Writer and director Nicholas Tomnay’s previous feature film, The Perfect Host, took place around an intimate dinner party. A clear foodie at heart, Tomnay remains in the culinary world for his latest movie, What You Wish For. Starring Nick Stahl, What You Wish For sees a chef get in over his head when he takes over a private dinner party.
Set in Latin America, What You Wish For joins Ryan (Stahl) as he flees America. A gambler in huge debt, Ryan is on the run. Seeking sanctuary with his former culinary school roommate, Jack (Brian Groh), Ryan is in dire need of making a quick buck. Whereas he is struggling financially, Jack is thriving. Jack’s new position as a private chef sees him mix in very rich circles, and Ryan is immediately jealous of his friend’s wealth and success. However, after a series of events result in Ryan to assume Jack’s identity, he quickly learns that there is more to the job than just cooking exceptional food.
There appears to be a mini movement around food in film and television at the moment, and What You Wish For fits right in. The popularity of The Bear, Boiling Point, and The Menu have all proved that audiences have a fascination with the environment of fine dining. Whilst What You Wish For moves out of the professional kitchen environment, there is still a heavy focus on the food that Ryan is preparing. One of the first sequences has him preparing himself a simple omelette. A little later Ryan and Jack go head-to-head in a risotto challenge for their new friend Alilce (Penelope Mitchell). As the story shifts into darker territory, Tomnay keeps his script populated with conversations about produce and preparation techniques. It is not delivered as sermons as in The Menu, but has enough lingo to entertain the casual foodie amongst the audience.
What You Wish For is a film that, as the title suggests, explores the age-old concept that the grass is greener on the other side. When faced with Jack’s job, on a surface level to Ryan it seems perfect. The reality is anything but, highlighting how we can never really understand someone else’s life without stepping into their shoes. Jack really was in an awful situation, which Ryan inherits along with his identity. The audience can’t help but wince as Ryan goes from one bad situation to worse. His constant downward spiral keeps the viewer hooked as they, like Ryan, try to figure a path out of the madness. It is not all doom and gloom though, as amongst the tension and fear Ryan finds his place in the world of cooking. Early conversations with Jack communicate that Ryan is underwhelmed and frustrated with his cooking outlets. His new position unlocks a latent calling and Ryan cooks the meal of his life opening up the uneasy conundrum of should he try and escape at all?
Nick Stahl is in exceptional form as Ryan. An actor far more at home in the realm of independent movies than blockbuster cinema, he excels with Tomnay’s material. A true chameleon performer, watching his turn as Ryan feels as though you are seeing him perform for the first time. There are no hangover elements from previous roles, Stahl inhabiting Ryan 100%. He pulls off the culinary duties of the role and also sells the character’s ever increasing desperation and fear, but importantly, not in an excessive way. Being a chef, Ryan is used to high-pressure situations, and so he remains swan-like calm as his world unravels.
Ryan’s ability to think on his feet is fascinating; his skill at adapting helps maintain the audience’s attention. Were Ryan to react to the constant barrage of worse-case scenarios by becoming more hysterical, What You Wish For would take on a farcical tone. By Stahl playing Ryan as calm with an undercurrent of stress, the slightest touch of incredulous laughter sneaks in, and acts as more of a tension break for the viewer than the story itself.
Demonstrating the hazards of aspirational living, What You Wish For showcases a compelling spin on the age-old adage of being careful what you wish for. Proof that the grass isn’t always greener, What You Wish For is a darkly entertaining thriller that will leave the viewer fully satisfied.
What You Wish For
Summary
Skilfully performed and effectively constructed, What You Wish For is a tantalising indie thriller.
What You Wish For was reviewed at Fantasia International Film Festival. What You Wish For will next screen at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.
