Now and Then Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Four ladies revisit their awkward preteen summer shenanigans, probably to figure out who’s the best at puberty.

🍿 Now and Then: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Summer of ’70: Four Friends, One Memorable Season

The film opens in the summer of 1970 in the small town of Shelby, Indiana. Four inseparable friends – Roberta, Teeny, Samantha, and Chrissy – embark on adventures that define their adolescence. Each girl brings a unique personality to the group dynamic, navigating the complexities of growing up together.

Friendship and Growing Pains

The girls face typical adolescent challenges, including crushes, first bras, and family issues. They also become fascinated by the local legend of ‘Dear Johnny,’ a young boy who died mysteriously. The mystery fuels their curiosity and leads them on a quest to uncover the truth.

A Pact Reunited: Grown Women Reflect

The narrative switches between the summer of 1970 and the present day, where the four women reunite. Chrissy, now pregnant, has called her friends back to Shelby. As they prepare for the baby’s arrival, they reminisce about their shared past and how it shaped their present lives. Each woman has followed a different path, but their bond remains strong.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Samantha Albertson (Adult) (Demi Moore): A successful writer who narrates the story, reflecting on her childhood and the bonds of friendship.
• Roberta Martin (Adult) (Rosie O’Donnell): A tomboyish doctor who provides a grounded and practical perspective to the group’s dynamic.
• Teeny Tercell (Adult) (Melanie Griffith): An aspiring actress who embodies the dreams and insecurities of adolescence, now navigating adulthood.
• Chrissy DeWitt (Adult) (Rita Wilson): A pregnant woman whose impending motherhood triggers a reunion and reflection on shared childhood experiences.
• Samantha Albertson (Young) (Gaby Hoffmann): A young girl navigating family issues and first crushes during a pivotal summer.
• Roberta Martin (Young) (Christina Ricci): A tomboyish and fiercely independent young girl who faces personal challenges and defends her friends.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Crazy Pete: “Things will happen in your life that you can’t stop. But that’s no reason to shut out the world.” – Crazy Pete shares his life lessons with the girls, encouraging them to embrace life even when facing challenges.
• Roberta: “I say we make a pact. Here and now.” – Roberta suggests a pact that binds their friendship together as kids.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,112,329
• Worldwide Gross: $37,591,674

💥 Now and Then Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Now and Then! It perfectly captures the feeling of summer friendships and growing up. Seeing the adult versions of the girls reminiscing brought back so many memories of my own childhood. The scene where they are all at the treehouse gets me every time!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy nostalgic films set in the 1970s”
  • “Those interested in movies about female friendship”
  • “Fans of the actors Christina Ricci, Demi Moore, and Rosie O’Donnell”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief language”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Discussions of puberty and sexuality”
  • “A scene involving underage nudity (boys from the rear)”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “A nostalgic look back at childhood friendships, this film may resonate more with adults reliving their youth than with younger viewers. While heartwarming, it occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory.
• AllMovie: “Now and Then is a sweet but predictable coming-of-age story elevated by a talented cast. The exploration of female friendships and the pangs of adolescence is relatable, though the plot feels somewhat formulaic.

Audience Reactions

Nostalgia trip that tugs at your heartstrings.: The film’s depiction of female friendships during adolescence is relatable and heartwarming.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and nostalgic look at friendship and growing up, appreciated for its relatability and strong female cast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie features flashbacks to the summer of 1970, showcasing period-accurate fashion and music to enhance the nostalgic atmosphere.”
• “Several of the cast members, particularly the younger actresses, went on to have successful careers in Hollywood.”
• “I. Marlene King, the writer, drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences for the script, making the story deeply personal.”

🖥️ How to Watch Now and Then?

Now and Then is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available through online retailers like Amazon and at local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Now and Then, you might like these similar films:

• Stand By Me (1986): Both films explore the bonds of childhood friendship during a pivotal summer, dealing with themes of growing up and discovering the world.
• The Big Chill (1983): Like Now and Then, this film features a group of friends reuniting after a long time, reminiscing about the past and reflecting on how their lives have changed, but with a focus on adult experiences.
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005): A more modern film that celebrates female friendship and the challenges of growing up, focusing on a group of friends who stay connected despite being apart.

🛒 Now and Then Related Products

• Now and Then [DVD]: Relive the summer of ’70 with this classic coming-of-age film. Perfect for a nostalgic movie night with friends.
• Vintage Summer Camp T-Shirt: Show off your love for nostalgic vibes with this vintage-style summer camp t-shirt. Perfect for movie lovers.
• Personalized Best Friends Mug Set: Celebrate lifelong friendships with these customizable mug sets. Perfect for you and your bestie!
• Friendship Bracelet Making Kit: Create unique friendship bracelets with this fun kit. Perfect for reminiscing or making new memories with your friends.

🎧 Soundtrack

Now and Then features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Knock on Wood” – performed by Eddie Floyd
• “Sugar, Sugar” – performed by The Archies
• “Iko Iko” – performed by The Dixie Cups

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka | Summary & Analysis

Ever wonder about the book Roberta is so obsessed with in Now and Then? This video breaks down Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ in a super easy-to-understand way. It’s actually way more interesting than I thought, and it totally explains why she’s so into it!

✨ Rate