TIFF 2021: The Humans Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

The Humans, based on Stephen’s Karam’s play of the same name, is arguably one of the most hyped films of the year so far despite not much being known about it. Written and directed by Karam, this dysfunctional family dramedy not only boasts a stellar cast but also a stellar script that they bring to life. Complex characters within an insecurity-triggering atmosphere make for a hilarious and often uncomfortable watch that will almost certainly not be for everyone. One of the biggest reasons this works so well is how audiences see themselves in these characters and relating to their struggles. That being said, this will almost certainly not be the case for all audiences therefore the film’s success will ultimately depend on that connection or lack there of with the characters. Meanwhile as an adaptation of a Broadway play, the film for the most part takes place in one location which could get repetitive for some while the dark lighting could also be an issue.

The Humans takes place in an old New York City duplex over a single evening as the Blakes gather for thanksgiving. Catching up with one another over a holiday as most families often do, things were relatively tame but as far as the different personalities were concerned, it was only a matter of time until their many quirks would take over. As the evening went on, the crumbling building around them essentially had a life of its own as its arc echoed that of the Blake family, somehow triggering each of their many insecurities. Giving each family member the chance to shine, watching these great actors play off of each other was a pure blast. As much as it was about what was said, what wasn’t said often conveyed just as much if not more. Each character was surprisingly deep and complex which made their interactions that much more entertaining and easier to connect with. Despite the many ups and downs, just like most families, that connection was still very strong since at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

In terms of the performances, The Humans saw its stellar cast all bring it as the Blake family, led by Jenkins as Erik, the patriarch, and Houdyshell as his wife Deirdre. As Erik, Jenkins carried a lot of emotional weight and unease behind the caring and supportive father type. Houdyshell as Deirdre, was the prototypical mom who just couldn’t turn off or even tone down that side of her when it seemed like she should have because she cared so much about her family. Schumer and Beanie Feldstein as sisters Aimee and Brigid had a fun dynamic with the former underplaying a level of sadness to her. Steven Yeun as Richard exceled as the nervous newcomer to the family. June Squibb as a dementia-riddled Momo walked the tightrope of being there but not there expertly.

In the end, The Humans to some extent is all of us which isn’t something that is necessarily easy to do.

 still courtesy of A24

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.