Be Here Now Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Shirtless TV star gets diagnosed with the ultimate plot twist and decides to make a home movie about it, proving life is way more dramatic than fake gladiators.

🍿 Be Here Now: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Star’s Sudden Challenge

The film introduces Andy Whitfield, an actor who achieved global recognition starring as the lead in the hit series ‘Spartacus’. Just as his career was soaring, Andy received a life-altering diagnosis: non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This sudden news shifted his focus from the world of television to a deeply personal fight for his health.

Committing to the Fight

Alongside his wife, Vashti, Andy makes the courageous decision to document his journey battling cancer. The couple adopts a philosophy of ‘Be Here Now’, committing to living fully in the present moment throughout his treatment. The documentary captures their family’s raw and honest experiences.

Exploring Treatment Paths

The documentary follows Andy and Vashti as they explore various treatment options, including conventional chemotherapy and alternative therapies. It offers an intimate look at the physical and emotional toll of the disease and its treatments on Andy and his family. Their journey highlights the challenges and hopes associated with fighting aggressive cancer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andy Whitfield (Self): The actor and protagonist who faces a life-threatening battle with cancer just as his career is peaking.
• Vashti Whitfield (Self): Andy’s charismatic and strong wife who courageously supports him and commits to their shared healing journey.
• Indigo Whitfield (Self): One of Andy and Vashti’s young children, who is part of the family’s emotional journey documented in the film.
• Jesse Whitfield (Self): One of Andy and Vashti’s young children, whose presence and likeness to Andy are noted as poignant.
• Pat Whitfield (Self): Andy’s parent offering support and love to the family during his illness.
• Robert Whitfield (Self): Andy’s parent offering support and love to the family during his illness.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andy Whitfield: “Be Here Now.” – This phrase serves as the central mantra for Andy and his family, representing their commitment to living fully in the present moment.
• Andy Whitfield: “My body is broken. I have to go now.” – Andy’s poignant and heartbreaking words to his children as he says goodbye, accepting the end of his fight.
• Andy Whitfield: “Some complain about having a black spot on their face, and I have cancer.” – A powerful statement from Andy reflecting on the disparity of human problems and putting his own life-threatening situation into perspective.
• Andy Whitfield: “Every second counts.” – A realization shared by Andy, emphasizing the preciousness of time and the importance of making the most of every moment, particularly during his illness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $22,424
• Worldwide Gross: $22,424

💥 Be Here Now Reviews

Personal Review

Wow. I went into this knowing Andy Whitfield’s story from Spartacus, but nothing prepares you for seeing it unfold like this. I cried, a lot. But I also felt this incredible warmth and respect for him and his wife, Vashti. Seeing their honesty and determination in the face of something so awful is just… I don’t even have words. It really makes you think about your own life and what truly matters. The scenes with his kids, especially near the end, absolutely broke me, but even in those moments, there was so much love and presence. This film isn’t just about illness; it’s a beautiful, heartbreaking portrait of a family fighting together and choosing to *be here now* through it all. It stuck with me for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Andy Whitfield or the ‘Spartacus’ series”
  • “Viewers interested in personal journey documentaries”
  • “Those seeking inspiring stories of resilience and facing adversity”
  • “Audiences interested in themes of family, love, and mortality”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depicts illness and cancer treatment”
  • “Emotional and potentially upsetting content related to death”
  • “Themes of facing mortality”
  • “Discussions of chemotherapy and alternative treatments”

Professional Reviews

• Documentary Weekly: “‘Be Here Now’ is an unflinching, deeply personal look at life’s toughest battle. It captures the raw courage of Andy Whitfield and his family with remarkable intimacy. While emotionally devastating, the film is ultimately uplifting, offering profound lessons on resilience and living authentically. A powerful, must-see experience.
• Indie Screen: “This documentary transcends its subject matter, becoming a universal story about love, family, and facing adversity with grace. The access granted by the Whitfields is extraordinary, making for a truly raw and impactful viewing experience. It’s a heartbreaking watch, but leaves you with a powerful sense of inspiration.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were profoundly moved by the family’s honesty and courage.: The raw, unflinching portrayal of Andy’s journey and his family’s strength was incredibly inspiring and life-affirming, despite the tragic outcome.

Overall Consensus: A deeply emotional and inspiring documentary lauded for its honesty, courage, and powerful message about living fully in the present moment.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Filmed over a year, the documentary provides remarkably intimate and unfiltered access to Andy Whitfield and his family during his battle with cancer, reflecting their conscious decision to document the journey.”
• “The film’s title, ‘Be Here Now,’ reflects a central mantra adopted by Andy and his wife, Vashti, encouraging living fully in the present moment despite the circumstances.”
• “Director Lilibet Foster was granted deep personal access, capturing raw, emotional moments, which contrasts with more traditional documentaries that might use voiceovers or focus solely on medical facts.”
• “Stars from the ‘Spartacus’ series and other celebrity friends contributed to the film and were involved in supporting Andy’s journey.”

🖥️ How to Watch Be Here Now?

The documentary ‘Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story’ had a limited theatrical release. Availability for streaming varies by region and platform. You may be able to find it available for digital purchase or rent on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or Vudu. Check your preferred streaming services for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Be Here Now, you might like these similar films:

• Dying to Know: Ram Dass & Timothy Leary (2014): Explores the philosophies of life, death, and consciousness from the perspectives of two counter-culture figures, resonating with the film’s themes of mortality and finding meaning.
• Paddleton (2019): A poignant film about two friends facing a terminal diagnosis, highlighting themes of friendship, courage, and finding moments of joy amidst difficult circumstances.
• The Big Sick (2017): A romantic comedy-drama based on a true story where a relationship is tested when one person falls into a mysterious coma, exploring how serious illness impacts love and family.
• Living (2022): A moving drama about a man who receives a terminal diagnosis and decides to make a radical change to find meaning in his final days, echoing the themes of finding purpose and living fully.
• Gladiator (2000): An epic historical drama about a general turned gladiator seeking justice, resonating with the ‘Spartacus’ role that brought Andy Whitfield fame and embodying themes of resilience, strength, and fighting against overwhelming odds.

🛒 Be Here Now Related Products

• Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story (DVD/Blu-ray/Digital): Own the powerful and moving documentary that follows actor Andy Whitfield’s courageous journey battling cancer, shared intimately by him and his family.
• Spartacus: The Complete Series (Blu-ray): Relive the epic historical drama where Andy Whitfield first captivated audiences as Spartacus in the acclaimed first season.
• Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story (Hardcover Book): Explore the themes and story of Andy and Vashti Whitfield’s journey in more depth through this companion book.
• Mindfulness in Plain English (Book): Learn practical techniques for living in the present moment, echoing the central theme of ‘Be Here Now’.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Beautiful World” – performed by Coyle Girelli The Chevin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Haka For Andy to support “Be Here Now” The Andy Whitfield documentary BeHereNowFilm.com

Wow, seeing the Spartacus cast and crew perform this incredible Haka for Andy is truly powerful. It’s such a unique and heartfelt show of support from his family there, and it makes you feel their connection.

Exclusive Excerpt #2: “Round Two” from “Be Here Now” (The Andy Whitfield Story)

Curious what the documentary is actually like? This short official clip, titled “Round Two”, gives you a direct peek into a moment from Andy’s journey captured in the film. It’s a powerful little glimpse that really hits home.

Exclusive Excerpt #3: “I’m Going to India” from “Be Here Now” (The Andy Whitfield Story)

Want another taste of the documentary? Check out this official excerpt called “I’m Going to India”. It shows a different part of Andy’s story and adds another intriguing layer to the film’s emotional narrative.

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