What Is That Was Then... This Is Now About?
The premise of That Was Then... This Is Now in 300 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun‑bleached town where the hum of neon signs masks a raw undercurrent, the film settles into a gritty, almost lyrical portrait of youthful restlessness. The atmosphere is simultaneously nostalgic and tense, a place where simple pastimes—bowling, late‑night pool games, and the occasional hustle—carry an unspoken weight. Light flickers across cracked sidewalks, hinting at opportunities and dangers that linger just beyond the glow of the local bar.
At the heart of this world is Mark Jennings, a charismatic but haunted teen whose early loss has left him clinging to the present with a fierce intensity. Alongside him moves Byron Douglas, his steadfast mentor‑friend, whose quiet reliability offers Mark a steady anchor. Their bond feels like an unbreakable vow forged in shared grief, each compensating for the other’s gaps—Mark’s impulsive streak balanced by Byron’s measured patience. Together they navigate a landscape of small‑scale ventures and the inevitable pull of adulthood, their camaraderie the film’s emotional core.
Rounding out their circle are a quirky younger companion known as M&M, whose mischievous energy adds a bright counterpoint, and Cathy Carlson, a bright‑eyed love interest whose presence nudges Byron toward greater responsibility. Overseeing the gang is Charlie Woods, a seasoned bartender whose father‑figure role provides both guidance and a subtle reminder of the world’s harsher edges. These relationships pulse beneath the surface, each thread tugging at the others, hinting at growing complexities.
As summer wanes, the characters find themselves standing at the edge of inevitable change. The promise of new jobs, budding romances, and the lure of quick gains begin to test the limits of loyalty and trust. The film teases the tension between staying together and stepping out on one’s own, inviting viewers to wonder how far each will go to protect the fragile bonds that have defined them for so long.
What Happens in That Was Then... This Is Now?
The complete story of That Was Then... This Is Now, from the first scene to the last, in 524 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
High school students Mark Jennings (Emilio Estevez) and Bryon Douglas (Craig Sheffer) have forged a brotherly bond as they navigate life together after the tragic loss of Mark’s parents when he was just nine years old. Their days typically revolve around hanging out, whether at the local bowling alley or hustling in pool games at a bar, where they make extra cash. They’ve also formed a unique friendship with a quirky younger boy named M&M (Frank Howard).
As events unfold, Bryon finds romance with M&M’s sister, Cathy Carlson (Kim Delaney), prompting him to mature and even secure a job at a grocery store. However, this newfound responsibility leaves Mark feeling neglected and jealous, leading him to act out in rebellious ways and seek confrontation.
The situation escalates when their mentor, Charlie Woods (Morgan Freeman), a bartender and father figure, is shot and killed while trying to protect the boys during a mugging outside the bar. Following this tragic event, M&M suddenly disappears, leaving Bryon and Cathy anxious about his safety. Mark begins to exhibit troubling behavior, spending large sums of money without explaining its origins, heightening Bryon’s concerns.
One fateful night, the duo decides to pick up Angela Shepard (Jill Schoelen), Bryon’s ex-girlfriend who previously instigated a fight that resulted in Mark getting a noticeable scar on his forehead. During their encounter, Mark seeks revenge by getting Angela drunk and then cutting off a significant portion of her hair while she is unconscious.
The next day, Mark claims to have information about M&M’s whereabouts, which gives Bryon a glimmer of hope. However, when they visit an abandoned warehouse where drug users often gather, they find it empty. A few days later, Bryon and Cathy return to discover M&M suffering from an overdose and experiencing a harrowing trip. M&M accuses Mark of selling him the drugs, leading to a frantic rush to the hospital. Cathy, frustrated by Bryon’s defense of Mark, decides to end their relationship.
Upon returning home, Bryon discovers a substantial stash of pills hidden beneath Mark’s mattress. Connecting the dots, he realizes Mark has resorted to dealing drugs to make quick money, including selling to M&M. The confrontation that follows forces Bryon to order Mark to leave his home, which escalates into a physical altercation. Mark, hurt and angry, takes the shared car and drives recklessly, culminating in a police chase that ends in a crash and his subsequent arrest.
Time passes and Bryon reconciles with Cathy, deciding to visit Mark at the juvenile detention center where he’s now held. It’s during this meeting that both boys come to terms with the divergent paths their lives have taken, acknowledging that their friendship may never be the same again. “> That was then, this is now,” Mark reflects, encapsulating their profound change.
As Bryon departs, he briefly thinks he sees Mark looking at him through a window. In a moment of reckless nostalgia, he impulsively hops into a running Porsche and takes it for a wild spin, reliving memories of their shared past. Ultimately, he returns the car, but walks away without looking back at Mark, symbolizing the end of their youthful camaraderie.
That Was Then... This Is Now Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Brothers Together” to “Moving Forward”. 5 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Brothers Together
Mark Jennings and Bryon Douglas have been living together as brothers since the tragic death of Mark's parents when he was just nine years old. They share a close bond, navigating the challenges of high school life together.
- 2
Hustling for Fun
After school, Mark and Bryon enjoy spending time at a local bowling alley and a bar where they hustle their peers at pool games. It's a carefree time for them, allowing them to escape from their daily struggles.
Where:Bowling alley and local bar
- 3
A New Relationship
Bryon begins dating Cathy Carlson, the sister of M&M, a younger teen that they both have befriended. This new relationship ignites a sense of responsibility in Bryon, who secures a job at a grocery store.
- 4
Jealousy Brews
As Bryon grows closer to Cathy, Mark starts feeling left out and becomes jealous of their relationship. His behavior deteriorates in the absence of Bryon's guidance, making him more aggressive and reckless.
- 5
Tragic Loss
The situation takes a dark turn when their mentor, bartender Charlie Woods, is shot and killed while protecting Mark and Bryon from a mugging. This traumatic event leaves deep emotional scars on both teens.
Where:Charlie's Bar
- 6
M&M Goes Missing
After Charlie's death, M&M mysteriously disappears, leading Bryon and Cathy into a frantic search for him. They experience growing tension and stress over his welfare during this troubling time.
- 7
Suspicious Behavior
Mark begins exhibiting suspicious behavior by spending large amounts of money without explaining where it comes from. This raises concerns for Bryon, who starts to suspect something is amiss.
- 8
Angela's Revenge
One night, Mark and Bryon pick up Angela, Bryon's ex-girlfriend, whose past actions led to Mark suffering a permanent scar. In a twisted act of revenge, Mark cuts off most of her hair while she is intoxicated and passed out.
- 9
The Abandoned Warehouse
Mark leads Bryon to an abandoned warehouse, claiming to know where M&M is. However, when they arrive, they find the place deserted, deepening Bryon's worries about Mark's behavior and choices.
Where:Abandoned warehouse
- 10
M&M's Crisis
After returning to the warehouse, Bryon and Cathy discover M&M in a dire state due to a drug overdose. M&M accuses Mark of being the one who sold him the drugs, causing significant rifts between all three friends.
Where:Abandoned warehouse
Show the other 5 events of That Was Then... This Is Now Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confrontation with Mark
Back at home, Bryon uncovers a large stash of drugs hidden under Mark's mattress, realizing Mark has been selling drugs. This leads to a heated confrontation where Bryon demands Mark leave his house.
- 12
Mark's Downward Spiral
In a fit of anger, Mark attacks Bryon before taking off in their shared car. Driving recklessly, he is pursued by the police, resulting in a crash that ends with Mark's arrest.
- 13
The Divide Grows
After Mark's arrest, Bryon visits him in a juvenile detention facility where they both acknowledge the irreversible path their lives have taken. Their once close relationship is forever altered.
Where:Juvenile detention facility
- 14
A Reckless Decision
As Bryon leaves the facility, he impulsively jumps into a running Porsche and goes for a high-speed joyride. This reckless act serves as a nostalgic reminder of better times but also highlights how much he has changed.
- 15
Moving Forward
Returning the car, Bryon walks away without looking back at Mark, signaling a significant closure. He contemplates the painful changes in their lives, marking the end of their childhood together.
Who Are the Main Characters in That Was Then... This Is Now?
4 characters, among them Mark Jennings (Emilio Estevez), Bryon Douglas (Craig Sheffer) and Charlie Woods (Morgan Freeman): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Mark Jennings (Emilio Estevez)
Played by Emilio Estevez
Mark Jennings is a troubled teenager grappling with the pain of losing his parents and the chaos that ensues in his life. He initially thrives in the brotherly bond with Bryon but becomes increasingly jealous and reckless, spiraling into drug use. His journey showcases the inner turmoil and desperation of youth struggling against grief and poor choices.
- 👦 Youth
- 🥀 Grief
- ⚠️ Recklessness
-
Bryon Douglas (Craig Sheffer)
Played by Craig Sheffer
Bryon Douglas is the more responsible of the two brothers, who starts dating M&M's sister, Cathy. His character reflects a shift towards maturity and a sense of duty as he tries to pull Mark back from the brink. As the story progresses, Bryon must confront the consequences of Mark's actions and redefine their relationship amidst the turmoil.
- 👨🦱 Responsibility
- 💔 Heartache
- 🌱 Growth
-
Charlie Woods (Morgan Freeman)
Played by Morgan Freeman
Charlie Woods serves as a mentor figure to Mark and Bryon, offering wisdom and guidance. His tragic fate emphasizes the risks involved in their lives and the impact of community loss. Charlie's character embodies the struggle to protect and raise young individuals in a dangerous environment, making his loss a pivotal moment in the film.
- 🍻 Mentor
- ❤️ Sacrifice
- ⚔️ Protection
- CC
Cathy Carlson (Kim Delaney)
Played by Kim Delaney
Cathy Carlson is Bryon's love interest who stands at the crossroads of loyalty and heartbreak. She becomes increasingly frustrated with Bryon's defense of Mark as the situation escalates. Cathy's character represents the emotional stakes and the personal impact of the boys' choices on their relationships.
- 💔 Heartache
- 🔄 Change
- 👩❤️👨 Romance
Where and When Is That Was Then... This Is Now Set?
That Was Then... This Is Now is set in bar, bowling alley and abandoned warehouse. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in a contemporary period that reflects the challenges of youth and adolescence of its time. It focuses on teenage experiences and issues such as responsibility, drug use, and the impacts of loss. The social dynamics and cultural references are typical of the late 20th century, capturing the essence of teenage life during this transformative phase.
Where
bar, bowling alley, abandoned warehouse
The movie takes place primarily in urban settings, including a local bar and a bowling alley where friends gather. The abandoned warehouse serves as a gritty backdrop for pivotal moments, representing the darker aspects of adolescent life. These places are known for their social interactions and the lure of escapism, but also showcase the dangers lurking just beneath the surface.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🎳 Sports
- 🏭 Abandonment
What Are the Themes of That Was Then... This Is Now?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Loss, Choices and Change.
-
01
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, beginning with the death of Mark's parents which bonds him and Bryon as brothers. As the story unfolds, the characters face various forms of emotional loss, such as Bryon's relationship with Cathy and the loss of their mentor Charlie. The struggle to cope with these losses shapes their identities and decisions throughout the film.
-
02
Choices
The movie highlights the importance of choices in shaping one's future. Bryon and Mark are faced with critical decisions that impact not only themselves but also those around them. While Bryon strives to become more responsible, Mark's reckless choices lead him down a dangerous path. Their contrasting decisions illustrate how pivotal moments can alter lives irrevocably.
-
03
Change
Change is a central theme as the characters transition from carefree adolescence to confronting adult realities. Bryon's growth and newfound responsibilities clash with Mark's descent into chaos and addiction. The phrase 'That was then, this is now' encapsulates the inevitable changes in their lives and their relationship, emphasizing that time alters all things.
What Kind of Film Is That Was Then... This Is Now?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A gritty and melancholic coming-of-age drama that charts the painful dissolution of a brotherly friendship under the pressures of jealousy, crime, and tragic loss, leaving a bittersweet sense of nostalgia.
- gritty
- nostalgic
- angsty
- tense
- melancholic
- tragic
- friendship
- coming of age
- betrayal
- drugs
Content notes: shooting death, drug overdose, reckless endangerment, underage drinking, revenge assault.
Quiz
How well do you remember That Was Then... This Is Now? Test yourself on the story.
