-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
After a life-altering diagnosis, two parents must look for solace away from their young son. As they attempt to come to terms with their child’s new life, they turn to an unexpected source to help them navigate this new world. I Was Here is a testament to parenthood–but even more so it’s a testament to love.
The entirety of I Was Here is dark, physically dark. The darkness that consumes each of the characters throughout the duration of the film speaks to the tone and theme of it. Viewers, too, are consumed by the physical darkness that transcends I Was Here–and we are able to better appreciate and understand the content of the film as a result. Writer-Director Noëlle Gentile ensures that viewers feel something similar to both of our protagonists, and that we are able to connect with them.
As I Was Here progresses, it becomes more about the couple than it does the child, and there are a series of important lessons to be learned as a result.
I Was Here forces you to question the decisions you’ve made throughout the course of your life, and it allows you to come to terms with whether or not the person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with is the right person for you. I was nearly brought to tears as I Was Here came to a close, as it reminded me of my beautiful wife–as I know that she’s the perfect person for me, someone that I can lean on through any and all hardships. This is the backbone of the film; this is what will ultimately appeal to viewers.
My struggle with I Was Here, however, is that beyond the lessons learned as a result of the narrative, it’s hard for me to say there was much to keep me engaged. The film moved slowly through its story, but, interestingly enough, there isn’t much content. I won’t lie, I found myself bored in some moments as the dialogue was delivered incredibly slow, and the characters made comments that we’ve all heard before in both real life and in film. In this regard I Was Here isn’t new, and it becomes a tad challenging to remain focused.
However, with the negatives that manage to transcend the film, there is enough good to warrant a viewing (maybe even two–because it’s so short). What works brilliantly for I Was Here are the anecdotes told regarding the relationships we experience–particularly the most important ones. It reminded me of the relationship that I have with my wife, and it certainly struck a chord with me. I Was Here isn’t the most compelling drama that I’ve seen, but it has moments of brilliance that will stick with you.
Written & Directed by Noëlle Gentile.
Starring Raúl Castillo, Jordana Spiro, Veronica Cruz, Silverio Rosado, & Spenser Romano.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
