Critic Reviews

Rhymer and Bermingham’s solid direction lets the performances shine against a standard-issue, spit-shiny Toronto landscape. But All That She Wants is more about the script. Read kicks this tale off with a meet-cute and an unconventional relationship, but finds authentic emotion and real social issues to power the characters’ journeys forward.

All That She Wants feels destined to become a contemporary rom-com staple, especially around the holidays.

Bermingham, Ryhmer, West, and Murphy’s investment in Emma’s actual growth is quite clear here, a nice change from similar rom-coms. Just because we know where she’s going doesn’t mean the journey there isn’t satisfying on its own.

Embracing certain conventions of the rom-com genre, directors (and real-life partners) Bermingham and Rhymer (it’s her first time at the helm; his directing credits include Plus One) have made a movie that often charms, sometimes surprises, and can also feel too neat in its messiness.

Sometimes it’s just giggle-inducing, and other times it will make you legitimately laugh out loud, but you believe it. And, as with other recent indie rom-coms, if “All That She Wants” doesn’t find a top-tier home, let’s hope, at a minimum, it reminds other directors, producers, or studio executives of how absolutely talented Murphy is. She’s a comedy star who truly captivates, and we need more of her. Much more.