Time and culture change priorities and family ties, but a godly perspective never changes.
Are You Just Watching? Episode 155: Here
First Impressions
Hey there, Tim here! I’m so excited to dive into Here with you, a film that’s been a rare gem in a sea of formulaic movies. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and featuring incredible performances by Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, this is a movie that challenges its viewers on every level.
When Eve first sent me the trailer, I admit I had no idea what I was looking at—a static camera, no explosions, no massive action sequences. Yet, it intrigued me. What could possibly make a movie with so few moving parts so compelling? The answer is: everything. From its innovative storytelling to its emotional depth, Here pulls you into a journey that is as much about time as it is about perspective.
What struck me immediately was how the film challenges us to consider our place in the larger continuum of history. It portrays not just one family but multiple generations of people who shared the same space, their lives intersecting in surprising and poignant ways.
Of course, as we’ve come to expect from films like this, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Many walked out halfway through, frustrated by its slow pace and non-linear narrative. But for those willing to stay, the experience was nothing short of transformative. This is one movie where patience is truly rewarded.
A Unique Storytelling Device
The most striking aspect of Here is its use of a single, static camera angle. Imagine watching life unfold through a window—a literal frame through which all the action occurs. This technique serves as a metaphor for the unchanging nature of God’s perspective, even as our lives shift and change.
The camera’s immobility forces the audience to focus on what’s happening within the frame, encouraging us to pay attention to the subtleties of each moment. It’s a reminder of how God sees everything, even the moments we think are insignificant. As Christians, this resonates deeply, especially in light of Hebrews 4:13:
“No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
This unique storytelling device also emphasizes the importance of perspective. The camera moves only once during the entire film, and it happens at a pivotal moment, underscoring how a change in perspective can shift our understanding of everything around us.
The Passage of Time
If there’s one theme that dominates Here, it’s time. The film captures fleeting moments of joy, sorrow, love, and loss, reminding us of the transient nature of life. Watching these lives unfold in the same physical space across centuries was like witnessing Ecclesiastes come to life:
“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The characters’ experiences are deeply relatable. Who hasn’t looked back on their life and wondered where the years went? There’s a moment in the movie where one character reflects, “I blinked, and suddenly, I was 50.” How often do we feel that way? Life moves so quickly, and before we know it, we’re faced with the realization that our time here is limited.
This theme ties beautifully into James 4:13-15, which says:
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.” (James 4:13-15)
Cultural Moments: Thoughtful or Forced?
One of the film’s more polarizing aspects is its portrayal of modern cultural moments. The Harris family, for instance, represents a Black American family navigating contemporary challenges. While these scenes anchor the timeline in the present, they occasionally feel like they’re trying too hard to tick cultural boxes.
For example, the family’s conversation about how to handle police interactions felt significant but somewhat out of sync with the movie’s broader themes. Eve and I debated this point extensively. While I felt these moments were essential for grounding the film in reality, Eve wondered if they distracted from the movie’s overarching narrative.
At the same time, these scenes serve as a reminder of how society’s struggles have evolved—or, in some cases, remained stubbornly unchanged. They highlight the importance of empathy and understanding, qualities we’re called to embody as followers of Christ:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
The Emotional Payoff
As the film unfolds, we’re drawn into the lives of its characters. The Young family, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Their story is one of love, regret, and redemption, culminating in a moment that had both Eve and me in tears.
This emotional connection is a testament to the film’s brilliance. Despite its unconventional structure, it succeeds in making us care deeply about the people whose lives we’re witnessing. It reminds us that, no matter how small or insignificant our moments may seem, they are part of a larger story—God’s story.
Music as a Thread
Alan Silvestri’s score doesn’t steal the spotlight, but it provides a crucial thread that ties the narrative together. The music is understated, repeating themes to create a sense of continuity across the different time periods.
In a way, the score mirrors the constancy of God’s presence in our lives. Even when we don’t notice it, He is there, guiding us through the highs and lows. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
A Meditation on Legacy
Here isn’t just a movie; it’s a meditation on what we leave behind. It challenges us to consider how our actions, big and small, ripple through time. Are we living for ourselves, or are we contributing to something greater?
The film’s final scenes left me reflecting on Matthew 6:19-21:
“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Are You Just Watching? is listener supported. Special thanks to our current patrons: Isaias Santillano, Craig Hardee, Stephen Brown II, David Lefton, and Peter Chapman for their generous support. We can't continue to share critical thinking for the entertained Christian without your financial help, so please head on over to our Patreon page and become one of our supporting patrons! What did you think of Here? We would like to know, even if just your reactions to the trailer or the topics we shared in this episode. Or what general critical-thinking and entertainment thoughts or questions do you have? Would you like to suggest a movie or TV show for us to give a Christian movie review with critical thinking?Please support the podcast!
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