Other People

Saturday Night Live writer Chris Kelly makes an auspicious directorial debut (and a great Sundance opener) with this profoundly touching film about a gay comic slowly coming to terms with his mother’s terminal cancer.

3247d ago

Deeply personal screenwriting and a superlative performance by Molly Shannon as a dying mom lift Other People above the level of many similar tragedy-inflected indie comedies.

3247d ago

Other People has enough insight to compensate for its self-pitying hero.

3247d ago

A number of Kelly’s scenes play out like stand-alone sketches — some quite funny; not all of them essential — rather than parts of a whole. But that’s easily forgiven considering the candor of his insights and his strong cast.

3247d ago

A 30ish guy at a crossroads must return to his small hometown from the big city when his mother becomes ill. While there, he deals with his wacky, dysfunctional family, reconnects with an old friend who provides unexpected wisdom and learns some Important Life Lessons, all of which is punctuated by an obsessively chosen soundtrack of emo alternative music.

3247d ago

Jesse Plemons shines as a son nursing his mother (Molly Shannon) through her final year.

3247d ago

All of the actors are pitch-perfect.

3247d ago

The film is at its sharpest when Chris Kelly hands scenes over to his main character's family and friends.

3247d ago

Other People tries to lighten its heavy load with mixed results.

3247d ago

Other People is gentle, heartfelt, and of a delicate build. Kelly’s best observations are small but true: the touching banality of a bad pop song, and that “other people” is in fact most people, if you’re paying attention.

3247d ago

Chris Kelly's Comic Indie Drama 'Other People' Offers Strong Performances but No Momentum

3247d ago

Strong performances from Molly Shannon and Jesse Plemons help this often flailing cancer-themed seriocomedy find its footing.

3247d ago