NEW YORK – The movie “Save the Last Dance” hit theaters on January 12, 2001. Fast forward almost 24 years, and Julia Stiles, the film’s lead, is making her return to the screen, this time as a director. Her debut film, “Wish You Were Here,” which is currently available, adapts the novel by Renée Carlino.

“I had a strong emotional reaction to the book,” Stiles, 42, shares with YSL News. “I found myself laughing out loud and I cried at the end. The first thing that struck me was how the love story felt much more mature than the ages of the main characters.”

The story centers on Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman), a waitress in her twenties who embarks on a passionate romance with Adam (Mena Massoud). Once Charlotte learns that Adam is terminally ill, she discovers a new sense of purpose in her life.

“This period is quite cynical and frightening,” Stiles comments. “We really need a film that conveys hope and reflects the human experience.”

The film’s development began five years ago when producer Gabby Kono-Abdy (who portrays Helen, Charlotte’s best friend) reached out to Stiles via Instagram with the book and a movie concept. Kono-Abdy later formally pitched the idea to Stiles’ agent. Production faced delays due to the Hollywood strikes in 2023. Filming occurred in New Jersey and Florida, with Stiles operating purely on adrenaline and little rest. She worked 12-hour shifts during the week, followed by location scouting and rehearsals on weekends.

Now, 24 years after “Save the Last Dance” kicked off her career, Stiles sees her journey come full circle.

“Back when I was 19, I never imagined I would direct my own film,” she reflects, pondering the advice she would give her younger self. “Just enjoy it. There was so much pressure—both personal and external—that often took away the joy of the experience.”

Stiles Isn’t the Only One Making Her Film Debut

Alongside Stiles’ directing debut, singer Vanessa Carlton and her spouse, John McCauley from the band Deer Tick, composed the film’s score, marking their first collaborative venture in this capacity.

“We became friends in our twenties,” Stiles recalls about Carlton, emphasizing they have known each other since their high school days in New York City. “She achieved fame with ‘A Thousand Miles’ while I had hits with ‘Save the Last Dance’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You.’ We really connected over the whirlwind of our lives at that time.”

“We’ve remained close friends through various stages of life: dating in our twenties to both starting families now,” notes Stiles, who has three children with her husband Preston J. Cook. “She’s always had a passion for composing for movies, and their music truly brought the film to life.”