New Movies: Here Now (2024) by Gabriele Muccino

Here Now (2024) by Gabriele Muccino: A Tourist's Sicilian Nightmare

Description: "Here Now" (Italian: Fino alla fine) is a romantic thriller directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film plunges a young American tourist into a dangerous and life-altering 24 hours in Palermo, Sicily, after she connects with a charismatic local and his group of friends. What begins as a quest for adventure and breaking free from a sheltered life quickly devolves into a thrilling and terrifying fight for survival within the city's criminal underworld.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29293152/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/468975/

About Movie: https://www.lotusproduction.it/film/fino-alla-fine

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/fino-alla-fine (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/fino-alla-fine (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/fino-alla-fine (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/fino-alla-fine (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/here-now (Italy)

Detailed Summary: Sophie, a twenty-year-old Californian, is on the verge of ending her vacation in Sicily with her sister. Feeling unfulfilled and seeking a final burst of excitement, she decides to diverge from her sister's plans and seeks out a more authentic, perhaps even reckless, experience. This leads her to meet Giulio and his group of friends on a beach in Palermo. Drawn to Giulio's charm and the allure of their seemingly carefree lifestyle, Sophie is easily persuaded to spend her last day and night with them, exploring the city beyond the typical tourist paths. Unbeknownst to her, Giulio and his friends are entangled in a dangerous situation involving a debt that needs to be repaid to the criminal underground. As Sophie is increasingly drawn into their world, the initial sense of adventure gives way to a series of perilous events, including a robbery, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of their lives and make desperate choices for her own survival. The film unfolds over this intense 24-hour period, showcasing how quickly a desire for freedom and new experiences can lead to unforeseen and dangerous consequences and a desperate fight for her life.

Plot Summary:

• Sophie, a sheltered American tourist on her last day in Palermo, seeks an adventurous experience.

• She meets Giulio and his friends, who are involved in a debt to the criminal underground.

• Sophie is drawn into their plans, which include a robbery to settle the debt.

• The situation escalates dramatically, putting Sophie in grave danger.

• She is forced to make difficult and morally compromising decisions to survive the night.

• The 24 hours become a desperate fight for her life and a harsh awakening to the consequences of her impulsive choices.

The plot follows a rapid descent from youthful exuberance and a thirst for experience into a desperate struggle for survival, set against the vibrant yet potentially dangerous backdrop of Palermo.

Director's Vision: Gabriele Muccino aimed to create an adrenaline-fueled thriller that explores the dangerous allure of stepping outside one's comfort zone and the unpredictable nature of life. He was inspired by films like Martin Scorsese's "After Hours," which similarly depicts a protagonist's increasingly chaotic and perilous night. Muccino focuses on the physicality and emotional intensity of the characters' experiences, highlighting how quickly circumstances can blur the lines between good and evil. He described the film as a reflection on the duality of human nature and the instinct for survival. The choice of Palermo as the setting was deliberate, utilizing its timeless blend of cultures and its transformation from a sunny, vibrant city by day to a mysterious and potentially dangerous one by night as a metaphor for the unfolding events and Sophie's journey.

Themes:

• The Urge for Freedom and Escape: The film explores Sophie's desire to break free from her sheltered existence and experience life intensely, leading her to make impulsive and dangerous choices.

• Consequences of Impulsive Decisions: A central theme is how quickly a seemingly harmless desire for adventure can lead to severe and life-threatening repercussions.

• The Blur Between Good and Evil: The narrative delves into the idea that circumstances can push individuals, particularly young and inexperienced ones, into morally ambiguous situations where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.

• Survival: At its core, the movie is a story of survival as Sophie must navigate a dangerous criminal underworld she inadvertently becomes a part of.

• Palermo as a Character: The city itself plays a significant role, with its atmosphere and duality mirroring the protagonist's emotional journey and the film's shift in tone.

Key Success Factors:

• Gabriele Muccino's Direction: Muccino's reputation for directing intense and emotionally charged dramas, particularly his ability to work with actors, was a key factor in attracting attention to the film.

• Compelling Premise: The concept of a tourist's dream vacation turning into a terrifying ordeal over 24 hours in an unfamiliar city offers a strong hook.

• Vibrant Setting: The use of Palermo as a backdrop provides a visually rich and atmospheric element that enhances the thriller aspect of the story.

• Focus on Youthful Recklessness: The film taps into the relatable theme of young people seeking thrilling experiences and underestimating potential dangers.

Summary Short: A naive American tourist's impulsive decision to seek excitement on her last day in Palermo throws her into a perilous 24-hour fight for survival after she becomes entangled with a group of locals involved in a dangerous criminal plot.

Critics Reception: Critical reception for Gabriele Muccino's "Here Now" has been largely mixed to negative based on the available reviews. There is no aggregated score available on major sites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic specifically for this film by Gabriele Muccino, as search results often return information for a different film with the same title. However, individual reviews offer some insight:

• Cineuropa: Vittoria Scarpa describes the film as an "action thriller" that keeps you "glued to your seat." The review notes the intriguing and "hyper vibrant and painful parable" of the protagonist's journey. While praising Muccino's handling of the genre, it suggests the film could benefit from "a little more sense of proportion" and notes that the credibility of some situations is not perfect.

• IMDb User Reviews: User reviews on IMDb are predominantly negative, resulting in a low user score (currently 4.9/10 based on the search results). Common criticisms highlight a perceived lack of a coherent plot, unrealistic and frustrating character decisions, particularly regarding the protagonist's naivete, and poor acting from some of the cast. Some reviews also criticized the dialogue and overall execution, feeling that the film failed to capitalize on its premise and budget. A few users found some merit in the cinematography and music, but these positives were generally outweighed by criticisms of the narrative and character portrayal.

Overall Critics Reception: The limited critical reception available indicates a divided response, leaning towards negative based on user reviews. While some found the film to be a gripping and visually engaging thriller with a compelling premise, others were significantly disappointed by what they perceived as weak writing, unbelievable character actions, and a messy plot. The lack of widespread professional critical analysis on major aggregation sites makes a definitive overall assessment challenging, but the available reviews suggest the film did not resonate universally with critics and viewers.

Reviews: Specific in-depth reviews from a broad range of established film critics for Gabriele Muccino's "Here Now" are not extensively available through the performed searches. The information below summarizes the sentiment found in the available results, which lean heavily on user feedback and one professional review:

• Cineuropa: The review from Cineuropa highlights the film's successful transition into the action-thriller genre for Muccino, emphasizing its ability to engage the viewer and the intriguing portrayal of the protagonist's dangerous journey. It acknowledges the film's intensity and the metaphorical use of Palermo.

• IMDb User Reviews: User reviews on IMDb reflect significant dissatisfaction with an average rating of 4.9 out of 10. Many reviewers expressed frustration with the protagonist's choices, deeming them illogical and detrimental to the plot's credibility. The narrative was often described as weak or non-existent, with events unfolding in an unconvincing manner. The acting also received significant criticism in several user reviews. Conversely, a few users did point out the film's positive aspects, such as the visual appeal of the locations and the musical score.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews, largely from IMDb users, paint a picture of a film that struggled to connect with its audience on a narrative and character level. While the concept and setting held some promise and garnered a few positive remarks regarding technical aspects, the execution, particularly the script and character believability, appears to have been a significant point of criticism for many viewers, contributing to a low overall user score. The limited number of professional reviews makes it difficult to form a comprehensive picture of its reception within film criticism circles beyond the initial impressions.

Box Office: As of the available data (up to May 1, 2025, for some territories and November 2024 for Italy), "Here Now" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $749,654 to $755,724. The film had its theatrical release in Italy on October 31, 2024, distributed by 01 Distribution, with an opening weekend gross of around $506,608 in Italy. The total box office in Italy reached approximately $749,654 as of November 11, 2024. Limited international releases in territories like Russia (CIS), Brazil, and Mexico in early 2025 have not significantly added to the reported gross according to the available data. The film's box office performance has been modest.

Production: The film "Here Now" was directed by Gabriele Muccino and co-written by Muccino and Paolo Costella. It was produced by Italian companies Lotus Production and Rai Cinema, in association with Adler Entertainment and Ela Film. The film had a reported budget of €11 million. Principal photography took place mainly during daylight hours over seven weeks in Autumn 2023 in Palermo, Sicily, and the nearby seaside village of Mondello. Specific filming locations in Palermo included Mondello beach, the Cassaro, the Foro Italico, Ballarò, Kalsa, the Botanical Garden, Via Roma, and Viale dell'Olimpo. The production involved capturing the vibrant atmosphere of these Sicilian locations.

Production Companies:

• Lotus Production (Italy)

• Rai Cinema (Italy)

• Adler Entertainment (Italy)

• Ela Film (Italy)

Sales Companies:

• Voltage Pictures (US) - Handled foreign sales for the film, facilitating its distribution in international markets.

Distribution Companies:

• 01 Distribution (Italy) - Handled the theatrical release of the film in Italy.

• Voltage Pictures (Worldwide) - Listed as a distributor, likely responsible for the film's distribution in various international territories outside of Italy.

• Other territorial distributors may be involved for specific regions, but detailed information was not widely available.

Release Date on Streaming: Based on the available information, "Here Now" is expected to be available for streaming on Plex starting May 16, 2025. It is also currently available for rent on Amazon Video. Information about its availability on other major streaming platforms like Netflix or Apple TV+ in the US was not definitively confirmed in the search results as of May 15, 2025, although Apple TV Store (MENA Official) was mentioned in some production details.

Theatrical Release: "Here Now" had its world premiere at the 19th Rome Film Festival on October 18, 2024, as part of the Grand Public section. It subsequently received a theatrical release in Italy on October 31, 2024, distributed by 01 Distribution. The film also had limited theatrical engagements in a few other international territories starting in late 2024 and continuing into early 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Engaging Premise for Thriller Fans: The core concept of a naive tourist thrust into a dangerous criminal underworld over a single night offers a compelling hook for viewers who enjoy intense, fast-paced thrillers.

• Atmospheric Sicilian Setting: The film beautifully showcases the visually rich and vibrant, yet also potentially gritty, backdrop of Palermo and Mondello, adding a strong sense of place and atmosphere to the narrative.

• Exploration of Consequences: The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of impulsive decisions and the desire for extreme experiences, providing a talking point about personal responsibility and risk.

• Opportunity to See Muccino in a New Genre: For audiences familiar with Gabriele Muccino's work in drama, this film offers a chance to see his directorial style applied to the thriller genre.

Why to Watch Movie:

• For an Adrenaline-Fueled Experience: If you are looking for a movie that aims to keep you on the edge of your seat with its rapid pacing and escalating dangerous situations, "Here Now" is designed to provide that.

• To See the Beauty and Edge of Palermo: The film offers a cinematic journey through the notable locations of Palermo and its surroundings, appealing to those interested in the cultural and visual aspects of the city.

• If You Enjoy Survival Stories: At its heart, the movie is a survival story, depicting a protagonist forced to rely on her instincts in a life-threatening situation.

• To Witness a Director's Genre Experiment: For film enthusiasts interested in directorial evolution, watching Muccino tackle a thriller after his success in dramas can be an interesting study.

What Movie Trend film is Following: High-Stakes Single-Night Thriller: The film aligns with the trend of thrillers that confine the narrative to a short, intense period, often a single night, where the protagonist faces escalating danger and must make critical decisions under pressure. This format is designed to maximize tension and create a visceral viewing experience.

What Big Social Trend is Following: The Glorification of Risk and the Search for Intense Experiences: The movie touches upon the social trend, particularly prevalent among younger generations, of seeking out increasingly extreme and potentially dangerous experiences for excitement and validation, sometimes influenced by a curated online world that highlights冒险 without fully addressing the consequences.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Prioritize Script Cohesion and Character Logic: Ensure that character motivations and decisions, even in high-stress situations, are grounded and believable to maintain audience investment and avoid frustrating viewers.

• Balance Pacing with Narrative Depth: While a fast pace is crucial for a thriller, allocating sufficient time for character development and thematic exploration can enhance the film's overall impact and critical reception.

• Leverage Location as More than Just a Backdrop: Utilize the chosen setting not just for visual appeal but integrate it into the narrative and atmosphere to enhance the story's authenticity and tension.

• Casting and Performance Nuance: Focus on casting actors who can bring depth and believability to characters facing extreme circumstances, ensuring performances elevate the material.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Diverse Genre Storytelling: Encourage established directors to explore different genres, but also provide robust script development support to ensure a strong foundation for their projects.

• Promote International Co-productions: Films like "Here Now" are results of international collaboration. The industry should continue to foster these partnerships to bring diverse stories and locations to the screen.

• Adapt Marketing to Address Tone and Genre: Clearly communicate the film's genre and tone in marketing materials to manage audience expectations and attract the intended demographic.

• Recognize the Importance of Critical Discourse: While box office is crucial, fostering an environment where critical reviews are valued can help elevate the art form and provide valuable feedback for filmmakers.

Final Verdict: Gabriele Muccino's "Here Now" is a visually engaging and fast-paced thriller that attempts to explore compelling themes of youthful recklessness and survival against the backdrop of Palermo. While its intense 24-hour narrative provides moments of tension, the film is hindered by a script and character choices that have been criticized by viewers for lacking credibility. It serves as an example of how a strong concept and evocative location can be undermined by weaknesses in narrative execution. For audiences seeking a quick, action-oriented watch with a striking setting, it might suffice. However, those desiring a more layered and believable story may find it falling short. The film underscores the ongoing challenge in filmmaking to balance thrilling premises with sound storytelling and character development.

Final Conclusions: "Here Now" represents Gabriele Muccino's foray into the thriller genre, showcasing his ability to create atmospheric tension and work within a compressed timeframe. The film successfully utilizes its vibrant Sicilian setting as a key element. However, its critical reception, particularly from audiences, indicates that issues with script logic and character believability impacted its overall effectiveness. The film highlights the importance of a well-developed screenplay and convincing character motivations, even in genre films focused on action and suspense. Its modest box office performance also underscores the challenges faced by non-English language films in gaining widespread international theatrical traction. The film's exploration of themes relevant to contemporary youth culture and risk-taking is timely, but its execution in portraying these aspects drew mixed reactions. Ultimately, "Here Now" is a film with a strong premise and visual appeal that may appeal to specific audiences, but its shortcomings in narrative construction prevented it from achieving broader critical acclaim or commercial success.