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After starring in hit films ranging from “10 Things I Hate About You” to “The Bourne Identity,” Julia Stiles is ready for the next phase of her artistic career.
The beloved actress makes her directorial debut on the upcoming film “Wish You Were Here,” which explores the way a fleeting romantic connection can start a ripple effect that leads to massive change in an individual’s life.
An official synopsis for the film reads, “When the perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning, Charlotte searches for answers and meaning in her disappointing life until she uncovers a secret that changes everything.”
“Wish You Were Here” is adapted from Renée Carlino’s 2017 novel of the same name, with Carlino co-writing the script with Stiles. The film stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Grey, Mena Massoud, Jimmie Fails, and Gabby Kono-Abdy.
While “Wish You Were Here” marks Stiles’ first time stepping behind the camera, decades of working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest directors likely gave her an idea of what works (and doesn’t work) on set. She previously opened up about the grueling experience of being directed by David O. Russell on “Silver Linings Playbook,” though she noted that his confrontational style ultimately improved her performance in the film.
“I don’t really want to get into David O. Russell as a director, but I learned a lot about acting, for better or worse, in terms of how he treats people on set. I’m not condoning that, but I learned a lot from him because he constantly talks throughout your take,” Stiles said in a 2021 interview. “He’s talking at you while you’re acting or trying to act. It’s very jarring, but it got me out of my own head. I had no time to censor myself or be really self-conscious because he’s barking at you and you have to obey or listen.”
Lionsgate will release “Wish You Were Here” in select theaters on Friday, January 17 and on digital platforms on February 4. Watch the trailer below.
English (US) ·