Jeanne Blancett

Movies offer a mini-vacation from reality. You willingly suspend disbelief for the momentary release from your life. You trip fantastic for 90 minutes on any exalting formula you choose - suspense, romance, action. "The Humans" is not that. It is visceral realism - a family Thanksgiving of human islands telegraphing transactions in. In each character, hard situation, and personal grief - we instinctively know and recognize our life. There's downhill velocity and no cathartic sharing or resolution. Reminds me of "Eraserhead," only stark and straight. Quite the relief when the movie ends and you return to an OK reality.

Electronic jungle theme and slow pan of 1950's tropical wallpaper in the title sequence - nice hook. Kudos to Ben Kutchins, cinematographer, for soft-focus yellow-sunlit sea and landscapes, and close-up portraits. The electronic jungle vibe segue between scenes of hyper white angst was hilarious. Great cast's acting and dialogue clearly conveyed the internal/ external conflicts and flaws of the characters. Surprise - it wasn't Rachel (Shane's wife) in the human remains crate! No surprise - staff suffered losses: Armond (life), Kai (freedom), Belinda (dreams)