The Humans

Street scene by Jean-Philippe Rebuffet, flickr

The Humans is a dark, atmospheric movie, a tale of unease, about three generations who gather together in a pre-war Manhattan apartment for a holiday meal. Though it is billed as a horror-comedy, it doesn’t quite match this description. There is lightness at times, but only in relation to the more interior and pain-filled moments portrayed by increasingly claustrophobic shots. I didn’t know what this movie was at first but became spellbound with each new scene, each new turn of the plot. Part of what captivated me is the way sound is used—the muted effect of conversations and the occasional silence as well as the disturbing noises of a very old building. It is all a slow burn. I feel the idea of it—the realities it portrays—is very “now” though it is timeless as well—the darkness, the starkness of a contingent existence, a yearning for hope, light, and connection. Amy Schumer does a magnificent job in this dramatic role. The cast is stellar. I highly recommend it.

Streaming on Amazon Prime