Nov. 24, 2021|United States|107 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: “The Humans,” a film directed by Stephen Karam, is based on his Tony-winning 2016 Broadway play. Set during Thanksgiving in a modest Manhattan apartment shared by Bridgid Blake (Beanie Feldstein) and her boyfriend Richard (Steven Yeun), the story unfolds as Bridgid’s family gathers for the holiday. The family includes her father Erik (Richard Jenkins), mother Deidre (Jayne Houdyshell), sister Aimee (Amy Schumer), and grandmother Momo (June Squibb). The film delves into the complexities of family dynamics, hinting at underlying tensions, unresolved traumas, and hidden secrets that gradually surface, leading to an emotional climax.
Richard serves as a key expository character, offering insights into the Blake family. As an outsider—both as a Korean-American and someone more introspective than most of the Blakes—he provides a fresh perspective. The Blakes, originally from Scranton, maintain ties to a fundamentalist church, which influences their behavior and attitudes. Grandma Momo, once a prominent church figure, now struggles with dementia. Deidre, though attempting to appear progressive, often reveals her conservative views, particularly in her passive-aggressive comments toward Aimee, who is a lesbian. These remarks highlight the family’s deep-seated conflicts and the generational divide in their beliefs.
The film masterfully weaves together themes of family, tradition, and the unspoken struggles that often surface during gatherings, making it a poignant exploration of human relationships and the complexities of familial love.
Cast director: Stephen Karam
Cast actor: Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Steven Yeun, Beanie Feldstein, Amy Schumer, June Squibb
Original name: The Humans