Actress and advocate Tommy Dorfman marks a pivotal moment in her career with her directorial debut, I Wish You All the Best. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s acclaimed novel, this film promises to be a powerful and empathetic story centered on a nonbinary teen’s journey of self-discovery, designed by Dorfman to feel like a much-needed “hug” for audiences and a crucial step in representation.
In a significant step in her multifaceted career, Tommy Dorfman, widely recognized for her role in 13 Reasons Why, is embracing a new challenge: film direction. At 33 years old, Dorfman premiered her debut feature, I Wish You All the Best, on Monday, October 27, at the IPIC Theater and Club Bohemia at Gitano in New York. Speaking exclusively with Us Weekly, Dorfman expressed her heartfelt hope for the film, envisioning it as a comforting embrace for its viewers.
A Personal Vision for Nonbinary Representation on Screen
Dorfman’s motivation for bringing this story to life stems from a deeply personal place. She recounted the challenges of her youth, noting the absence of readily accessible trans community resources like social media, and a stark lack of nonbinary characters at the core of cinematic narratives. “When I grew up I didn’t have social media to even build trans community,” Dorfman shared, emphasizing the film’s role in filling this void. Her aspiration is for audiences, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, to find effortless connection with the film’s protagonist, Ben, without the need to “compartmentalize yourself to relate to cis characters.”
For Dorfman, this film is more than just entertainment; it’s a vital piece of storytelling that offers ease and joy. She hopes viewers can “find some ease watching a movie like this with Ben’s story and synergy and you can just really enjoy the ride,” making it a much-needed narrative for today’s world.
Bringing Mason Deaver’s Acclaimed Novel to Life
I Wish You All the Best is an adaptation of Mason Deaver’s highly praised 2019 novel of the same name. The narrative follows Ben, portrayed by Corey Fogelmanis, a nonbinary teenager who is expelled from their home after coming out to their parents. Ben subsequently moves in with their older sister, Hannah (Alexandra Daddario), and her husband, Thomas (Cole Sprouse). The film meticulously chronicles Ben’s journey of self-discovery, highlighting the formation of new friendships and relationships along the way.
The novel itself garnered significant attention for its poignant portrayal of a nonbinary character’s experiences. Publishers Weekly praised its “nuanced portrayal of gender identity” and its ability to offer “readers an intimate, affecting portrait of queer youth coming into their own.” Dorfman’s choice of source material reflects her commitment to authentic and impactful storytelling.
From Passionate Reader to Dedicated Director
Dorfman’s connection to Deaver’s novel was instantaneous and profound. “I was obsessed with Mason’s book and the characters in it really spoke to me in a way that I couldn’t have ever imagined like a teen book would when I was 27,” she explained. She found herself reliving her own high school experience through Ben, appreciating the character’s clarity of self-identity and confidence, coupled with the essential need for supportive individuals.
The journey from optioning the book to directing the film was extensive. Dorfman, who had written other screenplays, recognized the unique urgency of this particular story. “This felt like the one that was most urgent and most pressing to tell,” she stated. She embarked on a rigorous development process, writing 20 drafts over several years. Initially, the idea of directing wasn’t her own, but as she delved deeper into the script, it became unequivocally clear: “maybe I was the only person who should” direct it.
Her personal background, growing up as a trans kid in the South, provided a deep well of understanding and a clear vision for the film. This authenticity resonated with the producers, allowing her to step behind the camera. The experience has clearly been transformative, as Dorfman proudly shared, “And now I’m directing my second film, so that’s cool. I start shooting on Thursday.”
A Message of Compassion in Challenging Times
Though the film was shot years ago, Dorfman emphasizes its heightened relevance in the present global climate. “I think a movie like this couldn’t be more valuable and more prescient than the time we are living in,” she asserted. She views the world as being at a critical juncture, on “the tipping point of what feels to me like a major terrifying pit that we will all get lost in if we don’t act soon and act now and find more compassion and love and support for each other.”
In a world often described as “dark and terrifying,” Dorfman believes I Wish You All the Best serves as a much-needed antidote. It’s not just a film, but a “hug” that people desperately need. Her ultimate hope is that the movie will “shift hearts and souls and minds,” while also being an enjoyable experience for families and friends.
The Enduring Impact of Authentic Storytelling
Tommy Dorfman’s directorial debut is more than just a new entry in her career; it represents a profound commitment to authentic and inclusive storytelling. By centering a nonbinary character’s journey with such empathy and personal conviction, Dorfman is not only breaking new ground but also contributing to a cinematic landscape where diverse experiences are not just seen, but felt and understood. As the film prepares for its limited theatrical release on Friday, November 7, it stands ready to offer comfort, spark dialogue, and perhaps, become a classic for a new generation seeking connection and compassion on screen.
