Here and Now

Here and Now is a thought-provoking television show from HBO, first aired in 2018. This compelling and complex drama series was created by Alan Ball, the acclaimed director and writer known for his previous works, "American Beauty," "True Blood" and "Six Feet Under." Notably, this series is rich in themes of identity, religion, politics, and mental health, blending reality and surreal aspects in a unique, contemporary fashion.

Set against the liberal backdrop of Portland, Oregon, Here and Now introduces us to the world of the Bayer-Boatwrights, an exceptionally diverse family. Greg Boatwright, the paterfamilias played by the Academy Award-winning actor Tim Robbins, is a philosophy professor. He's questionably enduring a life crisis, leading to an existential dread reflected in his disillusionment with his progressive ideals. Holly Hunter, the Oscar-winning actress, plays his wife, Audrey Bayer, a therapist who tries to manage the turmoil within her unusually constructed family while fostering open communication and nurturing mutual understanding.

The Bayer-Boatwright family in Here and Now essentially mirrors a miniaturized representation of the world itself as their children come from three different continents - Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The eldest daughter, Ashley, is a successful businesswoman adopted from Liberia; Duc is an adopted son from Vietnam meticulously maintaining a no-touch lifestyle to counteract his traumatized past. Their younger brother Ramon, an adoptive Colombian son and video-game designer, starts seeing mystifying visions, complicating his search for self-identity and introducing a surreal layer to the narrative. Lastly, there is Kristen, the couple's only biological child, who feels a constant need to establish her uniqueness because of her adopted siblings.

As each episode unfurls, Here and Now delves deeper into these characters' lives, struggles, and aspirations, masterfully exploring a broad range of social issues like race, gender, identity, mental health, and prejudice that exist within and outside families. The series portrays a deeply conflicted family held together by love, managing their modern dilemmas and personal conflicts and navigating the labyrinth of their complicated lives. These flawed characters offer a reflective view of the flaws in our society, making the series socially relevant and emotionally profound.

One of the characteristic aspects of Here and Now is its portrayal of spirituality and its overlay with mental health. Ramon's hallucinations with recurring number '11:11' lead to growing concerns about his mental health but also open him up to a spiritual journey, forging an unusual connection with a Muslim psychiatrist, Dr. Farid Shokrani. Themes of synchronicity and spirituality echo throughout the series, offering an exceptional viewing experience that constantly intertwines reality with supernatural elements, keeping audiences engrossed.

Moreover, Here and Now certainly does not shy away from showcasing the socio-political environment surrounding the Bayer-Boatwrights. By incorporating contemporary issues like gender politics, racial profiling, teenage angst, and xenophobia into the plot, the series offers a stark representation of the multicultural American society. The issues and conflicts explored within the family serve as a microcosm of the issues straining America's societal fabric.

In terms of cinematography, this HBO drama series employs a beautiful blend of visual symbolisms and motifs, enhancing the narrative depth. Stellar performances from a powerful ensemble cast, striking production design, and evocative music further contribute to the series' appeal. From an elegant family dinner to a tense therapy session, every scene is visually and emotionally engaging.

All in all, Here and Now provides an unflinching look at issues relevant to the modern world through an intimate exploration of one family's complex dynamics. It's a show that bravely confronts societal quagmires and personal predicaments, encapsulating the truly enigmatic nature of being "here and now."