Last Friday night, as my husband, Tom and I settled in for a quiet evening, we chose a movie to watch. It was the 2024 film Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. Why I choose to share thoughts of this movie is because it intertwines a profound exploration around human emotion, the circle of life, and lastly, real estate trends.

Through its unique storytelling and fixed-camera perspective, the movie transforms a single house into a vessel for history, memory, and connection. Here’s how these themes intertwine:

The house at the center of Here is more than a setting—it’s a character in its own right. Built in the early 1900s, it bears witness to generations of families, from its first tenants to modern-day inhabitants. The film artfully chronicles the evolution of this home, reflecting broader societal changes such as the Spanish flu pandemic, World War II, and even COVID-19. By focusing on one location, Here underscores how real estate serves as a constant amidst the flux of time, embodying both permanence and transformation.

Emotion drives Here’s narrative, capturing the joys, sorrows, and complexities of life within the house’s walls. From moments of love and celebration to grief and regret, the film portrays universal human experiences. For example, Richard (played by Tom Hanks) revisits the house with his ex-wife Margaret in her later years, triggering bittersweet memories of their shared life. This emotional resonance invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to places that have shaped their lives and how homes may have an impact on our lives.

At its core, Here is about the passage of time and the cycle of life. The film spans centuries—from prehistoric times with dinosaurs to modern-day families—illustrating how life continues despite individual struggles and triumphs. The house becomes a microcosm for humanity’s collective journey, reminding us of our shared history and the enduring power of love and family.

Here is not just a film about a house; it’s about what makes a house a home—memories, relationships, and resilience. By weaving together real estate’s historical significance with deeply personal stories, it bridges the gap between physical spaces and emotional landscapes. This makes it an inspiring watch for anyone interested in architecture, history, or simply the beauty of everyday life.

In summary, Here masterfully connects real estate to emotion and life’s cyclical nature by using one house as a lens through which generations are explored. It’s a clear reminder that while people come and go, places hold their stories forever. When we sold our family home after the kids moved out, our youngest daughter looked teary-eyed look at us and said, “we have so many memories here”, and we reminded her that we’re only selling the home but get to take our memories with us.