What’s It About
In the wake of an environmental collapse that is forcing humanity to shed 20% of its population, a family dinner erupts into chaos when a father’s plan to enlist in the government’s new euthanasia program goes horribly awry.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
In Humane, a film set in a near-future post-apocalyptic world, severe international agreements have been made to address humankind’s catastrophic issue. The solution politicians have agreed on in the Athens Accords is population reduction. Within one year, 20% of each country’s citizens will be euthanized. The story centers on the York family, whose fortune has been made on the products that have brought the world to this dire predicament. Patriarch Charles and his partner Dawn have invited their four children for a vital family dinner and announcement. There’s Jared, a TV presenter who previously praised the merits of the euthanasia program; Rachel, a company executive, and single mother; Ashley, a struggling actress still treated as the baby of the family; and Noah, an adoptee and alcoholic who has sobered up with the help of his new girlfriend, Grace. The film presents a chamber piece intermixed with bouts of action and characterized by spiky satire. There are moments when it’s easy to take the antagonist’s side, and the existential horror is more slick than speculative. Though Charles’ four children have necessary roles in the plot, they’re not as well developed. The film’s structure makes it easy to root for Noah throughout, while some of the others struggle to generate sympathy. This approach makes room for further entertaining villainy. Jared is often the most interesting of the group, largely thanks to Baruchel’s performance. The film deals with issues like racism and ageism, adding darkness to the tale. It provides commentary on how a scenario like this would likely play out for the masses and encourages people to reflect further on what it means. There’s still plenty of blood to be spilled in this self-contained, darkly humorous thriller about a privileged family that must choose which one will die.
OUR RATING – A DEMOCRATIC 6.5