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Real life is rarely neat and predictable—which is why audiences often flock to theaters to escape reality with a brainless action movie or fluffy romance. But, if you’re in the mood for something a little deeper, the honesty of a messy indie comedy like People, Places, Things can be refreshing.
People, Places, Things follows graphic novelist Will Henry (Jemaine Clement) as he struggles to heal his broken heart. A year ago, during his twin daughters’ fifth birthday party, Will caught his long-time girlfriend with another man. Now, she’s happily moved on with her life, but he’s lonely and forlorn, drawing and teaching while living for the time he gets to spend with his daughters. And it isn’t until Will meets his student’s no-nonsense mother, Diane (Regina Hall), and hesitantly begins a new relationship that his ex begins to question her decisions.
With its lovably geeky lead and a story that’s loaded with missteps and uncertainties, People, Places, Things is far from the formulaic rom-com that you might be expecting. Instead of simple and straightforward and predictable, it’s messy and real. The characters don’t always do what you expect them to do. They don’t always make the right choices. And their stories don’t always play out in the way that you think they will. And though the film does throw in a few of the usual romantic comedy clichés for fun, it generally does so in a way that’s quirky and unexpected.
The clever storytelling also helps the film stand out. It may be dark at times, but it’s often darkly funny. It’s told on multiple levels, too—because while Will may express his feelings in one way, the film offers a deeper look at his point of view through the autobiographical drawings that he’s creating for his next book.
Clement, meanwhile, handles both the silliness and the despair with ease, making Will a lovable main character. Shaggy and naturally awkward, he’s just an overgrown kid—albeit a big, sad, lonely kid—as well as a devoted dad who enjoys nothing more than playing around with his girls. He’s far from perfect, and he makes plenty of idiotic mistakes throughout the film—especially when he’s forced to be a responsible father instead of just a fun-loving playmate. But it’s that humanity that makes him (and the film itself) so undeniably endearing.
People, Places, Things definitely isn’t a neat, simple film. It’s tricky and awkward and imperfect. But that’s all a part of the film’s refreshingly honest charm. It may not be a brainless escape from reality, but it’s enjoyable in its own lovably unruly way.
Ed. Note: People, Places, Things is currently showing in select theaters, but you can also view it on demand through providers like Amazon Instant Video.
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