Annie Murphy Delivers Dazzling Performance in Uneven Rom-Com 'All That She Wants'
The film stars Annie Murphy as a dancer who leaves her controlling boyfriend and decides to pursue motherhood on her own. Directed by Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer, the comedy features strong supporting turns from Zosia Mamet and Christine Baranski. The review calls it an uneven charmer that shines when it keeps things light.
The film marks a reunion between Murphy and screenwriter David West Read, who previously collaborated on the Emmy-winning series *Schitt's Creek*. Read's screenplay explores Emma's pivot from professional dance to a master's program in speech therapy, motivated by her mother's stress-induced stutter. The romantic complication hinges on an age gap: Luke, played by Cooper Raiff, is a 23-year-old grad student whom Emma once babysat as a toddler.
Premiering in the Special Presentations program at the Toronto International Film Festival, the comedy runs 1 hour 44 minutes. The cast also includes John Gemberling and Bill Irwin, with directors Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer helming the project.
This film may resonate with audiences navigating modern family structures, particularly women considering solo parenthood—a theme rarely treated with comedic lightness. The casting of Murphy, known for sharp comedic timing, could draw viewers who appreciate character-driven rom-coms. However, the uneven tone and underdeveloped subplot involving Baranski's character may limit its broader appeal, potentially positioning it as a festival favorite rather than a mainstream breakout.