At SXSW, “Wishful Thinking” imagines a couple whose relationship literally changes the world—bringing magic, chaos, and comedy.
Romantic comedies have been quietly making their way back into the spotlight, and Wishful Thinking adds an unusual twist to the genre.
Premiering in the Narrative Feature Competition at the South by Southwest, the film blends relationship drama with a dose of magical absurdity, asking a playful but intriguing question: What if the success of your relationship could change the fate of the world?
The film marks the feature debut of writer-director Graham Parkes, who crafts a romantic comedy that leans into both emotional sincerity and surreal humor. At the center of the story are Charlie and Julia, played by Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke.
The Portland, Oregon couple is stuck in a familiar cycle of love, frustration, and miscommunication as they try to figure out whether their relationship is worth saving.
Their journey takes a strange turn after they attend a couples seminar led by twin spiritual healers known as the Tillies. Both roles are played by comedian Kate Berlant, whose quirky performance adds a playful tone to the film’s supernatural premise.
Soon after the seminar, Charlie and Julia begin to notice something odd: the emotional health of their relationship appears to affect everything around them.
When the couple is in sync, the world seems to reward them. Their houseplants flourish, Julia gets a promotion, Charlie’s music climbs the Spotify charts, and even their cryptocurrency investments suddenly surge. Life feels effortless, as if the universe itself is rooting for their happiness.
But harmony doesn’t last forever. When Charlie and Julia fall back into arguments, the effects quickly spiral in the opposite direction. Careers stall, health scares emerge, and global problems begin to escalate in bizarre ways.
At one point, the film jokingly suggests their relationship troubles could even impact the fate of actor Jon Hamm, whose fictional health crisis becomes part of the film’s surreal chain reaction.
Realizing that their emotional state might have extraordinary consequences, Charlie and Julia begin experimenting. If being happy together improves the world, maybe they can control events by fixing their relationship.
The idea leads to a series of awkward and sometimes chaotic attempts to manufacture harmony.
Much of the film’s energy comes from the chemistry between Pullman and Hawke. Their performances swing quickly between tenderness, frustration, and humor, capturing the unpredictable rhythm of a long-term relationship.
Whether they’re arguing over small frustrations or trying to rekindle their connection, the actors create moments that feel relatable even when the story ventures into the absurd.
The supporting cast also contributes to the film’s comedic tone. Berlant stands out with her double performance as the eccentric twin healers, while Jake Shane adds dry humor as Julia’s co-worker and enthusiastic admirer. The ensemble helps ground the story’s more outlandish ideas.
Parkes’ direction occasionally leans into stylistic flourishes, including visual touches that highlight the couple’s shifting emotional perspectives. One memorable moment shows a sunset from two different viewpoints in split-screen, symbolizing how Charlie and Julia can experience the same moment in completely different ways.
Running 1 hour and 45 minutes, “Wishful Thinking” ultimately works less as a fantasy spectacle and more as a reflection on relationships. Beneath the magical premise lies a familiar truth: love requires balance, patience, and personal growth.
By the film’s end, Parkes seems to suggest that harmony within ourselves might be the first step toward harmony with others.
If that idea holds true, “Wishful Thinking” playfully asks just how far that ripple effect could go.
