Year: 2014
Runtime: 106 min
Language: English
A struggling actor and family man, Aidan Bloom experiences a midlife crisis while raising his children. When his father's financial difficulties arise, Aidan is unexpectedly tasked with homeschooling, forcing him to re-evaluate his own life and purpose. He employs creative and unorthodox teaching methods that unexpectedly lead to self-discovery for both himself and his children, ultimately helping him find a renewed sense of direction.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Wish I Was Here yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Wish I Was Here (2014), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As the head of his family, Aidan Bloom (played by Zach Braff), a 35-year-old aspiring actor, grapples with the challenges of making a name for himself in the competitive landscape of Los Angeles, while his devoted wife Sarah (portrayed by Kate Hudson) works behind the scenes as a data entry specialist. Their lives are a continuous juggling act between everyday responsibilities and lofty dreams, all focused on providing the best for their two young children, Tucker and Grace. To ensure that their kids receive a proper education, the Blooms rely heavily on Aidan’s father Gabe, who has always believed in the significance of sending his grandchildren to an Orthodox Jewish day school.
However, everything changes when Gabe faces yet another battle with cancer, revealing his intention to invest in a groundbreaking stem cell treatment. This shocking news leads the Bloom family into an unexpected financial crisis, jeopardizing their ability to fund Tucker and Grace’s education. In a bid to adapt to their new reality, Sarah suggests an unconventional approach: homeschooling their children. As Aidan ventures into this new territory, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reassessing his life choices and priorities.
Throughout this transformative chapter, the Bloom family engages in a series of enchanting escapades that ultimately strengthen their bond. They embark on a memorable field trip to the desert for an exhilarating camping experience under a starlit sky, take a thrilling test drive in an Aston Martin—where Grace manages to charm the salesman with her playful act of pretending to be injured, thanks to her clever wig—and spend cherished moments revamping their yard. Aidan pleasantly reminisces about Mr. Miyagi’s iconic life lessons as he dives into these DIY projects.
In the meantime, Aidan’s estranged brother Noah grapples with his own sense of mortality, grappling with the emotional fallout of being sidelined in their father’s life for years. He finds comfort in the company of Janine, a talented furry costume designer he meets at San Diego Comic-Con, prompting him to channel his creativity into crafting a costume that wins over her affection. As Gabe’s health begins to wane, he beckons his sons to share precious moments by his side, requesting that they bring their favorite ice cream as a heartfelt gesture of love and support.
As they confront the trials ahead, the Bloom family uncovers a resilience that brings them closer together. Aidan deepens his relationship with Sarah, who bravely stands up to her workplace harasser and secures a year’s worth of severance pay. Meanwhile, Tucker and Grace flourish under Aidan’s newfound influence as they anticipate what lies ahead. The film concludes with the Bloom family gazing toward a promising future, as Aidan secures a role teaching acting, while his children prepare for the adventures that await them.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:32
Don't stop at just watching — explore Wish I Was Here in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Wish I Was Here is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Wish I Was Here with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Wish I Was Here that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Wish I Was Here (2014) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Wish I Was Here (2014) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Wish I Was Here – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
All I Wish (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Wish You Were Here (2025) Full Movie Breakdown
I'm Not Here (2019) Full Summary & Key Details
Wish You Were Here (2013) Movie Recap & Themes
Make a Wish (2004) Full Summary & Key Details
Wish Man (2019) Detailed Story Recap
What We Wanted (2020) Full Movie Breakdown
This Is Where I Leave You (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Longing (2024) Full Summary & Key Details
Wander Darkly (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Irish Wish (2024) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Living in Oblivion (1995) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Anywhere But Here (1999) Story Summary & Characters
Dad (1989) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Wish Upon (2017) Movie Recap & Themes