Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- heartfelt
- melancholic
- witty
- quiet weekend
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film heartfelt and sincere but overly familiar, especially compared with Zach Braff's earlier work.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Aidan's attempt to homeschool Grace and Noah becomes the main route through which he reassesses his identity and purpose.
The film combines Aidan's financial and professional struggles with the everyday awkwardness of home education and family life.
Aidan is a 35-year-old struggling actor who remains unsure of his direction while supporting his wife and children.
The film is notable for using crowdfunding as a high-profile financing model alongside traditional production companies.
Films like Wish I Was Here, and why
The Descendants
Shares an introspective family dramedy focus on parental responsibility, personal uncertainty, and emotional healing.
Garden State
Shares a warm but melancholy coming-of-age family story in which an adult reevaluates identity and responsibility.
The Way Way Back
Shares a heartfelt comedy-drama about family strain, adulthood, and finding purpose through difficult circumstances.
Movie Details
- Director
- Zach Braff
- Release Date
- 2014-07-18
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (794)
Cast
- Zach Braff
- Kate Hudson
- Joey King
- Mandy Patinkin
- Ashley Greene
- Josh Gad
- Jim Parsons
- Michael Weston
- Pierce Gagnon
- Alexander Chaplin
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Wish I Was Here about?
- A stalled actor turns an improvised homeschooling challenge into an unexpected search for purpose, family connection, and adulthood.
- What is Wish I Was Here like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Wish I Was Here as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Wish I Was Here violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Wish I Was Here.
- What did critics think of Wish I Was Here?
- Critics generally found the film heartfelt and sincere but overly familiar, especially compared with Zach Braff's earlier work.
- Which films are like Wish I Was Here?
- Films with a similar feel include The Descendants, Garden State, and The Way Way Back.
- How long is Wish I Was Here?
- Wish I Was Here runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Wish I Was Here?
- In United States, Wish I Was Here is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
