A Recap of the Movie ‘I Wish You All the Best’

Movies

Nov 7

Written By VS BRANDS

Plot Synopsis written by Michael Lee

*All Media used in this article is courtesy of Lionsgate

Official Trailer: ‘I Wish You All the Best’ (2025)

Video Credit: Lionsgate

Plot Synopsis

The movie opens with Ben DeBacker, a quiet, artistic teen who’s been carrying a secret for a long time — they’re nonbinary. At home, things are tense. Their parents are conservative and not exactly open-minded.

One night, Ben finally gathers the courage to come out to them, hoping for love or at least understanding. Instead, their dad explodes, their mom freezes, and within minutes Ben is kicked out of the house with nowhere to go.

Scared and alone, Ben calls the only person they can think of — their older sister Hannah, who left home years ago and hasn’t spoken to their parents since. Hannah doesn’t hesitate.

She drives over, picks Ben up, and takes them home to live with her and her husband, Thomas. It’s awkward at first — Hannah and Ben have a lot of history to unpack — but she’s determined to give her sibling the safety she never had.

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At a new high school, Ben tries to keep their head down. They don’t tell anyone they’re nonbinary. They just want to survive. The dynamic shifts with the introduction of Nathan, a genuinely kind and effusive classmate who mentors Ben.

Nathan, though a fast talker, is well-intentioned. His persistent kindness gradually draws Ben out of his shell, leading to after-school hangouts, renewed laughter, and perhaps the stirrings of feelings beyond friendship.

Ms. Lyons, an art teacher, recognizes Ben's creativity as a vital outlet. Through art, Ben discovers a way to express unspoken thoughts and feelings in their drawings and paintings.

Even as Ben attempts to forge a new, delicate existence, the past continues to exert its pull. Their parents contact them, expressing a desire to speak, but their apology seems insincere and still laden with stipulations. Ben has to decide: do they try to fix something that broke them, or do they move forward and build something new?

The movie doesn’t rush this choice. Ben stumbles, retreats, panics — they’re still figuring out how to be in the world. However, with Hannah's help and Nathan's steadfast friendship, Ben gradually embraces self-acceptance. They begin to use their correct pronouns, express themselves openly, and create art that truly reflects their identity. Ultimately, Ben comes to understand that they are worthy of love, safety, and joy, not merely tolerance.

In the end, Ben confronts their parents, establishing boundaries rather than seeking their approval. The resolution isn't a perfect, joyful one—the hurt remains—but it's authentic. Ben leaves with the understanding that they can create their own family, one that truly accepts them.

The final scenes depict a lighter, more unburdened Ben. Their posture is different, shoulders back, a subtle yet profound transformation of someone finally comfortable in their own skin.