Amazon Prime has discreetly added a Tom Hanks film to its roster, which critics panned but some fans hailed as a ‘cinematic masterpiece’.
The film, titled Here, was released in 2024 and saw Hanks team up once again with director Robert Zemeckis.
The pair have previously collaborated on notable films such as Forrest Gump, Cast Away, The Polar Express and the live-action remake of Disney’s Pinocchio.
Here is based on Richard McGuire’s 2014 graphic novel of the same name. Now, Amazon Prime subscribers can watch the film on the streaming platform and form their own opinions about it.
The movie, like its source material, employs a nonlinear narrative to depict the events that occur on a single plot of land and its various inhabitants from the distant past to the 21st century. To illustrate this, most of the film is shot from a single camera angle.
Here split opinion when it came out (Image: Sony)
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However, at times, the screen splits into multiple panes to simultaneously present events from different time periods, paying homage to the original graphic novel, reports .
Hanks also reunites with his Forrest Gump co-star, Robin Wright, in the film. They portray one of the couples living in the house situated on the plot of land that the film centres around.
Other cast members include Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly.
Upon its debut in cinemas, the film faced a chilly reception, scraping together a mere 37% rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Empire magazine did not hold back with their scathing assessment, stating: “Another deeply flawed, tech-forward endeavour for Zemeckis in which glimmers of human emotion only occasionally break through. Like Cloud Atlas for baby boomers experiencing late-middle-age malaise.”
The film follows generations in one place (Image: Sony)
One reviewer did not mince words, branding the movie as one of the year’s most letdowns and remarking: “The film is filled with fascinating ideas and the best premise of any 2024 movie. But thanks to heavy-handed dialogue, ham-fisted directing, on-the-nose messaging and overly broad acting, it’s one of the most disappointing movies of the year.”
Yet, there’s a significant divergence when it comes to the opinions held by a swathe of movie buffs regarding Here, with some going so far as to hail it as a ‘cinematic masterpiece’. One enthusiastic fan wrote in an online post: “This movie was so beautifully done. I TRULY feel this is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece-a breathtaking exploration of time, memory, and the human experience. This film ingeniously intertwines various timeframes, weaving together lives and emotions in a way that feels profoundly nostalgic and universally relatable.”
Their admiration didn’t end there, as they added: “It’s a deeply sentimental journey that mirrors our own experiences, drawing parallels to the joys, struggles, and fleeting moments that define us all. I cried nonstop and I think I cried at like two movies my entire life.”
Echoing similar sentiments, another viewer enthused: “Here is a stunning cinematic journey that effortlessly blends visual artistry with a poignant narrative. The film takes viewers on an immersive experience, exploring the beauty and complexity of life through an innovative storytelling technique. The direction is masterful, showcasing scenes that feel both intimate and expansive. Each frame is meticulously crafted, making the movie feel like a moving piece of art.”
Here is streaming on Amazon Prime.