As You Are

"As You Are" is a 2016 film directed by Matthew Porterfield that delves into the nature of memory, relationships, and the human experience. The movie is a poignant exploration of how memories are created, distorted, and intertwined, as it follows the lives of a group of friends and housemates navigating the complexities of adulthood during the holiday season. The film is framed around a narrative device where memories are triggered by a series of Christmas-time rituals, including meals, coffees, and movies with friends, lovers, and housemates. These seemingly ordinary events are, in fact, pivotal moments that serve as touchstones for the characters' recollections, illustrating the fluid and subjective nature of memory. The protagonist of the film, Jack (played by John Gallagher Jr.), is a charismatic and introspective young man who is trying to make sense of his relationships and the world around him. Jack lives with his friends, Mark (played by Rhys Wakefield) and Sara (played by Amandla Stenberg), in a cozy Brooklyn brownstone. The trio's domestic setup is a backdrop for the exploration of their individual and collective memories, which are intertwined and often overlapping. As the film progresses, Jack's memories become increasingly disjointed, and his sense of identity begins to blur. He struggles to distinguish between different periods of his life, as the faces, places, and events of his past conflate with one another. This blurring of lines between memories is a potent commentary on the human experience, suggesting that our recollections are always in flux and subject to revision. The film's use of non-linear storytelling further underscores the notion that memories are not fixed or sequential. Instead, they are fluid and associative, often triggered by seemingly innocuous events or sensory details. For example, Jack's memories of his relationship with his father are linked to the smell of freshly baked cookies, while his recollections of a painful breakup are associated with the image of a certain coffee shop. As Jack navigates the complex web of his memories, he forms a romance with a classmate named Tally (played by Mary Stuart Masterson). Their relationship becomes a catalyst for Jack's self-reflection, as he grapples with the impermanence of relationships and the fragility of human connections. The film's supporting cast is equally nuanced, with each character bringing their own distinct perspectives to the narrative. Mark, Jack's housemate, is a charismatic and confident individual who seems to have it all together. However, beneath his suave exterior lies a complex web of insecurities and fears. Sara, on the other hand, is a free-spirited artist who is still navigating the challenges of young adulthood. Her relationships with Jack and Mark serve as a reflection of her own struggles with intimacy and identity. Throughout the film, Porterfield's direction is characterized by a lyrical and contemplative style, which perfectly captures the introspective nature of the narrative. The cinematography is warm and inviting, with a strong emphasis on the characters' physical environments. The film's use of lighting, color, and composition creates a dreamlike atmosphere, underscoring the subjective nature of memory and perception. Ultimately, "As You Are" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. The film's use of memory as a narrative device serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of relationships, identity, and the passage of time. By blurring the lines between past, present, and future, Porterfield's film reminds us that memories are always in flux, and that our understanding of ourselves and the world around us is always subject to revision.