I Live Here Now

I Live Here Now Review: So close to greatness

Brighton Nelson

18 Mar 2026 — 3 min read

In my opinion, this is probably the most difficult-to-write review of the year so far... I Live Here Now is such an out-there film that it's hard to write up a synopsis for it, let alone a review. Regardless, I'm going to try my very best to do the film justice in today's Reel Ranker review. Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you enjoy the article!

This lady on the left was so creepy, honestly,

Of course, I'll start with the negatives, then move on to the film's greatness. While trippiness and ambiguity are tons of fun and can be really effective, by the end of the film, the plot hasn't gone all that far, and it's easy to leave the theater completely confused about what happened. While it's more of a film about the depiction of emotion and processing PTSD and grief related to surgery and abortion, it's even struggling to compel in that regard since it's so scattershot. There's a reason nobody has dared to try and write any synopsis or analysis about this film on Wikipedia because, frankly, even describing what this film is about is a nightmare. I want to champion the arthouse style and narrative flair this film aims for, but it truly felt it shot for the stars and completely missed. When a film struggles to make sense or keep the themes cohesive, I struggle to say it's a good film.

The film's themes, which is what the whole plot is based around, all completely fumbled. The idea of exploring grief and PTSD through trippy visuals in an odd hotel is super gripping, but when it isn't explored with a lick of sense, it falters. The premise and concept are phenomenal, but the story and script needed far more time in the oven. Yet, the premise fue fantástico, and I can't complain there.

Still, many aspects of the film hit really well. The production design, cinematography, editing, and lighting are all incredible. As a production, especially a low-budget one, this is incredible! Seriously, I'd be happy if this became a major contender for next year's Oscars, in categories like Cinematography and Production Design. The visuals here are so entertaining and are great eye candy. The colors pop, the hotel is unlike anything you've ever seen before in a movie, and the shots just constantly feel fresh.

Also, the characters here are really well-acted, and I can't blame the performances for their scattershot theming. The lead, her toxic boyfriend, and his aunt are all super interesting, and I wish these two antagonists got a lot more screentime, as they were huge highlights. They add a ton of tension to the film due to their maniacal, controlling dialogue that really contrasts with the chill nature of the protagonist. All that being said, however, plot and writing have to be solid for a film to be good, not just style and performances. Otherwise, a film crumbles, and some eye candy can't superglue that together.

The Reel Ranker Verdict

Reel or Unreel? - Unreel
The Reel Ranker Score: 54%
Letter Score: D+
Star Ranking: 2.5 out of 5

I Live Here Now has incredible visuals, performances, style, and production design. Still, its scattershot storytelling, surreal ambiguity, and underbaked themes leave an indelible stain on what could've been a trippy, thrilling masterpiece.

Interested in my reviews for other horror films? Check them out below! I'll be updating this a lot as I get to reviewing older films I've watched!