Review of Are You Here (2013) by Ana B — 26 Nov 2014

A curious mix of comedy and family drama this is the story of friendship between Steve Dallas (Owen Wilson), a bored and superficial weatherman, and his childhood mate Ben Baker (Steve Galifianakis), a "writer" living in a caravan spending his time getting high. When Ben's estranged father dies both travel back to their home town where they meet Terry, Ben's sister, and Angela, the young new wife of the deceased. To everybody's surprise Ben inherits almost all of his father's wealth and business. Smart Terry is very crossed and Ben is utterly confused. It turns out Ben has been suffering from bipolar disorder since he was very young but has always refused medical help. In the meanwhile Steve develops a crush in the young widow.

It all starts in a humorous way and it slides to a family melodrama with special emphasis in Ben's condition. It has some comic scenes but it feels like everything happens far too quickly, and far too easy. It is too dramatic to be a comedy but as drama it feels too light. There are smart moments but they are cut short. The script would need a full reload to make it really engaging. And I say that despite the strong performances of all the main characters and the always interesting and often sidelined subject of mental illness.

The title is uncommitted and difficult to remember, it tries to reflect Ben's struggle with his disorder but it ultimately works against it as it is completely unremarkable. You would think all those Hollywood script writers could come up with something more original and memorable to help lift up this average film.