Seen, Silenced, and Surviving: Lessons from ‘I Wish You All the Best'

What happens when being yourself means losing everything? 'I Wish You All the Best' asks this question in a way that feels painfully real. Directed by Tommy Dorfman in 2024, this coming-of-age LGBTQ+ drama follows a teenager whose life changes overnight after coming out as non-binary. At its heart, the film explores identity, family, and the need to belong.

At a time when trans and non-binary people face increasing hostility in public debate across the UK and the United States, the film feels especially urgent. As one reviewer described it, 'I Wish You All the Best' is “quietly revolutionary in its honesty,” focusing on emotional truth rather than spectacle.

A Story That’s Still Relevant Today

The film premiered at South by Southwest in 2024 and later received a wider digital release through Lionsgate in 2025. It belongs to the coming-of-age and LGBTQ+ drama genres, blending personal storytelling with social commentary. Despite being released a few years ago, its themes remain deeply connected to ongoing cultural debates, particularly surrounding the rise of transphobia and discrimination against non-binary people. In the UK, around 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+, while in the United States over 60% of nonbinary youth.

In recent years, public debates around gender identity have become increasingly hostile, with transgender and non-binary people often targeted in the media and in politics. In both the UK and the United States, reports of discrimination, hate speech, and restrictive policies have increased. Against this backdrop, stories like 'I Wish You All the Best' feel especially important. They offer a human perspective in a climate where non-binary identities are too often misunderstood or attacked.

Themes: Identity, Family, and Belonging

The story centres on Ben DeBacker, a thoughtful teenager who comes out to their parents as non-binary, hoping for acceptance. Instead, they are rejected and forced to leave home, turning to their older sister Hannah for support. Living with Hannah and her husband, Ben, Ben begins a fragile new life at a new school, where they struggle with anxiety and fear of judgment. Gradually, they rebuild confidence through friendships, art, and music.

The film focuses on small, realistic moments that reflect Ben’s journey toward self-understanding and belonging. A central theme is identity and self-acceptance, as Ben often questions whether they are “too much” or “not enough.” Their hesitation to correct misused pronouns shows how fear can silence self-expression.

Compared to other recent films exploring gender identity, such as 'I Saw the TV Glow', 'I Wish You All the Best' stands out for its realism and emotional restraint. Dorfman’s grounded approach makes the film accessible and emotionally powerful, highlighting the importance of meaningful non-binary representation.

From Screen to Reality

Ben’s story reflects the reality faced by many LGBTQ+ young people today. In the UK, around 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+, while in the United States over 60% of non-binary youth have experienced discrimination. These figures give weight to Ben’s struggles.

Although visibility has improved, social attitudes remain mixed. Many young people still report being misgendered or dismissed, and a recent YouGov poll found that fewer than half of adults in Britain feel confident using non-binary pronouns correctly, highlighting ongoing misunderstandings.

Coping, Healing, and Hope

Family rejection and chosen family form another central theme in the film. When Ben’s parents turn them away, Hannah becomes their emotional anchor, showing that love is defined by actions rather than biology. As Ben later says, “family is who stays,” a line that captures the importance of chosen support systems.

The film also explores mental health through Ben’s anxiety, withdrawal, and emotional numbness. Rather than exaggerating these struggles, it shows how loneliness can quietly erode confidence. Gender expression is portrayed through Ben’s changing clothing, hairstyle, and art, reflecting their growing self-acceptance. Throughout the film, the theme of belonging runs through every relationship Ben forms, suggesting that true belonging is not about fitting in, but about being accepted without compromise.

What Makes This Film Stand Out

What impressed me most about the film is its emotional honesty. Corey Fogelmanis delivers a deeply moving performance, capturing Ben’s vulnerability with subtlety and care. Many viewers online have described his acting as “heart-breaking without being manipulative,” and I agree. The chemistry between Ben and Hannah feels genuine, making their relationship one of the film’s strongest elements. I was especially moved by the scenes where Ben finds comfort in music and art, using creativity to survive. One critic wrote, “This film understands silence as much as dialogue,” which perfectly captures its tone.

Not Perfect, But Powerful

Representation plays a crucial role in 'I Wish You All the Best'. Seeing a non-binary protagonist treated with dignity helps normalise identities that are often marginalised. As one viewer commented, “This was the first time I saw myself on screen without feeling like a problem to be fixed.” Rather than relying on lectures, the film raises awareness through empathy, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own attitudes.

However, the film is not without flaws. The pacing slows at times, particularly in the middle section, where some emotional moments feel repetitive. Certain supporting characters could have been developed further, making a few relationships seem rushed. A handful of scenes follow familiar coming-of-age formulas, slightly weakening their impact. Nevertheless, these weaknesses do little to overshadow the film’s sincerity. Even when it plays safe, it does so with compassion and purpose.

A Necessary Story

'I Wish You All the Best' is not just a film about one teenager — it is a reminder of how powerful acceptance can be. Through Ben’s journey, it shows the devastating impact of rejection and the healing potential of compassion. Even years after its release, the film remains relevant in a world where LGBTQ+ rights and recognition are still contested. Its quiet storytelling, strong performances, and emotional sincerity make it both moving and necessary.

This is a film that parents, teachers, and young people alike should watch, not only to understand non-binary experiences, but to reflect on their own responsibilities toward others. As Ben’s story shows, a single act of kindness can change a life. In a time when many feel unseen, 'I Wish You All the Best' reminds us that everyone deserves to be loved for who they are without conditions.