The Unconventional Journey of "Here": From Theatrical Flop to Netflix Debut
Robert Zemeckis, the visionary director behind cinematic classics like "Forrest Gump" and "Back to the Future," reunited with his "Forrest Gump" stars, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, for "Here," an ambitious film exploring the lives of multiple families within a single home across generations. The film, boasting innovative filmmaking techniques like a fixed camera shot and extensive digital de-aging technology, aimed to capture the essence of human experience through the lens of a singular location. However, despite the star power and technical innovation, "Here" stumbled at the box office, grossing a mere $14 million worldwide against a $50 million production budget, failing to resonate with a large audience during its theatrical run.
"Here" centers on a married couple, Richard (Tom Hanks) and Margaret (Robin Wright), whose lives unfold within the walls of their cherished home. The film also delves into the lives of Richard’s parents, Al and Rose, played by Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, weaving a multi-generational tapestry of family dynamics and shared experiences within the same familiar space. The narrative unfolds through time, showcasing the evolution of the house and the lives intertwined within its walls, offering a unique perspective on the passage of time and its impact on familial relationships. Michelle Dockery rounds out the ensemble cast, contributing to the intricate portrayal of interconnected lives within the film’s central setting.
Despite the film’s intriguing premise and the reunion of acclaimed talents, "Here" received a mixed reception from critics. Rotten Tomatoes aggregated a 39% "rotten" rating, suggesting a general dissatisfaction with the film’s execution. Critics like Rex Reed found the film a "soulless, meandering bore," criticizing its overreliance on technological gimmicks and lack of emotional depth. The innovative use of a fixed camera perspective and digital de-aging, intended to enhance the storytelling, were perceived by some as detracting from the emotional core of the narrative, transforming a potentially poignant exploration of human experience into a visually arresting but ultimately hollow spectacle.
However, not all critical voices echoed the negative sentiment. Amy Nicholson, in her New York Times review, offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the film’s strength lies in its meditative quality. She encouraged viewers to embrace the film’s unconventional narrative structure, allowing the connections and subtle nuances to unfold organically rather than seeking a conventional plot-driven experience. This perspective highlights the experimental nature of "Here," suggesting that it demands a different mode of engagement from the audience, one that values evocative imagery and subtle emotional resonance over a traditional, linear narrative arc.
Audience reactions mirrored the critical divide. While a majority on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter gave the film a "rotten" rating, suggesting widespread dissatisfaction, the 59% score also indicates a significant portion of viewers found some merit in the film’s unique approach. This polarization of opinion underscores the unconventional nature of "Here," its departure from traditional cinematic storytelling prompting diverse reactions from viewers accustomed to more conventional narrative structures. The film’s attempt to capture the subtleties of human experience within a confined setting may have resonated with some, while others found its pacing and lack of clear narrative thrust a barrier to engagement.
Following its underwhelming theatrical run, "Here" finds a new home on Netflix, offering a second chance for audiences to experience Zemeckis’ ambitious project. Starting January 30th, Netflix subscribers can stream the film, providing a more accessible platform for viewers to engage with its unconventional narrative and innovative filmmaking techniques. The availability of "Here" on Netflix opens the door for a wider audience to form their own opinions, free from the expectations and pressures of a theatrical release. This transition to streaming allows the film to be discovered anew, potentially finding a more receptive audience who appreciate its unique blend of technical innovation and introspective storytelling. Whether "Here" finds a more appreciative audience on Netflix remains to be seen, but its arrival on the streaming platform offers a fresh opportunity for this unconventional film to connect with viewers.
