Acting at every age level in this film is exceptional from C.K. Simmons on down. Cute kids offset the struggles of their parents in this story. Tender couples scenes and family moments help soften the extreme regrets and personal isolation depicted to have resulted from alcoholism. There is no happy, heroic rehabilitation shown here. But the human foils and frailties are worth watching.
26 Reviews
bravura Mr. Simmons
ferguson-67 March 2019
Greetings again from the darkness. So many are haunted by the past - unable to move beyond either having been dealt a bad hand or having created one through their own actions. The film opens on a gaunt Steve (JK Simmons), alone in his apartment, and seemingly barely functioning. He is contemplating suicide with a shiny gun he keeps on a coffee table in a home as unkempt as himself. His only breaks are to frantically search the house for another bottle of vodka, or to listen to a phone message that kicks off yet another painful memory.
The film features three timelines for Steve: the despondent, suicidal elder; the twenties and thirties version (Sebastian Stan); and the 1960's childhood Stevie (Iain Armitage, "Young Sheldon"). Those young years for Stevie recall his always-annoyed mom (Mandy Moore) and his fun-loving dad (Max Greenfield), while the young adult years show us his romance and marriage with Karen (Maika Monroe). It's not long before we recognize the common thread that binds the timelines: alcoholism. First his dad's, then his own.
Our memories tend to return in moments and flashes of events. This becomes more evident and the memories less reliable when years of alcohol abuse are in play. The flashes include the courtroom and judge of his parents' divorce, his dad drinking, his own courting of Karen and the booze that accompanied it, the dissolution of his own marriage, and an unspeakable tragedy that ruined his life without taking it ... something he is looking to remedy with that gun.
JK Simmons is remarkable here. His Steve is mired in loneliness, depression, guilt, and regrets - each amplified through booze. Simmons' performance offers up not a single line of dialogue. He never leaves the apartment. He never has human interaction. Yet despite all of this, he never leaves our thoughts as he pinballs through his memories. Mr. Stan and Ms. Monroe provide the most telling scene outside of Simmons' segments. Notice the difference in demeanor as he tells her he heard the shot when his dad killed himself vs how she states her mother died from cancer. This is the contrast of moving on no matter what life serves up, or being burdened with that weight forever.
The film was directed by Mr. Simmons' wife Michelle Schumacher, and she co-wrote the screenplay with Tony Cummings (son of Emmy winning actor Robert Cummings). Mr. Cummings also appears as the judge in the divorce hearing. The film was originally shown in 2017, but is only now getting released. For fans of JK Simmons, it's a must see.
The film features three timelines for Steve: the despondent, suicidal elder; the twenties and thirties version (Sebastian Stan); and the 1960's childhood Stevie (Iain Armitage, "Young Sheldon"). Those young years for Stevie recall his always-annoyed mom (Mandy Moore) and his fun-loving dad (Max Greenfield), while the young adult years show us his romance and marriage with Karen (Maika Monroe). It's not long before we recognize the common thread that binds the timelines: alcoholism. First his dad's, then his own.
Our memories tend to return in moments and flashes of events. This becomes more evident and the memories less reliable when years of alcohol abuse are in play. The flashes include the courtroom and judge of his parents' divorce, his dad drinking, his own courting of Karen and the booze that accompanied it, the dissolution of his own marriage, and an unspeakable tragedy that ruined his life without taking it ... something he is looking to remedy with that gun.
JK Simmons is remarkable here. His Steve is mired in loneliness, depression, guilt, and regrets - each amplified through booze. Simmons' performance offers up not a single line of dialogue. He never leaves the apartment. He never has human interaction. Yet despite all of this, he never leaves our thoughts as he pinballs through his memories. Mr. Stan and Ms. Monroe provide the most telling scene outside of Simmons' segments. Notice the difference in demeanor as he tells her he heard the shot when his dad killed himself vs how she states her mother died from cancer. This is the contrast of moving on no matter what life serves up, or being burdened with that weight forever.
The film was directed by Mr. Simmons' wife Michelle Schumacher, and she co-wrote the screenplay with Tony Cummings (son of Emmy winning actor Robert Cummings). Mr. Cummings also appears as the judge in the divorce hearing. The film was originally shown in 2017, but is only now getting released. For fans of JK Simmons, it's a must see.
Just a questions about the ending
kerrilpaul6 September 2020
I have to agree, in the beginning I kept thinking this movie is too slow (but now I have to see what happens). All of you leave reviews like you're writers, don't expect intelligent review comments here lol. I just want to know If the ending is implying the fate of Trevor was changed ? Or did Steven die and see him in heaven. I don't get it. King of made me think of Frequency and how their contact changed everything so that's why my mind went that way.
Hmm.... mixed feelings on this one
sfdphd11 November 2019
What I liked about this film: the acting was excellent, very evocative of the emotions of the situations being shown.
But I'm not sure what exactly happened in certain scenes. I guess we're supposed to assume the details don't really matter or that he's so drunk he can't remember or doesn't want to remember. The ending is what confused me the most. Was he imagining something that he wished had happened, or just felt better knowing that's what he would do if he could?
I suppose this film will appeal to people who had alcoholics in their family. I didn't, so unfortunately, it was a bit too confusing for me.
But I'm not sure what exactly happened in certain scenes. I guess we're supposed to assume the details don't really matter or that he's so drunk he can't remember or doesn't want to remember. The ending is what confused me the most. Was he imagining something that he wished had happened, or just felt better knowing that's what he would do if he could?
I suppose this film will appeal to people who had alcoholics in their family. I didn't, so unfortunately, it was a bit too confusing for me.
A motion picture study of the affects of alcoholism
frackann198710 March 2019
I'm Not Here is a movie that follows the lead character Steve throughout three time periods of his life in a journey through the affects that alcoholism has on a family and the alcoholic. JK Simmons plays the older version of Steve and gives a fantastic performance of an aging alcoholic without saying a single word in the entire movie. But his performance is also part of the movie's weaknesses. Too much time is spent of his older years where Sebastian Stan as a younger adult version and Ian Armitage as the child version of Steve carry the film. Seeing their interactions with his parents and later his wife and child carry the emotional weight of the film. It could have easily been a great picture if more was focused on those time periods. As the picture is, it still is a good film that makes you think of your choices throughout life.
I'm not a fan.
deloudelouvain14 March 2019
I'll be blunt, like some others I'm not a big fan of this movie. Too slow paced, made me struggle to stay awake, and to be honest not that of a great story, or just a story that has been done before. An alcoholic looking back on his life and on what went wrong at some point, struggling with commiting suicide or not, it could have been something but in the end it's just an average movie. J.K. Simmons has the easiest role in his career as he doesn't say one word during the entire movie, he just have to look sorry and sad and doesn't have to remember one single line. I don't say the acting was bad, but it's just not a movie I will remember. In a couple days I will have forgotten everything about this movie.
Clichés galore, but worth the watch
archedsole6 September 2023
J. K. Simmons: as with most of his work - fantastic. The lack of lines showed once again, he's a proper actor. His theater experience shines bright in a role like this. Also, as his wife was the director, I can't imagine him not putting everything he had into it.
The child actors were also fantastic. Both of them added a needed dynamic to their family structures, that was both beautiful and heartbreaking - in equal measure.
I felt like I was watching a play. The structure, scenes, dialogue - everything. However, I usually thoroughly enjoy the theater. With this, it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me.
The majority of time, it felt like a smattering of clichés, which at times can be a smidge boring for the viewer. If you've read or seen enough storylines, it's usually been done before.....which many of this has been.
At other times, it had a bit of a therapy read or diary of a director feel. Hey, that's ok, just a little heads up before a mini trauma-dump would be cool.
There were certainly opportunities to get creative (example; using extremely bright color pops/schemes during the earlier childhood flashbacks, then gradually fade as the dynamic began to deteriorate), but perhaps the flat dialogue meshed better with the coinciding dialogue.
With all that being said, I don't agree with some of the professional reviews. They sounded almost personally offended by the movie, which is comical. It wasn't THAT bad.
Was it a bit cliché? Yes. Could it have been a pinch more creative? Yes, I believe so. Was it perhaps a personal passion project? Probably. Do I regret watching it? No.
I believe it was Ms. Schumacher's directorial debut, so I'm choosing to give her some grace. I don't expect anyone to be perfect on their first try at anything.
The child actors were also fantastic. Both of them added a needed dynamic to their family structures, that was both beautiful and heartbreaking - in equal measure.
I felt like I was watching a play. The structure, scenes, dialogue - everything. However, I usually thoroughly enjoy the theater. With this, it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me.
The majority of time, it felt like a smattering of clichés, which at times can be a smidge boring for the viewer. If you've read or seen enough storylines, it's usually been done before.....which many of this has been.
At other times, it had a bit of a therapy read or diary of a director feel. Hey, that's ok, just a little heads up before a mini trauma-dump would be cool.
There were certainly opportunities to get creative (example; using extremely bright color pops/schemes during the earlier childhood flashbacks, then gradually fade as the dynamic began to deteriorate), but perhaps the flat dialogue meshed better with the coinciding dialogue.
With all that being said, I don't agree with some of the professional reviews. They sounded almost personally offended by the movie, which is comical. It wasn't THAT bad.
Was it a bit cliché? Yes. Could it have been a pinch more creative? Yes, I believe so. Was it perhaps a personal passion project? Probably. Do I regret watching it? No.
I believe it was Ms. Schumacher's directorial debut, so I'm choosing to give her some grace. I don't expect anyone to be perfect on their first try at anything.
Poor work
myradiator12 March 2019
Sorry to say this, but this is something unfinished, even the duration of the films 1 h 21 min nowadays looks like a short film to me. This movie is something a group of students could do, except getting famous actors who unfortunaltely do not show any good acting skills here due to poor directing. Characters and the story is lacking deeper development.
Vodka Rocks
lavatch8 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"I'm Not Here" is a pointless film exercise in tracing a multi-generation pattern of the lives of alcoholic men. It is also manipulative in its thin plot and static in its cinematic structure.
The form of the film resembles a play by Samuel Beckett that focuses on an old man playing reel-to-reel tapes that recall moments in his past. The man is for the most part silent, and the audience is forced to listen to his maudlin tape recordings. In the case of "I'm Not Here," the protagonist Steven is totally silent throughout the film, as his thoughts are guided by free association that segues into his past with flashbacks.
Steven's past is a sordid tale of a drunken men, and the film's message is clearly some sort of depiction of "toxic masculinity." Steven's father was a drunk and a closeted homosexual who took his life. Six-year-old Steven was present to hear the shot and apparently witness the death of his kind but flawed father.
In the next generation, Steven is riding the same curve as his father. Bottles of vodka litter the home, and he cannot keep a job. His long-suffering wife takes a lover, and she subsequently sues Steven for divorce. As implied in the film, Steven has grown old in isolation, a lonely, lost alcoholic.
In the never-ending flashback scenes, there are occasionally cheery moments where the characters intone innocuous lines like "life is good." But there was no attempt on the part of the filmmakers to offer a venue for the alcoholic men to get help. Clichés abound like the moment when Steven and his wife talk about having a second child, as if that will solve all their problems.
At the close of the film credits, there was an odd tribute to a friend with a platitude about how everything in life is possible! This was the antithesis of the film itself that suggested there is no way out for the wounded souls of the world whose favorite words are: "Vodka rocks."
The form of the film resembles a play by Samuel Beckett that focuses on an old man playing reel-to-reel tapes that recall moments in his past. The man is for the most part silent, and the audience is forced to listen to his maudlin tape recordings. In the case of "I'm Not Here," the protagonist Steven is totally silent throughout the film, as his thoughts are guided by free association that segues into his past with flashbacks.
Steven's past is a sordid tale of a drunken men, and the film's message is clearly some sort of depiction of "toxic masculinity." Steven's father was a drunk and a closeted homosexual who took his life. Six-year-old Steven was present to hear the shot and apparently witness the death of his kind but flawed father.
In the next generation, Steven is riding the same curve as his father. Bottles of vodka litter the home, and he cannot keep a job. His long-suffering wife takes a lover, and she subsequently sues Steven for divorce. As implied in the film, Steven has grown old in isolation, a lonely, lost alcoholic.
In the never-ending flashback scenes, there are occasionally cheery moments where the characters intone innocuous lines like "life is good." But there was no attempt on the part of the filmmakers to offer a venue for the alcoholic men to get help. Clichés abound like the moment when Steven and his wife talk about having a second child, as if that will solve all their problems.
At the close of the film credits, there was an odd tribute to a friend with a platitude about how everything in life is possible! This was the antithesis of the film itself that suggested there is no way out for the wounded souls of the world whose favorite words are: "Vodka rocks."
We've all been here.
garypihl12 January 2018
As a mature adult male, I saw so many parallels to my own life/loves/mistakes/regrets that it was hard to watch at some points. But isn't that what good films can do? Take you so deep into the character (J.K.Simmons is great!) that you feel their pain. A must see for anyone who's ever made a mistake in their life and felt alone.
A great performance by J.K. Simmons
babbjanice12 May 2021
This is a very slow drama with an ending that will need some reflection, so if you don't like that this is not your movie.
Overall, being 100% honest, this movie is 3/5 (or 5/10 if you will). It's a good story, it has a great cast, and it leaves you thinking at the end. Seriously tho, J. K. Simmons deserves a standing ovation for his performance, it was magnificent.
Overall, being 100% honest, this movie is 3/5 (or 5/10 if you will). It's a good story, it has a great cast, and it leaves you thinking at the end. Seriously tho, J. K. Simmons deserves a standing ovation for his performance, it was magnificent.
story about love and death
NabilioNesta3 April 2019
A pointless piece of work
burgerman9321 November 2022
Despite not speaking a word of dialogue, JK Simmons did alright here in his portrayal of an alcoholic 60 year old. Simmons' character Stevie is a loner, quite Ill, and spends the 70 minutes reconciling through traumatic childhood and adulthood memories.
While the movie is meant to be macabre and somber, I really didn't feel any sympathy for the character nor was I intrigued by the actual movie. Plus the ending was ambiguous.
A better directing job could have elevated this film. There's far too many movies that explore mental health issues or familial trauma - this one was not worth the time.
While the movie is meant to be macabre and somber, I really didn't feel any sympathy for the character nor was I intrigued by the actual movie. Plus the ending was ambiguous.
A better directing job could have elevated this film. There's far too many movies that explore mental health issues or familial trauma - this one was not worth the time.
Excellent
mikkiparker8 March 2019
Excellent story showing struggles of an old drunk man who fights his addiction all his life, slowly ruining it till he's left alone. The storyline is short and filled with really touching moments. Definitely recommend.
Highly Recommend...Stunning!
marypolanec5 January 2022
I am just mesmerized by this film. I have longed for a production such as this. It requires participation and thought. I caught myself reflecting on my own life and the people who made me who I am .. that being a 62 yr old mother/grandmother and professional accountant having spent my entire life surrounded by active and recovering alcoholics, born to a depressed mother who resented the hand she was dealt. It's no coincidence that I endure both afflictions myself.
J. K. Simmons' performance was stunning and his silence was necessary. The actors who spoke for the six year old Stevie and the young adult Steve spoke the words that everyone wanted and needed to hear. The elder Steve was burdened to FEEL the consequences... which we are often left to do when we live in the past as he did.
I absolutely love the ending! I have my own take on that and keeping it to myself.
All of the actors deserve standing ovations and Bravo to the music and sound design too!! Searching for playlist next!!
J. K. Simmons' performance was stunning and his silence was necessary. The actors who spoke for the six year old Stevie and the young adult Steve spoke the words that everyone wanted and needed to hear. The elder Steve was burdened to FEEL the consequences... which we are often left to do when we live in the past as he did.
I absolutely love the ending! I have my own take on that and keeping it to myself.
All of the actors deserve standing ovations and Bravo to the music and sound design too!! Searching for playlist next!!
Raw
grescap10 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm still (two days later) processing the feelings aroused by this film. All of the actors who portrayed Steve were gripping. JK Simmons was at the forefront with his raw pain. Sebastian Stan made me fall in love with young Steve, and ache for his bad and celebrate his better choices, and young Steve was brought so fully to life with the brilliant, young Iain Armitage.
A thinker
phelpserinl18 May 2019
This film was a thinker. You have to make yourself think, and when you think you know what will happen, you are wrong. You wish you weren't, but sadly, you were wrong. Great film. JK Simmons was epic, and he didn't have to say anything. He just emoted through his role, and I felt for him -- hook, line and sinker. Sebastian Stan is good, sells us his 'version' of Steve, and we pay it. Iain Armitage is wondrous as Little Stevie, and is the future of Hollywood.
a headsmasher of bad conscience
ops-525359 March 2019
J.k.simons are the old man in this pretty heartbreaking, and spiritual filmmaking, and doing that without uttering one word through the whole film.
its kind of final countdown ,and an alltime high on reminiscence with flashback that every elderly person goes through without remorse either the memories are good or bad,they will always turn up.
the flashback of childhood and young adulthood are the real booster of this drama, and the acting are great all over the castline,but especially the childactors are good. the settings and timewise production design make everything believable. the score are just a sound in the background,but when the feature songs comes it is so darn perfect..the filmography are great, and the changing between light and dark, at times nearly black to colour are brilliantly done. slowpaced yes, but try to unwrap yourself from it , thats a difficult task...
the grumpy old man,who are experiencing similar experiences of life like the main character, does recommend this, and with 8 to 10 stars awarded
the flashback of childhood and young adulthood are the real booster of this drama, and the acting are great all over the castline,but especially the childactors are good. the settings and timewise production design make everything believable. the score are just a sound in the background,but when the feature songs comes it is so darn perfect..the filmography are great, and the changing between light and dark, at times nearly black to colour are brilliantly done. slowpaced yes, but try to unwrap yourself from it , thats a difficult task...
the grumpy old man,who are experiencing similar experiences of life like the main character, does recommend this, and with 8 to 10 stars awarded
Good movie
cvsgkgrkg16 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I read through all other reviews as to make sure I would not be just repeating something someone else had already said. In reviewing this movie, like most others I very much enjoyed J. K. Summons role and agree that the characters were his voice through out the movie. The ending is where I want to say something. This where people missed something very important for a secondary character, the bartender. The conversation he and. Steve are having at the bar. Steve orders drinks then changes the order and tells him "Six months," the bartender replied "eight years" Steve then says "that's encouraging, how do you do it?" The bartender's response is simple, "one day at a time, and I want to live" This something so many people missed, along with the fact that for once looking back through all these memories, this was the ONLY time Steve was sober as an adult. So when Trevor ran outside Steve was able to catch him and keep anything from happening. That was why in the end he was still able to look himself in the mirror. If you follow that scene all the way through from the bar to the to end and listen to the conversation, I would hope you come up with the same conclusion as I have.
Splendid.
nouralwani-6457911 March 2019
Excellent cast. Excellent acting. Simmons' performance is very touching and it astounding, so is Sebastian's. Honestly, Sebastian absolutely took me away with his talent. The movie really makes you think about your own actions and how everything affects everything. Definitely would watch it again
A definitely "must see" movie
dimitra-nanou10 March 2019
I loved it.
kanounikania2 March 2019
Best movie I've seen in a long time
osimmons-5332511 March 2019
Everything about this movie is incredibly well done. The cinematography is stunning, the acting is superb (as one could have predicted, considering the star-studded and talented cast) and the storyline is compelling and deeply moving. Everyone needs to see this, to show it to their friends, and to really talk about it. Truly the best film I've seen in a very long time.
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