Are You Here Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A perpetually stoned dude inherits millions, forcing his shallow weatherman best friend to confront life choices, all while navigating a surprisingly intense family drama that everyone thought would be a laugh riot.

🍿 Are You Here: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unconventional Friendship Begins

The film introduces Steve Dallas (Owen Wilson), a charming but superficial TV weatherman, living a life of fleeting romantic encounters and financial struggles. His best friend, Ben Baker (Zach Galifianakis), is a free-spirited, eccentric individual, seemingly reliant on Steve and prone to unusual behavior, living in a dilapidated trailer.

A Return Home and a Family Gathering

Steve’s life takes an unexpected turn when Ben’s estranged father passes away. The two friends embark on a road trip to Ben’s hometown in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for the funeral. There, they reunite with Ben’s uptight and successful sister, Terri (Amy Poehler), and his much younger, bohemian stepmother, Angela (Laura Ramsey).

An Unexpected Inheritance

The reading of the will reveals a surprising distribution of the father’s estate. Terri receives a substantial sum of cash, but the bulk of the inheritance, including a grocery store and a large farm valued at $2.5 million, goes to Ben. This decision sparks immediate tension and disapproval from Terri, who believes Ben is incapable of managing such assets.

Ben’s Vision for the Future

Inspired by his new wealth and a desire to make a positive impact, Ben announces his intention to establish the ‘Omega Society’ on the inherited farm. This utopian-minded initiative, blending philosophical and environmental ideals, aims to teach people a simpler, more connected way of life. Angela, sharing similar values, remains on the farm, supporting his endeavor.

Legal Battles and Personal Struggles

Concerned about Ben’s erratic behavior and the potential mismanagement of the inheritance, Terri initiates legal proceedings to have him declared mentally incompetent. Ben undergoes a psychiatric evaluation, where his unique perspective on life and refusal to take medication are put under scrutiny. Despite revealing bipolar disorder with schizoid tendencies, the court ultimately upholds Ben’s right to his inheritance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Dallas (Owen Wilson): A superficial TV weatherman who re-examines his empty life and values after assisting his best friend with a family inheritance.
• Ben Baker (Zach Galifianakis): A barely functioning, bipolar man-child who inherits a vast fortune, prompting him to seek a new purpose and confront his mental health.
• Terry Coulter (Amy Poehler): Ben’s driven and uptight sister who vehemently challenges his inheritance, believing him incapable of managing his father’s estate.
• Angela (Laura Ramsey): The much younger, free-spirited widow of Ben’s father who offers unconventional wisdom and becomes romantically involved with both Ben and Steve.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Dallas: “That’s the thing about friendship – it’s a lot rarer than love; there’s nothing in it for anybody.” – Steve shares this cynical view on friendship, which contrasts with the deeper bond he shares with Ben and the film’s underlying themes.
• Ben Baker: “I’m talking about fundamental changes to society. I’m not hungry, I have a mission statement to write.” – Said by Ben during a manic period, illustrating his grand, idealistic, but often impractical visions for his inherited farm.
• Angela: “No thanks, I try to avoid things that keep me from feeling.” – Angela’s response to Steve offering her marijuana, highlighting her desire for genuine experience and her free-spirited nature.
• Steve Dallas: “Honest, every morning I wake up happy.” – A line Steve repeatedly uses as a superficial pick-up, revealing his shallow, uncommitted approach to life and relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $520,000
• Worldwide Gross: $594,396

💥 Are You Here Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Are You Here’ expecting a typical Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis laugh-fest, and boy, was I wrong! It definitely caught me off guard with how much more dramatic it was. I was really drawn into Ben’s journey with his mental health; Zach Galifianakis gave a surprisingly vulnerable performance that made you feel for him, especially the scene where he grapples with taking medication. It wasn’t always a smooth ride, and some parts felt a bit messy, but there were genuinely touching moments about friendship and finding your path. It made me think about what truly makes a life meaningful, far beyond the initial comedic setup.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramedies”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of mental health, self-discovery, and finding purpose”
  • “Audiences open to unconventional storytelling”
  • “Fans of Matthew Weiner’s work (‘Mad Men’, ‘The Sopranos’) looking for his feature film debut”
  • “Those who enjoy Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis in roles that challenge their usual comedic personas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Female topless nudity”
  • “Female full frontal nudity”
  • “Depiction of animal mutilation (chicken decapitation), which some viewers may find highly disturbing”
  • “Drug use (marijuana)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of mental illness (bipolar disorder, schizoid tendencies)”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Matthew Weiner’s ‘Are You Here’ is a tonal tightrope walk that often tumbles. Despite featuring comedic heavyweights Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis, the film struggles to find its comedic footing amidst a serious exploration of mental illness and familial discord. It’s an ambitious departure, but the narrative often feels disjointed, leaving its talented cast adrift in a story unsure of its own identity.
• Variety: “While ‘Are You Here’ boasts an intriguing premise and a stellar cast, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Weiner aims for a profound dramedy about self-discovery and the complexities of friendship, but the execution is uneven. Characters can be inconsistent, and the dramatic beats often overshadow the intended humor, making for a perplexing, albeit occasionally insightful, viewing experience.
• IndieWire: “‘Are You Here’ is certainly not the broad comedy its cast might suggest, and that’s precisely where its unique charm lies. It’s a film that demands patience, delving into the messy realities of friendship and mental health with a raw honesty. While imperfect and at times structurally wobbly, Zach Galifianakis delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, grounding the film’s more philosophical ponderings with genuine emotional depth.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected dramatic depth and serious themes, particularly regarding mental illness.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to tackle complex issues like bipolar disorder and the search for purpose, offering a thought-provoking experience beyond typical comedies.

Zach Galifianakis’s surprisingly strong and nuanced performance in a more dramatic role.: Audiences were often taken aback by Galifianakis’s portrayal, noting its vulnerability and depth, which added significant weight to the film’s emotional core.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film, ‘Are You Here’ confused many expecting a typical comedy, instead delivering an uneven but often insightful drama about friendship, mental illness, and finding purpose, leaving audiences polarized but rarely indifferent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Matthew Weiner, the acclaimed creator of “Mad Men” and “The Sopranos,” made his feature film directorial debut with “Are You Here.””
• “Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston were originally slated for the lead roles ultimately played by Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis.”
• “Filming took place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, despite parts of the story being set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, leading to a geographical goof where a Pennsylvania state route sign incorrectly appears in a circle rather than a keystone shape.”
• “The film notably features no opening credits, a stylistic choice by director Matthew Weiner.”

🖥️ How to Watch Are You Here?

While ‘Are You Here’ had a limited theatrical release, it is readily available for digital streaming and purchase. You can typically find it on popular Video On Demand (VOD) platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred digital storefront for options to rent or buy the film and enjoy it at your convenience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Are You Here, you might like these similar films:

• Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Explores mental illness, unconventional relationships, and finding purpose with a similar blend of drama and humor, featuring quirky characters and strong performances.
• Being There (1979): Delves into themes of identity, societal perception, and the nature of ‘being’ through an unconventional protagonist who connects with nature and simple truths.
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): Features a protagonist undergoing a journey of self-discovery and escaping a superficial existence to find deeper meaning and adventure.
• Paddleton (2019): A modern dramedy focusing on an unusual, deep friendship between two men navigating life’s profound challenges, offering a bittersweet and poignant tone.
• Withnail & I (1987): A cult classic British dark comedy about two eccentric, dysfunctional friends on a chaotic trip, blending absurd humor with poignant underlying themes of friendship and disillusionment.

🛒 Are You Here Related Products

• The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know: A comprehensive guide offering practical strategies and insights for managing bipolar disorder, for both individuals and their loved ones.
• Zach Galifianakis Autographed Funko Pop! Figure (The Hangover): A signed Funko Pop! of Zach Galifianakis, perfect for fans of his distinctive comedic style, even if this film shows his dramatic range.
• Mindfulness Card Deck: 52 Prompts for Reflection and Growth: A deck of cards with prompts designed to encourage mindfulness, self-reflection, and deeper conversations, aligning with the film’s themes of self-discovery.
• Are You Here Movie Poster (Official Licensed Print): An official movie poster featuring the main cast, capturing the film’s unique blend of humor and introspection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze” – performed by W.S. Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

IQ TEST

Ever wondered about the genius behind Beth Harmon’s chess skills? This quick clip might give you a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual prowess featured in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. It’s short, but I think it sparks some interesting thoughts on what makes a chess prodigy tick!

Can’t you tell no one wants you here#shorts #movie

Feelings of isolation are a big part of Beth Harmon’s journey in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. This powerful short clip really captures that sense of not belonging, which I found to be a surprisingly relatable aspect of her story.

I hate this lady

If you’re a chess fan who loves ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, you’ll definitely want to check out this video from GothamChess! It’s super engaging and likely dives into some interesting chess dynamics or characters, which is perfect for understanding more about the game that made Beth Harmon famous. I bet it offers a fresh perspective you haven’t considered!

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