All That She Wants arrives with a playful premise, but this All That She Wants review finds much more than a cute title. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film blends sharp humor, emotional honesty, and standout chemistry between Annie Murphy and Cooper Raiff in a romantic comedy that feels fresher than most entries in the genre.
Set and shot in Toronto, the film embraces its city backdrop rather than disguising it as somewhere else. That local texture gives the story a lived-in charm, while the script from David West Read gives its characters enough depth to rise above rom-com convention. The result is a modest but memorable crowd-pleaser that knows exactly what audiences want: wit, warmth, and two leads you can’t help rooting for.
All That She Wants Review: A Rom-Com With Real Personality
At its core, All That She Wants is about timing, desire, and the awkward ways life refuses to go according to plan. Emma, played by Annie Murphy, is a late-thirties dancer whose career no longer matches her ambitions. She is stuck doing commercial work, frustrated by a stagnant relationship, and increasingly aware that she wants a baby before the window closes.
That longing drives the story, but the film keeps things light on its feet. After a night out clubbing, Emma meets Luke, a younger grad student played by Cooper Raiff. Their connection is immediate, but the morning after delivers a genuinely cringe-worthy revelation: Emma once babysat him when he was a toddler. It is the kind of twist that could sink a lesser movie, yet here it becomes the launching point for a surprisingly tender and funny exploration of age-gap romance, fertility anxiety, and emotional maturity.
If this All That She Wants review has one major takeaway, it is that the film succeeds because it trusts character over gimmick. The setup may be outrageous, but the people feel real.
Annie Murphy and Cooper Raiff Make the Premise Work
The biggest strength of the film is the pairing of Murphy and Raiff. Without believable chemistry, a story like this would collapse under the weight of its own high-concept awkwardness. Instead, the two actors bring warmth, timing, and vulnerability to every scene they share.
Annie Murphy’s layered lead performance
Murphy gives Emma an appealing mix of confidence and panic. She is funny without turning Emma into a caricature, and she captures the quiet fear beneath the character’s jokes and bad decisions. Emma’s concerns about motherhood, aging, and romantic disappointment are deeply relatable, and Murphy keeps them grounded even when the plot leans into screwball territory.
Cooper Raiff’s understated charm
Raiff plays Luke with a natural sincerity that makes him more than just the younger love interest. He is awkward but emotionally present, thoughtful without being overly polished, and believable as someone who keeps reentering Emma’s orbit. Their dynamic evolves in ways that feel earned, which is why this All That She Wants review sees the central relationship as the film’s winning bet.
A Sharp Script That Avoids Typical Rom-Com Cliches
Screenwriter David West Read gives the story an appealing intelligence. The film understands familiar romantic comedy beats, but it does not simply recycle them. Instead, it updates them with more emotionally specific stakes.
Several elements help the screenplay stand out:
- A clear emotional engine: Emma’s desire for motherhood gives the story urgency beyond simple romantic pairing.
- Well-drawn supporting characters: Her family and boyfriend are not just filler; they reflect the pressures shaping her choices.
- Seasonal progression: The passage of time, including a Christmas stretch, helps the story breathe and deepen.
- A balance of tone: The film moves between cringe comedy and heartfelt intimacy without losing control.
Rather than mocking Emma’s predicament, the film treats it with empathy. That tonal balance is a major reason this All That She Wants review lands so positively on the screenplay.
Toronto Becomes More Than a Backdrop
One of the most refreshing aspects of the movie is its sense of place. So many productions use Toronto as a stand-in for New York or another anonymous cityscape. Here, Toronto gets to be itself, and that matters.
The urban setting gives the film a specific texture that enhances its identity. From nightlife to seasonal shifts, the city contributes to the mood and rhythm of Emma and Luke’s story. For TIFF audiences especially, that authenticity adds another layer of appeal. This is not just a festival premiere in Toronto; it is a movie that belongs there.
In a media landscape full of interchangeable streaming rom-coms, that distinct setting gives the film extra personality. Any complete All That She Wants review has to note how effectively the location supports the film’s charm.
Supporting Cast, Direction, and Festival Buzz
The supporting cast adds polish throughout. Christine Baranski and Bill Irwin bring veteran presence as Emma’s parents, while Zosia Mamet and John Gemberling help flesh out the family dynamics. Finn Wittrock appears in a more familiar boyfriend role, but he serves the story’s contrast effectively.
Directors Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer keep everything moving with confidence. They understand that the premise needs a light touch, and they resist the urge to push the material into broad farce. Their approach lets the emotional stakes emerge naturally.
Key film details include:
- Title: All That She Wants
- Festival: Toronto International Film Festival, Special Presentations
- Directors: Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer
- Screenplay: David West Read
- Running Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
- Cast: Annie Murphy, Cooper Raiff, Zosia Mamet, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, John Gemberling, Finn Wittrock
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Final Verdict
This All That She Wants review comes down firmly on the side of recommendation. The film is smart, funny, and emotionally grounded, with two appealing lead performances that turn a potentially awkward concept into something genuinely sweet. It may not reinvent the romantic comedy, but it understands the genre well enough to sidestep many of its lazier habits.
For viewers looking for a TIFF rom-com with heart, wit, and a strong sense of place, All That She Wants is easy to like. If it secures the right distributor, it has every chance to become a word-of-mouth favorite. In short, this All That She Wants review finds a charming festival standout that gives Annie Murphy and Cooper Raiff one of the year’s most enjoyable screen pairings.
