Watch Now, Forager

Now, Forager is a captivating independent drama from 2012 directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin, who also co-wrote the script. The film explores the complexities of relationships, personal identity, and the love for a common passion in the context of the foraging lifestyle. The story follows Lucien (Jason Cortlund), a passionate forager living in the Northeastern United States, who makes a living selling mushrooms and wild greens to gourmet restaurants. His wife Regina (Tiffany Esteb), a former chef, shares his love for foraging and helps him in his business. The couple's life revolves around finding and harvesting wild edibles in the forest, which gives them a sense of satisfaction and purpose.

The film starts with Lucien and Regina's operation being threatened by a large commercial foraging company that is cornering the local market. The couple decides to expand their business by venturing into urban foraging, which leads them to discover new locations and flavors. As they explore new territory, they meet other foragers who share their passion and form a tight-knit community.

The film delves into the complexities of Lucien and Regina's relationship, which is tested by their different approaches to foraging. Lucien is committed to the purity of the wild and is reluctant to sell to restaurants that serve food that is not environmentally sustainable. Regina is more pragmatic and is willing to sell to anyone who pays the right price. This fundamental difference in their approach creates tension and conflict, which escalates throughout the film.

As the plot unfolds, the film raises deeper questions about the value of personal identity and the price of artistic integrity. Lucien and Regina's foraging lifestyle is presented as a form of art, and they are portrayed as artists who cultivate and harvest the beauty of nature. However, the commercial pressure and their own financial struggles force them to make a difficult choice between their core values and the practicalities of business.

The film's cinematography is stunning; the beauty and serenity of the forest, the urban landscapes, and the food they prepare are captured with a rich, intimate style that is both tranquil and visceral. The film's use of music is sparse, but when it is used, it complements the visual style, enhancing the moods and emotions on screen.

The acting performances of Jason Cortlund and Tiffany Esteb, who also produced the film, are authentic and compelling. Their chemistry on screen creates a palpable sense of intimacy and connection, which makes the character's struggles and choices all the more poignant.

Overall, Now, Forager is a unique and thought-provoking film that explores a world and a lifestyle that are seldom portrayed on screen. It is an engrossing and visually striking drama that will appeal to anyone interested in the intersection of art, nature, and personal identity.

Now, Forager is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 54.