Introduction: An Ambitious Journey Through Generations
The 2024 film Here, directed by the acclaimed Robert Zemeckis and based on the conceptual graphic novel by Richard McGuire, takes audiences on an odyssey through time. Anchored to a single space in New England, the film spans generations, covering various historical epochs and personal stories of families who lived in this one place. By interweaving time periods and events, Zemeckis attempts to uncover universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and legacy.
Plot: Time as a Constant
The narrative unfolds within the confines of a living room that serves as the film’s anchor through shifting times. From the prehistoric era to a post-COVID future, viewers witness the lives of characters shaped by this specific location. Zemeckis and his writing team, including Eric Roth, weave together distinct yet connected moments in history—from colonial America to World War II, and through to contemporary times. These vignettes within the single setting create a tapestry of human experience that reflects both continuity and change across eras. However, the ambition of this nonlinear storytelling may leave some audiences feeling more intrigued by the concept than moved by the individual characters.
Characters: Iconic Cast and Digital Innovation
One of the most fascinating elements of Here is the casting of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright as Richard and Margaret Young, the central characters. Their journey from spirited teenagers to elderly parents is conveyed through a blend of acting and cutting-edge digital de-aging technology. Hanks and Wright are reunited with Zemeckis in this endeavor, evoking their memorable Forrest Gump partnership. The digital makeup used to portray younger versions of the actors adds both intrigue and a slightly uncanny quality, reminiscent of the effects in The Irishman. Yet, while the technology succeeds in creating younger versions of the actors, it occasionally detracts from the naturalism of their performances, especially in more emotionally charged scenes.
Supporting cast members, including Paul Bettany as the war-scarred Al and Michelle Dockery as the steadfast Pauline, add layers to the generational narrative. Each character leaves a mark on the home, contributing to the legacy it represents.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Cinematic Experiment in Time and Place
Here relies on a fixed camera, capturing the same room across shifting eras. This static framing, similar to McGuire’s graphic novel, requires the actors, costumes, and set design to convey the passage of time rather than using typical cinematographic techniques. Zemeckis and cinematographer Don Burgess successfully create a feeling of history unfolding within this singular space. The use of “panels” on screen, showing different moments from different years, enhances this layered storytelling approach. As seasons pass outside the window and the furnishings reflect changing tastes and technologies, the viewer becomes acutely aware of the constant march of time.
Despite the film’s technical achievements, this method can feel limiting. The single-room setup occasionally distances the audience from the characters’ internal struggles, as their lives are played out like historical artifacts rather than deeply emotional journeys.
Themes and Messages: The Universal and the Personal
Zemeckis’ Here explores what it means to occupy a shared space across time. Every action, every decision made by the people in this home reflects a larger commentary on human existence. Through moments of joy, heartbreak, and even mundane daily activities, the film underscores the cyclical nature of human lives and relationships. This emphasis on continuity draws comparisons to Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, as both films ponder the individual’s place within a larger cosmic context.
However, Here focuses less on individual existential dilemmas and more on how we, as humans, leave traces behind in the spaces we inhabit. The characters’ actions suggest that each family member adds to the legacy of the place, even if those actions are seemingly insignificant on their own. This thematic focus reinforces the idea that shared spaces hold memories that transcend generations, binding people across time.
Direction and Execution: A Unique Zemeckis Experiment
Known for pushing cinematic boundaries, Zemeckis once again experiments with form in Here, yet his approach may divide audiences. On one hand, the film’s structure reflects his flair for innovation, seen previously in Forrest Gump and The Polar Express. On the other hand, the limitations of a single space might make the film feel claustrophobic and less dynamic, even as it spans vast historical timelines. For viewers familiar with McGuire’s non-linear graphic novel, Zemeckis’ approach may seem like a bold but slightly restrained interpretation.
Comparison to Similar Films
The thematic weight of Here inevitably draws comparisons to The Tree of Life (2011) and Boyhood (2014), which similarly explore family dynamics and the passage of time. Unlike Boyhood, which focuses on the literal aging of characters over 12 years, Here utilizes digital tools to capture the illusion of time passing while centering the narrative around a single location. Malick’s existential musing in The Tree of Life parallels the introspective nature of Here, though Malick’s work extends beyond the bounds of a physical space, contemplating humanity’s connection to the universe as a whole.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Here is both a visual and thematic experiment that captures moments of poignancy while exploring the ties that bind us across generations. Its unique narrative style, centered on a singular space, presents an introspective experience for viewers interested in the existential questions of life and legacy. However, some may find the film’s rigid framing and digital de-aging effects somewhat alienating.
For those who enjoy contemplative, thought-provoking cinema, Here is an ambitious journey worth undertaking. It prompts viewers to reflect on their own connections to places and people over time. Others may find the experimental approach challenging, as it sometimes sacrifices depth of character for thematic scope.
Here receives a solid 7/10 for its originality, technical prowess, and emotional resonance, though its narrative complexity and unconventional visuals may limit its appeal. If you’re intrigued by this profound meditation on time and memory, Here is available to watch on various streaming platforms. Check out where to watch Here (2024) or explore other top-rated films at GoMovies.
For an initial taste, watch the trailer here: Here (2024) Trailer.
