Now and Then: The Perfect Nostalgic Movie

by Simone Gonzalez

~this article will be soon published online for the Young Nostalgics Issue of The Diaries Collective~

~More Information about The Diaries Collective keep a look out!~

Now And Then:

Have you ever watched a movie that reminded you of your childhood?

Ever since the New Year, I’ve been in this odd quicksand of thought, about who I want to be in the New Year. This movie reminded me who I need to be, a woman who hasn’t lost her younger self.

I hope you agree that there is something magical about a movie that can transport you back in time, not just to the era it depicts but to your own childhood. Now and Then (1995) is that film—a reflection on friendship, growing up, and the moments that shape who we become. This movie is it’s own coming of age film that completely captures the timelessness of what it means to navigate the complexities of youth and adulthood.

You Won’t Believe the Plot:

So yes, this is a nostalgic movie because the long lost friends reunite in their old hometown. It’s a great reunion so far including points from when these four girls were young, involving troublesome boys, murder, and typical diner convos about sex.

Roberta Martin (Rosie O'Donnell), Samantha Albertson (Demi Moore) and Tina Teeny Tercell (Melanie Griffith) go back home only to pay a visit to their childhood friend Chrissy DeWitt Williams (Rita Wilson) and see her through the end of her first pregnancy. The four lifelong friends reminisce on their unforgettable summer of 1970, the summer their innocent younger selves (Christina Ricci, Gaby Hoffmann, Thora Birch, Ashleigh Aston Moore) grew up.

What could possibly cause these girls to grow up? Well, without spoiling it, these girls get into life changing situations together and friendship is most important to them all. It sounds cheesy but what else are we looking for in a nostalgic movie?

You need to watch this movie because Now and Then is a celebration of friendship, and how friendship can grow even despite the transitions we go through in life. The story crafted here balances humor, heart and some serious topics which weaves together moments that feel deeply personal and universally relatable. The last time I felt this way about a movie was after I watched Little Women, a classic movie. As you watch the movie switch between the past and the present, you can notice the growth these girls experienced individually and together. Hopefully, it will remind you of how much you have grown.

Each scene feels purposeful, pulling you into these girls lives and how they are better together. The different personalities all these girls have but their issues are quickly resolved all due to girlhood. After the credits roll, it’s sentimental to see the same thing happen once they are all grown women.

Among our girl group of friends, one girl is navigating a difficult home life, and she learns a lesson on her own about resilience but also only because she’s the lead on the girls summer mission. These pure moments of friendship and love are the kind of moments you need to watch.

The Realness Of These Girls:

The only doll Roberta's got is a G.I. Joe!

You also want to see characters that are relatable to you right? This movie has them. Firstly, we all know or are Roberta.

Roberta tapes her boobs but also has the softest heart in the group. She is our tough, tomboyish heart of the group. She’s the girl who is a bold and loyal friend who often hides her vulnerability behind her brave and bold exterior. Roberta will not hesitate to stand for her friends without hesitation, I love that most about her. Christina Ricci gives Roberta this strong confident demeanor that you can feel and remind yourself who the Roberta was in your life or if you were Roberta.

Roberta has a complexity makes her relatable and compelling; she’s strong but not invincible, courageous yet quietly yearning for the comfort of the close-knit friendships she treasures. Roberta’s journey reminds us all of the bravery it takes to confront your emotions while still being a loyal and fearless friend.

Teeny Video

Teeny : Now me. Teeny, "You are a sexual magnet... attracting men from the four corners of the world. Pace yourself."

[Smiles]

Teeny is glamorous. She’s playful and carries a flirty, fun-loving nature about her. Her opening scene and many others shows Teeny has flair for the spotlight but she is also a deeply caring and loyal friend. You can’t help but love her. Maybe you know a Teeny, she’s the type to be the first comforting a girl crying in the bathroom.

Thomas Wolfe once said you can't go home again. Well, that's great for old Tom. But he wasn't a chick who made a pact with her friends when she was twelve to get together whenever any one of them needed each other. So here I am driving back to my childhood home in Indiana a place I can tell you I never wanted to see again.

Samantha is our leader. She seems reserved but she’s extremely thoughtful and is considerate of her friends but also determined to solve the mystery that unfolds for her over the summer. Samantha is curious and wise, the kind of girl who uses that wisdom for good.

If you’re a person who tries to make sense of changes, you’ll relate to Samantha. If you love deeply, you’ll relate to Samantha. At the same time she is kind of our main character of the story because she is the link in the friend group that reminds the girls to cherish what is important to them, their friendship.

Chrissy is definitely the mom of the friend group. There is a sweetness and innocence she brings to the group but also uses her sweetness to support her friends. Instead of diving headfirst into crazy adventures, she prefers to play it safe. Her friends encourage her to embrace the summer and step out of her comfort zone. Chrissy’s moments of vulnerability and quiet strength remind the group that everyone grows at their own pace, and that true friendship is about lifting each other up, no matter what.

The Soundtrack:

If I haven’t mentioned it already, this movie will transport you to the 70s. One of the standout features of Now and Then is its soundtrack, which is responsible for evoking the themes of the movie youth, growth and friendship. The carefully chosen songs serve as both a window into the past and a backdrop to the heartfelt moments of the story between these girls.

There are classic tracks like "The Look of Love" and "Sugar, Sugar" transport the audience to a joyful time and add to the coming-of-age experience this movie is trying to portray. Even the girls dance along to some songs which enhances the emotional experience of this movie. Whether it’s the carefree fun of a summer adventure or the reflection on what we learn from growing up, the soundtrack is one you need to save after you’re done with the movie.

Conclusion:

If you do want some spoilers, I’ll go ahead. I cried at the end of this movie. You may not cry, it’s not extremely devastating. Yet, for a girl to think back on her girlhood and treasure the friends she had from then and she still treasures them now is something that might make you cry.

There’s a parallel between Chrissy and Roberta’s younger selves and them in the future that reminds you of the importance of friendship. Friendship really brings us everlasting relationships in our lives especially between women.

The only thing that didn’t surprise us was who are friends were.