Harry Shum Jr. in an emotional rom-com? Sign us up!

You’ve seen Harry Shum Jr. dance. You’ve seen him sing. Now he’ll make you cry in the new film All My Life. The Crazy Rich Asians star returns to the romance genre in the film following a young couple falling in love and facing the worst news imaginable. Joining Shum Jr. in front of the camera are Jessica Rothe, Ever Carradine, Keala Settle, Jay Pharoah, Kyle Allen, Jon Rudnitsky, and Josh Brener. Taking a break from directing thrillers and serial killer dramas to try his hand at romance is director Marc Meyers, known for My Friend Dahmer and Human Capital.

Plot

Inspired by a true story, Shum Jr. plays Solomon, an aspiring chef who just wants to fall in love and live a happy life. That love comes in the form of Jenn, whom he meets at a bar. We’ll watch the couple flirt, get caught in the rain together, and even get engaged. Solomon is diagnosed with liver cancer, so the pair accelerates their wedding plans with help from friends and family who launch an online campaign to fund the celebration.

Who’s in All My Life?

Shum Jr. first captured our hearts as Mike Chang on the musical mega-hit Glee from 2009 to 2015. He then joined Shadowhunters, a supernatural teen drama based on the The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. He also hit the big screen in Step Up 2 and Crazy Rich Asians, in which he played Gemma Chan’s long-lost love Charlie Wu. All My Life marks Shum Jr.’s turn as a leading man on the silver screen. Playing his lady love Jenn Carter is Jessica Rothe, best known for Happy Death Day and its sequel. Earlier that year she starred in a musical remake of Valley Girl and Amazon’s dystopian series Utopia alongside John Cusack and The Office’s Rainn Wilson. Speaking of musical talent, The Greatest Showman scene-stealer Keala Settle is also in the cast in an undisclosed role. Joining her in supporting parts are Saturday Night Live alums Jay Pharoah and Jon Rudnitsky, who bring the laughs as Shum Jr.’s onscreen BFFs. Both leads have since taken on substantial subsequent roles across film and television.

Based on a true story

Some of the most romantic movies of all time are based on true stories, and All My Life is no different. Solomon Chau and Jenn Carter met at a house party in October 2007. Instead of letting a liver cancer diagnosis devastate their plans, the couple organized an online fundraiser for the wedding of their dreams. Chau passed away four months after their real-life wedding. In a press release for All My Life, Jenn Carter made it clear that she and Chau, along with their loved ones, made the most of their remaining time together. “We had the choice to either give in to the fear that Sol’s cancer prognosis had laid upon us, or, to move forward with every ounce of love and support we’d be given, making the most of our time we had left together.” Jenn Carter’s involvement in the production was later noted in reviews.

How to watch All My Life

The film received a theatrical release in late 2020. Viewers can now rent or buy it digitally on major platforms starting at $3.99, and it is available to stream on Peacock in the US with additional mentions on Apple TV and select regional services.

Reception and Legacy

Critics gave All My Life a 59 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising the leads’ chemistry while noting the familiar story beats. Audiences awarded the film a CinemaScore of B+ and an IMDb rating of 6.3 out of 10. The modest commercial returns and steady streaming presence have kept the title visible for viewers seeking heartfelt romance with a real-life backbone.

Where to Watch All My Life Now

Digital storefronts across major platforms list the title for rental or purchase from $3.99. Peacock carries the film in the United States, while Apple TV and other services provide access in additional regions, allowing fans to revisit the story on their own schedules.

Harry Shum Jr.'s Career Since All My Life

Shum Jr. has maintained a steady workload since the film’s release. He joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in 2022 and remained through 2026 as Dr. Benson Kwan. Voice work followed in Kung Fu Panda 4 and a Justice League animated project. Upcoming features slated for 2026 include Hellhound and Voicemails for Isabelle, underscoring his continued range across live-action and animation.

Director Marc Meyers' Shift to Romance

Marc Meyers built his early reputation on thrillers and serial-killer dramas such as My Friend Dahmer and Human Capital. All My Life marked a deliberate turn toward romance, allowing him to explore emotional intimacy and ensemble dynamics after years of darker material. The move broadened his filmography while retaining the character focus audiences had come to expect.

The Real Couple's Enduring Story

Solomon Chau and Jenn Carter met at a house party in October 2007. Their decision to crowd-fund a dream wedding after his liver cancer diagnosis became the emotional core of the film. Reviews later highlighted Carter’s participation as a consultant, lending authenticity to the finished picture. The fundraiser and the couple’s choice to celebrate their time together remain the lasting elements that continue to draw viewers to the story.