Robert Zemeckis Returns with “Here”: A Unique Cinematic Experience

Renowned director Robert Zemeckis, known for his significant contributions to popular culture through films like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “The Polar Express,” is set to make his return to theaters with a new project titled “Here.” This film, which premieres in November, takes a unique approach by being set in a single living room, with the camera providing a fixed, unchanging point of view.

The narrative of “Here” spans several generations and examines the interconnected stories of various families who consider this particular space their home. It’s a tale that reflects the essence of human experiences—love, loss, laughter, and life—all confined within the walls of one location. The film showcases Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, reuniting with Zemeckis after their famous collaboration on “Forrest Gump,” with Eric Roth responsible for the screenplay.

Marketing efforts for “Here” have focused heavily on the “Forrest Gump reunion” aspect, a strategy aimed at tapping into nostalgia among older audiences who have not yet returned to cinemas in large numbers post-pandemic. The decision by Sony Pictures to opt for a wide theatrical release is viewed as a gamble, particularly since this demographic often does not engage in advance ticket purchasing, a reliable metric for other movie genres.

“Here” also features advanced CGI technology to age and de-age its stars, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, which could potentially appeal to older generations who recall their past roles. However, there is speculation about whether these CGI effects might deter some audiences due to their immersion in the “Uncanny Valley.”

A box office opening in the range of $10 million to $15 million is anticipated for “Here.” This projection is drawn from comparisons with Zemeckis’ past works, such as the WWII spy drama “Allied,” which opened with $12.7 million. Other similar November releases like “Napoleon” and “King Richard” offer additional data points for these expectations.

One of the contemporary challenges for “Here” is the competition it faces from other large-scale films releasing in November, such as “Gladiator II.” Additionally, family-friendly movies like “Wicked Part 1,” “Red One,” and “Moana 2” may attract alternative viewer demographics.

Zemeckis commented on the stationary cinematography of “Here,” explaining that while the camera’s viewpoint remains constant, the passage of time is depicted dynamically across more than a century of life. “It’s actually never been done before,” Zemeckis noted, highlighting the innovative nature of the film’s presentation.