Here Today (2021)
Director: Billy Crystal
Screenwriter: Billy Crystal, Alan Zweibel
Starring: Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish
Billy Crystal, the well-known actor and comedian who has built a long and varied career—from memorable dramatic turns to beloved comic performances—returned to directing with Here Today (2021). This film marks his second time behind the camera, following a long gap since his 1992 feature. As both co-writer and star, Crystal shapes a modest, character-driven story that leans on its performers and a warm, sometimes bittersweet tone.
Here Today centers on Charlie Burnz (Billy Crystal), a veteran comedy writer whose life is marked by old routines, professional routines, and a certain weary affection for the city he inhabits. He forms an unexpected bond with Emma Payge (Tiffany Haddish), a New York lounge singer whose frankness and emotional honesty gradually draw Charlie out of his shell. Their relationship begins in an awkward, eye-opening sequence that introduces Emma’s vulnerability and Charlie’s clumsy humanity—an incident that, while played for situational comedy, also sets the stage for the film’s deeper emotional beats.
The screenplay alternates between moments of broad humor and quieter observations. Early scenes rely on more conventional comic devices and a fair amount of expository dialogue, which can feel heavy-handed at first. Those opening beats are uneven, with jokes that sometimes fall short and setups that strain for laughs. But as the story progresses, the writing settles into a gentler rhythm. The comedy becomes more character-based, and the dramatic turns grow more sincere without becoming melodramatic. Ultimately the narrative aims to balance humor with heartfelt reflection, and by the final act it largely succeeds in delivering a satisfying emotional payoff.
Much of the film’s appeal rests on the chemistry between the two leads. Crystal brings his longtime instincts for timing and vulnerability to the role of Charlie, while Tiffany Haddish offers an appealing mix of brassy confidence and underlying tenderness as Emma. Their interactions feel lived-in and often surprisingly tender; even when the script leans on familiar rom-com beats, the performers give those moments a human texture that makes them worth watching. The film invests in the evolving trust between these two characters, and that relationship is what carries the movie through its rougher patches.
Directorially, Crystal takes an unobtrusive approach. The film rarely calls attention to itself with flashy camera work or experimental staging; instead, it favors straightforward compositions that foreground dialogue and performance. This restraint serves the material well, keeping the focus on character growth and the small details that reveal who these people are. The production design and music remain unobtrusive, supporting the tone without overwhelming the scenes. In sum, the direction prioritizes warmth and clarity over stylistic flourishes.
There are moments where the film could have been sharper. A subplot that explores past trauma is handled with a tone distinct from the rest of the movie, and that tonal shift risks sidelining the central relationship. Some jokes are predictable, and a few scenes rely on exposition to move the plot forward. But these flaws are offset by quieter successes: a well-timed line, a tender exchange, or a simple scene of companionship that rings true. The screenplay’s strengths—empathy, humane observation, and a willingness to let characters be imperfect—become more apparent as the film progresses.
For viewers who appreciate character-driven comedies with a sentimental edge, Here Today offers a pleasant experience. It is not a film that aims to revolutionize the genre or to challenge viewers with heavy themes; rather, it invites you into a relatable world for a few hours and rewards patience with gentle humor and genuine emotion. The movie works best when it allows its characters to breathe and when the performances lead the way.
The film’s pacing finds a comfortable balance in the middle sections, and its final act ties the story together in a way that feels earned, not contrived. While Here Today will not be everyone’s cup of tea—its flaws are visible, and its comic impulses are sometimes conservative—those who invest in the central relationship will likely find the payoff gratifying. It’s the kind of movie suited to easy Sunday viewing: familiar, reassuring, and quietly heartfelt.
15/24