PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS is a Refreshing, Witty Film - Sundance 2015 Review
Ladies and gentlemen, the Sundance award for “Not hating any of the characters in a film” goes to People, Places, Things! OK, so there wasn't an award for that, but it certainly was refreshing to walk out of a movie at Sundance with absolutely no feelings of depression or hate. People, Places, Things has a superb balance of witty humor and drama. Director Jim Strouse (Grace is Gone, The Winning Season) confidently announced before the film was premiered at Sundance, “This film is the best type of film I can make.” I thought, “That was a pretty bold thing to say,” but when the credits ran at the end of the film, I couldn't disagree.
The film starts out at an awkward birthday party for Will (Jemaine Clement) and Charlie’s (Stephanie Allyne) twin daughters. It quickly becomes even more awkward when Will finds his wife Charlie sleeping with the off-Broadway monologist, Gary (Michael Chernus). At this point in most films, you would find people who are extremely angry and/or desperate, but in this film, the situation becomes a source of loads of hilariously honest comedy. A year later, Will attempts to balance the life of being a comic book artist, teacher, and single parent. Seeing his twin daughters (Gia and Aundrea Gadsby) only once a week, and living in a studio apartment in Astoria, the depression and stresses of life takes over. The story unfolds when one of his students, Kat (Jessica Williams), wants to set him up with her mother, Diane (Regina Hall). How does that go? I won’t spoil it, but it leads to a lot of funny situations.
I have yet to be disappointed by anything Clement has done, and being a big fan of Flight of the Conchords, I was excited to hear he was the lead here. He's perfect for this film. He delivers uniquely hilarious comedy effortlessly, and has you invested in his character within minutes. I must tip my hat to the rest of the cast as well. Like I mentioned earlier, you can’t find yourself hating anybody in the film. This is due to two things: sensational writing and the amazing performances of the actors. Halfway through the film, I found myself rooting not just for Clement's character, but for everybody in the film. I think that's what really makes this a fun film to watch - all of the characters come with significant stories, leaving you invested in all of them throughout the film.
Strouse’s use of the artwork (illustrated by Gray Williams) and music (composed by Mark Orton) catapulted the emotion and tone of the story. Will’s character, being a graphic novelist, is constantly pouring out his hidden feelings through his art. The art in film also ends up playing a major part of bringing the story all together.
The film certainly deserved its spot in the Sundance Film Festival. With a well-rounded story, great script, warm humor, and amazing cast, People, Places, Things should be on your list of things to watch.