Review: Annie Murphy and Cooper Raiff Shine in ‘All That She Wants’

Millennials are getting their own modern take on the “Mrs. Robinson” narrative in the new romantic comedy “All That She Wants.” Titled after the 1992 Ace of Base hit, the film follows Emma, a professional dancer played by Annie Murphy, who finds herself at a crossroads in her early thirties. Following a breakup with her long-term, non-committal boyfriend Spencer, portrayed by Finn Wittrock, and fueled by her sister Macy’s pregnancy announcement, Emma begins to confront her own biological clock and professional uncertainties.

The story takes a turn when Emma meets Luke, a graduate student played by Cooper Raiff, at a nightclub. Despite being roughly a decade younger, Luke is drawn to Emma’s quirky energy. Their night leads to a encounter in his university dorm, where a shocking revelation emerges the next morning: Emma previously babysat Luke when he was four years old, a fact that initially complicates their budding romance.

The screenplay, written by “Schitt’s Creek” alum David West Read, was crafted specifically for Murphy, who won an Emmy for her role as Alexis Rose. While the script leans into the physical comedy that defined her previous work, it also provides space for dramatic depth as Emma undergoes significant personal growth over a span of several months. The film is co-directed by Andrew Rhymer and Scarlett Bermingham, marking Bermingham’s directorial debut. Rhymer previously co-directed and co-wrote the 2019 rom-com “Plus One,” in which Bermingham acted.

Raiff, known for starring in and directing his own age-gap romances such as “Shithouse” and “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” appears more compelling here under the guidance of Rhymer and Bermingham. Critics note that his performance is his warmest and most charming to date, with his rougher edges softened effectively for the role.

While the initial conflict regarding Emma’s past babysitting role is resolved quickly, the central tension stems from Emma’s internal struggles. Haunted by the toxic perfectionism inherited from her mother, played by Christine Baranski, Emma grapples with societal expectations and her own desire for motherhood. The narrative explores whether she can find happiness on her own terms, separate from what others have deemed appropriate for her.

As the plot unfolds, Emma considers asking Luke to be a sperm donor, a proposition he accepts out of a desire to help her and spend time together. The film examines whether their transactional arrangement can evolve into genuine love. Ultimately, “All That She Wants” is praised for its strong performances and a script that balances authentic emotion with contemporary social themes, offering a refreshing update to the older-woman-younger-man romance genre.