Caitlin Cronenberg’s directorial feature debut, Humane, sees a global crisis puncture the safety bubble of an affluent family in a darkly comedic and violent fashion. Borders clamp down tight as governments resort to voluntary euthanasia in order to reduce the population within a year to stave off catastrophe. While Humane is far less interested in the wider-scaled intricacies of its setup, the social commentary has enough bite, and a compelling cast ensures a darkly funny chamber piece.
Set in a rich Ontario neighborhood, Humane introduces the York family through narcissistic patriarch Charles York (Peter Gallagher). The image-obsessed, somewhat retired news anchor has invited his grown children to his sprawling home to break the news that he’s decided to enlist in the government’s assisted suicide initiative along with his celebrity chef wife, Dawn (Uni Park). The news doesn’t go over well with Charles’ children: prickly pharma executive Rachel (Emily Hampshire), aloof government mouthpiece Jared (Jay Baruchel), recovering addict Noah (Sebastian Chacon), and struggling actress Ashley (Alanna Bale).
Before they can talk Charles out of his decision, private contractor Bob (Enrico Colantoni) arrives to fulfill his quota, and he’s not leaving without two filled body bags.
Cronenberg approaches Michael Sparaga’s script with an understated gallows wit. Set almost entirely within the York household, the ticking clock predicament and worldbuilding are framed from the perspective of an entitled family. Rachel, Jared, Noah, and Ashley are so caught up in their own struggles and infighting that it’s often left to the TV to convey the magnitude of the world’s plight. These small background touches, where you’ll find voiceover cameos from the likes of David Cronenberg, underscore just how out of touch the York family is, fueling the biting commentary on the escalating madness.
Humane looks and feels like a stage play, with minimalist production design and direction that lets the dialogue-heavy performances take center stage. The lengthy conversations and deliberations between siblings propel the plot forward while fleshing out the world and its characters, leaving a lot resting on the cast’s shoulders. Even trickier is that, save for Rachel’s daughter Mia (Sirena Gulamgaus), the Yorks are not remotely likable on paper. The smart casting winds up shifting allegiances throughout, especially the more Bob’s unflappable, upbeat mask cracks, exposing a sinister edge.
Though Hampshire often surprises with her barbed line delivery and cutthroat attitude, Humane belongs to Colantoni’s tricky two-faced character. His winsome portrayal earns easy rooting interest against an elite, snobby family, and a heel turn gives them the opportunity to earn sympathy if they choose it. It’s through Bob that the York siblings become more compelling as they grapple with their life-and-death predicament.
The York family saga escalates the violence and reaches a satisfying conclusion. Caitlin Cronenberg makes good use of the modest budget, letting the dark sense of humor and an entertaining ensemble do the heavy lifting. The York family isn’t very complicated, though, and the social commentary is too superficial and straightforward to leave a lasting impact. Not all character choices feel organic or earned, either. Still, Cronenberg’s mischievous sense of humor makes for an entertaining time.
Humane releases in select theaters on April 26, 2024.
The post ‘Humane’ Review – Caitlin Cronenberg’s Darkly Funny Feature Debut appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.