User reviews

Alex (Ema Horvath) is a rebellious disconnected 16 year old in Portland. She looks at a picture of her family and asks the title question. She has no friends at school and only one at a different school. After an inappropriate incident with her teacher, she finds a letter in her mother (Alyssa Milano)'s desk. Her father is not her biological father and she sets off to find her missing parent (Devon Sawa).

Most of the time, I complain about older actors playing teenagers. In this case, I don't mind Ema being in her late 20's. This movie is uncomfortable enough as it is. I put most of the awkwardness down to a clueless know-it-all teen lead character. It's not the fun coming-of-age film that it probably wants to be. It can't be due to the subject matter. The reveal is pretty obvious early on. At least, it's not a surprise to any alert viewer. There are a few needed changes. Mostly, it needs to darken the tone of the movie. Whether it's the music score or the few attempted jokes, this movie needs to clip those out. This is only going to work if it's dark.

It's an interesting time in the movie industry with all these low budget films being knocked out one after the other. And mostly with aging film actors who had their day years ago in big box office features or hit TV shows. The problem is that they aren't very good, and they leave the viewer expecting much more than they promise. In this case with "Who Are You People" it's simply just another cliche with a predictable storyline you can guess in the first half hour. Ironically, the younger actors seem to bring more nuance and interest to the film than the older actors who come off as wooden and vapid. There's is obviously a reason why Alyssa Milano never did much more than a TV sitcom. And that doesn't help the predictable storyline in this case. I'm sure there will be some who enjoy this type of cliche, and sometimes even I enjoy them. But it's hard to do that in this case with they was it was all presented. On the other hand, it's a lot better than most of the other one star films out there...kind of like the 10 star film of the one stars.

What a fantastic, thought-provoking movie. We accidentally discovered this on steaming last weekend and I'm so glad we did. It's so refreshing to watch filmmakers who still aren't afraid to take risks. This one does does - and it definitely pays off. I'd highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a rewarding movie-watching experience. The acting is great and so is the script and directing. The characters feel real and the story is totally engaging. Ema Horvath is phenomenal as the lead. She delivers the kind of fearless performance so rarely seen these days. Do yourself a favor and be sure to check it out!

What seems at first like it will be a simple feel-good family drama with a nice bow at the end reveals itself to be an unexpectedly complex exploration of family, morality, and whether people can change.

Without giving away any spoilers, the director deftly and sensitively explores complicated experiences of its characters without seeming too trite or sensational. Add to that a stellar cast, and gorgeous cinematography and sets, and I'm planning to revisit it again this week now that I know about the big plot twist at the end.

This is a great indie flick that you'll want to watch a few times.

This movie was almost perfect. For those who are upset that actors like Devon Sawa or Alyssa Milano have been able to demonstrate a different angle later in their careers, that seems unfortunate as it probably hindered the ability to appreciate a beautiful movie. Plot and relationships in the movie were well developed, nothing over the top, just a great watch.

Sure, we've all seen some variation of this story, much like every other movie that gets 9/10 in spite of being a spin off of any classic story ever told with better effects or bigger names. This movie has it all, excitement, tears, twists, struggle, triumph, and far from a predictable or intentionally mushy ending. Best I've seen in awhile.

Was so surprised to find these complex characters in this very real dilemma. Acting was outstanding. It's a drama really firmly grounded not only by the performances but every level of direction from locations & costumes to music choices. It's nice to see human stories with no real agenda, no epic effects, just real emotion and carefully crafted story beats. There are so many unexpected moments in this film. There's real heart in every scene and so many layers to each of these characters. The exploration of the grey areas in life, the darkness most people avoid, the complexity of issues and relationships - all of it expertly told.

Ema Horvath (starring as Alex) delivers. I saw her in the Lord of the Rings Prequel, but she shines here in a complex role that goes on an emotional journey. Marge simpson as a force of nature act was unexpected. Alyssa Milano showed her range (can you believe how far she's come?)

Only watch this move if you are ready for an intense look at an incredibly "real" look into the complex world of childhood. There is no right way to come of age, but no one deserves Alex's path. Which creates an incredibly powerful journey following a young woman trying to find her way in a complex world. Amazing plot twist at the end. Wow.

I didn't know anything about this movie. I just clicked on it out of boredom. I was pleasantly surprised by how immersive it was. Nothing is pushed on the viewer so you have a lot to think about when you analyse situations and relationships. The only push I felt was something I already try to use in my life and that is the importance of trying to understand. Not condemning or condoning, but just to understand, because we are humans and we are supposed to be capable of understanding.

I can't say anything bad about any actors performance. Casting was just perfect. I have to say that I was surprised by the only actress I recognised, Alyssa Milano. I haven't seen(remember) much of her work but watching her as a host on Project Runway Allstars turned me off. Here, her acting perfectly filled the role.

Think about the force behind making a movie like this, you will be stunned by the spontanisity and spark in ema horwaths acting, she is just like those curly paper rolls that you throw at each other at new years eve , just a little spunk that spring out in all her glory...

im amazed by her appearance yes...

its really a kind of freaky film with so many turns and twists thrown out of the sleeve, and runs at such machspeed of shifting themes, about how a 16 year old takes matter in her own hands when her relationship with her father/parents becomes a bit awkward after her having a failed fling with her tutor/teacher

if your in for a good laugh, a big smile and every kind of emotional senses that exists out there have a go for ''who are you people'', a story thats when it comes to realism its like finding the golden needle in the golden haystack, so let the haystack of golden storywriting be the inspiration, it really made a grumpy old mans day. A recommend.

Casually pulled in this one to watch - what a score!

Such an amazing movie! Depth of script and characters - along with proper direction and photography.

It does not hesitate to explore unpleasant family topics, family taboos, and desire to repair the past so that it can move forward. I found that the actors casting have shown synergies and likely the highest contributing factor of delight. Ema's character which is central to the story - is pivotal to discover each others character's depth and contribution.

Likely this movie will to the liking of people with some and diverse life-experience - especially coming from families with dysfunctions and strong emotional dynamics.

Thank you for enriching us!

"Who Are You People?" Is a poignant film about complex family dynamics and secrets. It is well-acted, well-written, and well-directed and easily maintains your attention during its brisk 100 minutes.

Every 90s kid has to rejoice at the union of Alyssa Milano, Devon Sawa, and Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa Simpson). But Ema Horvath's performance as Alex really pulls it all together.

I don't want to give away anything in this review, but it's well worth the watch. There's a central mystery revealed over time and the conceit works beautifully. I hope garners more critical attention over time.