Now and Then
Plot
As the sun-kissed days of their idyllic youth begin to fade away, four lifelong friends - Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha, and Roberta - gather to reminisce about the unforgettable summer of 1970. Their innocent laughter and whispered secrets now replaced with the pangs of adolescence, they embark on a journey down memory lane. The film opens with the friends, all around 13 years old at the time, preparing for the end of their carefree childhoods as puberty looms on the horizon. As they stroll down the dusty roads of their small town, each girl's narrative thread begins to unravel, weaving together a tapestry of youthful escapades and tender moments. Their summer of '70 was marked by a series of adventures, misadventures, and coming-of-age epiphanies. Teeny, the quintessential "good girl," struggles with her newfound feelings for a boy who's more interested in his own ego than her affections. Chrissy, ever the free spirit, is torn between her love of adventure and her desire to fit in with the popular crowd. Samantha, the outspoken rebel, finds solace in her passion for music, as she begins to forge her own path separate from her more conventional friends. Meanwhile, Roberta, the quiet and reserved one, grapples with the complexities of first love and unrequited crushes. As they confront their individual struggles and insecurities, the friends also face the harsh realities of growing up, including the loss of innocence, the fragility of friendships, and the daunting prospect of uncertainty. Yet, amidst the turmoil, they discover the strength and resilience that comes from supporting one another through life's trials. Throughout their journey, Now and Then masterfully blends nostalgic charm with poignant insight, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment in adolescence when the world feels both vast and intimate. As the girls come to terms with the impermanence of childhood, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, love, and the transformative power of memories that shape who we become as adults.
Reviews
Kiara
While that might work in *Love Story*, *Now and Then* understands that real love—the kind that binds friends together across decades—is built on a foundation of shared experiences, forgiveness, and the messy, beautiful imperfections of life. This isn't a grand, sweeping romance; it's a nostalgic exploration of female friendship, a timeless tale woven with summer memories, first crushes, and the bittersweet pangs of growing up. More than just a feel-good movie, *Now and Then* is a reminder that the bonds we forge in our youth can weather any storm, and that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones we share with our closest friends.
Camille
Reminiscent of "Stand by Me" and "Sunny," this is a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy this type of film. The only downside is that it takes a while to figure out who's who among the characters.
Kennedy
Back when Christina Ricci, Brendan Fraser, and Devon Sawa were the go-to faces of childhood, they starred in this heartwarming film that beautifully weaves together themes of childhood, family, friendship, and the continuation of life. It's a touching and poignant story that resonates deeply.
Rosemary
Feels like a movie straight out of my childhood.
Luca
Sora Birch is still somewhat recognizable, but I kept mixing up the others...
Camille
The film captures the bittersweet essence of nostalgia, weaving a tapestry of girlhood friendships that feel both familiar and fleeting. Its exploration of the transition from innocence to adolescence is both tender and poignant, leaving viewers with a sense of longing for lost youth while acknowledging life's inevitable complexities.
Ryder
Transporting viewers back to the idyllic summer of 1970, "Now and Then" is a poignant coming-of-age drama that explores the bittersweet transition from childhood to adolescence. The film masterfully captures the magical quality of youth, as four lifelong friends recount their life-changing summer adventures. With a perfect blend of nostalgia and humor, the movie tenderly depicts the intricacies of female friendships and the struggles of growing up.
Emerson
Memories of summer magic and the bittersweet journey from childhood to adolescence unfold through the eyes of four lifelong friends. As they reminisce about the unforgettable summer of 1970, the film masterfully weaves a tale of youth, friendship, and self-discovery. With a perfect blend of humor, drama, and nostalgia, the movie takes audiences on a charming journey, exploring the complexities of growing up and the unbreakable bonds of female friendship.
