© Cinema Guild
With “Here”, Belgian auteur Bas Devos delivers another transcending meditative experience, reflecting both the familiar hallmarks of his filmmaking style and refreshingly innovative steps into brighter realms. As is familiar with Devos, viewers are treated to small leisurely walks along Belgian streets in a small but incredibly impactful portrayal of a few days in the lives of his protagonists. However, in a departure from his usual visual style, colors pop where darkness once dominated.
Directed by: Bas Devos
Year: 2023
Country: Belgium
Length: 82 minutes
The film takes place in Brussels. We follow Stefan (Stefan Gota), a Romanian construction worker who is grappling with the effects of insomnia. As his departure for vacation draws near, we observe his experiences as he strolls through the city both day and night in his last few days there. Throughout the story, Stefan’s journey becomes a journey of self-discovery as he tries to understand his own identity in his search for a place to call his home. This introspection is emphasized by his brief but meaningful connection with a young Chinese botanist and researcher, Shuxiu (Liyo Gong) leaving a profound impact on both characters.
“Here” unveils a nuanced look at class, migration, diaspora, and the burdens of capitalism. While the film’s narrative approach might seem reserved initially, Devos’ masterful cinematic prowess accentuates an undercurrent of the beauty of the mundane, brimming with empathetic undertones and affording audiences space for introspection. The authentic and natural relationships portrayed on screen uncover the profundity in everyday actions. For example, Stefan’s heartfelt meal created from leftovers and Shuxiu’s offer of temporary shelter from the rain are instances we can all relate to. These small acts establish a small utopian world, rarely depicted with such empathy, where even the tiniest gesture can brighten someone’s day.
Bas Devos has a well-established reputation for highlighting the lives of those undervalued in Belgian society. “Ghost Tropic” follows a hijabi woman who walks home alone at night and is met with the kindness of strangers, as well as individuals caught up in the Arab diaspora in “Hellhole,” which was made as a response to the discrimination and uncertainty faced by people after the Brussels attacks. “Here” is no exception to this pattern. In this work, he turns his lens towards migrant laborers and the Chinese diaspora, constructing a powerful narrative that challenges mainstream perspectives, once again extending his distinct radical empathy. The director creates rich inner lives for his characters, placing them within the sociocultural milieu in a way that is both subtle and impactful. By portraying these individuals as regular people you could meet anywhere, which is rarely done this well in Western cinema, Devos provides viewers with profound insight into their experiences. Rather than glossing over the struggles his characters would face, Devos presents a reality in which we are able to truly look at each other, in order to see each other. It is films like this that inspire us to work towards creating a better world and actively pay closer attention to the needs of others whom we might otherwise walk past.
In addition, “Here” showcases Devos’ exceptional ability to create powerful imagery that is full of emotion and meaning. The film’s visual language, which includes vibrant color, enchanting lighting, and ever-precise composition in the film’s tight 4:3 frame, challenges the typical depiction of Brussels as mundane, by again highlighting the small touches of beauty within the perceived mundanity and a look at the tiny details of our environment.
The infrequent yet mesmerizingly effective score by Devos’ usual collaborator Brecht Ameel perfectly complements the contemplative ambiance of the film. It emphasizes pivotal sequences that may seem minor but have a deep and long-lasting impact on the viewers. For instance, a group of migrant worker men talk about their dreams while consuming a bowl of soup in a field. The conversation reflects on their existence and each other, and it’s something to cherish, no matter how small. Devos makes it very clear that while the characters are sitting together, they are listening to each other, where the support almost becomes tangible. The score that follows highlights the immense warmth beneath small encounters like these. It beautifully echoes the film’s spirit of subtle melancholy, strengthened by a soothing undertone of optimism.
“Here” screened at the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival
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