The Humans 2021
Directed by
Stephen Karam
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
On Thanksgiving, the Blake family gathers as Erik and Deirdre visit their daughter Aimee alongside Erik’s elderly mother, Momo. Their destination is the apartment of their other daughter, Brigid, and her partner Richard, located in Chinatown. Upon arrival, Erik is immediately critical of the dilapidated living conditions, worrying about their proximity to a flood zone and Ground Zero. His past experiences haunt him; on 9/11, he had driven Aimee to a job interview and lingered nearby when tragedy struck, leaving him tormented by a vision of a victim who bore a striking resemblance to his daughter.
As the evening progresses, underlying tensions within the family become increasingly apparent. Brigid expresses her bitterness over their parents’ refusal to provide financial help, lamenting the unfulfilled aspirations of her career as a composer—a dream that remains unachieved. Meanwhile, Richard grapples with his own demons, dealing with depression while waiting for a trust fund that won’t mature for another five years. The family dynamics are complicated further by Aimee’s health issues; she not only battles a chronic illness but also faces the emotional toll of losing her job and a long-term relationship, compounded by the need for surgery.
Despair runs deep as Deirdre, struggling with arthritis, becomes a target of ridicule due to her religious delicacies, while Erik, burdened with the melancholy of Momo’s decline, scrutinizes Brigid’s work ethic and lifestyle choices. There is a fleeting moment of solace when Deirdre reads a heartfelt letter from Momo, crafted during her clearer days. The letter apologizes for her decline and assures her family of her unwavering love, advising them to remain calm amidst life’s turmoil.
As conversations meander through dreams and nightmares, Richard’s honesty shines through, yet Erik remains reticent. Finally, he reveals his recurring nightmares of a faceless woman, a symbol of his 9/11 trauma. Light-hearted teasing from the family exacerbates his unease. Urged by Deirdre, Erik divulges a long-hidden secret about an affair with a teacher at his Catholic school—a mistake that cost him his job and pension, leading to the sale of their cherished lake house for Momo’s care. Though Erik insists that he and Deirdre have resolved the issue through counseling, his daughters confront feelings of betrayal and disappointment.
As the Thanksgiving gathering concludes, family members head to a hotel, assisting Momo into a taxi. In a solemn moment, Erik stays behind to address an electrical issue but unexpectedly succumbs to a panic attack in the enveloping darkness, lost and pleading in fear. The situation shifts when Brigid reenters to retrieve him, and together they leave the apartment, carrying the weight of their family’s struggles into the uncertain night.
Timeline
Family Gathers for Thanksgiving
The Blake family convenes for Thanksgiving, setting the stage for an emotionally charged gathering. Erik and Deirdre arrive with Erik's elderly mother, Momo, to visit their daughter Aimee.
Arrival at Brigid's Apartment
The family arrives at Brigid's apartment in Chinatown, where Erik's immediate reaction is one of criticism regarding their living conditions. He expresses concern over their location, which he believes is vulnerable to flooding and close to Ground Zero.
Erik's Haunted Memories
As they settle in, Erik is haunted by memories of 9/11, recalling driving Aimee to a job interview and the trauma of witnessing a victim that resembled her. This past trauma significantly influences his perception of the present.
Family Tensions Emerge
During dinner, family tensions rise to the surface as Brigid voices frustration over her parents' refusal to assist her financially. She shares her disappointment over her unfulfilled dreams as a composer, highlighting the strains within the family.
Richard's Struggles with Depression
While grappling with his own challenges, Richard reveals his struggle with depression as he awaits a trust fund that won’t mature for years. This adds to the complex web of issues affecting the family dynamic during their gathering.
Aimee's Health Battle
Aimee shares her ongoing battle with a chronic illness, adding another layer of despair to the gathering. Coupled with her recent job loss and relationship breakdown, she faces the prospect of surgery, compounding her emotional struggles.
Deirdre's Joint Struggles
Deirdre's arthritis flares up, making her a target for family jests, which further adds to the tension of the evening. The struggles of each family member begin to paint a somber picture of their day-to-day lives.
Momo's Heartfelt Letter
A brief moment of solace occurs when Deirdre reads a heartfelt letter from Momo. The letter reflects her love and reassurance to the family during her decline, reminding everyone to maintain calm amid chaos.
Erik's Nightmares Revealed
As conversations transition from light-hearted to serious, Erik finally shares his nightmares that feature a faceless woman, representing his deep-seated trauma from 9/11. The family's teasing intensifies his discomfort throughout the discussion.
Erik's Confession of Infidelity
Pressured by Deirdre, Erik confesses a long-held secret about an affair with a teacher that cost him his job and pension. This revelation not only impacts his relationship with Deirdre but also shakes the trust of his daughters.
Thanksgiving Gathering Concludes
As the family gathering comes to an end, they assist Momo into a taxi, signaling their departure. The evening has clearly illuminated the unseen burdens each family member carries.
Erik's Panic Attack
Left alone to resolve an electrical issue, Erik suddenly succumbs to a panic attack in the dark, revealing his vulnerability. He finds himself overwhelmed, pleading in fear as he grapples with the weight of his past and present.
Brigid Returns to Help
In a moment of connection, Brigid returns to retrieve Erik, showcasing their strong bond despite the family's turmoil. Together, they leave the apartment, carrying the burdens of their shared familial struggles into the uncertain night.
Characters
Deirdre
Deirdre is a matriarch grappling with her own health issues, particularly arthritis. She carries the weight of her family's struggles and serves as a grounding figure amidst the chaos. Her vulnerability is showcased when she reads a heartfelt letter from Momo, which reveals her deep love for her family.
Momo
Momo is the elderly matriarch facing the decline of her health. Her condition adds a layer of complexity to the family dynamics, and her love serves as a poignant reminder of the familial bonds that bind them. Her letter to Deirdre during a moment of clarity provides a touching contrast to the chaos of the Thanksgiving gathering.
Aimee
Aimee is a young woman facing a series of personal setbacks, including health issues and job loss. Her struggles highlight the emotional toll of navigating life’s challenges, particularly during family gatherings. Her character encapsulates the feeling of isolation and the desire for support from her family.
Brigid
Brigid is a talented composer who feels unsupported by her family in pursuit of her dreams. Her bitterness over their financial help reflects her desire for independence and achievement. Throughout the film, she grapples with the weight of family expectations and the personal trials of adulthood.
Richard
Richard is Brigid's partner who struggles with his own depression and a lack of financial stability. His character adds depth to the themes of mental health and the challenges of supporting loved ones through their difficulties. He provides a counterbalance to Erik's critical nature, bringing a more open perspective to family conversations.
Erik
Erik is the critical father figure who grapples with the trauma of past events, particularly the impact of 9/11 on his family. His critical demeanor often conceals deeper emotional struggles, which come to light as the story unfolds. His character arc illustrates the journey towards confronting and understanding one's past.
Setting
Time period
Thanksgiving
The movie is set during Thanksgiving, a time traditionally associated with family gatherings and reflection. This period highlights themes of familial tension and the emotional struggles faced by the characters, as they navigate their relationships amidst personal challenges.
Location
Chinatown
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling markets. The area is characterized by its distinct architecture, food, and shops that reflect the lives of the immigrant community. In the movie, it serves as the setting for the Blake family's Thanksgiving gathering in Brigid's apartment.
Themes
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Family Struggles
The film delves into the complexities of family relationships, showcasing the underlying tensions that surface during their Thanksgiving gathering. Each character carries their own burdens, impacting how they interact with one another. The theme emphasizes the fragility of family bonds when faced with personal demons and unfulfilled aspirations.
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Mental Health
Mental health is a significant theme, particularly as Richard grapples with depression and Aimee deals with chronic illness. Their struggles reflect the broader challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, highlighting the importance of support and understanding in overcoming such obstacles.
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Past Trauma
Past trauma, particularly Erik's haunting memories of 9/11, plays a crucial role in the narrative. It affects his emotional stability and interactions with his family, encapsulating the long-lasting impact of historical events on personal lives. The movie illustrates how unresolved trauma can reverberate through family dynamics.
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