Film review: ‘THE HUMANS’ by Nick Gardener from ‘Built For Speed’

The grim family drama, The Humans offers some affecting insights into the human condition but in its attempt to capture the messiness of families, it feels more like a collection of idea fragments than a coherent story.

The film sees the Blake family, father Erik (Richard Jenkins), mother Deidre (Jayne Houdyshell), Erik’s wheelchair-bound mother, Momo (June Squibb) who is suffering from dementia and daughters Aimee (Amy Schumer) and Bridget (Beanie Feldstein) gather at Bridget and her boyfriend Richard’s (Steven Yuen) creaky, barely functioning New York apartment for Thanksgiving. There, the conversation cycles in and out of mundane chat about work, real estate and physical ailments before festering tension between the family members ignites into bitter conflict.

This at times confronting film is almost a fascinating drama. There are poignant moments and occasionally razor-sharp insights into the dynamics and politics of family.  Also, through the Blakes’ flinty at times spiteful conversations and squabbles, they not only reveal painful secrets about themselves but touch on themes of religion, the aftermath of 9/11, psychological trauma and the constant gnawing uncertainty of human existence.  Unfortunately, it feels a little scattergun and the film never completely locks down a theme and explores it in detail. It drifts tantalisingly around various ideas without addressing any of them to the extent we might wish.

Written and directed by Stephen Karam, who adapted it from his Tony Award winning Broadway production, the film clearly exposes its roots as a stage play.  Much of the film involves characters sitting around a table arguing or drifting in and out of the rooms of the split level but confined apartment.  While Karam makes effective use of the dark, creepy apartment building and often manages to conjure a tense and even menacing atmosphere with sombre music and poltergeist-like banging noises, it still feels like we’re watching a group of actors on a set.

The film is, therefore, enormously reliant on the quality of its cast performances and thankfully all bring depth and humanity to their roles.  Richard Jenkins is typically impressive, infusing his instantly recognisable deep mellifluous tones with a touch of uncertainty as the self-important but clearly troubled father whose waking life is starting to become as unsettling as his frequent nightmares.  Jayne Houdyshell is also affecting as the religious, occasionally embittered but often straight-talking mother. Amy Schumer and Beanie Feldstein, who are better known for comedies, show that they can convince as dramatic actors, both giving believable and at times touching performances.  Although, they’re more peripheral, Steven Yuen and June Squibb also provide affecting moments.

For some, this film’s virtues will completely overshadow its limitations but others, including this reviewer, will feel as if they’re waiting for a more profound narrative that never arrives. Suffice to say The Humans is not exactly uplifting viewing and will have many young couples questioning the wisdom of hosting the next family get together.

Nick’s rating: ***

Genre: Drama.

Classification: M.

Director(s): Stephen Karam.

Release date: 29th Sep 2022.

Running time: 108 mins.

Reviewer: Nick Gardener can be heard on “Built For Speed” every Friday night from 8-10pm on 88.3 Southern FM.

 

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