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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
I had the opportunity to see Here Before at the South by Southwest film festival last week. The film had taught me a thing or two about losing someone. In this article, there are some spoilers ahead, so please read at your own behest.
Plot Summary
The plot of the film is as follows:
After new neighbours move in next door, a bereaved mother begins to question her reality in this unsettling psychological thriller.
Andrea Riseborough (Birdman, Nocturnal Animals, Mandy) plays the grieving female protagonist, Laura. Alongside her are Jonjo O’Neill and Lewis McAdjue, who play her character’s husband Brendan and son Tadjg, respectively. The members of the other family are Marie (Eileen O’Higgins), Chris (Martin McCann), and their young daughter, Megan (Niamh Dornan). Together, the two families are involved in a dramatic and mysterious plot as Laura copes with the loss of her own daughter, Josie (Grace O’Dwyer).
Discussion
Here Before has an important message about grief, which I will explicate a bit soon. First, without context, I will provide a quote from the film that I liked the most.
If you love someone [and] you’re hurt, so much feels impossible.
Gregg’s film may be confusing at first sight. However, what helps is that the story begins to unravel as Laura’s bond with Megan develops. As we progress, the mother is convinced that the girl is her own daughter in some capacity, or at least shares some ties to her. Her son can come off as violent, while her husband is calm and seems as if he has an easy time coping. I actually empathized with Laura and grew sick as she tried to discover the truth, which is this: everything that happens or could happen is a sick joke. At least, this is what the grieving process feels like. This narrative is played so well that the visceral emotions lingered in my stomach for a little while.
I wasn’t too fond of some of the choices made on the behalf of some characters. Although, I was expecting the film’s reveal to be what it was, one way or another.
Concluding Statements
The performances that I loved most come from O’Neill, Dornan, and — of course — Riseborough, especially a specific scene the former two share together. I can’t speak too much about the film without giving away major details. However, I will say that I enjoyed the story and its use of the grief stages. Laura and her family are still hurting from Josie’s loss, and dare I say Megan’s family had me feeling a certain way. What I love about Gregg’s writing of Megan is how the child is depicted as creepy without coming off as some young person who murders — as seen primarily in horror films.
Overall, Here Before is what it is: dramatic, mysterious, and thrilling. I would say that I’d like to know a little more about the characters, but perhaps keeping is how it is was Gregg’s intention all along.
Stay tuned for my SXSW interview with the writer-director herself, Stacey Gregg, conducted just last week!
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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
