★★★★
Starring Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford, Maude Apatow, Madisen Beaty, June Squibb, Paul Dooley, Matt Walsh, Kerri Kenney, Zach Woods
Directed by Chris Kelly
2016 / 97 Minutes / Vertical Entertainment
The minute Other People starts you are headed into a tough, but uniquely funny little movie about cancer. The subject of this movie isn’t exactly new, but it’s the well written characters and performances that keep it from falling into the typical tearjerking cancer story we’ve seen way too often. The characters are believable and the story feels real and not glossed over like most. The film is loosely based on writer/director Chris Kelly’s own life losing his mother to cancer. The script is so strong and believable that it’s clear that this came from someone who lived this.
The performances are really what make this movie so great. Molly Shannon is remarkable! I hope she is remembered come Oscar time because this is one of the best performances of the year! Also, Jesse Plemons, in the lead role, is superb! His quiet subtle performance speaks volumes about the emotions he’s going through. There is a terrific scene in a grocery story where he finally breaks that is powerful and funny at the same time. It’s that balance from these performances and a great script that this movie works.
It’s a tough watch at times, but it’s the funny, humorous and awkward moments that help get you through it (I don’t mean that in a bad way). A movie about someone dying of cancer is always going to be a tough watch and will have it’s numerous tearjerking moments. However, there are some truly hilarious scenes that come at uncomfortable times that may make you feel bad for laughing, but it works here. Don’t be scared of this little indie because you think you might cry the whole time. I promise there’s more laughs here than you think. Poignant, emotional and hilarious… all tough to do in one movie, but here it’s done remarkably well.
Grade B+
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