From the beginning of time to the present day, a single plot of land becomes a site for life, love and loss for the families who build their homes there.
Robert Zemeckis reunites with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in Here, a sweeping drama that explores centuries of human connection on one piece of land. Released in 2024, this visually ambitious film blends intimate storytelling with grand historical scope, earning two award nominations and sparking conversations about life, love, and legacy.
Plot and Themes
Here unfolds across millennia, tracing the lives of families who inhabit the same plot of land. From ancient forests to modern suburbs, the film examines how people shape and are shaped by the places they call home. Writers Eric Roth and Richard McGuire (adapting McGuire’s graphic novel) weave interconnected stories of joy, conflict, and loss, emphasizing how small moments ripple through time. Themes of resilience and impermanence resonate, asking viewers: What does it mean to leave a mark on the world?
Cast and Performances
Tom Hanks delivers a grounded performance as a 20th century architect grappling with legacy, while Robin Wright shines as a pioneer woman battling isolation in the 1800s. Their chemistry, reminiscent of Forrest Gump, adds emotional weight. Paul Bettany stands out as a melancholic 19th-century poet, balancing wit and vulnerability. The ensemble cast navigates multiple timelines seamlessly, making each era feel distinct yet connected.
Direction and Visuals
Zemeckis combines practical sets with subtle CGI to transform the landscape across eras. A single oak tree becomes a silent witness to history, its changes reflecting the passage of time. The director’s signature long takes immerse viewers in each period, while muted color palettes differentiate timelines without gimmicks. However, the film’s brisk 104 minutes runtime occasionally rushes emotional beats, leaving some characters underdeveloped.
Music and Atmosphere
Alan Silvestri’s score blends folk melodies with orchestral swells, mirroring the story’s mix of intimacy and grandeur. Sound design highlights natural elements rustling leaves, creaking floorboards to anchor the film’s setting as a “character” itself.
Criticisms and Praise
While Here’s ambition impresses, its fragmented structure may confuse casual viewers. Certain subplots, like a rushed 1980s divorce arc, lack depth. Still, the film’s emotional highs a Civil War-era farewell, a modern day reunion land powerfully. Nominations for Best Production Design and Adapted Screenplay at the 2024 Global Film Awards highlight its technical strengths.
Final Verdict
Here is a thought provoking drama for history buffs and character driven story lovers. While not flawless, its blend of stellar acting, visionary direction, and timeless themes makes it memorable. Like the land it portrays, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own place in history a journey worth taking.
Zemeckis reminds us that while places outlive people, it’s our stories that truly endure. Here earns its emotional payoff, proving that even in a changing world, some truths remain constant.