Robert Zemeckis’s new film, Here – The Most Beautiful Years of Our Life, premiered on November 6 without prior screenings for critics or promotional previews. While it has received a positive rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on limited reviews, audience reactions are mixed, averaging 2.9 out of 5. Inspired by Richard McGuire’s graphic novel, the film features a unique storytelling approach that may captivate some viewers while leaving others dissatisfied.
Robert Zemeckis’s Latest Film: A Quiet Release
Robert Zemeckis’s highly anticipated film, Here – The Most Beautiful Years of Our Life, made its debut in theaters on Wednesday, November 6. Unlike typical releases, it was not screened for critics ahead of time and lacked previews in France. As of now, the film has garnered only three reviews on various platforms, achieving a commendable score of 4.3 out of 5.
Viewer Reactions: A Mixed Bag
While early reviews from critics have been positive, audience reactions tell a different story, with a lower score of 2.9 out of 5 based on ratings from around 60 viewers, including 17 detailed reviews.
This film draws inspiration from Richard McGuire’s graphic novel, Here, which won the Fauve d’or at the Angoulême Festival in 2016. The storyline is quite conceptual, as it unfolds entirely within a fixed frame, showcasing Zemeckis’s innovative storytelling approach. This unique technique has the potential to either enchant or alienate viewers.
Some audience members praised its originality. For instance, a reviewer named Simplement Loïc described it as “strangely brilliant,” highlighting the film’s intelligent direction and creative transitions. He stated, “It’s a deconstructed film where each moment ties together beautifully, making it both disturbing and brilliant. It’s wonderful to see the Forrest Gump cast back on screen.”
Conversely, not everyone was impressed. Reviewers like Laurent B found the film lacking in substance, calling it “distressing” and commenting on the rapid passage of time depicted in the narrative. Another viewer, Christian C., criticized the film as “long, boring, and pointless,” questioning the involvement of celebrated actor Tom Hanks in the project. Benjamin Ty echoed this sentiment, describing it as “atrocious” and “dull,” lamenting the clichés that permeated the film.
Presently, Here – The Most Beautiful Years of Our Life is screening in theaters, inviting audiences to experience Zemeckis’s distinctive vision.