longer.blue

My Review of Here (2024) Before watching Here, I heard mostly negative comments. As a fan of both Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks, as well as unique storytelling, I was surprised at how much this movie moved me. I understand why some viewers might not connect with it, but I also think much of the criticism is unfair, especially if you go in without knowing what kind of experience to expect. Yes, the CGI in the beginning is clearly noticeable, but I believe that was intentional. This film was never meant to be a visual spectacle; that much should be obvious from its fixed camera perspective. Instead, it focuses on story, characters, and the passage of time. That said, I still think the de-aging effects were the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of spaces—who lived in them before me, what their lives were like—so this film felt like a personal treat. The way it overlays different time periods, showing how people across generations experience the same types of moments, was executed beautifully. It kept the movement on screen flowing, helping to counterbalance the static frame. The set design was another highlight. The small details—clutter, decor, the subtle changes across eras—made the home feel truly lived-in throughout its history. I also appreciated how the window was used for world-building, adding depth beyond the confined perspective. However, I do think some of the storylines felt unnecessary and distracted from the core experience. The film could have stood on its own had those elements been refined or left out. Ultimately, Here felt like a stage play brought to a wider audience, and I think Zemeckis made the right call in doing so. Maybe it resonated with me because of where I am in life—36 years old, a husband and father, struggling with the uncertainty of rising home and living costs, stuck between childhood and old age. The film felt like both an inevitable preview of what’s to come and a nostalgia trip all at once. Beyond that, it touched on something I often feel—a pull between wanting to see more of the world and wanting a place where memories are made and families grow. It made me reflect on the spaces we occupy, how temporary yet significant they are, and how much we take for granted in the present moment. As someone from a generation that grew up in homes with stories to tell—homes that weren’t just temporary spaces but places filled with history—this film hit me hard. It reminded me of how fleeting these moments are. By the end, I found myself holding my daughter close, fully aware that someday, this chapter of my life will be just another layer in time.