The Wish List

The film begins with Sarah Fischer experiencing a disastrous date with Jamie, who reveals himself to be a chain-smoking kleptomaniac who stole her credit card. Frustrated by a string of men with 'family and alcohol issues,' Sarah decides to take control of her love life by creating a 22-point 'Wish List' of requirements for her ideal man, including traits like 'must love animals,' 'no slogan t-shirts,' 'must cry at movies,' and 'nice feet.' Shortly after, she meets Erik, a handsome pediatric surgeon who miraculously checks every single box on her list. Simultaneously, she encounters Fred, a new barista at her local coffee shop who refuses to give her her usual nonfat half-caf latte, insisting instead that she try his 'Sumatran Sling' to match her 'vibe.' While Erik woos Sarah with home-cooked herb-encrusted salmon and saves her brother-in-law from a backyard grill fire, Fred pushes her boundaries by taking her to a dive bar called Slinky's for 'Zombies' and karaoke. Erik eventually proposes with a family heirloom ring, and Sarah's family is thrilled, but Sarah begins to feel stifled by the rigid perfection of their relationship. During a meeting with a wedding planner, Erik's overbearing knowledge of floral arrangements and his dismissal of Sarah's own creative sketches trigger a panic attack. Sarah encourages Fred to enter a regional barista competition, which he wins with a drink inspired by her. After witnessing a wedding where the couple vows to cherish their 'shortcomings,' Sarah realizes that Erik is perfect on paper but lacks the 'chemistry' she feels with Fred. She breaks off the engagement, telling Erik that his 'perfection' isn't what she needs. The film concludes with Sarah returning to Fred's coffee shop with a new, one-item list: 'must love the guy more than anything in the world.'