Discussion of HERE, directed by Robert Zemeckis with Steve Barnes

Robin Wright as MARGARET, Tom Hanks as RICHARD in HERE

Steve and I talk about the one-location film, HERE, directed by Robert Zemeckis. HERE is co-written by Zemeckis and Eric Roth and based on a graphic novel by Richard McGuire. It’s a FORREST GUMP reunion with Zemeckis at the helm and Tom Hanks and Robin Wright as co-leads. Other cast members include Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, and Nikki Amuka-Bird.

A movie with an intriguing concept, HERE takes place across centuries at the same geographical coordinates, starting with the time of the dinosaurs. Its nonlinear structure shows seven different families who live there through the centuries. The scenery and décor changes with the times, and each family experiences their home differently.

HERE makes generous use of generative AI to de-age its characters. We talk about that choice, as well as the choices each of these families make. Other topics include previous works of Zemeckis, comparisons to our beloved DARK series, were the Beekman family stoners, how memories don't always match reality, why the history of a place is important, and who really invented to La-Z Boy. Truth be told, neither of us liked this movie too much, but we always enjoy our conversations, and we think you will, too. The ideas in the film certainly cover the gamut of human experiences through the different lives that pass through.