Are You Here (2013) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Two lifelong friends confront inheritance, mental illness, emotional rivalry, and the need to build more authentic lives.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Funeral and a Fortune

Steve's shallow routine is disrupted when Ben announces his father's death. The funeral and will reading transfer the farm, store, and substantial inheritance to Ben.

Key Events

• Steve's Empty Routine — Steve spends his paycheck chasing women while Delia prepares his forecasts. Characters: Steve Dallas, Delia Shepard Location: WRSC newsroom
• Ben's Cannabis-Filled Days — Ben lives as a bearded hippie and spends his days smoking cannabis. Characters: Ben Baker, Steve Dallas Location: Ben's home
• News of the Death — Ben violently enters WRSC and tells Steve that his father has died. Characters: Ben Baker, Steve Dallas Location: WRSC premises
• Saving the Crayfish — Steve drives Ben to the funeral, but Ben insists on saving crayfish from becoming bait. Characters: Ben Baker, Steve Dallas Location: Road to the funeral
• Late Funeral Arrival — They arrive in time to see only the lowering of the casket. Characters: Ben Baker, Steve Dallas Location: Family funeral
• Inheritance Reading — The will leaves Ben the farm, store, and two million dollars. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family estate

The Inheritance Under Trial

Ben uses his inheritance to pursue an unconventional school, but his sister challenges the will by questioning his sanity. His evaluation and the court ruling determine whether he can retain his new life.

Key Events

• A New Age School — Ben plans a school devoted to New Age philosophy and begins teaching outdoors. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family farm backyard
• The Will Challenge — Ben's sister challenges the will by questioning his sanity. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family estate
• Psychiatric Evaluation — Ben is required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before the inheritance ruling. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Psychiatric appointment
• Flight to the Amish Farm — Ben runs to an Amish farm, seeing its lifestyle as a model for his school. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Neighboring Amish farm
• Inheritance Secured — The evaluation finds Ben bipolar but not dangerous, and the court lets him keep the inheritance. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Courtroom

Desire and Breakdown

After celebrating the court victory, Steve tries to express his feelings. Ben's depression and a sexual encounter involving Steve's romantic interest create a painful rupture.

Key Events

• Drunken Celebration — Ben and Steve celebrate the court ruling by getting drunk. Characters: Ben Baker, Steve Dallas Location: Family farm
• Steve's Confession Attempt — Steve attempts to reveal that he has developed genuine romantic feelings. Characters: Steve Dallas Location: Family farm
• Ben's Depressive Episode — Ben enters a depressive episode and begins to believe that life has no meaning. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family farm
• A Painful Encounter — While being consoled, Ben has a sexual encounter with Steve's romantic interest. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family farm
• Medication and Change — After taking new medication, Ben shaves his beard and changes his direction. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Family farm
• Store Control Transferred — Ben gives his sister full control of the store, which she plans to replace. Characters: Ben Baker Location: General store

Leaving the Old Self

Steve rejects his empty television career while Ben moves toward an ordinary life. Steve returns to the farm, repairs his friendship with Ben, and begins a more genuine romance.

Key Events

• Steve Rejects His Routine — Steve becomes disillusioned with work and returns to drinking and smoking cannabis. Characters: Steve Dallas Location: City
• Ben Moves Downtown — Ben fulfills his promise to move to town and pursue a more normal life. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Town center
• Steve Quits Television — Steve quits his weatherman job after recognizing the emptiness of his identity. Characters: Steve Dallas, Delia Shepard Location: WRSC newsroom
• Return to the Farm — Steve returns to the farm and reconciles with Ben. Characters: Steve Dallas, Ben Baker Location: Family farm
• A New Farm Partnership — Steve invites his romantic interest to stay and help run the farm. Characters: Steve Dallas Location: Family farm
• Steve Finds Romance — After receiving forgiveness, Steve begins a genuine romance. Characters: Steve Dallas Location: Family farm
• Ben Meets a Neighbor — Ben begins getting to know a friendly single mother and her young son. Characters: Ben Baker Location: Neighborhood near the farm

Story Breakdown

• Steve's Empty Routine — Steve begins as a successful but shallow local television personality.
  • Television Dependence — Steve relies on Delia to prepare his weather forecasts.
  • Womanizing Lifestyle — He rapidly spends his paycheck pursuing casual sex.
• Friendship Disrupted — Ben's father's death forces Steve to respond to a sudden family crisis.
  • Death Announcement — Ben abruptly tells Steve that his father has died.
  • Missed Funeral — The friends arrive late after stopping to save crayfish.
• Inheritance Shock — The will gives Ben substantial property and money, transforming his circumstances.
  • Unexpected Estate — Ben receives the farm, general store, and two million dollars.
  • Unconventional School — He begins teaching New Age philosophy at the farm.
• Sanity on Trial — A legal challenge makes Ben's mental health central to his future.
  • Will Contest — His sister challenges the inheritance by questioning his sanity.
  • Court Clearance — The evaluation finds him bipolar but not dangerous.
• Romantic Rupture — Steve's growing feelings collide with Ben's depressive episode and sexual encounter.
  • Unspoken Feelings — Steve attempts to confess genuine romantic feelings.
  • Friendship Strained — Steve becomes furious after learning about Ben's sexual encounter.
• Authentic New Lives — Both friends abandon destructive patterns and move toward more honest futures.
  • Career Departure — Steve quits his weatherman job and returns to the farm.
  • Reconciliation and Romance — Steve reconciles with Ben and begins a genuine relationship.

Directed by

Matthew Weiner

Key Cast

• Owen Wilson — Steve Dallas
• Zach Galifianakis — Ben Baker
• Amy Poehler — Terri Baker
• Laura Ramsey — Angela Baker
• Lauren Lapkus — Delia Shepard