All That She Wants is about Emma (Annie Murphy), a dancer who largely works in commercials. She’s been in a relationship for 10 years with Spencer (Finn Wittrock). He’s one of those guys who takes charge, speaks for his partner, and makes the decisions about their lives. 

Emma has been fine with it but when her sister, Macy (Zosia Mamet) gets pregnant, Emma realizes she wants a child sooner rather than later. Since that’s not what Spencer wants, Emma decides to leave.

Newly single, Emma heads to the club and bumps into Luke (Cooper Raiff). They hit it off immediately. They like each other. Share the same style of humour. Everything should be perfect. 

Except Emma is in her early 30s and Luke is 23. The age gap is something Emma can’t get passed. Years go by, Emma and Luke keep running into each other. But can Emma ignore the age gap and achieve her dream of becoming a mother?

All That She Wants is a cute rom-com. Emma and Luke are very normal, relatable characters. They’re just going through life, trying to find companionship. 

It helps that Murphy and Raiff have excellent chemistry. They look so sweetly at each other and every time they’re together onscreen, they seem to light up. You can’t help but want their characters to end up together. 

The film opens with ‘Silent Night’ which was a bit of a surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Christmas movie at TIFF before. But the story jumps from December to May to December again (get it?) over a period of a few years so we get a variety of weather systems.

All That She Wants is also quite charming. There’s a plot line where people go on vacation which was unexpected but very engaging. This film has better pacing than a lot of films I’ve seen at TIFF this year. At no point can you call it dull. It moves at a great clip and you cannot take your eyes off the screen. 

There are also subplots that were very well-developed. Emma’s relationship with her mother, played by Christine Baranski, was complicated yet touching. Emma’s new direction in life after dancing was also interesting and unexpected. Romcoms don’t get enough credit for being innovative. I was quite impressed at times. 

But I still don’t understand why the age gap was such an issue for Emma. When Luke was 23, okay, that’s too young. But once they get older? When it’s so obvious that they’re comfortable with each other and enjoy being with each other? Where did Emma get this mental block about the age gap?

I also think it’s weird how long Emma takes to consider going the solo route to parenthood. Considering how many people have been able to become solo parents, it was really surprising what an afterthought the option was. And adoption isn’t mentioned even once as an option. Look, I know none of this is easy, and it’s expensive, but it’s so odd that Emma puts so much emphasis on a romantic relationship when her goal is having a child.

It’s also quite strange how everyone is happy to be a parent in the film. Like, I get that that is the thrust of the story, but there’s not a single person in Emma’s orbit to give her the child-free perspective?

I was seated next to the most delightful lady who laughed and giggled throughout the movie. I honestly enjoyed All That She Wants more because of her. At the end of the film, I asked her if she enjoyed it and she definitely did. She did share her relief that it wasn’t as Christmassy as she first imagined. I have to agree with that. 

All That She Wants is a sweet, charming, and fun film. The chemistry between the leads powers the film. The pacing is excellent and the subplots build out the world. I don’t think the focus on the age gap is a very good point of conflict though.

Stay tuned for more reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival 2026.