That Was Then... This Is Now

That Was Then... This Is Now

Year: 1985

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Christopher Cain

DramaCrime

In a gritty drama exploring loyalty and betrayal, Mark Jennings, a troubled young man, and Byron Douglas, his steadfast mentor, find their friendship strained by jealousy and the pursuit of power. A series of crimes tests the limits of their bond as the truth begins to surface, forcing them to confront difficult choices and ultimately revealing the fragility of their relationship.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen That Was Then... This Is Now yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – That Was Then... This Is Now (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of That Was Then... This Is Now (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

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.

Location

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

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Main Characters – That Was Then... This Is Now (1985)

Meet the key characters of That Was Then... This Is Now (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mark Jennings (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)

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)

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

Cathy Carlson (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

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Major Themes – That Was Then... This Is Now (1985)

Explore the central themes of That Was Then... This Is Now (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 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.

⚖️ 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.

🔄 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.

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Unlock the Full Story of That Was Then... This Is Now

Don't stop at just watching — explore That Was Then... This Is Now in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what That Was Then... This Is Now is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

That Was Then... This Is Now Summary

Read a complete plot summary of That Was Then... This Is Now, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

That Was Then... This Is Now Summary

That Was Then... This Is Now Timeline

Track the full timeline of That Was Then... This Is Now with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

That Was Then... This Is Now Timeline

More About That Was Then... This Is Now

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about That Was Then... This Is Now: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About That Was Then... This Is Now

Similar Movies to That Was Then... This Is Now

Discover movies like That Was Then... This Is Now that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.