The gripping story of Curtis Erland, a punk rocker whose once vibrant and chaotic life has given way to a reclusive existence, is explored in This Is Where We Are (2025). The film, set against the backdrop of an impending apocalyptic disaster, explores themes of isolation, redemption, and the consequences of one’s past choices. With a distinct fusion of drama and existential contemplation, Kevin Dale Brunkhardt’s film, which he also wrote and directed, is sure to enthrall viewers.
Mikhail Roberts’s portrayal of Curtis Erland is central to This Is Where We Are. Curtis is a thirty-something former punk rocker who has chosen to live a solitary life and has withdrawn from the spotlight. Curtis used to be a captivating person who loved attention and excitement, but these days he hides in his apartment to avoid the chaos and drama of his past. His attempt to separate himself from the turmoil and disagreements that once characterized him is evident in his reclusive way of living.
Curtis’s life as it is now is vividly depicted in the opening moments of the movie. Trying to keep a low profile and avoid contact with the outside world, he spends his days alone. His apartment turns into a haven where he goes to think back on the past and try to get away from the consequences of his previous way of life. Curtis’s wish for privacy is quickly dashed, though, as word of a disastrous incident spreads.
The main driving force behind the story of the movie is the approaching apocalyptic catastrophe. Curtis is forced to face the internal turmoil that has been festering within him as well as the external chaos that is spreading due to reports of an imminent end-of-the-world scenario. Curtis’s past decisions are reflected in the impending disaster, making him face the consequences of his actions.
As Curtis struggles to deal with the urgency of the situation, the narrative tension increases. Curtis’s internal struggles and the chaos outside are compellingly juxtaposed in the film as it deftly blends elements of personal crisis and global catastrophe. Throughout his journey, Curtis has experienced periods of reflection, regret, and a deep understanding of how his past choices have affected his current situation.
Curtis meets a variety of people who emphasize his loneliness and the decisions that have brought him to this point as he makes his way through the worsening catastrophe. These exchanges help to shed light on various aspects of his personality and reveal the depths of his character. Curtis’s worldview is tested by each encounter, and he is forced to face the truth of his circumstances.
To fully comprehend Curtis’s character, the film’s examination of his past is essential. A window into his past life, filled with excitement, defiance, and the consequences of living on the edge, is opened by flashbacks and revelations. These flashbacks to his past provide a complex picture of his present situation and the elements that have influenced his need for seclusion.
This Is Where We Are explores profound themes of personal redemption and the search for meaning in the face of impending doom, going beyond a simple tale of a single person facing an apocalyptic threat. The movie asks viewers to think about how decisions made in the past have lasting effects and how people face their own fears when their world threatens to fall apart.
The film’s well-executed direction and powerful performances heighten its dramatic elements. Mikhail Roberts does a fantastic job depicting Curtis, bringing to life the nuanced nature of a man divided between his past and present. The supporting cast, including Jan Lashly as Handle and Suziey Block as Deshka, adds depth to the narrative and provides a rich tapestry of characters that intersect with Curtis’s journey.
This Is Where We Are is a moving and provocative drama that follows Curtis Erland through an apocalyptic crisis while he struggles with the consequences of his past. The plot of the movie combines universal and personal themes to create a narrative that appeals to viewers on several levels. The film asks viewers to consider the meaning of life in an uncertain world, the nature of redemption, and the consequences of past decisions as Curtis faces the ultimate test of his character.
