Watch Here One Minute
- TV-14
- 2016
- 1 hr 23 min
-
6.0 (54)
Here One Minute is a 2015 dramatic feature about the aftermath of a suicide. Written and directed by new filmmaker Eleanor Gaver, the movie is an emotional exploration of the effects of mental illness on those left behind. The film features a talented cast of mostly unknown actors, including Ade Otukoya, Josephine Messer, and Schuyler Quinn. The movie has been praised for its honest and even-handed approach to a difficult subject matter.
The story of Here One Minute centers on the aftermath of the suicide of Billy, a young man struggling with depression. As his family and friends deal with their shock and grief, they try to piece together what led Billy to end his life. The movie is told through a series of overlapping vignettes, with different characters reflecting on their relationship with Billy and the impact his death has had on them. We see his mother Mary (Messer) struggling to maintain her composure as she is forced to confront her own failings as a parent. We see Billy's girlfriend Carly (Quinn) grappling with guilt and confusion over her own feelings about his death. And we see his friend Evan (Otukoya) trying to make sense of the tragedy while dealing with his own mental and emotional struggles.
The structure of the movie is deliberately fragmented, with scenes often jumping forward and backward in time. This can be disorienting at first, but it reflects the way grief can make time feel disjointed and out of order. As the movie progresses, we gradually come to understand the connections between the various characters, and the ways in which they were all impacted by Billy's death. The film is successful in exploring the complex and often messy emotions that arise in the wake of a suicide, without ever feeling exploitative or melodramatic.
The performances in Here One Minute are uniformly strong, particularly from the three leads. Josephine Messer is particularly impressive as Mary, conveying the character's bitterness and anger while still leaving room for sympathy. Schuyler Quinn is also excellent as Carly, giving a nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of a young woman trying to sort through her own feelings of loss and guilt. Ade Otukoya's Evan is perhaps the most sympathetic character in the movie, with the actor bringing depth and authenticity to a character struggling with his own demons.
One of the most impressive things about Here One Minute is its willingness to grapple with difficult questions about mental health and suicide. The movie never offers easy answers, but it does explore the many factors that can contribute to a suicide, from genetics to environmental factors to societal pressures. The film also examines the stigma that can still surround mental illness, particularly in communities of color. By putting these issues front and center, Here One Minute serves as an important and timely reminder of the importance of mental healthcare, and the need to recognize and support those struggling with mental illness.
Overall, Here One Minute is a powerful and affecting film that deserves wider recognition. While it is not always an easy watch, the movie is ultimately a hopeful one, affirming the power of love and human connection even in the face of tragedy. For anyone who has ever grappled with mental illness, or who has lost someone to suicide, the film is likely to resonate deeply. With its talented cast and assured direction, Here One Minute is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of an important and often taboo subject.
Here One Minute is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.