The Humans

Released in 2021, The Humans is an intense absorbing family drama adapted from the critically acclaimed, Tony-winning Broadway play by Stephen Karam who also directs the film. Showcasing the brilliant performances of a seasoned ensemble cast that includes Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun, and June Squibb, the movie is a stimulating exploration of the dynamics between family members during a Thanksgiving dinner. Karam’s debut feature film has a compelling storytelling style, layered dialogue, and intricate themes that touch on diverse aspects of human life from illness and aging to hopes and insecurities.

Set in a ramshackle duplex in New York’s Chinatown, the story focuses on a family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. Richard Jenkins plays the patriarch Erik Blake who has traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City with his wife Deirdre (Jayne Houdyshell) to spend the holiday with their daughters Brigid (Beanie Feldstein) and Aimee (Amy Schumer), and Brigid’s boyfriend, Richard (Steven Yeun). The presence of grandmother Momo (June Squibb), who is suffering from dementia, adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

The blinkered duplex, the hollow sounds and the deteriorating neighborhood create a spooky, unsettling ambiance which cleverly mirrors the emotional tumult playing out among the family members. Karam meticulously uses this environment not simply as a backdrop but as a character itself, being integral to enhancing the mood of the film. The uncanny happenings around the apartment - from unexplained thumps to failing lights, contribute to the suspenseful atmosphere and elevate the dramatic tension.

Much of the drama unfolds as the family mingles, argues, and indulges in bittersweet reminiscences, while attempting to navigate the strained atmosphere. Though things seem cordial on the surface, the strain is palpable, especially through the performance of Jenkins and Houdyshell, who bring an intense sense of authenticity to their characters. These underlying family tensions simmer beneath the surface until they inevitably boil over, revealing deep-rooted insecurities, regrets, and hidden truths.

Amy Schumer shines in a more dramatic role than her usual comedic performances, convincingly depicting a woman wrestling with illness and a recent break-up. Beanie Feldstein’s character grapples with feelings of insignificance and trepidation about her future, all while trying to play the perfect hostess whereas Steven Yeun’s character Richard brings a different dynamic to the claustrophobic family gathering. June Squibb, despite her limited dialogue due to her character's condition, delivers a powerful performance.

Hinging on the dramatic events that unfold during the gathering, The Humans presents an absorbing, sometimes unsettling, study of the messiness of family life. The film captures the sense of beauty amidst the human struggle and is guaranteed to stay with the viewers long after the credits roll.

The Humans stands out for its provocative storytelling, emotional intensity, and stellar performances from its ensemble cast. Despite dealing with familiar themes, it does so with a refreshing approach that engages the audience from beginning to end. Karam successfully reproduces the intensity of the stage play on screen through his deft direction and razor-sharp screenplay.

However, what truly sets the film apart is the way it delves into the relationships between its characters, examining what it means to be human in the face of life’s unpredictable challenges. Raw, real, and unrelentingly human, The Humans is a cinematic triumph that resonates profoundly with its audience. The film serves as a reminder of life's imperfections and the complexities inherent to familial relationships.

The Humans is an unmistakably intense, sharp-witted, and yet, deeply moving drama that captivates you with its profoundly human narrative. Highly recommended for lovers of intimate, character-driven stories, The Humans is a movie that leaves a lingering emotional impact.