Released in 1995, Now and Then is a coming-of-age drama directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. The film tells the heartfelt story of four childhood friends—Samantha, Roberta, Teeny, and Chrissy—who reunite as adults and reminisce about a significant summer in their lives: the summer of 1970. With a mix of nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth, the movie captures the essence of growing up, friendship, and self-discovery.

Plot Summary

The film begins in the present day, as the four women—Samantha (Demi Moore), Roberta (Rosie O’Donnell), Teeny (Melanie Griffith), and Chrissy (Rita Wilson)—reunite in their childhood town of Shelby, Indiana. Chrissy, who is about to give birth, invites her old friends back, and as they gather, memories of their childhood flood back. The narrative then shifts to the summer of 1970, when they were 12 years old.

Back in 1970, the young Samantha (Gaby Hoffmann), Roberta (Christina Ricci), Teeny (Thora Birch), and Chrissy (Ashleigh Aston Moore) are inseparable. They spend their days riding bikes, playing in the neighborhood, and sharing secrets. However, that summer becomes a turning point in their lives, as they embark on a journey to solve a local mystery: the death of a boy named Johnny, whose tombstone they discover in the cemetery. The girls believe Johnny’s spirit is trying to communicate with them, leading them on an adventure filled with séances, nighttime investigations, and eerie encounters.

While their ghost-hunting escapades add excitement to their summer, each girl is also facing personal challenges that shape her character and future.

• Samantha struggles with her parents’ divorce, feeling torn between her mother and father. Her family’s situation makes her question love and relationships, leaving a lasting impact on her adult life.

• Roberta, a tomboy with a tough exterior, secretly battles deep pain over the loss of her mother. She tries to hide her emotions by acting fearless and rebellious, but deep down, she longs for emotional connection.

• Teeny dreams of becoming famous. She is obsessed with glamour, romance, and Hollywood, using movies as an escape from her lonely home life.

• Chrissy, the most innocent and naive of the group, follows her mother’s traditional teachings but remains loyal to her friends, despite their differing personalities and dreams.

As the summer unfolds, the girls experience moments of joy, sadness, and discovery. They face their fears, strengthen their friendships, and ultimately realize that growing up means accepting change. Their adventure with Johnny’s ghost turns out to be more about finding themselves than solving a mystery.

In the present day, as the women reflect on their childhood, they acknowledge how much that summer shaped who they are. They recognize that although life has taken them in different directions, their friendship remains strong. The film ends on a touching note, reinforcing the idea that true friendships withstand time and distance.

Themes and Messages

Now and Then is more than just a nostalgic look at childhood—it’s a story about growth, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship. Some key themes include:

• The Journey of Growing Up: The film beautifully captures the transition from childhood to adolescence, showing how friendships, family struggles, and personal fears shape who we become.

• Female Friendship: Unlike many coming-of-age films that focus on boys, Now and Then celebrates the deep emotional bonds between young girls and how those relationships evolve over time.

• Dealing with Change and Loss: From Roberta’s grief over her mother to Samantha’s struggles with her parents’ divorce, the movie explores how children process pain and change.

• Nostalgia and Memory: The structure of the film, with flashbacks to the past, highlights the impact of childhood experiences on adulthood, making viewers reflect on their own past.

Why Now and Then Remains a Beloved Film

Even decades after its release, Now and Then continues to resonate with audiences. Its honest portrayal of friendship, relatable characters, and heartfelt storytelling make it a classic coming-of-age film. Whether you watched it as a child or discovered it later in life, the movie serves as a reminder of the importance of friendship, memories, and the journey of growing up.