Romantic films often follow familiar patterns, but Wait List: A Love-ish Story takes a slightly different path by leaning into a relationship dynamic that still raises eyebrows for many. Written and directed by Debra Markowitz, the film centres on Carter Morgan, a young man who finds himself pursuing a relationship with Lisa Chase, the mother of his childhood friend. It’s a premise that immediately invites curiosity, and the film wastes little time diving straight into it.
Carter, played by Travis Grant, has clearly harboured feelings for Lisa for some time. When he learns that she is newly divorced, he decides to act on those feelings, setting in motion a relationship that is as complicated as it is intriguing. Lisa, portrayed by Bec Fordyce, is cautious and aware of how unconventional the situation appears, especially given her history with Carter’s family and her own recent separation from her ex-husband, Jeff (Loring Murtha).
From the outset, the film establishes both the appeal and the complications of their connection. What begins as something light and flirtatious gradually evolves into something more emotionally involved. The shift in tone is one of the film’s strengths, showing how quickly a situation that might seem playful on the surface can carry deeper consequences once real feelings are involved.
The chemistry between Grant and Fordyce is key to making the relationship believable, and for the most part, it works. Grant brings a sincerity to Carter that stops the character from feeling like a cliché. There’s a genuine sense that his feelings go beyond a fleeting attraction, particularly in scenes where he has to defend his choices to his parents. Fordyce, meanwhile, delivers a grounded performance as Lisa, balancing hesitation with vulnerability as she navigates her own emotions and the judgement that comes with them.
The supporting cast adds further layers to the story. Robert Clohessy appears as Carter’s father, offering a more measured perspective during a key conversation about the relationship, while Tara Westwood as Carter’s mother reacts far less favourably to the situation. Lisa’s ex-husband Jeff also plays a role in creating tension, particularly in the earlier stages of Carter and Lisa’s involvement.
There are moments throughout the film that lean into awkward comedy, particularly when the relationship is exposed to those around them. Scenes involving unexpected interruptions and uncomfortable encounters highlight just how complicated their situation is, often with a mix of humour and tension. At times, the film feels reminiscent of the classic “you shouldn’t be doing this” dynamic seen in other romantic comedies, but here it is handled with a slightly more grounded approach.
Technically, Wait List: A Love-ish Story is very much an independent production, and that shows in its presentation. The cinematography is fairly basic, relying heavily on static shots and simple framing. Most scenes are shot with the camera locked off, and there is little in the way of dynamic movement or visual flair. While this doesn’t necessarily detract from the story, it does limit the film’s overall cinematic feel.
That said, the sound design is one of the film’s stronger technical aspects. Dialogue comes through clearly throughout, which is important given the dialogue-driven nature of the story. There are also moments where the musical choices feel slightly over-emphasised, particularly in more dramatic scenes, but they never completely overpower what is happening on screen.
Wait List: A Love-ish Story finds romance in the age gap
Where the film ultimately finds its footing is in its willingness to explore the emotional and social complexities of its central relationship. It doesn’t try to present Carter and Lisa’s situation as simple or universally accepted. Instead, it acknowledges the discomfort, the judgement, and the internal conflict that comes with it. Family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal boundaries all come into play, giving the film more depth than its premise might initially suggest.
At times, pacing can feel uneven, with certain moments lingering longer than necessary while others move by quite quickly. However, the film remains engaging enough to hold attention, largely due to the performances and the central concept.
Wait List: A Love-ish Story is an interesting independent romantic drama that will likely find its audience on streaming platforms. It may not break new ground visually, but it offers a thoughtful look at relationships that don’t always fit neatly into society’s expectations. With a compelling premise, solid performances, and a willingness to tackle uncomfortable themes, it proves to be a watchable and occasionally thought-provoking addition to the indie romance space.
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