Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Here’ Receives Mixed Reviews Ahead of Theatrical Release

Robert Zemeckis‘ latest film, ‘Here,’ has garnered mixed reviews from critics as it prepares for its theatrical release on November 1, 2024. The movie, which reunites Zemeckis with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, is based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire and co-written by Eric Roth and Zemeckis himself.

The film tells the story of a family’s living room across various points in time, using a single camera perspective to evoke nostalgia about American history. However, critics have noted that this ambitious concept often falls short. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter criticized the film for prioritizing technology over fundamental storytelling and character development, resulting in a lack of narrative energy and depth.

The de-aging techniques used to make Hanks and Wright appear younger have been praised for their execution, allowing for some genuinely touching moments. However, critics argue that these techniques are often overshadowed by overly sentimental and cute embellishments, as well as an overreliance on Alan Silvestri’s orchestral score. Tim Grierson from Screen Daily noted that while the film taps into profound themes about mortality and the meaning of life, it lacks the time and depth needed to fully develop its characters.

Other critics have found the film’s socio-political references to be superficial. Nick Schager from The Daily Beast described the film as becoming increasingly tedious, likening it to watching mannequins in a community theater production. Despite these criticisms, some reviewers, such as Pete Hammond from Deadline, have appreciated the film’s originality and emotional impact, even if it has its shortcomings.

‘Here’ premiered at the AFI Fest and is set to hit theaters with a budget of $80 million and a runtime of 104 minutes. The film also stars Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, and Gwilym Lee. As of now, the film holds a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 46/100 score on Metacritic, though these ratings are expected to change as more reviews come in).