Watch Now & Later

Now & Later, a 2011 independent film directed by Philippe Diaz, is a thought-provoking drama about political and social issues. The film follows the story of Bill, portrayed brilliantly by Keller Wortham, a disgraced banker who flees to Los Angeles to start a new life. Shari Solanis plays Angela, a young and vibrant Mexican-American woman who challenges Bill's idea of a new life.

The film takes on political and social issues such as immigration, capitalism, exploitation, racism, and identity. It tackles the question of what it means to be a Latinx in the US and how society views people differently based on their class, race, and education. Diaz uses the film to bring to light the complexity of these issues, giving a voice to the marginalized communities and highlighting the flawed system that exploits them.

The film starts with Bill, on the run from his bygone life, arriving in Los Angeles. He meets Angela, a fiery and charismatic sex worker who helps him discover the real Los Angeles. He quickly discovers that the new life he envisioned is not what it seems. As Angela takes Bill around the city, they engage in dialogues about the issues surrounding their lives, exploring their fears and hopes for the future.

The film features many sex scenes, but they don't come off as gratuitous but rather as a tool to explore intimacy in complex relationships. Solanis and Wortham have great chemistry, which adds to the believability of their on-screen relationship. Luis Fernandez-Gil, who plays Angela's boyfriend, also adds to the mix of characters, shedding light on the more pernicious elements of society.

Diaz employs different stylistic techniques to tell his story, with the use of flashbacks, creative camera angles, and a non-linear plot structure. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the gritty and raw beauty of LA. Diaz also uses music effectively, with a mix of famous Latinx and indie tracks that underscore the mood of the film.

Throughout the film, Diaz tackles popular themes such as immigration, assimilation, and identity. Angela is a modern-day Latina who is torn between her past and present. She struggles to feel accepted in either the white or Mexican-American worlds, and throughout the film, she reconciles with who she is and who she wants to be. Bill, on the other hand, is a white, educated male who has had it all and hit rock bottom. He finds himself in Los Angeles for a fresh start only to find new dilemmas that challenge his understanding of society.

Now & Later is a probing and uncompromising look at the issues that plague contemporary society. Diaz does an excellent job of balancing entertainment and social commentary, without being preachy or overly sentimental. He lets the film speak for itself, allowing the audience to contemplate the message in their own time.

In conclusion, Now & Later is an indie gem worth watching. It is a beautiful and poignant film that delivers a powerful message about the current state of society. Diaz uses his artistic lens to capture and reflect on the complex issues at play without judgment, and the result is an unforgettable experience.