Toronto International Film Festival 2023: HERE

Here, directed by Bas Devos, is a beautiful exploration of humanity and our quest for understanding. The film captures the beauty of everyday life–and the importance of looking outside our comfort zones to find what we truly need. 

Captivating Visual Style

As I sat watching Here, I was whisked away by the film’s wonderful cinematography, especially its almost static shots, showcasing trees slowly blowing against concrete landscapes.

Here challenges the audience to be in the moment, find the beauty in these small moments, as we watch two characters go through their daily lives until their paths cross unexpectedly. 

Here is a film I keep coming back to and its images enter my thoughts, replaying scenes as I go about my day. The moments that stuck with me the most are the shots featuring frames almost entirely filled with greenery with a hint of construction and cityscapes cutting through the soft leaves and rustling branches. 

Small Impactful Moments and Beautiful Performances

Here follows Stefan (Stefan Gota) and Shuxiu (Liyo Gong) both immigrants questioning their place and thinking about ways to go somewhere they feel like they belong. Here explores two characters who have specific daily routines, but sometimes deviation from the plan can lead to something wonderful. But one small moment shared together, gives them a sense of peace and acceptance. 

Gota and Gong share a tender chemistry that builds even before the two ever meet. When Stefan and Shuxiu finally meet, there is a beautiful reluctance to say goodbye. Both want to make sure this chance encounter lasts as long as possible. Gong plays Shuxiu with a hypnotic happiness that explodes when she lets Stefan (and their day spent studying moss) enter her thoughts. 

Desire for More But Appreciation of the Present

With Here, I wanted more. The film ends in a place where the audience is left wanting to see where this newfound relationship might go. The ending might feel abrupt, but there’s something especially fitting of leaving us with their singular memorable interaction, as we long to see how Stefan and Shuxiu will end up. 

But this is a film about the importance of the here and now. It doesn’t matter what happens next because they shared this beautiful and poignant time together looking at moss–and contemplating the possibilities of life. 

Here is a captivating film, telling a character-driven story in a simplistic, yet beautiful way. Each moment explores how Stefan and Shuxiu find themselves feeling alone in the city where they feel they don’t belong. But their routines lead this unlikely pair to find each other–and a new sense of belonging.

The film creates unique compelling characters whose story works wonderfully against the film’s naturalistic visual style. While watching Here, I wanted to know what happened next in their lives, but what makes the film succeed is how it focuses on the moment and embraces the natural flow of life and how we should take the time to enjoy the little things which surround us everyday–like the moss and the trees. 

Conclusion:

Here is a charming character study of two strangers going about their life, trying to find something worth sticking around for. Stefan Gota and Liyo Gong beautifully bring their characters to life. Here is a beautifully shot film capturing the beauty of both nature and the most mundane aspects of life. 

Watch Here