I Wish You All the Best will have you crying tears of joy and euphoria. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s best-selling novel, the film follows Ben (Corey Fogelmanis), a nonbinary teen who is forced to start over after being kicked out of their home. Moving in with their estranged sister (Alexandra Daddario) and her husband (Cole Sprouse), Ben begins a new chapter, eventually finding connection and comfort with Nathan (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), a kind classmate who helps them rediscover joy.
Also serving as mentors to Ben are Lena Dunham as the eccentric art teacher and ally, and Brian Michael Smith (9-1-1: Lone Star) as his boss.
Directed by Tommy Dorfman, the film captures a soft, coming-of-age story about self-expression, belonging, and the courage to live truthfully. It feels like a love letter to queer youth, told with tenderness by a cast who deeply understand its message.
Ben’s Journey
When asked which moment from Ben’s journey stood out most, Fogelmanis pointed Gayety to a party scene that captures Ben’s first real sense of freedom.
“There’s a scene where Nathan takes Ben to a party and Ben is really out of sorts,” Fogelmanis said. “Toward the end of that sequence they’re singing and dancing, and filming that felt like such a release. I remember feeling like a kid just jumping around.”
Watching the scene back, Fogelmanis said it feels like a genuine moment of happiness for Ben, a chance to experience the kind of carefree joy every teenager deserves.
Chemistry and Honest Connection
The chemistry between Fogelmanis and Gutierrez-Riley gives the film its heart. Their characters’ relationship feels natural and real, full of tenderness and occasional tension.
“It felt super special,” Guitierrez-Riley recalled. “It’s filled with these heartfelt, honest, sensitive moments, but also moments of conflict and miscommunication. That’s such a cool thing to bring to screen, especially in a story this personal.”
He added that working with Fogelmanis was “a gift,” saying the two shared an easy rhythm that allowed them to be vulnerable and genuine in every scene.
Tommy Dorfman’s Safe Space for Vulnerability
Both actors credit writer-director Tommy Dorfman for creating a safe, collaborative set that allowed them to be fully present.
“She really instilled a trust in myself and just let me show up as I am,” Fogelmanis said.
“This story is about learning to let yourself be with people and not hide who you are. Even when you’re not loving who you are, letting yourself be held by others is how you stay alive.”
“When you’re dealing with self-expression and identity, that involves taking risks and being vulnerable,” Gutierrez-Riley added. “The fact that we had an environment where we could really let our hearts be open speaks to Tommy’s leadership.”
You Have to Live to Create Art
As the film reminds us, “you have to live to create art.” I Wish You All the Best is not just a coming-out story. It’s about choosing to live, love, and let yourself be seen.
I Wish You All the Best opens in theaters November 7, 2025.
