What Is Are You Here About?
The premise of Are You Here in 277 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sleepy town where the ordinary and the uncanny brush shoulders, four long‑time friends gather for what seems like a harmless night of curiosity. A recently deceased acquaintance leaves behind a Ouija board, and the group decides to give it a try, unaware that the simple act may crack open a doorway to forces that blur reality with dark whimsy. The film invites viewers into a world where everyday routines are punctuated by strange, unsettling moments that linger long after the lights go out.
The quartet is led by Steve Dallas, a charismatic local weatherman whose effortless charm masks a penchant for indulgence. Beside him is Ben Baker, a laid‑back soul whose love of simple pleasures and a carefree attitude keep the group grounded even as things get odd. Delia Shepard, Steve’s meticulous assistant, brings a quiet competence and subtle humor, often acting as the voice of reason when the night takes a turn. Completing the circle is Angela, a youthful special‑education teacher whose bright spirit and hidden depths make her both a grounding presence and a catalyst for the strange energy that swirls around the board.
Tone‑wise, the film balances a dry, sardonic sense of humor with an undercurrent of eerie tension, letting the absurdity of the situation amplify the characters’ bonds and insecurities. The visual style leans into muted palettes that suddenly flare with unsettling colors whenever the supernatural nudges the friends’ world, underscoring the uneasy blend of comedy and horror. As the night unfolds, the audience is left to wonder how far a simple game can stretch the limits of friendship, reality, and the laughter that can echo even in the darkest corners.
What Happens in Are You Here?
The complete story of Are You Here, from the first scene to the last, in 637 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Steve Dallas, a charming yet indulgent weatherman, revels in a lifestyle filled with fleeting pleasures and extravagant spending, all made possible by his job at the WRSC news channel. Although he enjoys the luxuries of life, he often leans on his diligent assistant, Delia Shepard, to manage the weather forecasts. In his spare time, Steve hangs out with his old friend Ben Baker, a laid-back individual who lives for the blissful pursuit of happiness and cannabis.
Their carefree existence is disrupted when Ben knocks on the door of the WRSC office, visibly shaken and distressed. He conveys the news of his father’s passing, leading Steve to take him to the funeral. As fate would have it, their journey takes a detour when they decide to rescue crayfish intended for bait, resulting in their late arrival. They reach just in time to witness the casket being lowered, but warm greetings await them, especially from Ben’s stepmother, Angela, a youthful special education teacher.
When the will is read, a shocking revelation unfolds: Angela is left with nothing, as per her husband’s wishes, while Ben’s sister, Terry, inherits a considerable sum of $350,000. To Ben’s dismay, he finds himself the recipient of the family farm, the general store, and a sizable inheritance of $2,000,000. In a burst of inspiration, he resolves to use his newfound wealth to create a school dedicated to New Age practices, starting classes in the backyard of his family farm. However, his excitement is short-lived, as Terry questions his mental stability and pushes for a psychiatric evaluation.
As the evaluation day nears, Ben wrestles with anxiety and finds peace in the simpler ways of a nearby Amish community. The psychiatrist confirms that, although Ben is bipolar, he doesn’t pose a risk to himself or anyone else, allowing him to keep his inheritance. That night, in a celebration of sorts, Ben and Steve indulge in revelry, and Steve attempts to express his feelings for Angela.
Yet joy is fleeting for Ben, as a depressive episode strikes, clouding his thoughts and leading him to feel adrift in life. In an effort to support him, Angela shares a moment of intimacy with Ben, deepening their connection. The following day, after taking his medication, Ben makes a significant gesture by passing control of the store to Terry, who is eager to modernize it.
Meanwhile, Steve feels his routine pressing down on him, the monotony stifling his ambition, especially as he becomes more enamored by Angela’s radiant spirit. Unable to resist the pull, he heads to the farm, only to be confronted with disheartening news: Terry reveals that Ben has crossed a boundary by being intimate with Angela. Consumed by anger, Steve angrily confronts Ben, demanding ownership of the farm. Despite recent efforts to clean up his act for Angela’s sake, Steve loses his composure and retreats to the city, immersing himself in reckless distractions of drinking and marijuana.
On the other hand, Ben yearns for a fresh start and decides to settle in the town center, striving for a life grounded in authenticity. As Steve reflects on how much of himself he has invested in helping Ben, he realizes he’s been living through his friend’s struggles. This newfound clarity drives him to take bold action: he resigns from his weatherman position and returns to the farm. There, he reconciles with Ben, both of them ready to carve out a new direction.
As the story closes, Steve reaches out to Angela, inviting her to join him on the farm, where they can jointly embrace the joys of life. Angela agrees, offering her forgiveness and the promise of a blossoming romance. In an uplifting conclusion, Ben is seen taking his first steps toward building a connection with a single mother from the neighborhood, signaling a hopeful new beginning for him as well.
Are You Here Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Steve's Indulgent Lifestyle” to “A Hopeful Conclusion”. 15 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Steve's Indulgent Lifestyle
Steve Dallas, a charming weatherman, enjoys a life of luxury and fleeting pleasures thanks to his job at WRSC. While he indulges in extravagance, he often relies on his diligent assistant, Delia, to manage the weather forecasts.
When:Present Where:WRSC News Channel
- 2
Ben's Distress
Ben Baker, Steve's laid-back friend, knocks on the door of the WRSC office in a state of distress. He delivers the heartbreaking news of his father's passing, prompting Steve to take him to the funeral as a show of support.
When:Soon after the news Where:WRSC Office
- 3
The Funeral Detour
On their way to the funeral, Steve and Ben make an impulsive detour to rescue crayfish intended for bait. This spontaneous act causes them to arrive just in time to see Ben's father's casket being lowered into the ground.
When:Funeral Day Where:Funeral Location
- 4
Shocking Will Reading
During the reading of Ben's father's will, surprising revelations unfold. Angela, Ben's stepmother, is left with nothing, while Ben inherits the family farm and a whopping $2,000,000, while his sister, Terry, receives $350,000.
When:After the funeral Where:Law Office
- 5
Ben's Aspirations
Overwhelmed by his unexpected wealth, Ben decides to create a New Age school at the family farm. He envisions a place dedicated to new practices, starting classes in the backyard to put his dreams into action.
When:Shortly after the will reading Where:Family Farm
- 6
Terry's Concerns
As Ben's ideas take shape, his sister Terry expresses her concerns about his mental health. She insists he undergo a psychiatric evaluation, casting a shadow over his newfound joy and aspirations.
When:Before Psychiatric Evaluation Where:Family Farm
- 7
Results of the Evaluation
On the day of the psychiatric evaluation, Ben learns that while he is bipolar, he does not pose a risk to himself or others. This revelation allows him to keep his inheritance and continue pursuing his goals.
When:Evaluation Day Where:Psychiatrist's Office
- 8
A Night of Celebration
That night, Ben and Steve celebrate the confirmed results in a lively atmosphere. During the celebration, Steve attempts to confess his feelings for Angela, indicating his growing attachment to her.
When:Night of the Evaluation Where:Local Bar
- 9
Ben's Descent
Ben experiences a depressive episode that clouds his thoughts and feelings about life. In a moment of vulnerability, he shares an intimate connection with Angela, who offers him emotional support in his darkest time.
When:Day after the celebration Where:Family Farm
- 10
Steve's Growing Frustration
As Ben continues to battle his emotions, Steve feels overwhelmed by the monotony of his own life. His attraction to Angela deepens, causing tension between him and Ben as he confronts the reality of their friendship.
When:After Ben's depression Where:City
Show the other 5 events of Are You Here Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confrontation and Conflict
Steve learns about the intimacy between Ben and Angela, which leads to a heated confrontation. Angry and hurt, Steve demands ownership of the farm, revealing the strains of jealousy on their friendship.
When:Shortly after Ben's gesture with Angela Where:Family Farm
- 12
Steve's Reckless Retreat
Feeling the weight of his emotions, Steve retreats to the city and immerses himself in reckless behavior, drinking and smoking marijuana to escape the pressures of his life and his feelings for Angela.
When:After the confrontation Where:City
- 13
Ben's Decision for Authenticity
Desiring a fresh start, Ben chooses to move into the town center to embark on a life that expresses his true self. This decision marks a pivotal point as he seeks to reclaim his own identity amid turmoil.
When:After confronting Terry Where:Town Center
- 14
Steve's Revelation
Reflecting on his life, Steve realizes he has been living vicariously through Ben’s struggles. This newfound clarity compels him to resign from his weatherman job and return to the farm to support his friend.
When:After Ben's move to town center Where:WRSC News Channel
- 15
A Hopeful Conclusion
As the story concludes, Steve invites Angela to join him at the farm to explore a new chapter together. Meanwhile, Ben takes small steps toward building a relationship with a single mother, signaling a promising new beginning.
When:End of the Story Where:Family Farm
Who Are the Main Characters in Are You Here?
3 characters, among them Steve Dallas, Ben Baker (Zach Galifianakis) and Angela (Amy Poehler): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
- SD
Steve Dallas
Steve is a charming weatherman whose hedonistic lifestyle clashes with the serious challenges faced by his friend Ben. Initially self-centered, he undergoes significant personal growth, transitioning from indulgence to a more grounded approach to life.
- 🧑🎤 Weatherman
- 🥳 Indulgence
-
Ben Baker (Zach Galifianakis)
Played by Zach Galifianakis
Ben is a laid-back individual navigating the complexities of mental health and family responsibilities. His journey toward self-acceptance and the pursuit of happiness is challenged by new wealth and familial pressures, ultimately leading to personal growth.
- 🌿 Happiness
- 🧘♂️ Self-discovery
-
Angela (Amy Poehler)
Played by Amy Poehler
Angela is a youthful special education teacher who becomes a source of emotional support for Ben. Her warm spirit and nurturing personality help to bridge the connection between the male leads, representing compassion in times of turmoil.
- 💖 Compassion
- 👩🏫 Teacher
Where and When Is Are You Here Set?
Are You Here is set in farm, town center and Amish community. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as mental health and the consequences of wealth. The characters navigate through modern dilemmas, including the pursuit of happiness and self-identity amidst familial expectations.
Where
farm, town center, Amish community
The farm serves as a central location in Ben's life, representing both his heritage and future aspirations. The town center is a hub for community interaction, where Ben hopes to establish authenticity in his existence. The nearby Amish community symbolizes simplicity and peace, providing a contrast to the chaotic lives of the main characters.
- 🏡 Farm
- 🏙️ Town
- 🌾 Community
What Are the Themes of Are You Here?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, New Beginnings and Mental Health.
-
01
Friendship
The bond between Steve and Ben showcases the complexities of friendship through trials and tribulations. Their relationship evolves as they confront personal challenges and support one another, ultimately leading to self-discovery and growth.
-
02
New Beginnings
The theme of new beginnings is prevalent as Ben inherits significant wealth and seeks to establish a school, signaling a fresh start. The interactions with Angela also hint at the potential for renewed romantic connections, while Steve's journey reflects his desire to carve a new path in life.
-
03
Mental Health
Mental health plays a critical role in Ben's journey as he grapples with bipolar disorder. The film encourages a dialogue about mental health, showcasing the importance of understanding and support from friends and family during tough times.
What Kind of Film Is Are You Here?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A lighthearted and character-driven comedy that follows the journey of old friends navigating a sudden inheritance, mental health struggles, and romantic entanglements with a steady, optimistic pace.
- carefree
- relaxed
- quirky
- sentimental
- nostalgic
- optimistic
- friendship
- inheritance
- mental health
- coming of age
Content notes: sexual content, drug use.
Quiz
How well do you remember Are You Here? Test yourself on the story.
