Watch Are You Glad I'm Here

Are You Glad I'm Here is a heartwarming and poignant indie drama released in 2018. Directed by Noor Gharzeddine and written by Samuel Anderson, the film tells the story of a young American woman named Zeina (Tess Harrison) who moves to Beirut, Lebanon to teach English as a second language. Zeina is a socially awkward introvert who struggles to connect with people and make friends. She is also recovering from a recent breakup that left her feeling lost and alone.

After a rocky start at her new job, Zeina meets a free-spirited and outgoing Lebanese woman named Joumana (Marwa Khalil), who quickly becomes her best friend and confidant. Joumana takes Zeina under her wing and shows her the sights and sounds of Beirut, introducing her to delicious food, vibrant culture, and colorful people. Along the way, Zeina learns important lessons about love, friendship, and self-discovery.

The movie is beautifully shot and expertly captures the hustle and bustle of Beirut, as well as the stark contrast between modern amenities and ancient traditions. The cinematography is complemented by a melancholic and haunting score composed by Cedric Kayem. The cast also delivers strong performances, with Harrison perfectly embodying the shy and anxious Zeina, and Khalil exuding warmth and charisma as Joumana.

As the film progresses, Zeina becomes increasingly enamored with Joumana's carefree lifestyle, and starts to emulate her behavior in a bid to fit in. However, this leads to conflict between the two friends, as Zeina's anxious personality clashes with Joumana's devil-may-care attitude. The tension between the two women forms the emotional core of the film, and the resolution is both satisfying and bittersweet.

Are You Glad I'm Here is ultimately a story about cultural immersion, self-acceptance, and the bonds of friendship. The film shows that even the most unlikely connections can blossom into beautiful relationships, and that cultural barriers can be overcome with patience and empathy. It also explores the difficult topic of mental health and the toll that social isolation can take on a person's psyche.

Overall, Are You Glad I'm Here is a thoughtful and touching film that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It tackles important themes with sensitivity and nuance, and the performances are top-notch. Although the pacing may feel slow at times, the film rewards viewers who stick with it until the end. If you're in the mood for an indie drama that will leave you feeling both inspired and introspective, then Are You Glad I'm Here is definitely worth a watch.

Are You Glad I'm Here is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.