Here Awhile

Here Awhile is a profound and emotionally touching 2019 drama film that delves deep into significant societal issues. It is beautifully constructed and features remarkable performances from the talented cast of Anna Camp, Steven Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio. Directed by Tim True, this film addresses profound themes of family reconciliation, terminal illness, and death with sensitivity and honesty.

The narrative unfolds with the return of the protagonist, Anna, who is portrayed by the talented Anna Camp, best known for her work in Pitch Perfect. After running from her past for the last 15 years, Anna returns to her childhood home in Portland when she gets diagnosed with terminal cancer. However, this return isn't a nostalgic homecoming holiday; she comes back to her estranged brother, Michael (played by Steven Strait), with a request of assisted death. Camp portrays the role of a dying woman with a level of subtlety and courage that leaves a lasting impression.

Meanwhile, Steven Strait, well-known for his role in The Expanse, masterfully takes on the role of Michael, the left behind sibling who has some bitterness about the past. His character, as a sales manager in a real estate firm and a character with a troubled past, is relatable and authentic. Strait gives an impressive performance, embodying the profound complexities of sorrow, guilt, anger, and eventually, the acceptance of his sister's decision.

Joe Lo Truglio, recognized for his comedic role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, delivers a brilliant performance in this more serious role to the typical comedic roles he is more commonly recognized for. Lo Truglio's character, Gary, serves as Anna's medical aide and ends up becoming a dear friend to both siblings, offering the film a softer edge as he aids them through their tough times.

Here Awhile employs the backdrop of Portland, Oregon, capturing the city's elegance and raw, natural beauty. The setting complements the narrative's somber tones, and the cinematography is skillfully utilized to evoke deep emotions. This artful direction ensures that the film is not only a symbolic exploration of life and death but also a tribute to the city it's set in.

Where Here Awhile sets itself apart is in its narrative approach to the serious and controversial issue of euthanasia. The film gracefully touches upon Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, making the storytelling even more profound and real. The script does not try to persuade the viewer on the matter but instead respects the audience's intelligence and capacity to form their own opinions.

The beauty of Here Awhile also lies in its balanced exploration of the relationships within the film. It does an excellent job displaying the bond between the siblings and takes its time to nurture the friendship that unfolds between Anna and Gary. There are no hyperbolic expressions of sentiment; instead, the characters interact with genuine emotional authenticity.

The film's music score, composed by Deborah Lurie, also shines, working harmoniously with the gentle pacing to reflect on the story's emotional ebb and flow. The music, along with thoughtful cinematography, induces a soothing rhythm that makes Here Awhile a cinematic experience that invites its audience into a reflective state of mind.

Here Awhile is not a movie that aims for shock value or melodramatic highs. It is a film that engages with irony and leaves the viewer reflecting on the meaning of existence, family relationships, and finally, the right of an individual to choose how they want to live, or cease to live. It is, at its core, a poignant exploration of the human condition in all its rawness and complexity. The remarkable performances from Anna Camp, Steven Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio underscore the real heart of this narrative, making Here Awhile an intimate, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful film worth watching.