ALMOST THERE

Cinemavixion Review

Jacqueline Zünd's "Almost There" is a poignant and deeply humanistic documentary that delves into the twilight years of three distinct individuals, each seeking solace and purpose on vastly different shores. The film masterfully contrasts the solitary quest of Bob, who trades domesticity for the rugged allure of the Californian desert in a campervan, with the vibrant, yet cathartic, journey of Steve, a drag queen and comedian reconciling with his past amidst the lively backdrop of Benidorm. Completing this triptych is Yamada, whose quiet rediscovery of joy through reading to children in Tokyo offers a gentle counterpoint to the other narratives. "Almost There" eschews conventional narratives of aging, instead offering an intimate exploration of identity, regret, and the enduring search for happiness. Zünd's lens captures raw confessions and fleeting moments of peace, from lonely Walmart parking lots to the quiet dignity of shared stories. The documentary doesn't shy away from the "quiet fears we all carry" but frames them within a larger context of reclaiming life's narrative. It's a testament to the courage it takes to redefine one's path, even when that path deviates sharply from societal expectations. While the film may not offer definitive answers about whether happiness is found, it profoundly illuminates the value of the journey itself, reminding us to cherish the "limited summers we have left."