Life, Love, and Leaving

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
I Like It Here
–

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022, 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Ralph Arlyck
Where To Watch: opens in New York on August 23, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Set against the tranquil backdrop of Duchess County, New York, Ralph Arlyck’s I LIKE IT HERE is a thoughtful dive into the inevitability of aging and the subtleties of moral reflection. With a blend of personal storytelling and philosophical insight, the film transforms everyday observations into a poignant commentary on the transient nature of life. Arlyck’s documentary engages with the simple yet complex realities of rural existence and the contemplations that come with nearing life's twilight.

Arlyck presents a narrative that is as enlightening as it is emotional, exploring the essence of human experience through the lens of mortality in I LIKE IT HERE. The documentary captures the interplay of the serene rural landscape with the profound, often unspoken realities of aging. Scenes filled with the mundane—a weathered barn—become symbols of enduring presence against human transience, inviting viewers to ponder their paths through life.

In a series of revisited friendships, Arlyck reconnects with figures from his past, such as his first love, Linda, and college friend, Mel. These sequences serve as a nostalgic journey and emphasize the constancy of change in human life. The filmmaker’s previous college residence, now a crumbling relic, is a stark metaphor for the erosion of time, capturing the essence of memory and loss.

Employing a blend of new footage and archival material, Arlyck bridges his present with his past, creating a layered narrative that enhances the film's reflective tone. This method enriches the viewer's understanding of his life's narrative, presenting a reflective mosaic of past and present experiences that resonate with viewers personally.

Arlyck's unadorned filmmaking style brings a gritty realism to I LIKE IT HERE, portraying the stark realities of aging and mortality without reservation. His cinematic approach combines the ordinary with the extraordinary, crafting a narrative as intimate as it is universal. This technique mirrors the viewer's experiences, making the film a reflective journey through life's inevitable progression.

As the documentary concludes, Arlyck offers a powerful meditation on life's fleeting joys and inevitable sorrows without providing simplistic resolutions. His final reflections affirm life, encouraging viewers to appreciate the present moment despite knowing its impermanence. I LIKE IT HERE is more than just a film; it profoundly explores what it means to live, challenging its audience to confront reality while finding beauty in the everyday.

Beyond its introspective journey, I LIKE IT HERE also underscores the importance of community and human connection. Through Arlyck's interactions with neighbors and old friends, the film highlights how our relationships help shape our understanding of life and our approaches to its inevitable conclusion. These aspects remind viewers that even as individuals face their journeys, they are woven into a larger tapestry of shared experiences and mutual support.

In creating I LIKE IT HERE, Arlyck has crafted a piece that probes deep into the human condition. The film's ability to forge a personal connection while tackling universal themes of life and death underscores the unique power of documentary filmmaking. This work not only entertains but also educates and inspires, making it essential viewing for anyone who values profound, introspective cinema.

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[photo courtesy of GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT]

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