Trailer: https://vimeo.com/805682029/43c2d33000

From filmmaker Reed Harkness comes the new documentary SAM NOW, a deeply personal story about two film-obsessed brothers and their quest to find their missing mom. In the film, Harkness captures his half-brother Sam Harkness from age 11 through 36 as their once-average, middle class Seattle family finds themselves heartbroken and unsure of what to do when his mother suddenly leaves them. The result is a mosaic of love, longing and loss, as well as an attempt to overcome generational trauma.

Sam and Reed set out to make a film as they travel thousands of miles looking for their missing mom. But as time passes and their journey escalates, the fun-loving brothers begin to learn more about their family’s past and grapple with the effects of generational trauma. Solving the mystery of his mom’s disappearance is only the beginning of their story.  

The documentary uses a hybrid narrative approach, drawing from Harkness’ vast archive of fictional films starring Sam, home videos, intimate family interviews and vérité scenes from over the span of 25 years. Reed blends sobering revelations with playful home movies, resulting in vibrant experimental filmmaking all while the brothers search for answers. Along the way, viewers see a young Sam come of age before their eyes, learn of Sam’s mother’s complicated adoption history, and experience the ripple effects on the Harkness family including Sam’s brother, father and grandmother.

Without judgment, the film also explores the complex reasons behind a mother leaving her family, and the fallout, questioning and heartbreak for those who were left behind. SAM NOW is a remarkable story of family, love, longing, loss and trauma told with the perspective and wisdom gained only with the passage of time.