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What You Wish For

  • 2023
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
10K
YOUR RATING
What You Wish For (2023)
A down-on-his-luck chef with gambling problems flees to a Latin American villa, where he assumes the identity of another man.
Play trailer2:04
2 Videos
16 Photos
Dark ComedyPsychological ThrillerHorrorThriller

A down-on-his-luck chef with gambling problems flees to a Latin American villa, where he assumes the identity of another man.A down-on-his-luck chef with gambling problems flees to a Latin American villa, where he assumes the identity of another man.A down-on-his-luck chef with gambling problems flees to a Latin American villa, where he assumes the identity of another man.

  • Director
    • Nicholas Tomnay
  • Writer
    • Nicholas Tomnay
  • Stars
    • Nick Stahl
    • Tamsin Topolski
    • Randy Vasquez
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    10K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Nicholas Tomnay
    • Writer
      • Nicholas Tomnay
    • Stars
      • Nick Stahl
      • Tamsin Topolski
      • Randy Vasquez
    • 72User reviews
    • 46Critic reviews
    • 66Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 6 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:04
    Official Trailer
    What You Wish For
    Trailer 0:50
    What You Wish For
    What You Wish For
    Trailer 0:50
    What You Wish For

    Photos15

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    + 12
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    Top cast20

    Edit
    Nick Stahl
    Nick Stahl
    • Ryan
    Tamsin Topolski
    Tamsin Topolski
    • Imogene
    Randy Vasquez
    Randy Vasquez
    • Detective Ruiz
    Penelope Mitchell
    Penelope Mitchell
    • Alice
    Juan Carlos Messier
    Juan Carlos Messier
    • Maurice
    Brian Groh
    Brian Groh
    • Jack
    Ariel Sierra
    Ariel Sierra
    • Officer Gallo
    David Tominaga
    • Akira
    Norma Nivia
    • Frankie
    Megumi Hasebe
    • Li Na
    Evan Sudarsky
    • Alvin
    Greg Winter
    Greg Winter
    • Barry
    Juan Pablo Solano
    Juan Pablo Solano
    • Driver
    Camila Herrera
    • Young country girl
    Maria Fernanda Gomez
    • Maria
    Brian Acuna
    • Roberto
    Maria Teresa Cuellar
    • Grandmother
    Raphael Philippon
    • Bjorn
    • Director
      • Nicholas Tomnay
    • Writer
      • Nicholas Tomnay
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews72

    6.710.2K
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    Featured reviews

    7yxfykbq

    Could be a tv show

    "What You Wish For" had the potential to be a binge-worthy limited series. The premise of a down-on-his-luck chef impersonating a colleague for a wealthy family with dark secrets is packed with tension and ripe for exploration over multiple episodes.

    A TV show format would have allowed for a deeper dive into the characters' motivations and the bizarre world they inhabit. We could have seen the chef navigate the opulent estate and its eccentric inhabitants over time, building suspense and gradually unraveling the family's mysteries.

    The film felt rushed, cramming a story with rich potential into a short runtime. A series could have fleshed out the plot, creating a more satisfying and suspenseful viewing experience.
    7salmon62

    Interesting, well-done, and disgusting but worthwhile

    This movie is messed up, but in a good way if that makes any sense. Yes, I recommend it because it is a crazy premise but it makes sense how it is executed with most angles covered to protect the organization.

    The actors are great, you would expect people no different if this organization was really operating!

    It is dark and not for young people because it is a bleak premise from start to finish.

    But what a ride. Once the plot is revealed, it is referred to almost casually as a task that must be accomplished, and there are complications which arise in the dinner plan.

    This is what makes this movie so interesting!
    7Otkon

    I enjoyed this.

    And the premise is either entirely improbable by any stretch of the imagination. Or...this is a very true-to-life "fictional" depiction by insiders of this one hundred percent (100%) totally happening international thing of people like this.

    Regardless. It is good fun. And once we are clued in as to what is really occurring, things get nicely tense and unpredictable. Do a lot of those things always make sense? Naw. Who cares. Are there so many things not cool with the entire deal and not just that one ingredient in the dessert? Yep. But hey, it's a crazy, carefree world these days.

    It was great going into this movie totally unaware of what it's about. And that made for a nicer experience.

    Oh and it has some dark humor in spots too.
    7sidbanerjeeagain

    Gripping: From start to finish

    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.
    7torivt65

    Where did this come from?!

    I don't think I've ever watched a movie this good that I haven't heard buzz for beforehand. I watched this as a complete fluke because the poster image was cool and 6.8 is a decent score on IMDb. The acting besides the friend at the beginning, is excellent. The story is tightly paced and ultimately very logical which is always a surprise in this type of movie.

    I watch a lot of movies in particular a lot of horror, and I haven't felt this tense in a movie and quite a while. This movie was evocative to me of The Gift, so if you enjoyed that I believe you will also like this movie. Highly recommend overall!

    (Hunter Hunter is the last movie I've seen starring Nick Stahl and it is also very tense and memorable. I would recommend watching that if you enjoyed his performance here.)

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Filmed in the fall of 2021 over 23 days.
    • Goofs
      The phone's messages has different times through multiple shots at around the 27 minute mark.
    • Quotes

      Jack: Could be a helluva lot worse.

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    FAQ

    • How long is What You Wish For?
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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 9, 2025 (Russia)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Amazon Link
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Чого ви бажаєте
    • Filming locations
      • Colombia
    • Production companies
      • Evergreen Avenue
      • Jaguar Bite
      • Freestyle Picture Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $6,279
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,587
      • Jun 2, 2024
    • Gross worldwide
      • $59,064
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 41 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.20 : 1

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