[Fantasia ’25] ‘I Live Here Now’: Mesmerizing fever dream

I Live Here Now is a surreal fever dream making its world premiere at Fantasia. Rose (Lucy Fry, Night Teeth) is an aspiring actress who learns she is pregnant. The thing is a childhood trauma has left her infertile. With pressure mounting all around and unsure of what to do next, she heads to a motel where she can be safe. Instead, she finds herself trapped in a place where nothing seems to make sense.

First time director Julia Pacino wears her influences on her sleeve. For some, the Lynchian aspects will stand out most. The camera is often placed at odd angles, distorting rooms and keeping audiences off kilter. Soft pinks are prominent, giving I Live Here Now a dreamlike quality. But for others, it will be the Argento-like aesthetics that will stick out. Harsh reds and blues color many scenes, providing a nightmarish feeling. These contrasting styles work together in harmony to set a frantic tone. 

Audiences will never know what to expect from I Live Here Now. It is sexy and off-putting, funny and mean-spirited, frightening and mesmerizing, frequently doing many of these things at the same time. Because there is so much going on, it can be hard to follow at times. Especially since the film does not follow a traditional narrative. Just as often, it feels like a hallucination.

Which is not to say that everything unfolds haphazardly. Filled with emotion, the plot will affect audiences. Rose is a great protagonist that is easy to get behind. From the earliest moments, she garners empathy. As I Live Here Now progresses it seems like everybody is against her. You are worried for her the entire time.

I Live Here Now is an exhausting watch. Even in its more patient moments, there is a sense of dread and tension. This is especially true of the final act when things move at a frantic pace. The plot has a lot to say and the performances are great, but it is the look an feel of the film that are most memorable.