Watch I'm Not Here

I'm Not Here is a 2017 drama film directed by Michelle Schumacher and starring J.K. Simmons, Sebastian Stan, and Maika Monroe. The film follows the journey of a man named Steve (played by Simmons) as he navigates the various stages of his life, from childhood to old age. The film is structured in a nonlinear fashion, with scenes from different periods of Steve's life intercutting with one another. As such, the viewer is given a mosaic-like impression of Steve's character and the events that have shaped him. This is further emphasized by the film's frequent use of visual and auditory motifs, such as the recurring image of a vending machine that serves as a metaphor for Steve's attempts to find fulfillment in life.

Simmons is in top form here, delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with his demons. He captures the complexity of Steve's character, from his early days as a hopeful young man to his later years as a disillusioned and bitter alcoholic. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Stan and Monroe bringing depth and emotional intensity to their roles.

One of the many strengths of I'm Not Here is its willingness to confront difficult subject matter head-on. The film deals with issues such as addiction, abuse, and mental illness in a frank and unflinching manner, refusing to shy away from the darker aspects of Steve's life. At the same time, however, the film is also full of moments of tenderness and humor, providing a more complete picture of Steve's character and highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

This emotional depth is further enhanced by the film's stylish, dreamlike visuals. Schumacher employs a number of creative techniques to convey Steve's subjective experience of the world, from moody lighting to surreal imagery. The result is a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, a true tour de force of cinematic storytelling.

Despite its challenging subject matter and unconventional structure, I'm Not Here remains an accessible and deeply affecting film. It is a triumph of independent cinema, a work of art that will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. Whether you are a fan of J.K. Simmons or simply looking for a powerful and thought-provoking film, I'm Not Here is not to be missed.

I'm Not Here is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 45.