Wait List: A Love-ish Story Review: A Fun Film That Finds Charm in the Unconventional
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - April 28, 2026
Romantic comedies where the older woman has an affair with a younger man have been quite popular lately, with Babygirl and The Idea of You, allowing sexuality to be explored in a sassy and sentimental manner. Wait List: A Love-ish Story starts with something that feels like it might fit that mould, then gently veers off into messier, more awkward territory. The result is a film that’s light on its feet but not afraid to admit that love, especially the unexpected kind, rarely plays by the rules.
At the centre of it all is Carter Morgan, a man whose romantic ideal isn’t just unconventional, it’s potentially catastrophic. He’s in love with Lisa Chase, the recently divorced mother of his childhood best friend. It’s the kind of premise that immediately raises eyebrows, and the film knows it. Rather than shying away from the discomfort, it leans into it, trying to embody both humour and genuine emotion.
What works well early on is the film’s breezy tone. Carter’s decision to “go for it” is handled with a mix of optimism and naivety, giving the opening act a playful energy. There’s a sense that this could be a cheeky, slightly risqué rom-com, and for a while, it is. The chemistry between the leads carries much of that charm, with Carter’s earnestness bouncing off Lisa’s more cautious, world-weary perspective.
As the relationship develops, the complications pile up. Lisa’s ex-husband, Jeff, lingers like a bad habit, unwilling to fully let go. Carter’s parents disapprove, not unreasonably. And perhaps most awkwardly of all, Lisa’s son Denny is forced to confront the reality that his friend is now romantically involved with his mother. So, the story becomes less about the thrill of forbidden romance and more about its consequences - which is sweet but at times, a little boring. At times I could find myself thinking, who cares? There needed to be a little more conflict in why these two so desperately need to be together.
Performance-wise, the cast brings a natural ease to the material. The supporting characters, particularly the ex-husband and Carter’s parents, add texture without overwhelming the central relationship. There’s a sense that everyone in this story is dealing with their own version of disappointment, expectation, or reinvention, which helps the film feel more layered than its premise might suggest. Every actor is committed to their roles, but sometimes the acting does feel forced and slightly caricaturist. With the writing, the film can feel like we’re watching a really long episode of a soap, like Hollyoaks or Emmerdale. (If this is what they were going for, then they're really successful)!
For an indie film, the shots and sound are very well done. Some scenes might feel a little static, but for a low budget, this is expected and forgivable. You’ve got to make the most out of the locations you have.
The film occasionally struggles to balance its tonal shifts. The transition from light, almost whimsical romance to something more serious isn’t always seamless. At times, it feels like two slightly different films trying to coexist. Some viewers may find that shift refreshing; others might find it a bit uneven. The runtime is almost two hours, and there were times I felt the film's length - parts are slow, and the conflict doesn’t always feel strong enough, so some viewers may disengage and want the film to finally end.
With a predictable but wholesome and uplifting end, Wait List: A Love-ish Story may not redefine the rom-com genre, but it offers a thoughtful, slightly offbeat take on it. One that’s as willing to tug at the heart as it is to raise an eyebrow. This film is one for fans or romantic drama's and easy viewing.
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