Other People
David, a struggling comedy writer fresh off from breaking up with his boyfriend, moves from New York City to Sacramento to help his sick mother. Living with his conservative father and much-younger sisters for the first time in ten years, he feels like a stranger in his childhood home. As his mother’s health declines, David frantically tries to extract meaning from this horrible experience and convince everyone (including himself) that he's "doing okay.”
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling gay comedy writer from New York City, David, returns to his conservative hometown in Western Massachusetts for the holidays after his father is diagnosed with terminal cancer. While grappling with his father's impending death and his mother's inability to accept his identity, David navigates awkward family dynamics, reconnects with his former self, and confronts the complexities of love and loss.
Critical Reception
Other People received widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at Jesse Plemons' sensitive performance, the film's blend of humor and pathos, and Chris Kelly's insightful screenplay. Critics lauded its honest portrayal of grief, family relationships, and LGBTQ+ experiences.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic and often humorous portrayal of grief and family dynamics.
- Jesse Plemons delivers a standout performance as a man navigating personal tragedy and familial acceptance.
- The film successfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with deeply emotional scenes.
Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a touching and relatable story about family, loss, and self-acceptance. Many appreciated the humor interwoven with the serious subject matter, and the performances were frequently highlighted as a strong point.
Fun Fact
Director Chris Kelly drew heavily from his own personal experiences with his father's illness and death when writing the screenplay.
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