Wish You Were Here

Directed by David Leland, Wish You Were Here follows Emily Lloyd’s rebellious Lynda Mansell as she attempts to forge her own path within her stuffy, staid community. First-time filmmaker Leland, working from his own screenplay, has infused Wish You Were Here with a deliberate, laid-back sensibility that’s certainly perpetuated by its predominately episodic narrative, as the movie, which grows more and more absorbing as it progresses, details the coming-of-age exploits of its appealing central protagonist within the context of a surprisingly well-developed and established small town (ie Leland does a superb job of transforming Lynda’s quiet neighborhood, and the various denizens that reside there, into a captivating supporting character in itself). It’s clear, ultimately, that Lloyd’s star-making, consistently spellbinding turn as the not-always-sympathetic hero stands as Wish You Were Here‘s most compelling, hypnotic attribute, with the increasingly poignant bent of Lynda’s arc paving the way for an engrossing and unexpectedly impactful final stretch – which does, in the end, cement the picture’s place as a familiar yet thoroughly stirring drama that boasts standout work from its youthful star.

***1/2 out of ****