Review: Are You Here

Hey folks, grab your kaffe and let’s dive into “Are You Here.” Now, this flick might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does have some intriguing bits, right? Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis team up for this strange, meandering journey directed by Matthew Weiner—yep, the dude who gave us “Mad Men.” You’d think with that lineup, it’d be a smooth sail, but instead, it’s like trying to ride a rickety bicycle med trasiga hjul through the Swedish countryside.

Speaking of which, watching this reminded me of a summer in Småland with my cousins. We’d get lost a lot—literally and figuratively. There was one trip where we ended up at a cow farm instead of the beach. No sense of direction, but lots of laughs. Much like the characters here, who seem a bit lost in their own narrative, ja?

The film’s humor toe-dips into both absurd and genuine moments. Wilson plays the laid-back buddy, and his chemistry with Galifianakis is delightful, albeit a bit uneven. Amy Poehler makes a guest appearance, which adds a nice spice, like finding an unexpected layer of lingonberry in your meatballs.

Critically speaking, the story kind of lags. Weiner’s attempt at blending deep existential musings with comedic elements sometimes feels like trying to mix Glogg with saft—best left unmixed. But hey, maybe that’s the point? Life isn’t always seamless!

It’s a bit like one of those Deep South American road trips but with glimpses of introspection swaying like silver birches in July. You might start questioning your own path, friendships, and perhaps even why you like the movies you do.

In the end, “Are You Here” might not be a masterpiece, but it has a certain charm that comes from those unexpected roads traveled, both on screen and in life. Plus, who doesn’t love a little detour every now and then?

Check the trailer below