Here

The thing I love most about Bas Devos is his approach to allowing me to experience his films in a meditative state and emotionally resonate with their characters accompanied by naturalistic and daily life. "Here," while echoing the themes of "Ghost Tropic," offers a more tender exploration of human connection and isolation.

This 16mm tender embrace, a visual poem of moss, invites us into the bittersweet lives of two strangers in Brussels. A chance encounter brings Stefan and Shuxiu together but parting ways is inevitable. Devos masterfully juxtaposes their inner worlds with the beauty of the natural world, creating a poignant contrast for this simplistic story. Th ending is a thoughtful choice, avoiding the need for both characters to engage in extended dialogue or monologues. Shuxiu's reaction speaks volumes.

Beyond the outdoors, there lies the solitude of the indoors, a meandering reflection on the transience of life. In the quiet stillness of "Here," the simple yet profound imagery, like the train reflection or the rain-pelted window, is elevated by the aspect ratio, creating a sense of intimacy.

"Here" is a film that invites us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of the small things in life, and to find solace in the fleeting moments of existence.