I’M NOT HERE: An Empty Existential Drama

I’m Not Here is a generational drama looking to address ambitious questions related to the nature of time, the cyclical tragedy of repeating our parents’ mistakes, as well as how the past can shape our future. With a runtime clocking in at just under an hour and a half, that is a tall order to fill. The story is ultimately about the vacuous void that can be formed when one is shut off from their love ones yet ironically offers an empty message in what it posits to the audience by the time it ends.

The film is centered on a decrepit, sorrowful man, named Steve (J.K. Simmons) who is languishing in his purgatory-like existence as he ends each day contemplating whether to finally end it all. During this contemplation, Steve recalls traumatic memories from when he was a boy (Iain Armitage) up to when he is a young man (Sebastian Stan), blissfully married to his supportive wife (Maika Monroe). As Steve recounts each memory to evaluate how he arrived at his current predicament, he must fight to forgive himself and be free of his self-imposed captivity.

The Tree of Life…Without the Metaphysical Artistry

After watching the trailer and reading the synopsis, one is immediately reminded of Terrence Malick’s polarizing The Tree of Life from 2011. Both depict an older, disillusioned man reflecting on his youth to achieve clarity in his present. They each also happen to depict a raging war between the nurturing maternal (Mandy Moore) and volatile paternal (Max Greenfield) influences in the man’s life. However, unlike Malick’s experimental yet artistic exploration of life’s big questions, I’m Not Here is sorely lacking in any artistry or subtlety.

The drama is undeniably heavy-handed in how it handles its core themes, leaving it stripped of the arthouse sensibility it is striving for. Instances such as overtly mentioning scientific principles like Schrödinger’s cat and the concept of superposition feel so out of place that it leaves no doubt in the viewer’s mind regarding what the film is trying to state.

The Meaning of Life Has Never Felt So Inauthentic

What’s more, for a story depicting the absolute necessity of enriching relationships that can only be offered through authentic human connection, the moments presented in the film feel eons from anything genuine or emotionally affecting. We have a lukewarm first date predicated on nothing other than physical attraction, a contrived courtroom scene involving a child using jellybeans to indicate his favored parent, and a ridiculously convenient scenario for a child to witness a suicide at the exact second it occurs. Other films could get away with this but not one primarily focused on the beauty of human connection.

It’s worth noting that despite a rather brisk runtime, the film feels far longer than it should. This may have been director Michelle Schumacher’s intention to convey the agony that Steve is experiencing, however, it makes for a dour slog for the viewer. It’s surprising that even with the dynamic J.K. Simmons in the lead role the film doesn’t feel more alive. However, when the story gives the actor nothing to do apart from writhe around in misery, it makes sense that the pedigree of the performer wouldn’t make a difference.

Conclusion: I’m Not Here

Overall, despite the large questions it establishes at the onset, I’m Not Here offers no answers or satisfying catharsis (even with the rare post-credits scene, which is virtually unheard of for an indie film). While the film aims for a final release of emotion as Steve finally comes to terms with his past, the audience is instead presented with an incoherent presentation of events, resulting in the equivalent of a shrug.

What did you think? Did the film’s take on life’s big questions resonate with you more? Let us know in the comments below!

I’m Not Here was released in U.S. theaters and Digital HD March 8, 2019. For all international release dates see here.