Chinese rom-com 'Wish You Well' explores modern dating struggles

Romantic comedy "Wish You Well" premiered in Beijing on Jan. 28 as the first project from China Film Group's youth filmmaking initiative, exploring the emotional dilemmas of modern relationships.

The cast and crew of "Wish You Well" pose for a group photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, Jan. 28, 2026. [Photo courtesy of China Film Creative]

Young director Liang Wenzhe shared the creative aspiration behind the film at the premiere, saying she made this movie as an opportunity to have a conversation with audiences.

"Our generation longs for intimate relationships yet often feels pessimistic about them, but I hope people won't neglect themselves because of others," she said.

"Wish You Well" follows relationship blogger Zhu Junhao (Zhu Yanmanzi) and Gong Xi (Ren Bin), a civil affairs bureau worker who handles marriage and divorce paperwork. Though both are experts on love, they divorce. To move on, they make an unconventional pact to set each other up on dates.

Their matchmaking scheme goes awry when exes and eccentric suitors enter the picture, forcing them to re-examine what they really want from relationships.

The film explores young people's anxieties about dating, compatibility and romantic burnout. It also touches on how electronic devices can create distance in intimacy and how trivial matters can lead to heartbreak.

Unlike typical rom-coms focused on rekindling broken relationships, the film suggests that love should empower rather than constrain. It also depicts how China's civil affairs bureaus work to reduce divorce by counseling couples.

The film drew positive reactions at its premiere. Many described it as "all too real," with some urging viewers to "stay away from toxic men" and others calling it a "guidebook for navigating modern relationships" and advocating to "love yourself well."

Screenwriter Huang Qingjiao said she wrote the story to empower women. 

"Take it a bit easier when it comes to emotions, don't overthink things, and don't chase perfection. Love boldly when you're in love, and when you're not, just turn away cleanly," she said.

The actors also shared their interpretations of the story's "unconventional romantic relationships." Zhu Yanmanzi said Zhu Junhao undergoes a transformation from "seeking love" to "being filled with love," reclaiming her sense of agency.

Ren Bin, referencing the story of an elderly character at the film's end, said the most ideal relationship is to "live within fate, not within the confines of a relationship."

Gao Shan, the chief producer of "Wish You Well" and deputy manager of China Film Group, said Chinese cinema will always need diverse voices and fresh talent. He praised the script's sharp, humorous portrayal of modern relationships.

He encouraged young filmmakers to apply to China Film Group's youth initiative for support. The initiative, launched in 2023, pledged to invest 1 billion yuan ($144 million) over three years to support 30 to 50 projects by young filmmakers.

"Wish You Well" was released nationwide in theaters on Saturday.