Tommy Dorfman is stepping behind the camera for the first time—and based on the trailer alone, I Wish You All the Best is shaping up to be one of the most soul-stirring queer films of the year. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s bestselling YA novel of the same name, this vibrant and emotionally rich feature tells a story of identity, resilience, and the beautifully messy ride that is self-discovery.
Lionsgate unveiled the first official trailer this week, giving fans a peek into a tender and triumphant coming-of-age journey that centers a non-binary protagonist—a rarity in mainstream cinema. With warmth, wit, and a strong emotional current, the film invites viewers into the life of Ben de Backer, portrayed with palpable vulnerability by Girl Meets World alum Corey Fogelmanis.
A Story That Matters—Now More Than Ever
At the heart of I Wish You All the Best is a story that is as necessary as it is nuanced. After coming out as non-binary, Ben is abruptly kicked out of their parents’ home. With nowhere else to turn, they move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah (played with maternal grit by Alexandra Daddario), and her affable husband Thomas, portrayed by none other than Cole Sprouse—Fogelmanis’ fellow Disney Channel alum.
Thrown into a new high school and a whole new life, Ben begins the rocky but revelatory journey toward self-acceptance. Guided by an eccentric and affirming art teacher, and grounded by a growing friendship—and maybe more—with a kind-hearted classmate, Ben begins to find a space where they can simply be.
The film doesn’t shy away from the struggles non-binary youth face. From gender misunderstandings to rejection at home, I Wish You All the Best confronts these issues with clarity and compassion, all while wrapping them in the glow of queer joy and chosen family.
A Trailer Full of Feels (and Some Funny Moments, Too)
The trailer balances poignancy with humor, a tone that’s sure to resonate with fans of coming-of-age classics like Love, Simon or The Edge of Seventeen. In one scene, Ben attempts to explain being non-binary to their well-meaning but clueless brother-in-law. “Like Demi Lovato?” Thomas asks, referring to the pop star’s previous use of they/them pronouns. Ben—clearly used to this type of awkward exchange—gently clarifies that Demi now uses she/her.
The awkwardness is real, but so is the sweetness. Dorfman’s writing, which she adapted for the screen herself, captures those small but significant moments of growth in relationships—how discomfort can evolve into understanding, and how love often looks like trying again, even after getting it wrong.
Dorfman’s Directorial Glow-Up
Known for her breakout role in 13 Reasons Why and a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Tommy Dorfman makes her directorial debut with a film that feels deeply personal and refreshingly grounded. Dorfman doesn’t just tell this story—she lives it through her lens, bringing care and depth to every frame.
Visually, the film is sun-dappled and soft-edged, with cozy lighting and color palettes that feel like the emotional equivalent of a warm hug. But it’s not all pastel perfection; there are raw, gut-punching moments too—especially when Ben confronts the reality that their parents refuse to see them for who they are. These emotional highs and lows are what give I Wish You All the Best its emotional heft and resonance.
A Cast That Clicks
The cast is a delightful blend of familiar faces and breakout performances. Fogelmanis is quietly magnetic as Ben, channeling both the vulnerability and quiet courage that makes the character so relatable. Alexandra Daddario brings sharp emotional depth to Hannah, a woman reckoning with her own past as she tries to protect and understand her sibling.
Cole Sprouse, playing against type in a more grounded and comedic role, adds just the right amount of awkward charm to the mix. And the supporting characters—especially the quirky art teacher and a surprise LGBTQ+ mentor—bring heart and humor that round out Ben’s world in meaningful ways.
A Bold Leap Forward in Queer Representation
While there’s been a slow but steady increase in LGBTQIA+ stories on screen, non-binary narratives remain rare—especially in films targeted toward general audiences. I Wish You All the Best doesn’t just make space for non-binary identity; it puts it front and center, unapologetically and authentically.
The film resists easy tropes or tokenism, choosing instead to explore gender identity as a complex, evolving part of who Ben is—not a gimmick or a plot twist, but a fully realized, human experience.
It’s a quiet revolution in storytelling—and a timely reminder of the importance of visibility in media, especially for queer youth still finding the language to describe themselves.
Release Date and What’s Next
I Wish You All the Best is scheduled for release later this year, and fans of the book—and queer cinema more broadly—are already buzzing with anticipation. Whether you’re someone who’s read Mason Deaver’s novel cover to cover or someone discovering Ben’s story for the first time, the film promises a moving and memorable experience.
As we await its theatrical release, the trailer is more than just a teaser—it’s an invitation. To see, to listen, and to feel. To recognize that identity is not a binary but a spectrum, and that all of us deserve the freedom to exist exactly as we are.
Final Thoughts
With its heartfelt narrative, beautifully rendered performances, and a genuine commitment to representation, I Wish You All the Best is more than just a debut—it’s a declaration. Tommy Dorfman has announced herself not just as a filmmaker, but as a storyteller with something to say.
And what she’s saying—loud and clear—is this: Queer stories matter. Queer lives matter. And queer teens, especially, deserve to see themselves not just surviving, but thriving.
