If you’re in the mood for a blend of thriller and dark comedy, “What You Wish For” is a film to check out. This movie centers on Ryan, played by Nick Stahl, a struggling chef with a gambling problem who seeks refuge in a lavish Latin American villa owned by his friend Jack (Brian Groh). However, Ryan’s envy of Jack’s extravagant lifestyle leads him into a web of perilous and illegal activities.
Stahl Brings Intensity to the Screen
Despite the criticisms aimed at the film’s scattered script and weak themes, Nick Stahl’s performance deserves recognition. Known for his roles in movies like What Josiah Saw
and the series Let the Right One In
, Stahl brings a quiet intensity to his character Ryan. Throughout the film, he grapples with his internal demons while dealing with external threats, trying to prepare meals while navigating dangerous situations.
Thematic Cohesion Falls Short
Unfortunately, even Stahl’s performance can’t entirely salvage a movie that struggles to find its focus. The premise hints at a social thriller examining the contrast between wealth and poverty but fails to deliver any profound messages. The film attempts to weave horror elements into Ryan’s experience as a working-class chef but remains too narrow to have significant bite or depth.
While the film manages to assemble various intriguing elements, it never fully capitalizes on them. Despite setting up a beautiful backdrop and compelling characters, when Jack exits the picture, Ryan not only assumes his identity but also inherits all Jack’s secrets and challenges.
Lavish Settings and Sinister Secrets
The luxury depicted in the villa serves not only as a stark contrast to the surrounding poverty but also symbolizes the excesses that Ryan eventually finds himself ensnared in. Tamsin Topolski’s portrayal of Jack fits perfectly within this ultra-luxurious setting before her character becomes one of the more significant mysteries Ryan must untangle.
Bumps Along the Narrative Road
The narrative introduces some darkly comedic moments, especially when Ryan breaks into Jack’s accounts and interacts with clients arriving for elaborate dinners. These moments give brief respite from an otherwise traditional thriller format. However, once this slight humor dissipates, the story becomes predictable and lacks lasting tension.
Even when an investigating police officer shows up, it feels overly staged. Similarly, most of the diners at these events come across as mere props rather than developed characters. This lack of depth detracts from what could have been more engaging dinner scenes brimming with suspense and personality.
A Flawed Climax
The movie tends to amble along before abruptly shifting gears toward its conclusion. Similar to other films trying to encapsulate social commentary through thrilling storytelling, What You Wish For
aspires to draw viewers into contemplating deeper issues but fizzles out by the end. The final scenes compromise potential profundity with incongruous narrative devices that feel more forced than impactful.
The climax sees Ryan grappling with moral consequences while uncovering how Jack amassed such wealth through dubious means. Despite starting strong with its premise and settings, What You Wish For
leaves viewers yearning for tighter thematic cohesion and more robust execution.
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