THE HUMANS Q&A | TIFF 2021

The team behind THE HUMANS in conversation with TIFF in advance of its premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival. Steven Yeun, Beanie Feldstein, and Richard Jenkins star in Stephen Karam’s adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize–winning multi-generational family drama.

An adaptation of his own Tony-winning play, Stephen Karam’s directorial debut is a Thanksgiving dinner invitation you won’t want to turn down. Featuring poignant, funny, lived-in performances from an impeccable ensemble — Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein (TIFF ’19’s How to Build a Girl), Jayne Houdyshell (Little Women), and Oscar nominees Richard Jenkins, Steven Yeun, and June Squibb — THE HUMANS tracks the emotional intricacies of a working-class family bound by tradition, contention, and unshakable loyalties.

Brigid Blake (Feldstein) and her boyfriend Richard (Yeun) have just moved into a rundown duplex in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Before they’ve had a chance to settle in, Brigid’s parents Erik (Jenkins) and Deirdre (Houdyshell), along with Erik’s Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother (Squibb), arrive from her hometown to celebrate Thanksgiving, as does Brigid’s big sister Aimee (Schumer), who lives in Philadelphia. As the evening proceeds, the almost pathologically polite Richard tries to busy himself with meal preparation while the Blakes ease into their habitual teasing. Long-standing grievances are resurrected and difficult announcements are made.

Karam and his collaborators have crafted that rarest of things: a stage-to-screen adaptation at once anchored in the intimate group dynamics of theatre and infused with the inventiveness and attention to detail that is fundamentally cinematic. This is a story about the meaning of togetherness in divisive times: the Blake family disagrees on everything from religion to politics to the value of work, but each understands that their differences make them stronger, and their joys and sorrows are more meaningful for being shared.

Stephen Karam grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. His play Sons of the Prophet was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as was The Humans, which won the Tony Award for Best Play. His screenwriting credits include Speech & Debate (17) and The Seagull (18). The Humans (21) is his directorial debut.

[fr]

Really enjoyed the film, remind me of some mesmerizing family reunions with all the caos and anxiety that can be expected, especially in these stressing times.

[Sighbot]

Interesting that the director had so much time to spend with the story as a play. No wonder it felt so fleshed out.

[shammaboy]

Easily the worst movie I’ve ever seen. You’re expecting someone to die the whole time, and by the end you wish it was you. #boredtodeath