Robert Zemeckis has a knack for exploring time—past, present, and of course, the iconic Back to the Future. His impressive filmography includes gems like Polar Express and the Oscar-winning Forrest Gump. Zemeckis skillfully blends cutting-edge technology with relatable narratives, examining how our perceptions of time evolve.
In his ambitious adaptation of Richard McGuire’s 2014 graphic novel, Here, he takes a unique approach. Instead of sending characters back in time, Zemeckis allows time to unfold on a single piece of land, highlighting the experiences of a diverse cast throughout the 20th century and beyond. This concept echoes the work of French director Claude LeLouch, whose 1974 film And Now My Love tells a similar story, tracing a couple’s chance encounter across generations, culminating in that pivotal moment.
The film brilliantly centers our attention on a single spot in the universe, showcasing the ebb and flow of human experiences—triumphs, happiness, heartaches, and the essence of family—spanning from the early 1900s to today. It intriguingly begins in the age of dinosaurs, moving through the era of Native Americans and the life of Benjamin Franklin, eventually anchoring in a house where director Zemeckis has cleverly positioned the camera to capture the daily lives of the characters.
In 1908, we meet Pauline (played by Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey), a poised woman anxious about her husband’s obsession with flying. We also encounter a couple living in a cramped house who stumble upon a million-dollar marketing breakthrough: the Lazy Boy lounger. As time passes, we see an African American family move in, adding depth to the story.
The primary focus shifts to our main characters and their extended family, including Al (Paul Bettany), who returns from World War II deeply affected by his experiences. He starts a family with housewife Rose (Kelly Reilly), embodying the typical post-war marriage. Their son, Richard (Hanks), grows up and finds young love with schoolmate Margaret. When she becomes pregnant, they marry early and live with Al and Rose, leading to a strained dynamic as they navigate parenthood with their daughter Vanessa. Richard’s artistic dreams and Margaret’s aspirations of adventure must take a backseat as they strive to support their new family.
“Here gradually pulls you into its world, showcasing what the walls of a house witness as varied lives pass through across different eras. Initially, the rapid shifts between these lives felt somewhat gimmicky, making it hard to fully connect with their struggles. However, the second half shines, focusing on the relationship between Hanks and Wright, who are impressively digitally de-aged for their younger roles and made up for older moments seamlessly. Their portrayal of a marriage navigating familiar challenges—staying together, growing apart, and dealing with life’s frustrations—is relatable, even if predictable.
Throughout the film, a range of televisions, from a classic 50s black-and-white model to a modern big screen, signify the families’ evolving contexts. Thanksgiving dinners recur, anchoring the narrative in communal experiences. Outside the large window, the backdrop transforms, displaying the shift from horse-drawn carriages to bustling automobiles, all while the central story unfolds.”
Title: Here
Festival: AFI Fest
Distributor: Sony Pictures (Tri Star)
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writers: Eric Roth & Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, Nikki Amuka-Bird
Mark your calendars for November 1, 2024, when this stellar film will hit theaters, featuring a talented cast and visionary direction! Stay tuned for more updates!
Rating: PG13
Running Time: 1 Hour and 44 Minutes
