That Was Then... This Is Now (1985) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in urban America, primarily in locations typical of adolescent social life like a local bar and bowling alley. An abandoned warehouse serves as a gritty backdrop for key moments, representing the darker, more dangerous aspects of the characters' world.

• urban setting
• bar
• bowling alley
• abandoned warehouse
• locations

The movie is set in a contemporary period capturing late 20th century adolescence. It reflects the era's specific challenges including youth responsibility, drug use, and the emotional impacts of loss, portraying the cultural and social dynamics typical of that transformative time.

• time period
• contemporary
• 1980s
• adolescence
• teenage life

Loss permeates the narrative, beginning with the death of Mark's parents which initially bonds him and Bryon like brothers. The characters face additional emotional losses throughout, including Bryon's strained relationship with Cathy and the death of their mentor Charlie, shaping their identities and driving their choices.

Foreshadowing: The title itself hints at losses that accumulate as time passes.

• loss
• death
• grief
• emotional loss
• bonds

The movie emphasizes how critical decisions irrevocably alter lives. Bryon chooses responsibility and maturity, while Mark's reckless choices lead him toward danger and addiction. Their contrasting decisions illustrate that pivotal moments can permanently change one's trajectory.

• choices
• consequences
• decisions
• responsibility
• maturity

The phrase 'That was then, this is now' encapsulates the central theme of inevitable change. The characters transition from carefree adolescence to confronting adult realities, with Bryon's growth clashing against Mark's descent. The title reflects how time alters all things, including childhood bonds.

• change
• growth
• time
• transition
• coming of age

Mark Jennings is a troubled teenager portrayed by Emilio Estevez, grappling with the pain of losing his parents. He thrives on his brotherly bond with Bryon but becomes increasingly jealous and reckless, eventually spiraling into drug use as his choices grow more dangerous.

• Mark Jennings
• Emilio Estevez
• troubled teen
• drug use
• grief

Bryon Douglas, played by Craig Sheffer, is the more responsible of the two friends who forms a relationship with Cathy. He represents a path toward maturity and tries to pull Mark back from self-destruction. As events escalate, Bryon must confront the consequences of Mark's actions and redefine their relationship.

• Bryon Douglas
• Craig Sheffer
• responsibility
• Cathy
• maturity

Charlie Woods, played by Morgan Freeman, serves as a mentor figure to both Mark and Bryon, offering wisdom and guidance. His tragic fate underscores the dangers in their environment and the impact of community loss, representing the struggle to protect young people in a dangerous world.

• Charlie Woods
• Morgan Freeman
• mentor
• guidance
• loss

Cathy Carlson, portrayed by Kim Delaney, is Bryon's love interest who represents the emotional stakes of the story. She becomes increasingly frustrated with Bryon's defense of Mark as the situation escalates, embodying the personal impact the boys' choices have on their relationships.

• Cathy Carlson
• Kim Delaney
• love interest
• relationship
• loyalty

The film carries a melancholic tone defined by a pervasive sense of loss and the wistful realization that youthful bonds cannot last. While it features intense events like a shooting and drug overdose, the pacing remains steady, allowing for character reflection rather than relentless action.

• tone
• melancholy
• emotional
• sadness
• dramatic