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‘I Wish You All The Best’: Nonbinary Coming-of-Age Story Arrives in Theaters November 7, 2025
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
On November 7, 2025, queer audiences and allies can experience the release of "I Wish You All The Best", a coming-of-age drama centering on Ben DeBacker, a nonbinary teen navigating the harsh realities of coming out and finding acceptance. Directed by Tommy Dorfman in her feature debut, the film adapts Mason Deaver’s acclaimed YA novel and brings queer stories—especially those of nonbinary youth—to the cinematic forefront in a way rarely seen on mainstream screens .
The film follows Ben DeBacker (Corey Fogelmanis), who is expelled from their North Carolina home after coming out as nonbinary to their conservative, religious parents. Forced to seek refuge, Ben reconnects with their estranged older sister Hannah (Alexandra Daddario) and her husband Thomas (Cole Sprouse). As Ben tries to find their footing in a new town and school, the narrative explores themes of rejection, anxiety, chosen family, and the slow, deliberate process of self-discovery .
The emotional core of the film hinges on Ben’s evolving relationship with Hannah, who herself has been alienated by their parents. Scenes between Fogelmanis and Daddario are described as deeply moving, with the siblings gradually rebuilding trust and bonding over shared trauma and the hope for a more accepting future .
"I Wish You All The Best" features a diverse ensemble, including Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Nathan—a charismatic classmate who becomes Ben’s confidant and romantic interest—alongside supporting roles from Lena Dunham, Amy Landecker, Lexi Underwood, Lisa Yamada, Judson Mills, and Brian Michael Smith . This casting reflects a clear commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility both in front of and behind the camera.
Director Tommy Dorfman, herself an out trans woman, described the project as a “celebration of identity, chosen family, and the quiet courage it takes to live authentically.” Dorfman’s creative vision and lived experience bring depth and nuance to a script that has already earned praise for its sensitivity and realism at its SXSW premiere earlier this year .
While the film does not shy away from portraying the pain of rejection and the complexities of family estrangement, it is equally invested in honoring queer joy, community, and love. Ben’s journey is punctuated by the support of new friends and a budding romance with Nathan, whose affirmation and empathy become lifelines for Ben’s healing process . Notably, the film also addresses generational gaps in understanding gender identity, depicting awkward but genuine efforts from adult characters like Thomas, who tries to learn and support Ben in meaningful ways .
Critics have noted the skillful balance between heartbreak and hope, praising the film’s refusal to reduce queer stories to trauma alone. Instead, *I Wish You All The Best* celebrates the resilience and authenticity of LGBTQ+ youth, providing viewers with both catharsis and inspiration .
The release of "I Wish You All The Best" is being hailed as a major milestone for nonbinary and transgender visibility in mainstream film. By centering a nonbinary protagonist and employing an inclusive creative team, the production sets a new standard for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood . Community organizations and advocacy groups have already begun highlighting the film’s cultural significance, encouraging audiences to support its release as both entertainment and an act of solidarity.
For queer youth searching for affirmation and all viewers eager to witness authentic, moving storytelling, November 7, 2025, marks a date to celebrate at the movies.
