Review: “I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More” is more creepy than romantic

Werther (Douglas Booth), a young writer running an errand in Toronto, stumbles across Charlotte (Alison Pill), a woman that he forms an instant connection with. Convinced that she’s the love of his life, Werther is disappointed to discover that she’s engaged to be married to someone else, Albert (Patrick J. Adams). Undeterred and against the advice of his best friend Paul (Jaouhar Ben Ayed), Werther pursues Charlotte convinced that they are meant to be together.

“I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More” is an adaptation of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1774 novel ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, and film-maker José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço has transposed the action to the modern day. In essence a romantic comedy, with a zany edge, the film follows the adventures of Werther’s misguided attempt to win over a woman who is already committed to someone else. Even though Werther’s actions are contemptible, and at times downright creepy, the film undermines Charlotte’s relationship with her soon-to-be-husband in an attempt to get the viewer onside.

Watching the film through a modern lens, especially in a world where consent is a hot topic issue, “I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More” is quite an uncomfortable watch. It’s fair to say that Charlotte doesn’t behave all that well throughout the film, but Werther’s attempts to force a relationship with her border on stalker-like behaviour. Werther is warned by his best friend Paul that he shouldn’t pursue Charlotte, but nothing can dissuade him from his quest. Werther ends up becoming friendly with Charlotte’s fiancé Albert and he becomes the object of affection for her impressionable younger sister Sissy (Iris Apatow).

Despite the material Douglas Booth gives a committed and zany performance as Werther. Even at the character’s most despicable, the audience will likely root for him as he pursues his poorly thought-out quest. Booth has a likeable screen presence and plenty of charisma, and honestly, he carries the whole film. Alison Pill is a little too naïve and wide-eyed as Charlotte while Patrick J. Adams is wasted in a small role that doesn’t allow him to really showcase his talent.

“I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More” isn’t really as funny or as engaging as it thinks it is. The film wants you to believe that it’s a zany romantic comedy but actually, it’s just a bit creepy. While there are a handful of humorous moments, they don’t make up for the flaws in the material and through a modern lens this simply doesn’t quite work. I’d perhaps suggest reading the original novel, which is much more satisfying and entertaining.

Cast: Douglas Booth, Alison Pill, Patrick J. Adams, Iris Apatow Director: José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço Writers: José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço (screenplay), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (novel) Certificate: 15 Duration: 101 mins Released by: Signature Entertainment Release date: 3^rd February 2025