit that near the end I didn't like the way things were going, but upon reflexion I don't think another ending would have been more satisfying. I wish more thrillers were made like this. And while you watch the movie, remember... be careful what you wish for.

If I were you, I would give it a go and not even read the plot because for me, it's what made me kept watching (I get easily bored) I'm going to be honest that I've read some of the reviews on here and the "bad reviews" were pretty silly.

Some say it should have been labeled a horror; some say the acting was subpar and some say it was disgusting etc. They all sound like Karens. First off, the acting is GOOD, and you wouldn't even notice it because this movie is obviously not aiming for some acting awards really. But maybe if your purpose to watch a movie is to look for flaws from the get-go?

However, it does have some plot holes and improbabilities/unusual coincidences, but it's overshadowed by how effective it is to keep the viewer engaged as the story unfolds and that in itself, I find it a pretty worthy watch!

I was sucked into this film by the preview ('trailer' as the US calls it). It hooked me.

But, previews are easy to make, and often - far, far too often, these days - make the usual junk look good.

To my amazement, this isn't junk. What You Wish For is a competently written, well organised, pacey little thriller.

Actually, the start seems a little slow, but there's a reason. It's actually setting up the knockdown.

Rather than just showing you the rest of the film is going to be slow close-ups on people's faces and droning fake orchestra music over nothing actually happening.

No, this is NOT one of those films. This is a proper film, written and directed by someone who can write and direct.

Is it a masterpiece? What does that even mean anymore? It's not going to change anyone's life.

Does it stand OUT, like RIGHT OUT, in the sea of boredom we now live in? Yes, yes it does!

Good film. Recommended!

Sort of like a B movie version of The Menu, What You Wish For follows Ryan (Stahl) a chef with gambling problems who flees to a Latin America villa that his friend is staying in. Ryan wishes he had his friend, Jack's life because it seems so much better than this. Well he gets his wish... but soon finds out that Jack's life wasn't as great as it initially seemed. This is a very weird and solid indie that I would say mostly works and is definitely worth watching. The plot of this isn't really anything new but if you like dark comedies you will probably like this. Although in my opinion this movie sort of flounders in the third act and the ending to me was kinda ultimately unsatisfying, but I would still say this is worth a watch.

Stahl who was a promising actor in the early 2000's sort of disappeared for a while and fell off the radar due to his substance abuse issues. Although if you look at his IMDB page for the past few years he's been trying to work his way back by doing smaller indie movies like this. What You Wish For is likely the best of the bunch. Also if you want the best experience when watching this movie go in blind and don't watch the trailer (it spoils basically everything). Nick Stahl definitely deserves to have a comeback.