Here and Now
By Mark Dolan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Edgy family drama from HBO rings false from the start.
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Here and Now
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Based on 1 parent review
Wooden acting and uneccessary soft porn scenes
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What's the Story?
In HERE AND NOW, depressed philosophy professor Greg (Tim Robbins) and controlling former therapist Audrey (Holly Hunter) are 60-ish baby boomers whose marriage has devolved into mutual contempt. Their four grown children -- Liberian-born Ashley (Jerrika Hinton), Vietnamese Duc (Raymond Lee), Colombian Ramon (Daniel Zovotto), and their biological daughter Kristin (Sosie Bacon) -- each have different issues with Mom and Dad. Kristin is tired of being the family's "boring" child, while the others feel they've been paraded around their whole lives as symbols of their parents' progressive values. After a series of mysterious hallucinations plagues Ramon, and Audrey reveals secrets from her past, the family needs to redefine its existing relationships and move forward.
Is It Any Good?
A great cast is stalled by stilted dialogue and unfortunate characterizations in the latest from Six Feet Under and True Blood creator Alan Ball. On one hand, Here and Now looks like it wants to be an edgier version of This Is Us, with its roster of multicultural siblings and complex family issues. On the other hand, it seems like the creators don't trust that direction and introduce a metaphysical plot thread that feels out a place in an otherwise reality-bound story.
What's most unfortunate is the script. No character ever sounds like a real person. They proclaim and declare and punctuate, but never just speak to each other like humans. You can practically see the words on the page as the actors voice this unnatural, overly written dialogue. The script especially lets down Holly Hunter, who can be excellent portraying strong yet eccentric characters. Unfortunately, here she's asked to play a character so overbearing and petty that she practically comes across as a villain. It's a thankless, borderline sexist characterization. Hopefully, new layers will be uncovered as the show develops.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity. What makes the family in Here and Now unique? What makes them the same?
Audrey speaks very frankly with her children -- swearing, talking about drugs and sex -- even in casual conversations. Does your family talk like this? Do you think it's a good or bad idea?
Do the characters talk and behave in realistic ways? What traits make the behavior seem real or false?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 11, 2018
- Cast: Tim Robbins , Holly Hunter , Daniel Zovatto
- Network: HBO
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: April 14, 2023
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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