They say that it’s not about the destination but the journey, and Along Came Wanda is proof of that. Not only is Jan Miller Corran’s comedy a light, buoyant romance, but it is a reminder that you need to be in love and centered with yourself before you can extend that affection to another person.

Not only is Mary Beth reeling from the end of her marriage, but she is still trying to adjust to a life in the middle of a pandemic. She orders a lot of things online and that is how she meets Wanda, an eager delivery person whose van doubles as a soup food truck. In order to get Mary Beth out of her funk, Wanda suggests a road trip to shake things up. Even though these women barely know each other, Mary Beth takes the plunge—the first step in a long journey of life-affirming decisions.

As Wanda drives and Mary Beth enjoys the ride, they make pit stops at destinations to help with Mary Beth’s well-being. They meet some of Wanda’s friends along the way, and Mary Beth begins to confront feelings about her identity that led to the end of her marriage.

Jan Miller Corran’s film is airy and sweet, and it’s grounded by two performances from very different women. Constance Brenneman’s Mary Beth is open to new experiences and feelings, and Cathy DeBuono’s Wanda is a welcoming, warm presence. DeBuono provides some fun physical humor to a typical romantic comedy.

It is all right to be wary of a new phase in your life, but having someone by your side (with some experimental soup) can give you the confidence to take new steps. Along Came Wanda is a breezy but contemplative journey with recognizable characters and a lot of heart. 

~ Joey Moser