A romantic adventure that tells a beautiful coming-of-age story.
The most difficult kiss is not the first, but the last.
— Gabriel Garcia Marquez —
Logline
Charlotte is in a rut, searching for a spark that seems just out of reach. After a whirlwind night of romance and imagining their future together, Adam ghosts her. When she discovers he is terminally ill, Charlotte helps Adam spend his last days living life to the fullest.
Summary
Charlotte is about to turn 30, and the people closest to her won’t let her forget it. With a waitressing job as monotonous as her dating life, Charlotte is ready for a change.
One night, she meets Adam, a handsome and soulful painter who seems just as lost as she feels. Their instant connection turns into a midnight drink and then a whirlwind romance of contemplation and fantasization.
WISH YOU WERE HERE tells the imperfect love story of Charlotte and Adam, who impact each other's lives greatly but ultimately do not end up together. This film depicts the modern day happy ending: falling in love with yourself.
. . .
About The Director
Julia Stiles
Emmy- and Golden Globe- nominated actress Julia Stiles is making her directorial debut with the film adaptation of the best-selling novel, WISH YOU WERE HERE. After working in the industry for over 25 years, Julia is known for her performances in THE BOURNE TRILOGY, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, SAVE THE LAST DANSE, and almost recently, HUSTLERS. Julia has taken the director's chair in RAVING, a short film starring Zooey Deschanel, as well as writing and directing the original series, PALOMA, starring Grace Gummer.
Director's Statement
WHAT IF THE PRESENT MOMENT IS ALL WE HAVE?
During a whirlwind night of romance, Charlotte and Adam dream of a future together. What Charlotte doesn't yet know is that a lifetime with Adam is an impossibility. Amidst mounting pressure from her friends and family to "get her life together", Charlotte can't quite shake her feelings for Adam, from a night where every moment was kinetic, and time stood still.
When I first read Wish You Were Here, I was struck by the maturity of this love story, despite the youth of its main characters. In the spirit of classic romantic comedies, Charlotte is surrounded by charecters whose distinct quirks and unsolicited advice keep her afloat. It touches on something deeper, though.
When Adam resurfaces, Charlotte remains devoted. The two play out their imaginary, albeit impossible future, creating beautiful memories that will never come to be. WISH YOU WERE HERE isn't heavy, it is the kind of story that will make you laugh through your tears.It will make you cry that good cry that reminds us how beautiful life can be. How fragile we are as human beings, but also how resilient.
The story is both timeless and yet very specific to now, when increased isolation makes us crave connection more than ever. It has the depth of THE NOTEBOOK, and the charm of MOONSTRUCK. I believe this film will find a large audience, not the least of which is young women, who hunger for a romance more meaningful than the culture of online dating apps.
About The Writer
Renée Carlino
A bestselling author of contemporary women's novel and new adult fiction, Renée's books have been featured in several national publications including USA Today, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and InStyle Magazine, amongst many others.
Her works have been read by millions and have received over 100,000 reviews on Goodreads.
As long as there is love in this world, we will be a part of it.
— Adam —
Reviews
- USA Today Bestseller
- Cosmopolitan September 2017 Pick
- Goodread Best Romance of August 2017
- Hello Giggles "17 Books we can't wait to read"
GOODREADS : OVER 7,000 REVIEWS
"This is one of those books that rocked me to my core."
AMAZON : RATED 5 STARS COMMENTS
"Place all the tears here."
"A beautiful story of love."
"I wish the book hadn't ended !"
"All the feels; beautiful story"
"Breath of fresh air."
INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS : TRANSLATED IN GERMANY & POLAND
"Such a totally emotional story"
"Simply stunning & impossible to forget"
"Perfect holiday read."
An absolute must-read. One of hundred percent feelings, beginning to end.
— USA Today —
. . .
Comparable Book-to-Film Adaptations
Box Office Details :
THE NOTEBOOK : $116M
FIVE FEET APPART : $91.5M
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS : $307M
ME BEFORE YOU : $208M
. . .
Distribution
WISH YOU WERE HERE is distributed by Universal.
(Theatrical release in March 2025)
Your art, our memories, the memories people have of us... it makes us immortal.
— Charlotte —