Watch Who We Are Now

Who We Are Now is a 2017 drama film directed by Matthew Newton and starring Julianne Nicholson, Zachary Quinto, and Jess Weixler. The film follows the story of Beth (Nicholson), a woman who has just been released from prison after serving time for a violent crime. Struggling to readjust to life outside of prison, Beth seeks custody of her son, who is now living with her sister Gabby (Weixler). In her attempts to regain custody of her son, Beth meets Jess (Quinto), a young public defender who becomes her ally in navigating the legal system.

The film opens with Beth's release from prison, and we see her struggling to find a job and housing. Her attempts at rebuilding her life are hampered by her criminal record, which makes it difficult for her to find employment or a place to live. Beth's sister Gabby is sympathetic to her situation, but she is also understandably wary of having Beth around her son.

Beth's desire to regain custody of her son provides the main narrative thrust of the film. Through her interactions with Jess, we see how the legal system can be both infuriatingly indifferent to the plight of those like Beth, and also how it can offer a glimmer of hope. Jess is a young public defender who has taken on Beth's case pro-bono. He sees in her a chance to make a real difference, but he is also up against a seemingly insurmountable legal system that is stacked against his client.

Throughout the film, we see Beth struggling with her own demons. She is haunted by the crime that she committed, and the sense of guilt and shame that she carries with her is palpable. At the same time, Beth is determined to put her past behind her, and to make a life for herself and her son. Nicholson is absolutely mesmerizing as Beth, and she brings an incredible depth of emotion to the role.

Quinto is also excellent as Jess, the young public defender who becomes Beth's advocate. He is both idealistic and pragmatic, and he brings a calm, steady presence to the film. Weixler is also strong as Gabby, Beth's sister. She is torn between her love for her sister and her responsibility to her son, and Weixler does an excellent job of conveying the complexity of Gabby's emotions.

As the film develops, we see Beth making progress in her attempts to regain custody of her son. She gets a job, and she starts to build a relationship with Jess. However, there are also setbacks, including a harrowing scene in which Beth is forced to confront her past in a way that is both painful and cathartic.

Who We Are Now is a film that is heavy on emotion, but never feels melodramatic or manipulative. It is a powerful exploration of redemption and forgiveness, and it is anchored by three incredible performances from Nicholson, Quinto, and Weixler. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Who We Are Now is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 83.