The Present (2024 film)

Last updated
The Present
Directed by Christian Ditter
Written byJay Martel
Produced by Stuart Ford
Linda McDonough
Marcei Brown
Jessica Malanaphy
Starring Isla Fisher
Greg Kinnear
CinematographyJon Chema
Edited byJosie Azzam
Kristine McPherson
Music byFil Eisler
Production
companies
CatchLightStudios
AGC Studios
Distributed by Gravitas Ventures
Release date
  • June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Present is a 2024 American comedy film written by Jay Martel, directed by Christian Ditter and starring Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear.

Contents

The plot revolves around Taylor Diehl, a young boy who discovers that a newly inherited grandfather clock can be used to turn back time 12 hours, which he does repeatedly in the hopes of preventing his parents' impending separation.

The film was released by Gravitas on June 14, 2024 and has had lukewarm reviews.


Plot

In a heartfelt and fantastical tale, we meet Taylor Diehl (played by Easton Rocket Sweda), a nonverbal boy who finds himself consumed by the emotional turmoil of his family’s impending separation. When he discovers that a cherished family heirloom—his grandfather's old clock—holds the extraordinary ability to turn back time by 12 hours, he sees a glimmer of hope. Determined to alter the course of his family’s fate, Taylor decides to rewind the clock to the fateful night when his parents, portrayed by Greg Kinnear and Isla Fisher, announced their separation.

As Taylor embarks on this quest to mend his family, he soon realizes that his initial plans to simply reset the day are far more complicated than he anticipated. Each attempt to alter the present not only leads to frustrating failures but also brings unforeseen consequences. Recognizing the limitations of his efforts, Taylor seeks the assistance of his older sister, Emma (played by Shay Rudolph), who provides a logical perspective, and his younger brother, Max (Mason Shea Joyce), who approaches their predicament with youthful exuberance.

Together, the siblings hatch increasingly elaborate schemes to harness the clock's power, resorting to creative yet risky solutions in their desperate bid to save their parents’ marriage. With each jump back in time, they are ignited by hope but also face the harsh reality that the clock is gradually aging and becoming more fragile, physically. It becomes a race against time as they grapple with the possibility that every use of the clock may be one step closer to its ultimate demise.

As they navigate their unravelling family dynamics, the children are forced to confront a painful truth: despite their best efforts to control the situation, some things simply cannot be changed. Throughout their journey, they learn profound lessons about the importance of family bonds, acceptance, and the painful yet necessary understanding of what is truly within their power to influence. As the clock ticks down, the siblings must reconcile their desires with the inevitable reality of life, ultimately discovering that sometimes the most valuable moments are found not in changing the past, but in embracing the present.

Cast

Production

Production on the film began in Los Angeles in May 2022. [3] Ross Butler was initially cast in the role portrayed by Guzman. [4]

Release

In March 2024, it was announced that Gravitas Ventures acquired distribution rights to the film, which was released on June 14, 2024. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Grobar, Matt (May 17, 2022). "Isla Fisher & Greg Kinnear To Topline Family Comedy 'The Present' From 'How To Be Single' Helmer Christian Ditter". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  2. ↑ Echebiri, Makuochi (June 22, 2022). "Ryan Guzman Replaces Ross Butler in the Family Comedy 'The Present'". Collider. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  3. ↑ Hazelton, John (May 17, 2022). "AGC's 'The Present' starts Los Angeles shoot". Screen Daily. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  4. ↑ Grobar, Matt (June 21, 2022). "Ryan Guzman Replaces Ross Butler In Isla Fisher Comedy 'The Present'; 'Walker: Independence' Actor Justin Johnson Cortez To Lead Drama 'Gift Of Fear'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  5. ↑ Grobar, Matt (March 22, 2024). "Gravitas Acquires Jennifer Connelly Dark Comedy 'Bad Behaviour,' Family Comedy 'The Present' Starring Isla Fisher, Greg Kinnear – Film Briefs". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
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