In “Here,” there are two moments where a character mentions that the first trains in Europe passed through the area they’re in. The significance lies not in the fact itself, but in the act of sharing it with others.
The film focuses on experiences rather than a structured plot. It highlights the significance of gestures and offerings, like showing something to someone or sharing a piece of information. Despite its small cast, the film creates a sense of community through these interactions, emphasizing the importance of communication and connection even in fleeting moments.
Stefan and Shuxiu first encounter each other around 40 minutes into the film. It’s a rainy night when Stefan decides to dine in the restaurant instead of taking his food to go. They share a brief moment of connection, noticing each other as individuals. Their next meeting is also coincidental.
A blue-collar worker by trade, he is preparing to visit his family in Romania. Meanwhile, Shuxiu, an academic who studies moss, also helps out at her aunt’s restaurant. They come from very different backgrounds and circles. Shuxiu initially speaks in voiceover, describing a moment where she temporarily forgets the names of things, feeling lost in a “nameless world.” Stefan describes himself as a wanderer, embodying the spirit of a flâneur.
Stefan, a working-class man, is getting ready to visit his family in Romania. Shuxiu, an academic studying moss, also works at her aunt’s restaurant. They’re from different worlds. Shuxiu talks about a time she forgot the names of things, feeling lost. Stefan calls himself a wanderer, embracing the flâneur lifestyle.
“Here” can be interpreted both metaphorically and literally. Under the microscope, Shuxiu observes moss, a resilient and boundaryless universe symbolizing growth and survival. The film alternates between urban and natural settings, with Brussels incorporating nature within its confines. Despite nature’s presence, the sight of construction cranes suggests a potential loss in the battle between nature and development.
It can be understood both metaphorically and literally. Shuxiu studies moss under a microscope, seeing it as a resilient and boundless symbol of growth. The film switches between city and nature scenes, showing how Brussels integrates nature. However, the sight of construction cranes hints at a possible conflict between nature and urban development.
Cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove captures the beauty of the natural world in intricate detail, focusing on raindrops on leaves and the lush green of moss on trees. Nature scenes are woven throughout the film, even in urban settings, highlighting the presence of nature nearby.
The title of the film, “Here,” invites reflection. It’s like a children’s book, emphasizing the present moment: here is the city, here are the woods. “Here” is close, while “there” is distant. Characters in the film often gesture or offer things, like showing moss or serving soup, without exchanging names. Being together in the present moment, wandering and sharing, seems comforting. In a world where names may be forgotten, being present and offering attention, knowledge, and time is what truly matters.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Plot | Focuses on experiences rather than a structured plot, highlighting the significance of gestures, offerings, and connections. Creates a sense of community through interactions. |
| Character Backgrounds | Stefan, a blue-collar worker visiting family in Romania, and Shuxiu, an academic studying moss who works at her aunt’s restaurant, come from different backgrounds. Shuxiu struggles with forgetting names, while Stefan sees himself as a wanderer. |
| Metaphorical Interpretation | “Here” can be understood metaphorically and literally. Shuxiu’s study of moss symbolizes growth and resilience. The film juxtaposes urban and natural settings, hinting at a conflict between nature and urban development. |
| Cinematography | Cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove captures the beauty of nature in detail, showcasing raindrops, lush green moss, and urban-nature integration. |
| Title Significance | The title “Here” invites reflection on the present moment, emphasizing the closeness of here compared to the distance of there. Characters share gestures and offerings without exchanging names, focusing on being present and offering attention. |
