The Humans 2021

As the Thanksgiving gathering at Brigid’s (partner) new apartment in Chinatown’s flood-risk zone comes to a close, the Blake family’s collective unease is palpable. Erik’s (disapproving) gaze lingers on the dilapidated flat, a constant reminder of his own lingering trauma from 9/11. His memories of that fateful day are still raw: having planned to visit the Twin Towers’ observation deck with Aimee, only to be delayed as the deck hadn’t yet opened; and the haunting image of a deceased victim who bore an uncanny resemblance to their daughter.

As the evening wears on, the family’s tensions simmer just below the surface. Brigid’s resentment towards her parents for not providing financial support for a better lifestyle simmers, while privately she harbors wounds from her unfulfilled dreams of becoming a composer. Her partner, too, struggles with depression and feels stuck in his personal and professional life, awaiting the trust fund that will only be his at 40. Aimee’s chronic illness has taken a toll, with recent job loss and breakup leaving her feeling vulnerable; Deirdre’s arthritis renders her increasingly dependent on others.

As the family dynamics continue to unravel, Erik’s own struggles come to the forefront. His grief over Momo’s declining health is compounded by his sense of helplessness, which clashes with Brigid’s new-age urban lifestyle and perceived lack of ambition. It’s only when Deirdre reads aloud a heartfelt letter from Momo, penned during her lucid moments, that the family finds brief respite. The elder Blake’s words offer solace, reminding them to not let life’s problems consume them: “I will always love you, my dears. Don’t get so worked up over things.” As the letter’s sincerity washes over them, the family is given a fleeting glimpse of hope amidst their collective turmoil.

As the family’s conversations turn from light-hearted banter to deeper introspection, Richard shares his hopes and fears without hesitation. In contrast, Erik remains tight-lipped about his own emotional landscape, until finally revealing that he is haunted by recurring nightmares featuring a faceless woman - a manifestation of his lingering trauma stemming from the devastating events of 9/11. The rest of the family teases him good-naturedly about this phobia, leaving Erik feeling increasingly uncomfortable.

As Deirdre probes for more insight, Erik hesitantly confesses to his daughters that he had an illicit affair with a teacher at the Catholic school where he worked, resulting in his dismissal and loss of pension benefits. The weight of this revelation becomes crushing as he shares that their cherished lake-house was subsequently sold to cover the mounting expenses associated with Momo’s ongoing care. Despite Erik’s insistence that he and Deirdre had sought counseling and moved beyond his infidelity, their daughters are left reeling in shock and disillusionment.

As the evening draws to a close, the visiting family members bid farewell and depart for the hotel, while the rest of the group helps Momo into a taxi. However, Erik lingers behind in the apartment, attempting to troubleshoot the power outage that has plunged the room into darkness. As he becomes increasingly disoriented and overwhelmed, he is struck by a panic attack, reduced to whimpering and fervent prayer. It isn’t until Brigid returns to find him, her presence a beacon of calm amidst the chaos, that Erik slowly regains his composure, finally leaving the apartment with her guidance.