Pondering real-life philosophical and cultural ideas and conflicts in genre movies is often the most powerful way for public figures to draw attention to such important societal issues. Genre filmmaker Nicholas Tomnay is doing just that in his latest drama, ‘What You Wish For.’
The filmmaker wrote the script for the feature after he had an overwhelming feeling that the powerful in America have become completely uninterested in the world as a community. He was stunned by the wealthy’s inaction concerning important societal issues, such as climate change, as they were more motivated by greed. As a result, he crafted a noir thriller that’s driven by its morality tale.
Besides penning the screenplay, Tomnay also directed and produced ‘What You Wish For.’ The stylishly unnerving culinary movie stars Nick Stahl, Tamsin Topolski. Randy Vasquez, Penelope Mitchell, Juan Carlos Messier and Brian Groh.
In ‘What You Wish For,’ chain hotel cook Ryan (Stahl) is unsatisfied with his career. So when he’s offered the chance to reunite with his culinary school classmate, Jack (Groh), whom he hasn’t seen in 12 years, in the rainforests of Latin America, he immediately accepts the offer.
Not only is Ryan interested in seeing his old friend again, but is also eager to escape the large gambling debt he has incurred to a dangerous man who desperately wants his money back. The latter is even willing to hurt Ryan or his loved ones to get it.
As Ryan arrives at a multi-million-dollar bungalow and begins relaxing with Jack, he listens enviously to his friend as he discusses his career. The latter has made a more than comfortable living as a private chef. He even travels around the globe in first-class luxury to provide exclusive dining experiences for the ultra-wealthy. Jack seemingly has everything that Ryan has always wanted.
However, Jack offers Ryan a cryptic warning before he suddenly disappears. Upon discovering what happened to his friend on their trip, Ryan makes the fateful decision to assume Jack’s identity, along with his ample bank account to settle the debt. However, Ryan must also now shoulder the unique culinary demands of Jack’s employer.
The project its World Premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 30 and then its European premiere at FrightFest on August 25. ‘What You Wish For’ is set to have its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest tomorrow, Friday, September 22 at 8:15pm CT in Theater 9 at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar in Austin. The drama will then have its second screening on Monday, September 25 at 2:00pm in Theater 5.
In honor of the thriller’s premiere, Tomnay generously took the time on Tuesday to talk about scribing, helming and producing the feature during an exclusive interview over Zoom. Watch the video interview above, and find more information on the movie’s page on Fantastic Fest’s official website.
Film Factual 